This weekend was crazy, the weather was rainy and windy and the wedding was under a tent. I will admit that I was nervous of the fact it might go down during the wedding, luckily it held up, and the bride and groom seemed very happy. This weekend we have a wedding on Sunday, and I am so excited, because the husband and I are going away next weekend for my birthday. We are going to a Winery/Spa in Georgia it is called, "Chateau Elan". I have not booked any spa as of yet, but looking forward to it very much.

We had such a nice time Sunday and Monday, the weather cleared up and it was so nice outside, we went down to Portsmouth on Sunday, and went to the bookstore and then to see the movie, "District 9", it was a very interesting movie, it is hard to explain but I think everyone should go see it. Who is to say there aren't aliens out there?
What was great about it, they did not spoon feed the first encounter it wasn't even in the movie.

Today,was errand day, laundry, grocery shopping, we would of cleaned the apartment except that during the rain storm on Saturday, our ceiling started to fall apart. They came today and covered the whole but that was it, they need to really fix it and plaster it before the next storm.

OK, I have been avoiding it, but my "45" Birthday is coming upon me in 3 weeks. I am so surprised by it, not that I didn't know it was coming more like where have the last 20 years gone? Sometimes, I feel as if I am still 22 years old and finally on my own, and then the next thing I know I am 45 years old.

I have had relationships crash and burn, I have lost some friends along the way, and some lovers, when do you realize you are not in a sitcom anymore? This may sound strange to some people, but seriously look at your life, have you ever thought you were on show? That someone was filming your life 24/7? Especially now, with reality TV taking over or really taken over the airwaves? When I was in college it was 1983, and MTV was "new" and we thought how cool is that? Our favorite songs with visual explanations of how we would imagine that song ( or not), I remember watching Madonna in the "like a Virgin" Video and then the very sexual performance on the MTV awards show. What did you think? Or "Billy Jean" or "Beat It" Michael Jackson? When I was "clubbing" it, those songs were huge and all over the D's turn table.

Those songs bring back memories to myself some good, some not so good. When you are in your 20's you think there is time for this and that, now that I am hitting "45" I wonder what in my life is going to change? How have I changed since 1987? I have lived on my own or with roommates since then, I have never owned a house, and in this economy that is probably best, but you must ask yourself is this it? Will I ever own anything? We move it seems every year or two when does it stop, what exactly am I looking for, to make me settle down? Right now, we do live in "Starrs Hollow" isn't that where we wanted to be? Or was that another illusion in my own mind in order to keep moving? Now, I am stressing am I going to lose another job? Am I going to be "laid off" again, and if so, can I bounce back again? Or that fact I am '45' going to hard for me to find another job?

The world can say we are not "ageism" but we are, look at the advertisements on TV, they are geared toward the younger crowd, the oldest they get is maybe early 30's. I am looking forward to "cougar town" with Courtney Cox, you go girl say it like it really is. The 40's supposedly is the new 30's but that is not how you feel when you are in your 40's.

Well, this weekend at work was like having a "root canal" and it not turning out exactly as the dentist thought it would. It was horrible, between the rain and my clients Sunday did not come fast enough.

Now, I have an annoying client who keeps calling without leaving messages because I am sure it will not be a good conversation. I have to bite my tongue when she calls so have decided she can now talk to my boss. I am done with her and her craziness. Yes, I may be a coward but I think if I talk to her, it will get ugly, so its better if I do not talk to her, and let her deal with my boss instead.

Work has been interesting today, our f&b manager had to be let go, due to his immaturity is my take. He has been harassing some of the young girls at work. I guess he was a bit intoxicated and tried to actually interview someone and then he made a 18 year old girl drive him around. What is that? After he was dismissed it was as if the flood gates were open, more bad stories have come around.

I hate for anyone to lose a job, but if these are in fact true, sounds like he deserved it big time. I want this weekend over, now!! (3) Weddings, I am not looking forward to it, is it Sunday yet? I want to spend time with the hubby...

Its Sunday Night, we are in Boston, the husband is downstairs talking business with one of his associates, I am upstairs in the room and it is actually fine. I am a bit toasty, alittle too much wine ( as if there is a possibility).

