Joyce "Josephine" (Lucas) Sabulis, 91

One of my closest friends recently passed away and I wanted to share with you all her beautiful obituary recently published in the Worcester T&G. Joyce taught me many things over the years. It's hard when someone you love so much is no longer living and you have to go on knowing that you can't share important things with them anymore. I was fortunate that she was with me back in 1990 when I got married. We remained friends throughout the years and she taught me some important things that I'd like to share with you: Alw…

Ready-Set-Flush

Just started my new job this past Monday and I wanted to tell you about the bathroom situation. What's most exciting is everything is automated so there is no thinking involved whatsoever. I remember fondly at my old job that it took a while to get used to washing my hands knowing the faucets were on timers so that the water would shut off automatically. I got so used to it that I often found myself startled that I actually would walk away from a thorough hand washing only to discover that the water was still running when I was somewhere …

Beware My Tiny Little Voice

We bought a new leaf blower/vacuum a few days ago at Lowes. I should be excited to use it because it's bright bee yellow and all brandy new. But I'm sitting here posting to my blog rather than being out in my driveway sucking up the leaves because I'm afraid that I'll put all the work into setting it up and it won't start. But I'm sure it will... So rather than procrastinate any longer, why don't I leave this desk and get outside into the fresh air to start blowing the leaves? A tiny little voice in my head is c…

Can You Hear Me Now?

This is Karen's latest entry for a Halloween costume. I must say it's pretty clever and took alot of work to put together. One of her friends did alot of the sewing, but it was Karen who bought the materials including glow sticks, velcro, material, plastic and a Build-A-Bear recordable voice box to wire herself for sound. Sometimes coming up with a good costume idea is the hardest part. She told me yesterday that she won 3rd prize in a Halloween costume contest that took place in Weymouth. Of course, the prize was a $25 gift certi…

Staple Remover

Today was my last day working for Staples. As I was walking down the stairway from the third floor, I thought it was appropriate that I was following a little boy dressed in a fireman's outfit down to the first floor. We had our annual Halloween party today at the office and I was happy to disappear off into the sunset hidden amongst all the families of Staples employees with their children for trick or treats. Our cafeteria was abuzz with over 500 registered children running around like crazy little people going from activity to activit…

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone! Just a quick note that the new 2006 Halloween Smurfs have been announced! I know it's amazing to know that these little guys (and gal) are still being produced, but wonders never cease when there's a strong fan base. So if you want in and you have $30.99 to spare for decorating next October-why not Smurf on over to MushroomVillage.com to place your pre-order today. These new 2006 Smurfs will be shipping next April! And that's no April Fool's Joke.

No Waiting

Jiffy Lube must be hurting for business because I saw a man standing on the outside of Jiffy Lube, on the corner of Rte 9 holding a big sign with bold red letters saying "NO WAITING". I was going by a little too quickly to look at this human billboard closely, but I would imagine him having the same blank dead stare as the homeless woman I see every day holding a similar sign begging for money. Imagine having a job like that. Imagine having to fill out a job application at Jiffy Lube so payroll taxes can be deducted from your mea…

Fred is Dead

Mom called me at work this past Monday to ask if I remembered who did the song called "Freddie's Dead." Of course I immediately knew what song she was referring to because it was from the SuperFly soundtrack back in the 70's. She and my dad were big fans of the movie back in their day. I happily told her that I had the CD and she asked if I could bring it up to her because she wanted to have someone at the nursing home listen to this particular song. I shouldn't have asked her why. Turns out one of the residents has this…

Can't Get Enough Of...

I go through these periods where I'll discover something and I become obsessed about it. I have to learn all that there is to know about it. If it's an actor, I've got watch every single movie they've ever been in. Example: my infamous Mel Gibson obsession. If it's an object, I start collecting everything related to that object. Example: Rubber Ducks. If it's a taste, I have to try every version of it. Example: French Onion Soup and Black Licorice. Television shows are also a classic example. My dad watched The X-Files…

I Did Deserve A Break Today!

My pal Rich and I went to McDonalds this afternoon for lunch. I haven't been to McDonalds in quite awhile so today was really both a fast food treat as well as a pleasant surprise. Did everyone out there realize that McDonalds has gotten a much needed makeover except me? I don't know if I have Super Size Me Morgan Spurlock to thank for this, but I suspect his little documentary had something to do with it. I ordered a Number 2 (Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Large Fries and Large Coke) for $5.13. Before I was able to zip up my purse my …

This Is Not A Drill

Yesterday I had a bit of excitement at work. I nearly got blown up. I was sitting at my computer working on some number-related activities and the fire alarm on our floor went off. The pre-programmed voice alerted us to a potential emergency saying that should our floor be affected (a.k.a. You're All Gonna Die), we would hear a special sound after the announcement. No sound came so I put my headphone back on and continued to groove on. The fire alarm sounded again. It's a really loud, annoying sound. This time I removed the headphone…

