Recital Day!

June 19th was Willy's first recital. Because Kris and Matt had to work it, I helped out with the kids for the day. Aila and I stayed home while the other three left for the first show (so Aila could get a longer nap) and then we met them over there. Willy did a couple guest appearances as Horton in the first show and then I took them home for some downtime before his big performance in the 6p show.


He was VERY reluctant to get on the stage during the first show, so Kris told him about his impending "treat" from Auntie Jen to get him out there... but we wanted to save that for the second show. The consolary treat was a donut of his picking from Dunkies on the way home :) He chose chocolate frosted WITH sprinkles. You bet buddy!



He did double-check with me in the car that we were all ready to proceed with our second plan for the day- watching Toy Story 2 for some downtime when we got home.
"Umm... Auntie Jen?"
"Yes Willy?"
"Um, do you know how to play the movie now?" [remembering that the first time I tried to play at DVD in their Playstation I was totally lost. Fortunately Uncle Dan was home to save my ass because I would not have gotten the movie to play for the sick little boy I was babysitting].
"Yes, I know how to do it now."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Willy. Do you remember the last time we had a problem and I called Uncle Dan and he taught me how to use the DVD player?"
"Yes. I do. I'm glad Auntie Jen. You know how to do it now. Before you couldn't do it, but Uncle Dan taught you and now you know how to play my movie. I'm proud of you Auntie Jen."

Yes, dear. I'm a fully proficient adult/baby-sitter now. I can play a movie for the kids! :)

We got home and Willy ate his donut, Aila had some lunch and then it was movie time!

I put on Toy Story 2 and the two of them were glued. I tried to get Aila to play as much as I could and she did better than I expected, but Willy just sat and stared- quoting lines and singing once in awhile. Clearly Aila was amused at this part! :)

Always with one of her "babies" in hand. She loves her bunnies!

Oh and, like her brother, she loves a cell phone! She knows exactly what to do with my blackberry. Taking lots of important phone calls when she gets bored with the movie.

We got to the school in time for some pizza and hugs from Mom and Dad before the second show started. Willy was so cute in his elephant costume! He did great in his Tumbletot number, and as is true for all tumblers there was a little melee that made it even more interesting- namely the fact that his ears kept flopping in his face while he was tumbling which sent him tumbling right off the mat!

Meanwhile Aila was putting on a show of her own in the audience. She danced and clapped to every single number, mimicking as many of the arm movements as she could manage- laughing and smiling all the while! Everyone in the rows around us was highly amused- and even Dan and Matt and the boys at the back of the auditorium could see and hear her :)

We had a great time. Mom and Aunt Milly came too and then Jeff with Riley. Oisin and Tom sat with us for a bit too. We just swapped kids from lap to lap throughout the show but they loved every minute of it.

Emelyn was also in the recital and she was fantastic!! Grooving and shaking with the best of them, even though I think she's the youngest in her class! I only wish that I could have stayed for the whole show to see her solo and to get some photos of her, but I guess the video will have to suffice....

Towards the end of the first half Willy couldn't wait anymore for his "treat" so I folded and gave him his Woody and Buzz action figures. He let out an "Ohhhh boy!!!!!" and was immediately obsessed. It was super cute.

And then he got his trophy at the end of the first act, along with a Thomas the Train balloon for being Nanny's special helper.

After the first half the kids were wiped!!! So we packed up and headed home for some downtime and bed. We got in the car and Willy said "Auntie Jen, I like you!" Out of the blue... although the Toy Story action figures probably had something to do with that I suppose. "I like you too, Willy." pause. Then I added, "You know what? I like you SO much-- I love you!" "Yeah, I love you too Auntie Jen!" Gosh kids are sweet when they're beyond tired.

We headed home and played for maybe 10 minutes but they were both fading. I sang Aila maybe 1 song and she was zonking out so I put her down. Willy and I read half a story about airplanes and he was fading too so we got into his bed, Woody & Buzz still clutched in his fists and he drifted off to sleep in a matter of minutes. I stayed long enough to poke the action figures out of his fist (feeling guiltily like the Grinch who pushes the candy canes out of Cindy Lou Who's hands while she's sleeping)- but not long enough to fall asleep myself or I think I'd have stayed there all night!

All in all, a great day!

Riley's Gymnastics Recital

On Saturday June 19th, Riley had her last gymnastics class for the year. They allowed the families come in and watch the kids "perform" so Mom, Dad, Gram and I went to the class in Hingham that morning at 9am.

Riley was thrilled to ham it up for her audience!

Rocking the balance beam (with a little help from Mom).

Making her way through the obstacle course and under the tunnel.

Tumbling down the ramp!

And over the ball!!!

More balance beam work- this one even higher than the last!

And then at the end, all of the kids were given a medal, which Riley was so proud to show off, happy to take a picture with her friend Shannon!

Showing her metal to her Dad!