We found a great restaurant called "Laurel Grille & Bar" the website is www.laurelgrillandbar.com, if you are in Boston anytime soon check it out. They had a $19.95 fix price menu and it is the beginning of Restaurant week so there is another menu for that at $33.06 both 3 courses. I ordered off the menu and it was fabulous, I had Flank Steak, and the husband and his friend both ordered off the Restaurant Pre-Fix menu and enjoyed the whole dinner. The atmosphere is wonderful, the artistically details, the hardwood floors, color decor all contributed to a wonderful feeling evening.

Tomorrow we will of course, go to "Levenger" the husband's favorite place on the planet it seems sometimes. Today, I walked around the malls, and around the city, I do love being in a city. Boston has such a feel, different from NYC, each city fills me with hope. NYC fills me with the possibility of the stage ( I gave that up a long time ago) but I love to go to shows and museums. Boston fills me with history, and my background and heritage, I am a New England Girl. Chicago, to me fills me with excitement and sexiness. San Fransisco makes me feel as if I am a bohemian and can do anything to better the world. London, makes me feel as if I am a international traveler ( even though I love London because they speak English) What does your favorite cities make you feel like?

I think it is when you visit them, and you really feel the city not just look at it as a stop over, enjoy and learn the cities rhythm it is intoxicating.

Health Care is the big HOT BUTTON! Right now, so why are people surprised when people lose their cool and get excited? It is 104 pages of what? Has anyone actually read it? Who wrote it exactly? Why is AARP Supporting it when so many elderly are getting s*****? Have they noticed more people dropping memembership to AARP for supporting it? Why are the politicans not actually listening to the people who elected them? It is more political and they actually listening, it is out of control. I do believe this will not be the last "Town Hall Outbreak".

"A town hall meeting to discuss President Obama's health care reform descended into shouting and violence in a Tampa, Fla., suburb Thursday as angry opponents clashed with event organizers.

Close to 1,500 people came to Ybor City to attend the session on health care and insurance reform featuring Democratic State Rep. Betty Reed and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor before the event exploded into a near riot.

According to local media reports, the larger-than-expected crowd gathered outside the Hillsborough County Children's Board building, where several hundred people, mostly in opposition to government health care, began to loudly chant and scuffle with organizers posted at doorways after the auditorium filled to capacity.

A freelance videographer was roughed up in an altercation, which damaged his camera equipment and glasses, and at least one man was treated for minor injuries after a scuffle left his shirt partially torn from his body.

"That's the most violent anyone has been towards me," Mark Bishop told WTSP-TV. "It was surprising to say the least."

Video shot outside the auditorium showed several people holding signs and posters, banging on doors and windows, while others argued face-to-face and were seen screaming at one another in the parking lot as police looked on.

Inside, Democratic lawmakers had a difficult time delivering their opening remarks, as they were met with shouts of "You work for us!'' "Tyranny! tyranny! tyranny!'' and "Read the bill!" the Tampa Tribune reported.

As tensions rose further, Rep. Castor was escorted out of the town hall by police after Reed encouraged her to leave.

"They're hiding from their constituents. She works for us and needs to listen,'' Karen Jaroch, a homemaker and organizer for the 9-12 Project told the Tribune.

"We said all along our role was to come and give an update on the bill in Congress. That's what Betty Reed asked us to do ... and that's what we did," Castor spokeswoman Ellen Gedalius was quoted as saying.

Opponents said liberal organizers had attempted to allow early admission to those who were seen as favorable to health care plans making their way through Congress, but Reed denied the accusations, saying those brought in were organizers helping to set up the town hall.

"I represent a number of people who ask questions about what's going on with health care, so I thought it would be good to put on a meeting and have the congresswoman come in and give an update," Reed told the Tribune. "When you get to the point of possible violence, you've gone over the edge."

Top White House officials counseled Democratic senators Thursday on coping with disruptions at public events on health care this summer, officials said, and promised the party and allies would respond with twice the force if any individual lawmaker is criticized in television advertising.

In the week since the House began its break, several town hall-style meetings have been disrupted by noisy demonstrators. These episodes have drawn widespread media attention, and Republicans have seized on them as well as polls showing a decline in support for President Obama and his agenda as evidence that public support is lacking for his signature legislation.

About 20 protesters gathered in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Thursday to let Democratic Rep. Scott Murphy know they oppose the health care plans in Washington. They carried signs saying: "Obamacare Seniors beware! Rationing is here," and "If socialized medicine is best ... why didn't Ted Kennedy go to Canada?" Motorists honked as they drove by.

So far, three House committees have approved health care legislation, and a measure is expected on the floor this fall. One committee has acted, and a bipartisan group of senators on the Finance Committee has been at work for weeks trying to draft a compromise plan."

