Crazy Memorial Day Weekend....for us, anyway

Things have been a buzz around here, so busy, I have hardly had 2 minutes to sit down and write my little blog.  I am taking the time this morning because I have a tiny little window of opportunity, this quiet (not for long) Sunday morning.

I have begun a new part of my life through a new business venture and that had taken up a lot of my time.  I am still happily buying gold whenever I can and managing the gold buying division, but am thinking of different ways of branding myself and my businesses.  This new business is creating such a buzz and excitement, it is contagious. Hosts that were disappointed that people were not coming are now so excited to offer their guests the opportunity to shrink their bodies and fatten up their wallets at the same time. I call it the Melt Party.  
Melt your body and your gold and silver.  Result?  Come out richer AND skinnier!  Gotta love it.  Works like a charm.  This up coming month should provide fruitful and I am excited!!

As far as Family goes, things are buzzing wildly because Tabor Idol is upon us (a fundraising concert we put on in our town)  and we are all gearing up to participate.  Well, most of us are.  The older girls are rehearsing, non stop and hubby and I are trying to decide what we should sing together.  We still can't decide.  

I am going to sing Songbird by Fleetwood Mac and Hey You by Pink Floyd.   I just love those songs and it should turn out good.  I just have to get a band to back me up for the awesome rock interlude.  (May have to turn to a music background)  Either way, it fills the rock star yen in all of us here at the Bozza abode. 

Then there is Memorial Day!  We went to our first parade yesterday in the town over from us, where hubby grew up and it was fun!  I got to sit with an old friend and visit with some family briefly, although I missed my little smushy God-Son and that was a bummer....
Although the parade got off to a late start, I was pleased that the kids behaved very well and I got to use my new beach chair, which I am in love with.  I may buy a couple more for the boys...or have them pay for it themselves. :)  

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Five Question Friday! 5/25/12

1. Are you a napper?

Yes, but usually when I am sick or pregnant or my body just tells me to. Not a regular occurrence.

2. What was your favorite subject in school? Most hated?

Social Studies. Hated Math.

3. Did you have the something old new borrowed and blue at your wedding? What were they?

Borrowed was my cousin in law's veil, can't recall if there was anything blue.

4. What one thing are you determined to do this summer.

Build my new business up, spend time with the kids at the pool.

5. Ice cream or Popsicles?

Ice cream is great, but the amount can get out of control. Popsicles are nice because there is more of a chance of portion control.

Happy Birthday, 3rd Son

May is a crazy, crazy month.  First is my Sister's Anniversary, my Mom's Birthday, my Daughter's Birthday, My Niece/GodDaughter's Birthday, My Birthday, and my Son's Birthday.  May is finally winding down.  My Son's Birthday is the sign that it is all finally coming to an end.

Nathan was born to 2 older Brothers in the wee hours of the morning.  I remember it well since hubby was falling asleep while I was in labor and I kept nudging him to stay awake.

After we got home, I was, of course in love, but there was something very different about this baby.  I noticed that when he looked at me, he looked at me as if he knew me before.  It was the strangest thing.
It was an eerie feeling at first, but the feeling passed, as he was my little bundle of joy. He was a very happy baby and very receptive to song.  He loved bouncing around to Gloria Estefan's Reach Album, especially Party Time. He would just bounce every ounce of his little body all over the place. It was so funny to watch!  He was a fun baby.

Fast Forward to today, Nathan is a talented Drummer, who tinkles on the piano, marches in the Drum Line Section of the Marching Band at his High School as well as the Concert Band and Pit Band for the School's plays.

We are proud of Nathan and his talents.

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl...

Today is actually my Birthday, but I did not have time to write about my 1st baby Girl on her Birthday, so I am going to dedicate this blog entry to her.

My eldest Daughter was born to 3 older Brothers who fell in love with her and to parents who were very happy to have a girl. (Especially Mommy)

It was so much fun to dress her up and dream of shopping days and makeup sessions.  She was a good baby, but a screamer, since she did not speak until about 16 months old (in our immediate family, that is late, since we are mostly all loud)  Her first words?