And a photo-op with her teacher :)

I'm not familiar with the protocols for gymnastics... I know dance recitals, and I was in recital mode- planning ahead for Willy & Emmy's recital later that day, so I went with what I knew and got Riley a rose. I'm not sure she realized it was for her at first, but she seemed to enjoy it :)

Great job babe! I love you!

A Tuesday afternoon walk...

Another Adventure in Babysitting

This one on Tuesday June 15th

It was the perfect sort of afternoon. Warm temperatures but little humidity and no sick children. This means we could play outside. Or, as we decided, go for a walk. Willy wanted to walk, not ride in the stroller, and decided to push his lawn mower while I pushed his sister in the stroller.

This cute little lawn mower is soo loud and even moreso when trying to "mow" the asphalt instead of the grass. Willy would ask me a question, talking over the mower and of course I couldn't hear him... when I'd respond, usually with a "I have no idea what you're saying buddy" he couldn't hear me either and would stop pushing it long enough to say "HUH?!" I tried to explain that I couldn't hear him just like he couldn't hear me... but I'm not sure if that ever really translated for him ;)

Aila, meanwhile, busied herself in the carriage. Not complaining even when we stopped for 5 or 10 minutes at a time when Willy became fascinated with the storm drains.

I love how curious this little boy is. He wanted to know what their function was [that I could answer], how deep are they [got me there kiddo], how come some have water in them and not others [did my best with that one]... and I'm sure there were a few other questions in there.
Mostly he was content to sit there quietly, dropping sticks through the grate and listening for how long it would be until the stick hit the water below.

The funniest part of our little trip happened when we were just around the corner from their house. Willy saw this pimped out truck and stopped dead in his tracks!

Will [pointing at the truck]: Wooooooooow!
Me: You like that?

Will: Yes! What do you think?

Me [staring back at the truck incredulously]: "Umm.. its kinda.. funky."

Will [puzzled]: "Funky???"

Me: "Yeah. Funky."

Will [suddenly pointing to the truck and pursing up his lips]: "Auntie Jen, when I turn 16 I'm gonna drive that truck."

Me [Literally doubled over with laughter on the street unable to speak. When I catch my breath]: "Oh yeah? How do you know that you can drive when you're 16?"

Will: "Daddy told me."

Me: "And do you know how old you are right now?"

Will: "Yes. I'm 2"

And at the age of 2 he has no idea how long those 14 years are going to feel when he's already got that itch to be driving right now!

...although knowing Uncle Dan and the go-kart he's been planning since Willy was conceived, I'm sure this car enthusiast will be driving some sort of vehicle in the next few years...

a list for right now...

listening// to the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights and computer equipment in my office. enjoying the relative silence and the rhythmic tapping of keys.

eating// nothing at the moment. breakfast was a whole wheat everything bagel. super yummy.

drinking// water

wearing// khakis, my new navy Land's End tank with the ruffle at the collar with a turquoise cardigan from Target and a really funky white beaded necklace. on my feet- my favorite Liza B flip-flops that Kris got me for my birthday a few years ago!

feeling// fantastic. i love that summer's here and vacation's coming up (despite my to-do list of approximately 1 million things that need to be done before we fly out)

weather// a little muggy, near 80. sunny for this morning but getting cloudier all the time.

wanting// a 50mm 1.8 lens to bring on vacation. i'm seriously considering the splurge to get some great once in a lifetime pictures of this awesome impending trip.

needing// a massage. more time. some motivation and focus at work today.

thinking// about everything i need to pack. and hardly believing i haven't yet made a packing list! this has to be a new record for me. i'm a list maker (haven't you noticed?)

enjoying// my nieces and nephews as they grow day by day. as much as i miss the 'babies' it is so much fun to be able to do things with them- running, jumping, swinging, really playing.

wondering// what the afternoon will bring. so many possibilies all of which excite me. babysitting? hanging out? borrowing a niece? shopping? starting to pack? walking? yoga?

Looking for a Good Read?

I've got one for you:

Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett

As it was so perfectly written here:
Female friendships are one of the most complex human relationships, regardless of age. And in TRUTH & BEAUTY, author Ann Patchett does nothing to dispel the mystery of girlfriends. If anything, she adds to it.

Although this book is nonfiction, it reads like fiction. Readers will dive into the story, greedily gathering information about the two main subjects --- Patchett and her friend, Lucy Grealy --- like characters in a novel. They were two young and ambitious women who go directly from Sarah Lawrence to the Iowa's Writers Workshop, the most coveted graduate school for writers. They develop a friendship that straddles the lines of intimacy, and they find literary fame. Along the way they form a bond that is difficult to describe. It spans continents, weathers illnesses both physical and mental, and seems to survive even death. But this is not a work of fiction, and so the eloquent writing of this well-known author packs even more of a punch. These are real people; this is Patchett's life, her beloved friend who lives, metaphorically speaking, just beyond her reach.

