Chew On THIS Batman

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg5QBrwKF94

I didn't realize until recently that Batman isn't considered a true "Super"hero because technically, he doesn't have any super powers. He's just a guy that had a rough run and decided his goal was to fight crime. I think Batman is the coolest of the bunch and I consider him the ultimate Superhero. After all, he didn't have all the luxuries of x-ray vision, invisibility, speed or even flight. He did however, live in a pretty cool house; drove bad ride; had a loyal best friend; partnered with Batgirl, Catwoman and Wonder Woman; lived with a butler and kicked some serious ass. Did I mention that even his alter-ego was super cool? A philanthropic billionaire!



When I was younger, I didn't really take well to high school. I really enjoyed the social aspects but the academic part just wasn't for me. As a way to get me more involved, I was asked if I would be interested in interning for half the day in the industry of my choice. I chose a newspaper, specifically The Boston Globe. After a few weeks, I started my internship, except it wasn't at The Globe, it was at a local travel related newspaper. They placed me in the advertising sales department as an assistant to support a staff of 3 sales people. Three weeks into my internship, 2 out of the 3 staff members left the company. I stepped right up and took initiative and just started selling advertising. I was no longer an assistant and I didn't want to be. I started to climb and wanted to get higher.

 

 

It was at that travel related newspaper that I decided to set a career goal. It was important that I set both a short and long term goal. I wanted to first work at The Boston Globe and climb the ladder to the The New York Times. I graduated high school in June of 1993 and decided to travel that summer and return to the newspaper in the fall. Shortly after returning to work, my boss took me out to lunch that day to discuss something really important. I remember him looking at me and saying, "you need to revamp your goals". At first I thought I was being fired but then he handed me a map and said "there are several different ways to get to where you want to go but realize that sometimes there are detours. Those detours are just paths you didn't plan to travel on and finished with saying, "Congratulations, The New York Times just bought The Boston Globe". I felt uneasy all of a sudden and I wasn't sure why because this was supposed to be great news. I realized, I only knew the path I chose and he was right, I had to revamp my goals and I just didn't know how to take the short cut.

Eventually, my bat mobile got lost taking the short cut. I held various positions at various companies before I worked at The Boston Globe and The New York Times. Turns out, I enjoyed them very much. I didn't reach my short or long term goal in lighting speed; I was just a gal that got lost a little and arrived late but, Whoo hoo! I did it, so now what? Enjoy it. And so I did, I enjoyed it. Then I lost my job through a round of layoffs. I'm uneasy again. I guess I have to start up that bat mobile, pull out that map, embrace that unknown road; only this time, my short and long term goal is to enjoy the trip there and take the scenic route.

A Little Bite of This and a Little Bite of That

There are many people in my life that I look up to and admire. There is one person in particular that I believe had the most influence in my life, and that would be my sister Heidi. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful sister who has become one of my best friends. We are so much alike, but yet so different. The beauty of having her to look up to is that I could take a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, and incorporate them into my own self, but remain just that, myself. There is so much to be thankful for, so to put it in words is difficult, but here it goes.

Heidi, I know you already know this, but sometimes it's nice to have the reminder, I wanted to write to you to express how much you mean to me, and to thank you for being such a great role model. When we were younger, growing up as your little sister was a challenge, because in my eyes you were so great and I always felt that I wanted to be just like you. Somehow, you never made me feel like I was living in your shadow. You always pushed me ahead; in fact, sometimes even ahead of yourself.

Secondly, I want to thank you for picking me up from my many failures in life with a smile and a laugh. It made me stay true to my sense of humor and gave me the strength and courage to start over. I appreciate that you never you never judged me, and allowed me to be myself. You were always proud of me, even when I was in doubt.

On a final note, I am a better person because of you. As wild and free as I was as a kid, I remained a free spirit, but adopted a more grounded approach with your help. Thank you for always having my back even through the times that you may not have agreed with my decisions.

Love Always-

Randi

Through the many years together, you never let me down
You picked me up from failure and turned my life around

You always helped me through tough times when all I felt was fear
It seemed to be so easy to show that you just care

You always found me funny even just expressions on my face
I think it's because you know I just walk at my own pace

You love the fact that I am crazy, and you know you're crazy too
When we are both together, we become that crazy crew

Thanks for all the laughter and the tears that we both shared
And most of all, I want to say- thanks for being so damn weird

Love you Heidi

-Randi

My Flavorful Beginning

EST. 1975

 

 

Let's start with the basics that are not very basic at all. I think the basic fundamentals of a person are truly what are most important. My name is Randi Young and I am thirty eight years old entering my first year of college. I grew up in East Boston, Massachusetts which many refer to as the 02128. I haven't met too many people that had the privilege to experience the 02128 and not gain a certain pride, appreciation or at the very least a strong opinion about it.

I always loved to cook. I actually always loved to eat and cooking became a convenient hobby. The best thing about being a great cook is that you create a fan base which worked out great for me because my overall talents are limited. Food can really bring out the best in people and create a wonderful network and start the most wonderful conversations and it is alright to leave that conversation open ended or even better; an action! "Can you teach me how to make that" or "Can I have the recipe?"

My friends, family and colleagues would describe me as a hot headed Italian woman from the city that has a heart of gold and loyalty that is very rare. Fortunately, once my layers are peeled they realized that I am a person worth keeping around. Perhaps it is because of my meatball and sausage gravy (yes, we call it gravy in the 02128 NOT sauce!) that created my personal network through "open ended" conversations.


The anger does not reflect who I am

 

Things aren't always what they appear to be

Halos above the devils

Everyone has two sides

 

Anger isn't healthy

Never forget true feelings

Give in to your heart and mind

Evolve from hate

Resolve all issues

 

Dance through anger

Overcome the weakness

Expect to fall then rise

Surpass stubbornness

 

Never stop smiling

Or try to keep smiling

Talk yourself up

 

Remember happier times

Enjoy those memories

Free yourself from rage

Love yourself and others

Except who you are

Celebrate yourself

Think before you react

 

Wait until the right time

Hold off from yelling

Open your eyes to the truth

 

Inspire yourself and someone else

 

Aspire to be the real you

Me