"MINE!!!"  As my family members can attest, this little girl was a screamer! 

Funny thing is, she is on the quiet side now...and, oddly enough,
when she went to Pre-School, she did not speak to any adults, except the beloved Mrs. Burger. ;)

Now she is a growing, talented teenager with a beautiful voice and a very creative, lefty who has the world as her oyster.  We are proud of you!

Happy Birthday, you make us proud!

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Five Question Friday!

1. What’s the last thing you bought for yourself?
The last thing I bought for myself was a new business!  The company is called It works Global and it is such an awesome company!
I will start using my Ultimate Makeover Body Wraps as soon as I get them to help women and men lose inches off their bodies!

I am so excited!  You can check it out here:  
www.bozza.myitworks.com

or here:  https://www.facebook.com/wrapwithmealiciab

I personally lost over 4 inches off my body in 45 minutes!!

2. What is your favorite meal on a hot summer day?
Cucumber Salad with fresh tomatoes from the garden mixed with vinegar and basil....mmmmmm

3. Have you started looking at swimsuits for this year, and do you buy a new one every year?
I might buy a new one this year....maybe the bikini I have always wanted!!  Now that I am part of  a new
company that could give me that luxury with out surgery!! :)  Tee Hee!!!  So happy!!!

4. What kind of candy are you like?
Everlasting Gobstopper... I can be like the Energizer Bunny  and sometimes I am hard...
on myself and others, but sweet, nonetheless.

5. What are you most passionate about?
Providing for my family
Singing
My friends
Helping other people
My little town

Loudly yours,
Alicia

Truthful Tuesday 5/15/12

Truth.


I wish I had a plane that I could hop on and fly away for a day. Alone. Just to recharge my batteries.

Reality.


I don't. So I day dream about going away to places near and far.


Truth.


I love my family, but sometimes I just want to go forward, free.

Reality.


I am a responsible Mother and Wife and running forward, free is not one of those things you can do if you are a good Mother and Wife.  I am sure it would get really old, really fast.  It is just the idea of being free that seems amazing.  I have to think to myself, "what would being free really entail?"  I would be missing out on free kisses, free hugs, free conversations, free love from my kids and husband.  I would miss that. Truly.


Truth.


I want to be a recording artist who sells recordings.  I want to be on Broadway.

Reality.


I have a job and 7 kids and one wonderful Husband.  Time away from all of them right now is not much of an option.  The truth is, they need me.  I am the house Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer.  Things would not function well without me and it would be costly to try and replace me. I still record stuff, but it is out there for free and for now, I'll take the joy of making the recordings, even if it is just on my iPad or Droid Cell Phone. 


Truth.


I hate rehearsing in front of other people, unless it is my family.  I want people to see the finished product, not the yuck that comes with the stuff on the way to making it sound great. 


I love the bond that I share with those who listen to my song.  If I am singing the song properly, there is a connection between me and my listeners that is broken if sung in a wrong key or if the timing is wrong. 


I love that a song can bring people together to a different place.  I love it when I am singing at Mass and people close their eyes so their ears can hear better.  That means I am doing my job to get the message I am trying to send to them.  That God loves them and that there is hope.  I am fortunate to have the honor of being the one who gets to tell them that message.  Really honored.


And that is just the truth!


Loudly yours,


Alicia

Mother's Day recap 2012

Sore.  That is what I am the day after Mother's Day.  Why?  I spent it in the garden, ripping apart the front walkway flowerbeds.  I needed to get the beds weed free and ready to fight those weeds for the season.

It took me about 5 hours to finish.  I had some visitors who "helped" along the way and took some breaks with my awesome neighbors and my family, too.  

Mother's Day was busy in the morning, too as I sang at a Mass at 10:30 in a little Church about 10 minutes from my house, then a quick shot down a couple highways to my own Parish to sing there, too.

I love to sing, but I really wanted to be in the garden, digging in the dirt.  There is just something about getting into the soil that I just love.  