=======================

I am technically listening to this book (the audiobook version), narrated by the author herself who really brings this story to life. I am on CD 5 of 7 and am totally captivated. Ann Patchett's fiction works are all amazing, but this non-fiction reads seemlessly. I highly recommend it!

Reflections on Turning 30

Thursday June 10, 2010 was a simple wonderful, dare I say perfect day.

I was awakened before 5am with a gentle kiss and a "happy birthday" from Dan and promptly fell right back to sleep (as I do every morning).

The alarm went off a little before 7am so I could make my 7:30 yoga class. I got dressed, ate an apple and filled my water bottle. I got another "happy birthday" from our friend Jill who after a long tale of misfortunate was fortunate to spend the previous night in the warm coziness that is our home- laughing and talking with Dan and me until after midnight. I'm grateful to have had her company, and glad we could help her, even just a little.

Yoga class was phenomenal. I've only take a handful of classes in my life and I forget how much I enjoy it. I need the stretch, my body practically insists and yet I ignore it all too often.

The focus for this class was the Second Chakra, which amazingly, was perfect for me. The Second Chakra is located below the navel and rooted into the spine, is connected to the spleen and the digestive system and is often referred as the “sacral” chakra. It is the seat of our emotions, sensations, pleasure, movement and nurturance and it controls our relationships and social interactions with others. It governs our self-worth, confidence in our own creativity and ability to relate to others in an open and friendly way. The second chakra is the chakra of creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge. It is the one which connects us to the inner source of inspiration, and enables us to experience the beauty around us.

There was a lot of focus on the hips and shoulders, two of my most tender, tight spots. It helped to stretch and ease some pain. And as we lie in savasana at the end of class, the instructor gave us instructions on how to go forth with the day- "look for beauty everywhere you go.... do something creative today, even if it is just creatively organizing your sock drawer... be inspired and enjoy each moment."

I felt like she was speaking just to me.

I came home and ate some breakfast. A wheat/everything bagel with whipped cream cheese and CSA chives mixed in. Blueberries and strawberries on the side. I watched Regis and Kelly and let the relaxation continue a little before my shower.

I resisted the urge to stay away from work email for most of the day, but had to peek at my favorite morning indulgence- my "Daily Thought" from Real Simple Magazine. Another "you have to be kidding me, does the whole world know its my birthday?!?" moment. The quote for June 10: “There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you. ” ― Carol Matthau

I suppose the world is trying to tell me something :)


After some cleaning, a shower and some primping, I met Krissy, Willy and Aila for lunch. Well technically I met them in the parking lot of Bank of America so Kris could do a banking transaction solo (instead of +2), and she practically threw my present at me in the bank parking lot dying for me to open it! And I was just as thrilled as she was, once I got all that tissue paper out of the way. Its a filled-pancake pan from Williams & Sonoma and a container to put fresh whipped cream in so you can spray it out with little bursts of N2O that comes in these little chargers!! Oh, we're going to have some fun with this!! :) {Thanks again Kris! I love you}


We made our way to Strawberry Fair for lunch. The kids were both on their best behavior, alternatively being so cute, silly and entertaining and then quiet enough for Krissy and I to talk. At one point before the food came out, Willy (who was sitting next to me), reached over and gently put his left hand on my right thigh and said unprovoked "I love you." Oh I could eat that kid up! Aila ate more than all of us combined, but when she wasn't eating she was imitating everything going on. The waitress was a super sweet 50 something who adored the kids, and who loved talking with her hands. As soon as she walked away, Aila turned to the only other patron and started babbling, arms out, palms up just like the waitress had done! She picks things up quickly that little noodle.


I believe Willy took this shot. The lighting was wonky in there- he's actually usually very good at using my camera, despite the fact that he's not yet 3 years old...

And Kris was kind enough to take this. She took some others that were technically better shots, but I love this one.

We wrapped up lunch around 3p and made our way to the parking lot, the only cars left. I put Willy in his carseat and gave kisses and hugs to each of my lunch companions, thanking them again for a wonderful meal. I walked back to my car, got in and started driving towards the exit when I could see Willy yelling and motioning like crazy. I finally rolled down my window and stopped as I pulled up next to Kris' van to hear him saying "I need one more kiss!!!" How can you say no to that?! I got out, car still running, and walked over to the van, asking if we could manage this through the window (which didn't go all the way down). Um no, clearly that was not acceptable. Kris opened the door and I got one more big kiss. As I backed away, I thanked him and said 'I love you' like I always do and Willy's response was "I need a hug!" So we did a bonus hug too. And then he was satisfied. He blew me kisses as I drove away still yelling "bye" and "love you" as best as I could tell with his window back up! :) What a sweetie pie. He's going to make some woman very lucky some day.

I hooked up my ipod to my car stereo and continued to listen to Eat. Pray. Love. by Elizabeth Gilbert. I read this book shortly after it was released a few years ago and have been falling in love with it all over again this week. I'll admit this book is one of the main reasons I even thought to go to yoga this morning.

