Tag Archives: Clark

Today: A good start.

31 January 2012

4 Comments

A new day, a new week, and almost a new month.  Despite losing our playoff soccer game by one measly goal, I feel like things are off to a good start.  This may be an overshare, but I’ve taken to keeping fresh flowers in the bathroom so I am greeted by something happy and living (in addition to Nick and Clark, obviously) first thing in the morning.  I think it helps start things off on a lovely note.

I managed to get today’s breakfast and lunch all packed up, the dishes done, and my bag ready to go last night.  I am truly amazed by the amount of time I usually manage to waste before heading out the door in the morning.  Perhaps this weekend’s conference inspired me to get my act together.

After a short break, Clark is happily back at The Pawsitive Dog for day school.  He’s doing his best to start back on the right paw, but apparently he’s been a bit naughty as of late… which makes me love him even more.  Apparently someone left a door open today and, ever the opportunist, he went on a little adventure through the neighboring pet store.  What a goober.

Nick and I picked up the little guy before heading to our soccer game, which ended rather disappointingly.  We were the #2 seed heading into tonight’s championship games, but lost our first game.  Per usual, we had no girl subs, and I walked away from the field feeling utterly wiped.  When we returned home, I caught a glimpse of a box that recently arrived and just like that, instasmile.  With January wrapping up, it’s time to dig into my foodie penpal package. I was lucky enough to receive the most fantastic package from Alex of yums and loves.  As soon as I learned that she has a Frenchie named Clarence, I knew we could be kindred spirits.

Alex sent me a Frenchie memo pad, which you might recognize from Clark’s 2nd birthday when I came out of the crazy dog lady closet, creating goodie bags for all of Clark’s four-legged friends.  Thanks for replenishing my stash, Alex!  She also included a copy of Everyday Food, one of my favorite sources for tasty, healthy recipes. Other goodies included snickerdoodle animal crackers (straight into my little lunch bag those go!), tiramsu almonds, glazed almonds with honey, cranberries and sea salt, a bar of dark chocolate and Barney Butter packets (a favorite around our condo).  Alex completely spoiled me.  Thank you so much!

If you’d like to participate in this fun monthly exchange, hop on over to Lindsay’s blog for more information.

After such a good start to the week, it’s time to slip on my sparkliest shoes and relax a bit.  It’s likely I’ll be trading them for snow boots tomorrow morning, but that’s fine by me. ;-)

Also On Tap for Today:

Is your week off to a good start?  What does February have in store for you?

Today: Patriots and paleo.

15 January 2012

10 Comments

There are two (possibly more… maybe, like, six or seven) things in the Universe that I know almost nothing about. Football and the much buzzed about “paleo diet” are two such things. What do you do when you’re totally out of the loop? Throw a (very exclusive small) party. And pretend you know what you’re talking about. With the New England Patriots playing the Denver Bronco in some sort of playoff game, and Nick participating in a paleo challenge at his Crossfit box (in normal human language, that’s a gym), the need for a get together seemed obvious. Helloooo, paleo and Patriots… they both start with p. (I am pathetic. That’s another p word.)

Though I aspire to eat as thoughtfully as my fiance does, sometimes I’d rather just eat nachos and call it a night. And I am fairly certain I would be the first member of the tribe to go extinct were I living in caveman times. I’d much prefer a blade of grass over a wooly mammoth leg, or whatever. While the paleo diet may not be for me, I’m usually up for something new. Especially if it involves feeding people.

According to The Paleo Diet Lifestyle,

A Paleo diet, also known as paleolithic diet or caveman diet, is all about natural foods to help achieve great health and a perfect physique. The human body evolved for more than 2 million years with the food found in nature: game meat, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, eggs and nuts. The human race was thriving on this diet high in animal fat and proteins and low in carbohydrates, but things changed when we introduced unnatural foods to our bodies.

Clark thinks he invented paleo. He’s like, “Dude. I’ve been eating fresh vegetables and nasty ass raw bones since you got me. If you’d let me forage for berries and magic mushrooms, I would. Old news. Give me a grain-free treat.” So sassy, that one (in my imagination, at least). Needless to say, I have a lot to learn.

Meanwhile, anything I know about football I learned from watching my younger brother play. And from listening to sports radio during my measly commute. Driving home earlier this week, a caller mentioned a poll running on the Denver Post’s website asking readers, “Whose life would you rather live: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s or Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow’s?” Is it wrong that I would rather be Tim Tebow? Man Uggs, Super Bowl rings, ponytails and supermodel wives are all well and good… but, um… no thanks. I am easily overwhelmed.