August 1 - I am starting to feel as if I might lose another job. My sales have been down and lets me honest how much do I care? There is no incentive, and I am really not a greedy person, but without the proper commission basis and none on rooms exactly what is my incentive to work hard for this company?

I work hard for my clients and some appreciate it, but usually they ask for more and more from me, and give no appreciation back. I am still angry at the Father of the Bride from Jun 26 he is a compelete a** and is still running his mouth all over town. Luckily, my boss did not give in to his demands and we gave no money back, which is fair because he did not deserve any. This week, we had a nice piece of business and they took care of the staff, and were praising at every turn which sometimes makes it just as worthwhile.

Yesterday, our Rest. manager guy came in was asking my boss, about our lack of weddings and such, they had a good 30 minute conversation and ignored me. It hurt my feelings but on the other hand, I don't care. I love this industry and believe me do not want to lose another job, but it has been really hard for me this year, to bounce back out of being out of work for 5 months and then, jumping into a new place that was under construction for the first 4 months I was here. It is a learning process, but I know in my heart and head that the owners do not care, they want it to produce $$ and now.. It is nice having a new and polished product to sell. I know I am being paranoid but reading my journal from last year, I got this same feeling at the other place in July and look what happened in September?

When is the economy going to bounce back? Is it that or should I really look for another line of business?

Summer has arrived!! Sunday, the husband and I met up with my cousin and her husband and went on their boat and was on the Lake all day. It was the first time this year swimming in Lake Winnipesaukee. It was refreshing, once you dive in, it is a bit of a sting but once you are in it is great.

On Monday, we did errands around the house and then went down to Portsmouth, I was craving Chinesse and then saw "Harry Potter's" newest movie, can not wait for the next one. This one was better than the last one, but maybe it is because I read the book so long ago.

We are really enjoying this summer for a change. On the Weekend of the 19th we went camping up at Gunstock it was great, I read (3) books, sat by the pool, got some sun and the husband cooked some amazing meals over the fire pit. This weekend not any plans at the moment, but you never know. I hope everyone out there is having a great summer.

August always makes me feel like it is ending, and this August is no exception it will go flying by for me, due to so many weddings.

Summer has finally hit NH, so excited. Today, humid, hot and sticky but actually feels like July. I believe it is going to be a short summer since it took so long to get here, and soon enough the leaves will be changing, which I will be honest am truly looking forward to, which I have not in such a long time.

Fall has always been my favorite season growing up in CT, it seemed the best time of year, alot had to do with school starting and getting new clothes, and you never knew what is going to happen.

I have decided to bite the bullet and go camping with the husband this weekend if it doesn't rain. We bought that beautiful tent and last weekend we bought our sleeping bags, we have been acquiring our camp gear for about 2 years, and we think we might finally be all set, but you never know. This will be "car camping" at a camp ground that has showers, beach, pool etc. Not out in the woods. I need indoor plumbing. Part of me is excited and the other part is a bit nervous.

The husband and I have been a bit snippy at each other lately, and even though I will not admit it to him, it is more me then him. We are going away for my Birthday in September so excited...

Well, it has been quite awhile since I wrote. Let me start with the "rain" here in New Hampshire is getting on my nerves. We did end up with a wonderful July 4th weekend.

I have had some awful clients, who can not seem to figure out who exactly is to blame themselves and not giving a straight answer, or just because they want to complain. So far, it has been 3 major issues with clients and only (1) really has a complaint, the others just are...

July 4th, cleared up for the wonderful parade here in Wolfeboro, did get some star gazing, Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore and Justin Long were here for the holiday weekend. I talked to Mr. Fallon very pleasant and nice guy. I did not really recognize Drew Barrymore, but did Justin Long, other people were like my gosh, that is Drew Barrymore. It was a nice time, the young girls handing out hotdogs with me, were so excited, they got autographs and pictures. I was trying to be mature, but I know if it was John Cusack who walked by, I would be so excited too..

Then after the parade, the husband and I went on a picnic and it ended up raining, more like downpouring but it was still fun. Then the rain cleared up and we watched the Fireworks over the Lake with our neighbors on our porch, it was such a nice evening. Sunday, was wonderful, we hung out, went to breakfast and lunch, and went up to "Gunstock" for the Arts and Crafts festival, and took the lift up to the top of the Mountain, after so much rain on a sunny day you want to be outside. On Monday, I finally got my hair cut, and again it was a sunny beautiful day. We did errands, hung out with each other reading and sitting in the sun. Had a great dinner, and enjoyed ourselves.