I also hooked up my GPS- destination: The Creative Stitch. I had a feeling it might be too late to try for a drop-in class to learn how to switch colors in my knitting, and I was right. But it was still fun to browse the store, and I took advantage of the free time to get in a little walking through the streets of downtown Hingham and all its cozy, unique shops. I even treated myself to an ice cream, which was far larger than I expected and I'm ashamed to say I had to toss out because I couldn't finish the whole thing!!

I had hoped to catch the Cohasset Weekly Farmers Market but it wasn't open. I'm not sure if its just too early or if it was the lousy weather, but with my audiobook keeping me company I didn't mind a few miles out of my way.


At home I listened to the end of my book. If you haven't read Eat. Pray. Love, I beg you to go buy it or borrow it right now. Here are a couple quick exerpts that really spoke to me:


"Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be."

"People tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will descend like fine weather if you're fortunate. But happiness is the result of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."

"Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it's what you want before you commit."

"We search for happiness everywhere, but we are like Tolstoy's fabled beggar who spent his life sitting on a pot of gold, under him the whole time. Your treasure--your perfection--is within you already. But to claim it, you must leave the buy commotion of the mind and abandon the desires of the ego and enter into the silence of the heart."

"You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight."

"There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts."

"I thought about one of my favorite Sufi poems, which says that God long ago drew a circle in the sand exactly around the spot where you are standing right now. I was never not coming here. This was never not going to happen."

While I listened to the last CD of the audiobook, I finished my scarf! The first project I've ever completed for myself! Sort of lovely and ironic being that it was my birthday, and that was I specially assigned a creative task by the yoga teacher just that morning!

{insert picture here. i promise i will take one this week}

Dan came home as I was finishing my project. We chatted for awhile and flicked through the TV channels, finally settling on our library DVD rental- The Blind Side. Yet again, if you haven't seen this movie, go get it. Now. Do not pass GO! Do not collect $200! Its a great movie. Yes, I cried through most of it-- that poor kid broke my heart a million times, but its a great story and well told. Plus, the son SJ is a riot!!

It was a great way to end the day, snuggled up with my guy watching a fantastic movie.

Yes, I'm officially 30 years old. It sounds awful, like nails on a chalk board sometimes, but at the end of the day, I'm the same old me. I don't feel any different. It hasn't depressed me- something I'm glad I can say honestly.

I don't have everything figured out yet, nor do I think I should, but I'm happy with where I am in my life right now and I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing.

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson

1 Day Until I Turn 30

I had big plans for a big, heartfelt, soulful post today, but I'm out of time and honestly this blogging every day for 29 days straight has been difficult! So I'll leave it at this:

ONE DAY UNTIL I TURN 30?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!



Though, I'll be honest. I'm really not even freaked out or phased by it! I know its just a number. In fact, I'm mostly just excited about a day off and an excuse to celebrate something, anything! It could be someone else's birthday tomorrow and I'd be probably be just as happy for them :)

So instead of my big long post I'll leave you with one last list- the list of what I plan to do tomorrow on my very rainy 30th birthday:

7:30-9:00a Yoga Class at the Cohasset Yoga Center
9:00-10:00a home, shower, eat a yummy healthy breakfast
10:15ish- head to The Creative Stitch to learn how to switch colors in knitting!
1:00p Lunch at Strawberry Fair with Krissy, Willy & Aila
2:30ish Wander around Derby Street. Maybe find a cute little something special for my birthday dinner to be held at Mom's on Friday night
Come home and clean up the house.
5:30- Prep and cook dinner
6:00ish Dan comes home- dinner with my favorite man and then "movie night" at home courtesy of Scituate Public Library and The Blind Side!! :)

Doesn't that sound like the most fabulous day ever?!?
Happy Birthday to ME!

Thank you all for following this ridiculous introspective and random blatherings series of posts! Its actually been more fun than I expected!

2 Days Until I Turn 30

Click here to view these pictures larger

The Slideshow posted above shows the photos a lot more clearly if you click on the link below the slideshow itself. I'm not sure why the quality is so poor on here, but you can see them better through Shutterfly if you click on the link.

Thanks for playing along! :)

3 Days Until I Turn 30

Another snippet from an afternoon in my nearly-30 life. I got home around 4p and took a walk. I tried to capture some of my favorite sites.

This picture is actually a little older, but I love it and hadn't had a chance to share it. In fact, yesterday the island was cleaned and polished but unfortunately these beautiful peonies had already seen their day!

The light was jetting in under this leaf on the side of the road!

From the island near the ballpark.

I love this barn across the street from the Beechwood Baseball Diamond.

Another beautiful blossom from nearby the park.

From a house just off Captain Daniel Litchfield Lane.

And I even tried to capture some photos of me walking!

