That’s My Jam

I find it’s best to just say yes…I mean within reason, but there hasn't been much that I haven’t enjoyed…whether it’s glassblowing or cornhole. Stuff I’ve never done, just because I didn’t know what I was doing. Anyway, I went to an 80s music trivia game tonight. Honestly, didn’t know the format, and even for the almost Beat Shazam contestant that I could’ve been…there was some toughies. But, my team finished in the top 10 out of 28 teams..and I won for best team name… Getting Trivvy With It. 🙂 Too fun!

And I still work!

Proof…me geeking out at a lab.

Whirlwind

I can't believe I haven't written in a month! So much going on...

Old people dance party: I gathered a lot of my favorite people to attend a new trends... an 80s/90s dance party that goes from 5-9 pm. Strongly recommend this, btw... we danced our asses off for 4 hours, had time to pre-game, then come home and post-game. Bonus was sporting a hot pink wig!

Night in Venice: this was a bunch of fun with Cousin Eddie as the Grand Marshall. Added bonus: I bought a life-size Clark Griswold cutout which I zip-tied to the house. Random people stopped and took selfies, just a hoot. Plus, Clark will now attend all my ugly sweater parties.

Interior decorating: thanks to one of my lovely husbands on loan, we got the Archie / Arthur Fonzarelli the AC cranking. I also purchased the super comfy chairs and such. It was definitely worth it, but I have zero plans to do another 'down to the studs' home renovation project. A few paint and floor jobs, sure... but trying my hand as a perfectionist, ugh... I managed to even annoy ChatGPT trying to pick the perfect decor.

Leapin' lizard (the 2026 edition): this year, an Italian wall lizard decided to come inside my house. I found it lounging on Holly's dog bed, and I screamed so loud it ran. I was hoping it had left, but then it took off under my bar. One step too far, Felix... depsite dear old dad trying to find it, we can't officially say Felix is gone, but he has learned to not come near me.

So. Many. Parties.: Like really, who knew that turning 50 is as celebrated as turning 21... I couldn't even make all of them, but I did manage to pull off a surprise party. I'm not quite sure how, given I'm a horrible liar, but, we got it done.

And these are a few highlights... this weekend, is my Fantasy Football draft and we have some new players, which I'm thrilled about...

It's been an exhausting life, but someone has to live it!

Smooches,

G

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

But I Won't Do That...

Yesterday, I received a very interesting recruiting offer that came with a $1M+ annual salary and an amazing opportunity. 

I looked at it for a bit... then I politely declined and recommended one of my former colleagues who would rock at that job.

Should I've taken the money and run? It has taken a very long time of lessons learned to know my well-being and time with my family and friends is worth well over that price tag.

I won't be an annual millionaire... what can ya do?

So, past G... in the words of Tom Papa... Look at you... Look. At. You!

Friday, July 10, 2026

Yes, it happened again

Ok - to state what I think is the obvious, but, I get why it may not be - NO, I am not getting married again. 

Moving on... a time-honored tradition in my family is somehow screwing up my birthday. It has been forgotten, with several wrong names on my cakes and balloons, etc. Just a veritable shit show.

This is a milestone year... not that I feel like writing the number, but a big one. Apparently, not big or memorable enough.

Here's the story:

Dad calls, freaking out about what to get Mom for a birthday gift. They're both in their late 80s, and quite honestly, there is nothing left to get them. But, Dad has an idea - he wants to take Mom to see Harry Connick Jr. I told him that's a solid gift and he asks for my help to get the tickets. Here's the conversation:

Dad: He's coming to the Borgata.

(G googling)

Me: Yep, I see that... it's on the 24th. 

Dad: Yes.

Me: July 24th.

Dad: Yes.

Me: My birthday.

Dad: Well, he's not coming on her birthday.

Me: Got it... just the 2 tickets then? (giving him yet another chance).

Dad: Yes, it's expensive!

Being the awesome daughter that I am, I purchase. Later that day, my dad and sister are together on speakerphone.

Me: Tell my sister what you got, Mom.

Dad: Tickets to see Harry Connick.

Me: Now tell her when.

Dad: July 24.

Sister: Gina's birthday?

Dad: Oh shit... 

Now, you'd think it would end there... but, this is my family. Flash forward to Mom opening her gifts, which include a lovely, designed card with this wonderful news.

Mom: Wow! Harry Connick!

Sister: Yes, look at the date.

Mom: Yea... it says July 24.

Sister: Yes... 

Mom: I don't get it. (to be fair, she is Polish)

Sister: If the concert was on Dec. 14, would you go?

Mom: No, that's your birthday.

(Cue G in a mixture of disbelief, laughter and speed-dialing my therapist)

Ok, have I played this into the biggest guilt trip ever? Hell yes, I did!

Am I really upset? Nah... my big plan is to relax with wine.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Hot Boy Summer

This is a newer tradition for me, but I’m proud to announce that my 2026 summer boyfriend is… Benson Boone!!

Yes, the dudes have gotten progressively younger but oh well.

Past honorees: 2025 - Sam Cieri; 2024 - Glen Powell; 2023 (and many years prior) - Jason Momoa

Friday, June 26, 2026

Louder for the boys in the back...

"The commonest form, one of the most often neglected, and the safest opportunity for the average man to seize, is hard work."

- Arthur Brisbane

Unrelated, I realized that I glossed over my urgent care trip, which led to my fun new PT experience. Basically, I woke up old, limping, and with a swollen leg. Despite walking an hour a day, it turns out my hip needed to be popped into place, and I do a bunch of strengthening exercises for 45 minutes every other day. Super exciting, but according to orthopedics - my knees look great, so I guess it could've been worse!

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Let's Keep Dancing...

I can't get this song out of my head today:

I remember when I was a little girl, our house caught on fire
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up in his arms
And raced through the burning building, out to the pavement
And I stood there, shivering in my pajamas
And watched the whole world go up in flames
And when it was all over
I said to myself, "Is that all there is to a fire?"
Is that all there is?

Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

And when I was 12 years old, my daddy took me to the circus
The greatest show on earth
There were clowns and elephants, dancing bears
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads

And as I sat there watching
I had the feeling that something was missing
I don't know what, but when it was all over
I said to myself, "Is that all there is to the circus?"
Is that all there is?

Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

And then I fell in love with the most wonderful boy in the world
We take long walks down by the river
Or just sit for hours, gazing into each other's eyes
We were so very much in love

And then one day, he went away
And I thought I'd die, but I didn't
And when I didn't
I said to myself, "Is that all there is to love?"

Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep

I know what you must be saying to yourselves
"If that's the way she feels about it, why doesn't she just end it all?"
Oh, no, not me
I'm not ready for that final disappointment

'Cause I know, just as well as I'm standing here talking to you
And when that final moment comes, and I'm breathing my last breath
I'll be saying to myself

"Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is"

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