Once, back at work on Tuesday, it was crazy busy and pouring rain, and it is suppose to rain until the weekend, then clear up and start raining again on Monday. It would be great if for the wedding on Saturday it is beautiful out, or at least not raining. It has been such a wet, cold summer so far and it is already July. It would be nice to have atleast a little summer before the Fall sets in.. I read somewhere that Seattle has had 30 days of no rain. Did the world flip over and I missed it?

Hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer wet or not..

It is a beautiful Sunday morning here on Lake Winnipesaukee, and my wonderful husband came to work with me this morning to help me get ready for my big corporate group arriving in the hotel tonight for a big two day meeting.

I would love to actually be on the Lake in a boat, but work seems to come first these days. We live in such a beautiful place it would be nice to be able to enjoy it instead of stressing about work. We have been open now 3 weeks, and it seems things have been falling through the cracks, and since I sell a certain idea to clients, I have to make sure it happens which means I am at work when needed. Why is that? Why can't I trust that it will get done? No, I am not that much of a control freak, I have already seen it and it is scaring me, we kick into the season with our first wedding this weekend. It is going to be a long week.

Friends of mine and my husbands are moving this week I believe to Texas, from Illnois. I know that must be hard, but it is going to be quite the adventure for them, we wish them well, and most definately will come and visit them. For some reason watching people, move and leave their hometowns across the country to find work reminds of me of earlier times in America where you go where the work is,to support your family. We love to move and try different places but I truly believe that is not normal, or is it now? My family has always stayed in CT, when my mom moved to Maine it was a shock, and then we have moved for the last 4 years to a different place. We are staying put for atleast 2 years if not longer.

We have found our Starrs Hollow, I had a guest check in the other day, and her comment was when they drove into town, her husband said, "My gosh it is Starrs Hollow", it truly is...

I has such a wonderful weekend in Mystic, and it was so much fun. On my way down to Mystic I heard that my older sister and her family were going to be down too, so I ended up having dinner with my family and then out drinking with my friends.

Problem is, on Sunday it was hangover time, I am not as young as I would like to think I am, it takes me so much longer to recover. When did that happen? When did I offically become old? My husband has not even turned "40" yet, and I am going to be "45", it freaks me out sometimes.

He is home from Chicago, and I am so happy, and he mentioned he was a bit hung over one day it was crazy, when we are together we do not drink as much.

I feel old...

I have no rant today as of yet, a few things have upset me but have no real reason to rants but the day is young so check back.

Reality Check

Hello Daisy, your men choices are disgusting good luck!!

Bret again, I think you picked the wrong woman, I think Mindy would of been better for you not the playmate, but then again it is your libido that keeps getting you in hot water now isn't it?

Real Housewives of NY - When is the Jersey girls coming, now those women seem interesting, I missed last night, but heard about Bethanny and Kelly(crazy lady)latest battle. I think Kelly does not realize their our cameras and even if she denies what Bethanny is saying there is proof that you are nuts.. I feel bad for the Countess, I heard about her marriage, so that is all I am saying, any marriage in trouble is sad..

The Hills - Stephanie, how difficult is it to follow directions? Lauren you are way too nice to her, and Heidi just dump Spencer already. Brody so disappointed in you and hurting Jade, and Audrina makes the rest of us women look bad by knowing he has a girlfriend and still encouraging him to cheat.


This week, the husband is in Chicago at a "geek" conference, and I miss him terribly, and am cooking for myself, no microwave unfortunately but it is fine. I am going down to Mystic, CT this weekend to go out with friends and see the family. Work crazy busy so he picked good week.

My rantings today:

First off, who is Perez Hilton? Why would you ask a question on "gay marriage" at a beauty contest and then get upset with the answer? Every person has their own right to their opinion without being persecuted because of it. I personally have no problem with "gay" marriage, I do know other people who do have an issue with it, and mostly it is because of their upbringing. My heart goes out to Ms.California, and I am very angry at Kevin Lewis the head of the Ms. California contest, he had the nerve to send her a text message right after the show, and basically threatening her with losing her crown. Then he did a 180 on the news, the other night. Did Donald Trump blast you or what? You are lucky he did not fire you. Or, did you all of a sudden have a heart?