But all the while, the reminders that I will soon hit that BIG 3-0 were ALL around me! Check this out!

Well isn't that the truth?! :)

4 Days Until I Turn 30

who i am right now

-a worker

-a scrapbooker

-a knitter

-a girlfriend

-a devoted daughter

-a giggler

-a sister

-an auntie

-a best friend

-a nail biter

-the one who sleeps on the left side of the bed

-a vegetarian

-a commuter

-a card-holding member of the Scituate Public Library

-a hybrid driver

-an eco-conscious citizen of this planet

-a creative soul

-a Red Sox fan

-a fool in my Zumba class

-a student

-a walker

-my own pedicurist

-an observer of all great summer traditions

-an easily sunburnt freckled girl

-a cleaner

-a wanna-be chef

-a slipper-in-public wearer

-a flip-flop fan

-a girly girl

-an in-the-car-by-myself-sing-at-the-top-of-my-lungs-singer

-a fast typer

-a fast driver

-a fast shopper

-a multi-tasker

-a blog (reading) enthusiast

-an amateur photographer

-an unexpected nature lover

-unable to pack lightly

-a travel nut

-a little vain about my hair

-addicted to my blackberry

-addicted to checking Facebook for updates

-a fabulous maker of homemade ice cream

-a dreamer

-a shopper

-a good cuddler

-a coffee drinker

-

5 Days Until I Turn 30

My life via the lens of Facebook.
A random smattering of posts from the past month or so...


Jennifer Lassonde-feeling hot, hot, hot!! time for an iced coffee and some ACed shopping centers ;) Saturday June 5 at 1:17pm

Jennifer Lassonde-soo much traffic. Finally in Braintree. Looks like we might get home before dark ;) Friday June 4 at 5:37pm

Jennifer Lassonde- heading home. The service for Rachel was really nice. It was great the Lassonde clan. :) Friday June 4 at 3:36pm

Jennifer Lassonde-Is up at Camp. Just had dinner- now its collage time. June 3 at 8:01pm

Jennifer Lassonde- loving my new haircut!! feels so fresh and light even though its not much different at all :) June 2 at 4:18pm

Jennifer Lassonde-back from the bike ride. not gonna lie, i'm a little wiped, but it was fun. late lunch at the mill wharf! thanks mom and dad :) May 31 at 5:01pm

Jennifer Lassonde- Took a 6 mile walk with my good friend Megg (thanks!). Home, cleaned up a bit and relaxing a little before Mom and Dad come over with their bikes. We're taking an 11 mile bike ride to/from Scituate Harbor!! :) What a great weekend.
May 31 at 12:48pm

Jennifer Lassonde-had a great lesson at The Creative stitch. my local yarn shop!!! I have a feeling I'll be a frequent customer there!! :) May 29 at 12:24pm

Jennifer Lassonde-sitting out on the porch experiencing this thunder and lightning storm! Its beautiful!! May 26 at 9:14pm

Jennifer Lassonde-is pretty sure my plan for an organized, fairly stress-free week is going swiftly down the tubes! May 25 at 7:40am

Jennifer Lassonde-is stuck behind a disabled train!! think I've been sitting longer than moving :-( May 24 at 5:19pm

Jennifer Lassonde-A fundraiser for my Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk this July! Thanks to my amazing friends and family- and DJ Trivia Host Dan- I raised a little over $1600 in one night!!! A HUGE success! Thanks everyone! May 23, 2010 @4:12pm

Jennifer Lassonde-celebrating 6 years with Dan today! 6 is my lucky number and I'm feeling like a very lucky girl today!!!May 22 at 11:00am

Jennifer Lassonde-on the T. Farm Share pick up then Cabaret Show. Have I mentioned I agreed to make a fool of myself doing a Zumba demonstration w/ 2 other girls at the end of the show!!?! oy! May 18 at 3:29pm

Jennifer Lassonde- busy day at the office. looking forward to coming home to a whole bunch of family to enjoy our first big grilling adventure of the spring/summer season in honor of Aunt Nancy's visit home. maybe we'll actually remember to throw on a veggie burger for me this time...hmm i doubt it... May 17 at 3:06pm

Jennifer Lassonde-having coffee with Courtney, one of my Marist girls, this morning!!! :) May 16 at 9:50am

Jennifer Lassonde-craft fair and yard sale at mom's house today. call for details or just stop by!!! May 15 at 10:21am

Jennifer Lassonde-on my way to meet my new cousin!!! May 14 at 4:10pm

Jennifer Lassonde-is enjoying a nice relaxing night... knitting. listening to Stern. cuddling up with Dan. doing my photography assignment. low-key and wonderful. hope the rest of the week doesn't ruin this wonderful start... fingers crossed. May 10 at 8:28pm

Jennifer Lassonde-Dan woke me up at 4:30 to head into work (we carpooled today). Its gonna be a looong day!! Unlike him I don't get home before 3p. May 10 at 6:57am