Being easily overwhelmed seemed like a perfectly good reason to hand off (hey, that’s sort of a football phrase) the paleo chicken wing responsibilities to Nick. Being a vegetarian who has undercooked meat on more than one occassion is an equally valid reason. I stuck to less terrifying recipes, ones that bore a lower risk of me giving away botulism:

  • Gazpacho
  • Shrimp ceviche
  • Paleo “sushi” (hollowed cucumbers stuffed with sliced turkey and avocado)
In addition to the wings, Nick also whipped up paleo-friendly margaritas and cantaloupe with prosciutto. He has also perfected a delicious granola recipe that includes pepitas, almonds, sunflower seeds, and coconut. It makes the perfect football snack. Our friends Tina and Mal joined us for the game, and brought the most delicious spinach dip, along with fresh vegetables and veggie chips. The four six of us (Frenchie and pug included) always have such a great time together.

When it was all said and done, the Patriots won quite definitively and the paleo-inspired food seemed to be touchdown dance-worthy. I am beginning to wonder if Clark those cavemen and women were on to something. On second though, those suckers didn’t have stoves. Or sports radio. Or mascara.

Also On Tap for Today:

Who would you rather be, Tom Brady or Tim Tebow? Who would you rather eat like, me or my dog? (Just kidding… unless you’re going to answer.)

Today: With flair.

10 January 2012

7 Comments

Every now and then, life requires us to do rather unpleasant things.  Like, collect a poop specimen from your dog’s um… poop, for example.   In attempt to tackle such a task with style and flair, I dropped the little sample holder thing into this festive gift bag before heading to the vet.

The only thing worse than carrying around a festive gift bag full of crap (quite literally), was disappointing the vet tech who presumed he was receiving a post-holiday gift from a devoted client.  Yikes.

Also On Tap for Today:

What did you do with flair today?

Today: ‘Twas the night after Christmas.

26 December 2011

3 Comments

…when all through the condo, not a creature was stirring.  Not even Rajon Rondo.  Because he doesn’t live here.  Never bothers to visit (rude).

Nick, Clark and I enjoyed an absolutely lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, traveling a bit north and a bit south to see our families.  I even got a little snow on the way!  With all the good food, great gifts, and fabulous company, the weekend flew by.  I’m doing my best to extend the holiday a bit longer by donning my gnarly Santa socks and sipping a bit of hot cocoa by the tree.

I hope you’re all having a really happy and healthy holiday season.

Also On Tap for Today:

  • Wedding dress shopping with my sister and sister-in-law :)
  • Amazing photos from The Natural World gallery
  • Playing with Clark and all his new toys

How are you spending this last week of 2011?

Today: Times, they are a-changin’.

20 December 2011

8 Comments

For the first time since 1982, I will not be waking up at my parents’ house on Christmas morning.  I will not be making a holy racket at 5:45 AM in an attempt to wake my three siblings a bit early.  I won’t be sitting on the top step waiting while my dad checks “to see if Santa came.”  I think this means I’ve become a grown-up.  It only took me (nearly) 30 years.

In the past, Nick and I have spent the holidays apart, with our own families.  More often than not, Clark rolled with me.  A girl needs her bat-eared sidekick.  This year, though, the three of us are sticking together for a magical, whirlwind Christmas tour.  We will go north to spend Christmas Eve with Nick’s family, stay at our home, sweet condo Christmas Eve night, go to Mass on Christmas morning at our parish in the Back Bay, and then head south to spend Christmas day with my family.

It feels rather odd to be breaking with tradition, but at the same time, it’s exciting to start creating my own traditions.  With my own cute little family.  I fully intend to make a video as I check to see if Santa came (more specifically: did I leave paper, tape and scissors strewn about the living room?), and then release Clark from his crate to tear open a giant stack of (mostly edible) presents.  I am contemplating what I will make for Christmas breakfast, but it seems only appropriate to take a cue from Buddy the Elf and break out the maple syrup.  Lots of maple syrup.

I have already spent hours creating the perfect Christmas music mixes for the car rides.  I have baking supplies ready to go, and more gift tags than I know what to do with (which is why I declined my mom’s offer of approximately 8,700 of them at our dinner on Sunday).  Plus, I have been wrapping like the bad ass white wrapper I am.

Though I tend to be a bit resistant to change, my philosophy for Christmas 2011 is a resounding yes, we can make this holiday– complete with traditions old and new– totally awesome.

Also On Tap for Today:

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Today: A tasty holiday pie… chart.