The funny thing is, I am not a fan of being dirty or smelling like dirt.  I am not even a fan of the way the kids smell after playing outside, especially in the dirt; but when I am in the dirt, I can't smell a thing.
My favorite thing to do every Mother's Day is to be given time, unhindered by disruption in the garden.  Yes, I am very sore from yesterday, but it is a happy sore.

And boy, do I still have a lot of work to do!!

Loudly yours,


Alicia

Five Question Friday 5/11/12

Thank you, #fivecrookedhalos for today's questions!


1. What advice would you give a couple getting married?

Learn your love languages!!  It is vital to understand how you love and you feel that you are loved.  Knowing that information can be such a God-send to your marriage and can help you know how to love and how your lover loves you!
Never heard of it?    Take the TEST!  

You will be glad you did.  It's free. :)

2. If you could tell your 16 year old self ONE thing, what would it be?
Believe in yourself, never worry what others are thinking.

3. What do you do to keep cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)
Go to the pool, kick on the ac, put a cool pack on the back of our necks.

4. What did you (or your wife) crave most while pregnant?
A lot of different things, but the funniest was the McDonald's Ice Cream Cone.  Just plain vanilla.  I had such cravings. 

5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?
One of my favorite TV moms is Angie from George Lopez and Deb from Everybody Loves Raymond because they were so down to earth and real Moms.


Loudly yours,
Alicia

Wordless Wednesday 5/9/12

Truthful Tuesday 5/8/12

I am excited, as 3 of my kids are gearing up to their opening night of Fiddler on the Roof at their school. The younger two are in the chorus, but my eldest Daughter is playing the role of Hodel, the daughter who moves to Siberia to be with the one she loves.

I am going to be in the front row with the camera and probably crying. Why?  I just love everything to do with the stage and the telling of a story.




To tell the truth, it is my opinion that there is something so magical about music and the portrayal of a story.


I have written on many occasion regarding my greatest desire to be on the Broadway Stage.  

Why, exactly? It is just to be in the spotlight?  

No, not exactly. 

I am lucky to have that honor as a Church Cantor in the Catholic Church. (I know singing at Mass is not about me, but I am highly visible, thus in the "spotlight")

Week after week, it is my goal to offer the story of how God loves you and how He is there for us always.  It is an honor and I swear there are many times I feel as if the songs I am singing are speaking directly to my own heart. 

There is just something so magical about how the telling of a story just takes you away.  It whisks you off to somewhere else, other than where you life has led you at the moment.  Not to say that you always want to be away from your current situation, but it can serve as a delicious form of distraction from any stresses or concerns, just for a little while.

When you have the right chemistry between a singer and music or an actor and their lines, it is just the right amount of energy to propel a person from where they are to where the actor or the singer wants you to be.  

THAT is what I want to be a part of on the Broadway stage.  To have the pleasure of taking people away, out of their current life, to a place the spirit can soar, united in the story. 

Any good entertainer can take people away with their mic and their voice for that matter.  There is just something in the energy of their song that just takes you away.


Music is an amazing tool to unite people everywhere.  Its language is understood by all.  Just like a smile has a way to connect to one another, the same can be said for the power of music.


Take for instance, Playing for A Change.  They search countries all over the world for choice musicians and unite them in song.  Just beautiful!  I especially love their latest collaboration, done all in Mexico.  It's amazing to watch.  I loved it.


[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/41400522 w=400&h=300]

Thru a friend on my Facebook page, I was treated to a song from Next to Normal which was performed at at Broadway Rocks, a concert held on this past May 6th.

It just amazed me how their performance transformed me to the Next to Normal Stage with no props, no backdrops, nothing but them and the musicians.  Only their voices were needed to transport me up and away into their story.  What a gift for both the performers and those who are lucky enough to listen. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150904601111043
Loudly yours,

Alicia

Pruning....

At today's Mass, the Gospel focused on us being branches on vines and how we could not bear any fruit apart from the vine. It also spoke of the necessity of pruning the branches, in order for the branches to grow and provide more fruit.  Today, for me, is a day of pruning.