Jennifer Lassonde-Taco night!!! May 8 at 8:19pm

Jennifer Lassonde-the cleaning continues. switched out the winter clothes too. feeling very productive despite the rain... May 8 at 2:38pm

Jennifer Lassonde-its a Beautiful night at Fenway. and these seats are amazing!! Thanks Mom and Dad! :)May 7 at 8:01pm

Jennifer Lassonde-looking forward to my first Sox game of the season tonight. Almost couldn't find my jersey which would have been a disaster. these boys need all the help they can get ;) May 7 at 7:22am

Jennifer Lassonde-sigh. I love the library but I miss wandering around bookstores. Daydreaming in Barnes and Noble before class! :) May 6 at 5:40pm

6 Days Until I Turn 30

I have a number of blogging friends who do 13 on the 13th- a list of 13 things within a theme. A cute list... and I do love a good list... plus I've been doing this for 30 days and as much as I really want to document who I am right now and what things are like in my life, let's face it, there's only so much to talk about. I'm not usually so self-centered and I'm not exactly comfortable being that way... so today's not the 13th, which means I get off the hook a little easier.


SIX Things I Never Thought I'd be


An early riser// when I was a teenager I could sleep until noon any day my parents would let me. Even as a kid, Mom would have to drag me out of bed to go to the hockey rink on Saturday morning for Jeff's early games. I would dream of going to Suffolk Downs with Jeff and my Uncle Michael on a random Saturday morning to see the horses and take in all the madness that is the track-- and yet more often than not, I'd opt to sleep in and Jeff would go alone. I had the hardest time getting up for school in the morning and wasn't very pleasant when I did get up (right Mom??)

And now, while I'll be the first to tell you that 5am doesn't always agree with me, I am an early-riser. I'm much happier getting to bed around 10p, even on the weekends, and get up around 7 or 8am. Sometimes I lie in bed on the weekend and just hope I can go back to sleep until 9am which feels a little more reasonable in my head...it doesn't usually work. My internal clock has shifted. I must say I think I like it better this way. Weekends feel much more productive. I can walk and clean and get a bunch done and still have social-time or relaxation-time.

A domestic "diva"// Ok this is not the perfect word for it, but you get my gist. My room used to be cluttered with clothes (clean and dirty), Mom would have to remind me to clean my bathroom over and over before it got done and I hate helping w/ the chores around the house.

Now I LIVE for a clean house! I actually look forward to cleaning all the dishes and the counters and then polishing the granite on Saturday mornings. Its almost a sickness. I don't always have time to do as much as I'd like, but that inner clean-freak has grown inside me since we've moved to Scituate. We have few knick-knacks and things because I like to keep the cleaning process simple and easy so that its actually achievable in a 3 hour span.

Not only do I like it clean- I like it done my way. I read books about making my own cleaners and look forward to trying new "recipes." I have a system of cloths in different colors so that we rarely use paper towels for anything. I like the way I make the bed...

Stuff I never dreamed in a million years I'd care about. But I do.

A career-woman // I hated nearly every job I ever had. American Eagle (I liked it sometimes), babysitting, Spirit of Boston, Katharine Gibbs, Staples (not terrible but not exciting)... I did like working at the craft store, but I worked for my Mom and it was very much up my creative alley. Still, for most jobs I'd get a stomach ache just thinking about going in... I hated knowing that I had to be there for a set number of hours... I just hated it... and not because I don't have it in me to work hard, I just couldn't find my niche.

Here at MGH its a totally different ballgame. I came here just to get a paycheck and its turned into a lot more. I really enjoy my work (most days), and I like knowing that my projects can and do have at least some small impact on the patients and families who come here.

I'm still not a career woman in the typical sense of the word. I don't have huge ambitions. I don't live to get every detail done right away and put off time with family and friends. I NEED balance and this job provides that (most of the time). I don't have aspirations of being a director or VP. That's not me. But my work is important to me and I'm happy that my path lead me here.

At ease in the kitchen // I dabbled in baking when I was kid but that was about the extent of it. While my mom is a good cook, she doesn't go all out unless there's a party or special event... our normal week day meals were spaghetti, tacos, hamburger helper (Dad's contribution), chicken pot pie or some other chicken variation. Nothing extravagant or time-consuming.

I don't tend towards the extravagant or time-consuming either- especially not on weeknights, but I thoroughly enjoy the following about cooking:

--Searching out local, organic, healthy food
--New recipes to make healthier food easy and delicious enough to trick myself into eating on a more regular basis
--Making it myself- not relying on "packaged" version of things we forget actually can be made ourselves- like applesauce and ice cream.


Techie // Ok ok, the real techies out there would whole-hearted disagree with this one... but I do like my gadgets and I can hold my own at figuring things out. Blackberry, ipod, macbook, software.... I don't need the absolute latest and greatest- I try to balance my wanting of cool new things with "Do I really need this? Is my old one broken yet?" But I enjoy learning about what's new on the market and why its better than things that came before. At work two of my favorite projects are hardware and software based and I know more about servers and interfaces and HL7 than I ever dreamed of, but I like that I can at least understand most basic/intermediate IS conversations...