Starbucks Maple Latte Review

I met my friend Mark at Starbucks in Southborough this morning for some coffee talk before work. (We really were meeting so he could get the last episode of LOST I taped for him from my DVD because he fell asleep Wednesday night at 11:30 when it was on later because of the hated Red Sox baseball game.) He was given specific instructions to order me a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte with whipped cream. Upon arriving five minutes late, there he was standing in line unshaven in an old Hanes t-shirt about five people deep waiting to place our order. H…

Yet Another Dunkin Donuts Story

I love Dunkin Donuts coffee. Chris Rock refers to Krispy Kreme as having the appeal of crack cocaine to donut lovers across America. I simply love their inventive nature because they are always coming up with some new concoction of deliciousness for me to try out and thus get hooked. The latest is their Turtle Nut Latte. It's one of their Limited Time Only drinks and alas, it's time has come and apparently....gone. I stopped by the old Caldor Plaza DD hoping to buy Mom and I a Turtle Nut Latte this past Friday night. As I was walking …

Considering that I work for Staples , it's only appropriate that I recommend a new book that appears to be a parody of my life's work. I found out about it while browsing the local culture Arts & Entertainment section of Worcester Magazine because the author is appearing at Tatnuck Booksellers in their Worcester location on Wednesday, October 19th at 7pm. Mark your calendars. I think it's a book that is a parody of our catalog. If so, I cannot wait to get this. What a brilliant idea. Why didn't I think of it? I mean…

Soulful Stare

81405 421 , originally uploaded by ransomz . This pic perfectly represents why I love Beagles so much. I love how expressive a Beagle's face can be and I can never be in a bad mood being around a Beagle.

The Root of Evil - Part One

There's nothing like a dental emergency t o really make you appreciate a skilled dentist. In particular, my dentist Dr. John Scanlon of Boylston Dental gives new meaning to the term artisan. I am partial to Dr. Scanlon as I've been a patient for a few years and remained one in good standing because I just kept coming back for regularly scheduled cleanings. Mind you, I wasn't a flosser--but more on that later. I stopped in for a quick look-see under the hood while on vacation last week because my post/crown was feeling a little lo…

Easy Rider

Mom was complaining to me last night about this new 80-year old woman who is a new resident at the nursing home. Apparently she likes to plaster on the makeup and has this annoying habit of applying mascara during mealtime. Not being able to take it anymore, my mom issued her an ultimatum: Either you take that bag off the table and put it on the floor where I don't have to see it or I'm gonna throw it across the room! None of those old ladies can mess with my mom and the lady took her bag off the table. Mom went on to tell me how thi…

Surry Mountain Dam

This is a picture of the dam that I was caught speeding on this past Saturday. It doesn't look very high, but believe me when I say that my heart was racing and I couldn't wait to get off it!

Brothers In Farms

This past Saturday found the Perry clan squeezed into the family Saturn on our way to a Perry Family Reunion taking place at Surry Mountain Lake in New Hampshire. My husband's side of the family all originated from Hardwick, Vermont. Spencer's grandfather moved from Spain to Vermont to become a farmer and raised a very, very large family of 6 sons and 1 daughter. (I may be slightly off on the headcount so you'll have to permit me so slack...let's just say there are alot.) All of the children have passed on except for my fath…

Miami Revisited

As we approach the three quarter mark of Summer being nearly over (THANK GOD!), I wanted to let you all know that the local DPW has begun encroaching upon my property laying above-ground pipes to create a new and improved water main. I don't quite know how this will improve my daily life on Miami Street, but I do know that each and every day going forward brings me uncertainty. Will I be able to get out of my driveway to leave for work in the morning? Will I come home to discarded Dunkin Donuts coffee cups strewn all over my lawn? Will …

Employee Discounts Part 2

No sooner did I bitch and complain about big car companies sharing their employee discounts with the whole freakin' world...now MY own company has done the same. No more secrets from you going forward. Staples is offering for a limited time only my 12% discount. So I checked my Outlook address book and did my duty by sharing the news with all of my friends and family. What the hell? It's not like I'm going to be using it by this Saturday. I've really got to wonder why all these big companies are spreading the employee discou…

Smokey and the Bandit

My interest in wanting to see Smokey and the Bandit again all started from a family ride back from The Cheesecake Factory last Saturday. My father-in-law George was riding shotgun and popped in a cassette tape he had lying around in the console of the car to add some music to our ride home down Route 9. Suddenly a very familiar song started playing and we all started talking about how that song defined the movie Smokey and the Bandit. I said, "Oh, I should rent that movie from Netlfix . I LOVED that movie when it came out." Here are…

Two Fat Chicks

It's official. I'm fat. There--I freaking said it and there's no turning back now because everyone is going to read this and know. How do I know I'm fat aside from the obvious tonnage and the near death experience living day-to-day in this mortifying heat? I know I'm fat because a smart-ass teen referred to me and my mom tonight as "...those two fat chicks" as they were walking ahead of us in the parking lot of Kohl's at The Shoppes at BlackStone Valley. It happened like this. These 3 teenage boys were walki…

Employee Discounts

You'd think working for one of the Top 3 Office Supply Retailers would afford me a hefty discount on office supplies...but it doesn't. It's one of the biggest misconceptions going about the perks for working at this major retailer. I seriously think one of my biggest perks is actually our Moobella ice cream machine we have in our All-In-One sundry shop where I can choose a flavor of ice cream and even a mix-in ingrediant all from the press of a few buttons and WHAMO-a beautiful dollup of pre-mixed ice cream in a cup for less than …

The Hunt is Over!