 
It was the last time four of my little Cherubs singers will be singing with me.  We sang for  the First Communicants, including my sweet Nephew, who crowned Mary before Mass began.  It was precious. 
( Even though, I forgot to turn on the mic on!)


The song is so sweet and an old tradition to honor Mary in the month of May.

It is almost fitting that a song to honor Mary, who was pruned most of her life was the last song my senior Cherubs will sing.... a bittersweet day for me as my little Cherubs will be moving on.


Does not sound like  big deal, but when you have a grand total of 8, it can be a bit worrisome.


It is a pruning that forces me to believe that God will provide some new little voices to sing twice a month prior to the 9 am Masses.


I will trust that God will send me some more little ones, but for now, I wish my little ones well, as they graduate to the big choir and that their voices blend with them to create even more beauty than they already have sung in our choir.


Loudly yours,


Alicia

Five Question Friday 5/4/12

1. What did you wear to prom? Include a picture if possible.

Here is a picture of my Junior Prom with my friend, John Slater.  I was never asked to Prom by anyone in my school.  (rolling eyes) So, I had to import a prom date Junior and Senior year.  John and I went to Grammar School together and he was always so sweet.  (I think we made a great prom couple, don't you?)  My Mom dropped me off at his house and he drove to the prom in his White Altima, which I loved since it looked like a Mercedes.  It was fun arriving in his car.  I did not get to ride in a limo for prom, but had the chance on my Wedding Day. :)  He was so sweet to match me to a tee and buy a beautiful corsage.  It was a "coming out" kind of feeling for me, that Prom Night.  I felt like a Princess and had the feeling I was grown up on that day. It was a very special night to be alone with a guy and all my friends, dancing the night away. My husband and kids don't understand why I keep this picture, but it is special to me because it was SUCH an exciting start to being a woman from a little girl. We had a great night.  He was such a gentleman and a great date.  No kiss though....that was a bummer.

2. Would you rather be on the biggest loser or a food eating challenge?

Probably biggest loser.  Food challenge? No....I have a weak stomach these days and would much rather lose the weight, although I do not have that much weight to lose to be on the show, unless I wanted to look anorexic.  No thanks.

3. Done fave sonic drink? Refreshing summer drink? (Hey, Kristina...was that a typo, or some "done good" Southern thing?)

My favorite Summer Drink is a Sangria Slushie.  It is kind of a fruit smoothie except with Yago Wine and lots of ice.  Love it.
Frozen blueberries, strawberries, etc too.
It is a hit at my summer parties, which I love to host.

4. What was your first car, and what did you call it?

Ah, my first car.  It was a beautiful Monte Carlo.  Beautiful brown with a Notre Dame Sticker in the back window. (Coincidentally, my Son has a car with the same dang sticker, in the same place...weird)  I called her Monte.....and I loved to drive her everywhere.  Monte even saved my life when I got into an accident.  Totaled that poor baby, but I will always remember her for saving my life. Good ole Monte.

5. What's one thing your child or spouse does that sends you over the edge?

One thing?  That is so hard to pinpoint.  I do have a child that sends me over the edge, who will be nameless, but that "CHILD" loves to aggravate the other children in the house by teasing, making fun, hoarding games, computer time, snack food, you name it.  This "CHILD" is older and I believe should know better, but they DON'T.  :)  THAT sends me over the edge.  Husband is almost perfect, but I don't like sitting near him when it is quiet and he is chewing. (Love you, honey....he hardly reads my blog, but just in case....)

Loudly yours,
Alicia

Thank you #five crooked halos for the questions....

GRATEFULNESS JOURNAL
1. AN EYE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
2. OLD FRIENDS
3. FACEBOOK TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS
4. MY TREADMILL
5. FUNNY KIDS

Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences...aka DAAS

I was especially taken with a bunch of kids from Detroit this week. 

Detroit, Michigan, know by some as the murder capital of the world. Not much good news coming out of there, right?  Wrong. 

A young group of students from the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences are going to change your mind and your heart, to boot.

Their enthusiasm for their City is contagious and even more important, full of hope.