An Adult // I have been in the same full-time job for nearly 8 years. I pay my bills early and I pay extra. I have checks and credit cards. I have lived on my own. I own a car and maintain it. I do stuff even when I don't want to... because that's what you do when you're an adult. I make good decisions. I make bad decisions sometimes; I learn from them. I learn new things all the time. I try to make myself a better, smarter, more caring person.

In some ways I don't know that I'm all that different than the child and teenager I remember being. The core of "me" is still in there, but I'm a little more polished and a lot more confident. I still like to play with my craft stuff and watch girly television that does not require any braincells to process. I love hanging out with my friends and the fact that I don't have as many responsibilities as other people my age. Yes, I still feel very much in between, but I think as I approach 30 its hard to argue that I'm not an adult!

ONE WEEK Until I Turn 30

My friend Christine posted on Tuesday about an idea she saw on The Simple Woman's Daybook.
Simple prompts that give updates and force you to think about what's going on in your life and finding beauty in the simple, ordinary things. Right up my alley.

Like Tini, I'm not a religious person, I'm hardly even a spiritual person, though I do believe whole-heartedly in doing things because they are right and for that reason alone. But I digress... I like this idea of using the same format to account the daily things from time to time... so join me if you will.

-----------

FOR TODAY

Outside my window… it is grey and foggy. They say its supposed to clear up a big but then we might get storms again tonight. Par for the course this time of year I suppose. Still, I look out my window at work to see the Charles River complete with sail boats and the occassional Duck Boat. There's a park with people running, cycling and playing baseball. It’s a great view!

I am thinking…about all the things going on this month and not sure where I’m going to find the time, but then, I always do. Two baby showers, birthday weekend (YAAY), a Red Sox game, babysitting, Father's Day, moving Marilyn into her new apartment (YAAY)- and the shopping to get the place ready (Yaay!), getting ready for vacation. Oh and yeah- lots of walking wherever I can squeeze it in!!

I am thankful for…my best friend Kris. She's the one person I talk to nearly every single day- usually more than once. Email, phone, ESP! I swear I've just never had a connection with anyone like I do with Kris and I am so grateful everyday to have her as such a huge important part of my life. I know this is going to make her blush, but I don't care. She's amazing! And she deserves a little shout out!

From the kitchen…this week I made Giada's Apricot Squares that were to die for. I brought them to work twice this week and my co-workers are salivating and asking for more. I think the might be addicted after 2 short days! They're really heavenly, then again I'm biased- mix oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar and almost anything else and I'll likely fall in love with it.

I am wearing… a black and white printed dress. black footless tights. black maryjane crocs. comfy summer workwear.

I am creating… 4 canvases with cute little animals (giraffe, hippo, zebra & elephant with a monkey along for the ride). They're coming out super cute, if I might say so myself. I'm also still working on the pink and brown scarf for me :)

I am going… to be 30 years old exactly one week from today! I'm still not freaked out about it, but when I really think about that number it seems to odd and foreign to me. I still feel like a kid! How is this possible??

I am reading… Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. Fantastic Book!!

I am hoping… this summer isn't too crazy. I have a bunch of projects ready to ramp up at work. Of course they can't stagger- they'll all hit their peaks around the same time and keep me here well past my 40 hours! I suppose I can't complain because I've had it easy lately, but I'd rather have things ramp up at a different time of year.. you know? I look forward to summer-- pool time, parties, cookouts, walks outside, exploring at the beach, all the carefree stuff we enjoy as children and try to cram into small, finite blocks of time as adults. I don't want those blocks to become to small.

I am hearing… silence. Rarely happens when you share an office with 3 co-workers. I'm enjoying it. (Ok technically I'm stretching the truth here. Even up ont he 6th floor I can hear a slight rumble of traffic from Storrow Drive below me).

Around the house…the rose bush that Kris & Matt gave me when I became Aila's Godmother is blooming beautifully beside the garage (a spot chosen only so that it was out of the way and would not be run over by a piece of machinary-- which apparently worked well)!! The daisies are multiplying rapidly in the backyard. The deer make an almost daily appearance now- though no sign of the new fawns yet. We put the AC in our bedroom window already. Still have mountains of wood outside in the driveway. My room in the basement still needs sheetrock attached to those studs… but we're making progress.

One of my favorite things… is the "Daily Thought" email I receive from Real Simple.com. It’s a quote with a gorgeous photograph and a welcome interruption into my morning routine. Today's says:

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” ― Buddha

A few plans for the rest of the week... Heading to NH after work. Dinner at Poor People's Pub with Meagan and Gayle. Looking forward to seeing them, though not under these circumstances. We'll spend the rest of the night at Camp, pulling together the photos to make a collage for Friday's services for Rachel...