14 December 2011

8 Comments

In a perfect world, I’d spend the month of December ice skating from one holiday party to the next, leaving a wake of biodegradable glitter behind me.  This year, however, it seems like I barely have enough time to lace up my skates.  When your plate runneth over with responsibilities, obligations, and really good things too… how on Earth do you fit it all in, and still have time to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation  fourteen times?  How?!

[click image to enlarge and see my not-so-masterful cutting skills]

Though I would love nothing more than to have perfect holiday hair, to wear a dazzling smile around the clock, to serve the most delectable holiday treats, to give the most impressive and crisply wrapped presents to everyone on my list, to fit in all of my workouts exactly as planned and leave the gym glistening like a dewy December morning, to rise early by the light of a Christmas star and go to bed dreaming of sugar plums…  You know what?

For me, maintaining balance during the holiday season is all about managing expectations.  And making lots of lists.  Like this one, for example.

  1. Make a plan…  As if the holiday season weren’t busy enough, December and January happen to be two of my busiest months at work.  Oh, and I joined a second soccer team.  Because I have an over-commitment problem.  At the start of each week, I map out my priorities and goals for the following seven days.  That way, I stay focused on what is non-negotiable, what really needs to get done.  These priorities are not just appointments I need to keep, but also meal plans, phone calls with friends, and workouts at the gym.  I keep a second list of items to check off once those priorities have been accomplished.  Sadly, “take my dog to meet Santa” is on that second list.
  2. …but be flexible.  Life is bound to throw us a snow curve ball or two.  Meetings get rescheduled, we catch a cold that leaves us with a man voice for four days, our rental minivans get flat tires.  While it would be nice to have a back-up plan for all of life’s unexpectedness, it’s sometimes just best to be flexible.  And, I find, it’s easiest to be flexible when I am well-rested, well-hydrated, relaxed and listening to Christmas carols.
  3. Take a time out.  Ever wonder how Santa makes it to every, single house in just one night?  Simple: he takes the rest of the year off.  Be sure to schedule some down time, even if it’s fifteen minutes here and there to clear your mind, take a walk, or a big deep breath.  As much as this is the season of giving, it should also be the season of taking.  It’s impossible to take care of everyone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself.  Please re-read that last sentence until you believe me.  Now nod and say, yes ma’am like they do on that Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders show.  (You know you watch it.)
  4. Indulge in what makes you happiest.  Christmas is, far and away, my favorite holiday.  I love the anticipation leading up to it.  It is a time when I feel most in touch with my faith, and feel especially mindful of all that I have to be grateful for.  I love seeing friends and family, the excuse to wear overly sparkly things, driving around to admire Christmas lights (the tackier, the better) and enjoying all things peppermint.  It’s not hard for me to get carried away when those first few notes of “All I want for Christmas” (the Mariah version, obvi) play.  I like to soak all this in, and save it up for the less exciting, colder, greyer months of winter in Boston.  You know, like February.
  5. Say yes if you need help.  If someone offers to lend a hand, and you could use one (or four), accept.  Simple as that.

No matter how many pieces of pie you are trying to cram onto your plate, if something is important, you will make room.  And if it’s not… welp, sneak it onto someone else’s plate.  ‘Tis the season for sharing, is it not? Wishing you all a very merry and balanced holiday season!

Also On Tap for Today:

How do you stay balanced during busy times?  And, where are the best Christmas lights in Boston?

Today: Frenchie karaoke.

24 September 2011

13 Comments

Look no further, the next American Idol is sprawled out on my sofa.  After months of rehearsing this song on the streets of South Boston as fire trucks fly by, Clark is finally ready to film his first music video.

No French bulldogs were harmed in the making of this video.  My eardrums, however, may never recover.

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s your go-to karaoke jam?

Today: Bird alert.

12 September 2011

8 Comments

As Clark and I finished up our evening walk earlier this week, I felt the leash tug a bit as I went one way and the Frenchie went the other.  He was transfixed by something teeny, tiny and fluffy at the edge of the sidewalk.  “Oh, my goodness!” I yelped aloud.  ”It’s a little bird!”  Clark doesn’t speak English, so he ignored and me and continued to try and sneak a closer peek of the fluff ball before him.  Just a week or so ago, in the very same place, Clark found two, um, dead birds.  They were really little and didn’t even have feathers.  It was morbidly depressing.  I probably (read: definitely) cried.  You can imagine my delight to find that one of the the nestlings survived.