Jenna Bush Hager, correspondent for NBC News and the "Today Show" interviewed the students and their innovative teacher, Ms. Angela Kee. 

Ms. Kee  gave her students the assignment to re-write Empire State of Mind, to reflect a celebration of Detroit, thus, creating "Detroit State of Mind", as well as a phenomenon that has put the spirits of these children and those who live in Detroit, into orbit.  It was exactly what the City needed, a boost, to give a well needed sense of pride instead of dread.  The results have been amazing and almost 60k hits later on You Tube, these children are enjoying a well deserved place in the spotlight.

You can see their video here. 

The Jenna Bush Hager interview here.

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47244686#47244686
Detroit Fox News interview here.

Another short interview with the kids here.

I am so happy for these kids and can't wait to see what their futures bring.

Loudly yours,
Alicia

GRATEFULNESS JOURNAL
1. MY TALENTED KIDS
2.  MY DEAR HUSBAND
3. MY ENTHUSIASM
4.  MY FRIENDSHIPS
5.  GOOD SITUATIONS THAT COME OUT OF BAD

Gratititude

I caught a little bit of Oprah's Masterclass a couple of nights ago and was reminded of the Gratitude Journal and how that helps most everyone appreciate what they have in life.  Many say that they have grown through the journal and how it has changed their life.  So, in honor of being grateful, I am going to post, at the end of every blog entry, what I am most grateful for. 

I will start today.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR:

A healthy family
The gift of my voice
My ever evolving garden especially my ivy covered post fence
The precious little town I live in
All my good friends who live here with me

Loudly yours,
Alicia

Date night at the shooting range!

Last night my good friend held a fund raiser for her cause, as she is supporting the fight against Lymphoma.  In about a week, she will be running a half marathon in Long Branch, NJ, coinciding with her fund raising efforts.  One of the ways she chose to raise funds was through the range her husband and his partners own.  When my friend chose to have the fund raiser, I thought it might be a good date night for hubby and me while helping my friend along.

RTSP is a new, "State of the art firearms training facility catering to civilian, law enforcement and military personnel located in Randolph, NJ. It is RTSP's mission to train people to safely own and enjoy firearms for hunting, sporting and defensive purposes. Through training and education, firearm skills promotes discipline, responsibility and the ability to defend oneself and family."

I have to admit, at first I was reluctant to try and I let my husband go first.  I felt so awkward putting my hands on the gun and it took a bunch of tries to get comfortable wrapping my hands around it properly.  Putting the bullets in the magazine was a little bit of a struggle, but by the end of the rounds, it came a lot more natural to fill the magazine, load it, pull the slide, wrap my hands around it and be ready to go!


On my 2nd turn of 5 bullets, I took 3 shots, practically in the same spot.  "We have a shooter!!" exclaimed my gun safety officer.  I have to admit, I did feel a sense of pride, being able to shoot the gun with some rookie success.  I definitely want to go again very soon.

Loudly yours,


Alicia

Truthful Tuesday 5/1/11

It is truthful Tuesday and I have to admit, I am reluctant to start this entry, but I will anyway.  I am a believer of decoding dreams and boy, do I have some strange ones!

I recently found a book called Complete Dream Book: Discover What your Dreams Reveal About You and Your Life. by Gillian Holloway.
I LOVE this book.  It is so thorough and no matter how weird your dream is, it can unravel it for you.  

You can see a clip about her book HERE.

Gillian says that we should not take our dream literally, but symbolically, and that we should take action from the message the dream gives to us.

40% of the people in the world do not remember their dreams, but thankfully, I am one of the 60%.

Lately, I have been having nonsensical dreams, but through research in her book, it makes a lot of sense.  For instance, I had a dream that someone I know (a male) was mad at me and punched the hood of my car!  I woke up scared and through research, I found out it was about a frustration I was having with a specific task at work.  There were a few specific items in the dream that were significant.  The car was red (passion), the car was on my right side (present day vs the past), the car was parked (stuck feeling), denting the car (my frustration at feeling stuck).

I am happy to have this resource in my library to help figure out what my dreams are trying to tell me!





Loudly yours,
Alicia