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... well an image really:

p.s. thanks to all of those who have been following along with this series! I literally can not believe I have kept up with it this week! definitely a first for me.

8 days Until I Turn 30

This time last year I was recovering the in Same Day Surgery PACU here at MGH. That seems like eons ago at this point, but when I looked at the calendar (thinking it was June 4th), I realized it was in fact today. I had a small lump removed from my right breast, not knowing at that point what that 2cm mass was comprised of.

Here are my blog entries for that day and the day after if you missed them the first time around.

So let me take this time to do a quick Public Service Announcement- if you are a woman, please do your monthly self-exam! Here's some info from Susan G. Komen about how to do it properly. I know it seems silly but that's how I found my lump.

I was fortunate in that my lump was totally benign and nothing to worry about- news the doctor called me with on my birthday a week later. "I hope they looked at your birthday in your file and thought only to call you if it was good news" my Grandmother told me when I called her... I doubt they looked, but regardless the news was good. I am one of the lucky ones. I won't lie, it was scary, but I think I knew deep down that things would be fine in the end, regardless of what it took to get there.

But there are millions of women out there who see that lump on the ultrasound machine and aren't as lucky as I was. And its for them that I'm walking again this year. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure 3 Day Event in Boston is July 23-25th. I know its going to be a zillion degrees, but I am looking forward to fully participating in the event this year along with my dear friend Jessica.
If you are interested in making a donation you can click here to find my fundraising page. Or if you'd like to be a cheerleader that weekend, you can contact my mom, Diane Lassonde, who will be organizing a Cheering Station at the event (which will be a LOT of fun).

My fundraising page doesn't indicate it just yet, because I need to send in the rest of my donations, but I have hit the minimum of $2300 which I need in order to participate- so thank you all for your support thus far. And thank you for continuing to support me in this great adventure.

9 Days Until I Turn 30

I received really sad news from my Dad that my Great-Aunt Rachel passed away late last night. Many of you have probably heard me tell stories about Rachel's Camp- the cottage on the lake where we spent countless summer weekends- and I spent some full weeks, exploring and being silly with my cousin Meagan. That Camp belonged to my Aunt Rachel and I have a zillion wonderful memories from this cottage on Great East Lake, NH.

So in honor of my Aunt Rachel, here are 30 things I love most about Camp (in no particular order):

1. The queen-sized bunk-beds in the middle bedroom. We'd squeeze as many kids as possible into it and tell stories and even play up there. It was like an indoor clubhouse.
2. Buying bubble gum and lollipops at the Marina.
3. Going for long walks with Rachel and Meagan. We'd walk up the main road as far as the white house with the lilacs. That was always our turn-around point.
4. The dance routines Meagan and I would practice in the boathouse.
5. Telling the same "ghost story" over and over again (thanks to the internet I found the gist of it) There’s this ghost and it haunts this house. And it wakes up the dad, and it says “I am the ghost of the bloody bones and the dirty diapers.” And the dad freaks and runs out. And then the ghost wakes up the mom, and it says “I am the ghost of the bloody bones and the dirty diapers.” And the mom freaks and runs out. And then the ghost wakes up the baby, and it says “I am the ghost of the bloody bones and the dirty diapers.” And the baby says, “You can keep your bloody bones, and I’ll keep my dirty diapers.”
6. Daiquiris on the dock
7. Tuck
8. Canoe rides to the dam
9. Sitting by the fire at night
10. S'mores
11. Peeking out the curtains to see the adults' tv programs when we were supposed to be asleep in bed
12. Doing puzzles on the porch with Rachel.
13. Dad's post-baked-bean explosions and the inevitable jokes about them.
14. Dad's potpourri in the pants invention (inspired by #13), that he didn't patten in time!
15. Homemade blueberry muffins
16. Poor People's Pub- and the sugar lollipops you'd get for free on the way out
17. Playing Mall Madness on the floor with Meagan and Lynnie
18. Painting the flowers on the porch
19. Sleeping on the porch on a hot summer night
20. Picking raspberries from the bush on the way to the beach
21. Finally being old enough to swim all the way out to the dock floating off the shore at the beach! And jumping off!
22. Creating a fort from downed branches up against the camp- and attempting to sleep out there overnight in lawn chairs. I don't think either Meagan or I lasted a whole night but we tried several times.
23. Countless matching outfits
24. Going out on Jake's boat
25. Learning to waterski with Bernie
26. Playing Nintendo in the first bedroom after the bathroom was enlarged- it was tucked under the top bunk! Bomberman!!!
27. Lots of reading time
28. July 4th fireworks across the lake (far enough away that even I could see them)
29. Dad's Charles River Canoe Plans that he hatched on those summer 4th of Julys at Camp.
30. The millions of other memories that I can't even put into words- just the feel of Camp!