I finally own Darth Tater ! The Star Wars toy that I have been endlessly searching the toy aisles for endlessly over the past three months is finally in my possession courtesy of Target at Lincoln Plaza in Worcester. I knew eventually I'd come across it in some markdown bin about 2 years after all the hoopla over Revenge of the Sith died down, but I just never imagined I'd find it so soon.

To Catch A Thief

Mom was extremely upset last night because someone stole the fancy antique clock in the coffee shop of her nursing home at some point over the holiday weekend. "I mean, who would steal a clock?" she asked me in disgust. This isn't the first time something precious has been stolen either. A few weeks back, the thief walked off with a very nice portable stereo with detachable speakers that was perched high up on a shelf in the very same coffee shop. So now the old folks are left without two basic neccessities: a clock to watch tim…

I Scream for Black Licorice Ice Cream!

Licorice. Either you love it or hate it. Fortunately, I LOVE it with a passion. I am a black licorice connoisseur. I am always on the hunt for the latest new product featuring black licorice such as licorice Altoids or the back-from-the-dead Switzer brand. I had heard a rumor from someone that I work with that Cold Stone Creamery had black licorice ice cream, but when I visited their store on Route 9 in Southboro--they didn't even know what I was talking about. In fact, the girl kind of looked at me funny like I might have suggested mixing…

Happy Fourth of July from Minnie! Photo by Spencer J. Perry

Nosey No More

I was visiting my mom last night at the nursing home and as usual, I was hustling her out the door so we could make our weekly trip to CVS before they closed for the night. I decided to pass on stopping in across the hall to say hello to her friend Helen because we were kind of in a hurry. Thinking I could just stop in to see her another time, my mom says, "Well, I just thought you'd like to say hello seeing that she's only got half a nose now." I stopped walking, stunned by what she just said. And then my mom laughed saying,…

Freecycling

I subscribe to a mailing list called Wachusett Regional MA Freecycling where people can post things they would like to give away. It's a really useful list especially if you're cleaning out a basement or trying to declutter your life. Have an old coffee table that you never use and is taking up space? Post it and someone will want it. Sometimes I post items myself and get great responses from people who are happy to drive to my door to pick up what I'm offering for free. The only effort needed is posting the item, sending the int…

The Fruit is Always Sweeter...

Every Monday it's the same conversation: "So...what did you do this weekend?" Well, for starters, I weaseled a trip to Longhorns Steak House in Marlborough with Spencer on Saturday. It was hotter than hell and what better way to cool off than with a nice hot steak and a baked potato? Seriously, I know I'm fantastically insane...but I like meat. Our lunch was actually pretty underwhelming, but that's for another blog. What I want to tell you about today is our little side trip to a grocery store called Hannaford which i…

Long Live Ant Music

My friend Michelle and I went to see Duran Duran on April 1st. Just before the concert began, we noticed they were playing an Adam Ant song over the loudspeakers. We both kind of looked at each other and had one of those recognizable "Ah Ha" moments. I had totally forgotten all about Adam Ant and I really, really loved him back in the 80's. I remember buying his Strip album from one of those record clubs and thinking how he was all sexy looking lying in a pile of hay with some wheat sticking out of his mouth. Spencer was able…

Out-of-Office Nightmare

Working in an office requires you to leave an out-of-office reply to anyone sending you emails while you're away. It's a common courtesy to let them know when you'll be returning. For the most part, people keep their messages pretty ordinary. Except for this guy that I work with who decided to be cute in his message. Bear in mind this man is well over 40 years old and certainly should know better than doing this. This was his out-of-office message in Outlook: From: John Doe Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 8:22 AM To: Jane Doe Subject…

Sign(s) of the Times

Karen and I watched the James Brooks movie Spanglish last night together. The movie explores a multitude of relationships, but the overall joke is how the Spanish-speaking mother struggles to learn English over the course of the movie. Karen began telling me how her niece Rebecca LOVES the cartoon Dora the Explorer. Apparently the little girl is getting pretty adept at speaking Spanish just from watching cartoons. We both laughed and said these cartoons should have been around when I was growing up and I would have never failed Spanish class…

Happy Father's Day...Dad

It’s late and I really should be drifting off to sleep by now, but tonight’s a tough one for me because tomorrow is Father’s Day. It’s been seven years without him... I got to thinking tonight about how I’m my father’s daughter. He taught me that the glass is always half full when my mom would lead me to believe otherwise. Thankfully his version of the truth always stuck. I am grateful that I am as good-natured and even tempered as my father. My dad taught me to go with the flow. He liked the phrase, "Don't let the turkeys get you do…