I thought it was weird, though, that it didn’t fly away when approached by a furry, 30 pound bowling ball with vampire bat teeth.  Clearly– and I’m not scientist person– something was not right.  Not sure what to do, I turned on the internet.  Thank goodness for flow charts.

[Source]

I got out my highlighter and answered some questions.  Apparently Clark’s discovery is a fledgling.  Since the Frenchie could have easily swallowed the bird whole, I guessed no, he is not safe from cats, dogs and people.  Next step?  Put him in a tree.  Really?!  I can barely reach the pans we keep in the cabinet over the stove.  After Googling “how do I put a bird in a tree,” I grabbed a pair of Nick’s socks (my makeshift version of “soft, clean gloves”)… and Nick… and headed out the door.

Initially the little bird was no where to be seen.  My sixth sense–the same one that I am convinced will one day help me solve crimes paranormally so I can have a television show– told me that he was still out (of the nest) and about.  And sure enough, he (let’s be serious, it could be a she) was on the other side of the sidewalk, just waiting to be put in a tree by a crazed woman wearing her fiance’s socks on her hands.  (OMG! FIANCE! GAAAAH!)

The first time I tried to pick up the bird, the elastic in Nick’s running socks (for added arch support) sort of bound my fingers in such a way that I sort of paddled it, instead of forming a cup (as the internet instructed).  It half-flew, half-hopped out of my reach, but not before almost pecking me in the eyelid.

I was 90% freaked out at this point and considered running back into the condo, hand socks and all (the bird pooped mid-flight, so I figured it had eaten… and when I originally answered the yes or no questions above, I thought it couldn’t fly.  Maybe it didn’t need help after all?).  But Nick encouraged me to finish what I had started, and stick to the plan flowchart.  After a few more tries, I gently placed the little bird in the tree from which I guessed it fell.

It immediately flew away.  This is what happens when you make plans.

Also On Tap for Today:

Are you a planner?  Or do you prefer to wing it?  Get it?  Wing? I am soooo hilarious.

Today: Where’s Andi?

11 September 2011

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One of our favorite ways to harass Clark games to play with the Frenchie is Where’s Andi?  He loves my sister and is always trying to sneak into her handbags.  I don’t think he necessarily knows that her nickname is Andi, but he does know– after I’ve yelled “Where’s Andi?!” for the sixth time, that he should be looking for someone.

Clark found her this weekend, in her new apartment, exactly where she belongs.

Hey, guys. I found her.

Doesn’t he look happy?  And like the perfect candidate for braces?

I played my own version of Where’s Andi the next morning, when I peeled myself out of bed bright and early for a long run.  I logged a few miles in my neighborhood before finding my sister in front of her apartment.  She was kind enough to join me for 6 or so miles, giving me just enough motivation to not, say, take a nap on a park bench along the Charles and claim I had actually run.

My sister planned the perfect route for us spanning the distance between the Museum of Science and the BU bridge.  After reaching her apartment, I managed to sneak in a few more miles for a grand total of thirteen.  Unlucky number, maybe?  But I couldn’t be luckier to have a sister, running pal, and dog entertainer like Andi.

Also On Tap for Today:

  • Whipping up some quinoa salad for the week
  • I love Chad Ochocinco, I can’t help it
  • Soaking up this gorgeous weather!
What’s your favorite hiding place?  

Today: Goodbye, summer. Hello, fall.

7 September 2011

3 Comments

This is how I know, sadly, that Labor Day has come and gone:

  • The U-Haul trucks have dropped off the last of their papasan chairs and mini-fridges before going back to… wherever U-Hauls come from.
  • My parking pass has expired.
  • The heat in my office turned itself on, and I have burned my foot twice on the vent thing.
  • Everything in stores is made of wool, ergo I am breaking out in hives.
  • Speaking of hives, I am allergic to whatever is growing/blooming/cytoplasma-ing right now.
  • I am instantly pale.
  • Each of my siblings have moved into new apartments, and I know none of their addresses (it feels sort of like that time Grandma moved to Chicago and no one told me).
  • I feel a strong urge to buy school supplies.

Check me out! I'm crazy!

With such awesome news to share, Nick and I knew we needed squeeze a few more drops out of summer this weekend, making time to visit with friends and family on the roof, north of Boston, on a lake, and down the Cape.  I am so excited about what’s to come, that (despite the extensive list posted above, which may lead you to believe otherwise) I don’t really mind that summer’s essentially over.

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.  Thank goodness I packed the Benadryl.

Also On Tap for Today:

What will you miss most about summer?  What do you love most about fall?