Freedom of speech is under attack and this is a prime example. Does the Obama administration really want to quiet us (bloggers) and talk radio because we disagree with some of his policies? It is amazing in 105 days in office, he is trying to destroy what this country is built on, are you proud?

Our President flip flopped on national TV, first saying when he memos came out about interrogation practices that he would not go after those who carried it out, they were following orders. Yesterday, he came out and said the Federal Prosecutor is now looking at the case, are you serious? Did the Left Wing get to him? Is our President that influenced that he can not stand up for what is right because they might be mad at him? Who they is debatable, but I am thinking the left wing extremist who had a fit when he said he would not prosecute. Even the CIA Director Dennis, sent a memo stating that the practices have keep us safe. Then he also flip flopped.

My question, since you came out with the Memo's that say what the practices were, why not come out with the reports that state what we got from those practices? Like not having the Library in California attacked? Should, those people who were not killed apologize for not having terrorist attack them? Why is the new administration only giving 1/2 truths? Then again, is Americans ready to face that 9/11 is not the only attack? When another one happens because it will you know, will the new administration take the approiate steps or are they going to send the FBI to negotiate for us, because that worked so well in Somali now didn't it? I truly believe if it wasn't for the Navy Seals and Captain Phillips own will to live that could of turned out so much worse, no thanks to the government. Americans are beginning to look week in the World, is that what we want?

MSNBC - Your turn Keith Olberman had Janine Garofolo on the other day and her rantings on what was really behind the "tea party' that took place all across the country on April 15, 2009. I am offended beyond belief.

She started with that those people did not even know what the First Boston Tea Party was about, well get ready to eat your words.

"The Boston Tea Party was a direct action protest by colonists in Boston, a town in the British colony of Massachusetts, against the British government. On December 16, 1773, after officials in Boston refused to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain, a group of colonists boarded the ships and destroyed the tea by throwing it into Boston Harbor. The incident remains an iconic event of American history, and has often been referenced in other political protests.

The Tea Party was the culmination of a resistance movement throughout British America against the Tea Act, which had been passed by the British Parliament in 1773. Colonists objected to the Tea Act for a variety of reasons, especially because they believed that it violated their constitutional right to be taxed only by their own elected representatives. Protestors had successfully prevented the unloading of taxed tea in three other colonies, but in Boston, embattled Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson refused to allow the tea to be returned to Britain. He apparently did not expect that the protestors would choose to destroy the tea rather than concede the authority of a legislature in which they were not directly represented.

The Boston Tea Party was a key event in the growth of the American Revolution. Parliament responded in 1774 with the Coercive Acts, which, among other provisions, closed Boston's commerce until the British East India Company had been repaid for the destroyed tea. Colonists in turn responded to the Coercive Acts with additional acts of protest, and by convening the First Continental Congress, which petitioned for repeal of the acts and coordinated colonial resistance to them. The crisis escalated, and the American Revolutionary War began near Boston in 1775."

Do you even know what it was about? Then she pulled out the Racist card, seriously? Did you even bother to watch the coverage? Oh, that is right you think FOX News was behind it, again your stupidity is running amok. All Fox News did was report the news, and bloggers got the word out. It was not against President Obama it was against all of government spending, and why are we 'tax payers' paying so much?

Also, who are you that you get air time and since your and actress you can "act" as if you know what you are saying is the truth and people believe it, if they are as ignorant as you are. Keith Olberman did a disservice to being and anchor person, he never interjected or gave another side to your agrument but again he is from MSNBC the sister ship to CNN..

This is again "Mainstream Media" trying to slant the story and make it out to be dumb people who are being lead by the bad, "FOX NEWS", instead of the fact the citizens of the US want change, as was promised and we are not getting what we need or want. The fact that she basically said all the demonstraters were dumb and racisit, I think she should go back and try to act and stay away from the real world and politics unless she is running for office all of a sudden. Keith Olberman is just a fool and does not really know what fair journalism is now does he?

CNN- Susan Roegan is a FOOL!! You should be so embarrassed. Did you happen to see the tape that did not make it on to CNN? A blogger took pictures of a regular citizen confronting Susan and Susan, said you are being combative, excuse me there is the kettle calling something black, how combative were you with the man with his son?

Also, "MAINSTREAM MEDIA" now must be blasted by the bloggers for ignoring the "TEA PARTY" now are coming out and saying it was masterminded by "FOX NEWS" and it was partisan. Again, who are you kidding you thought they might slam "YOUR PRESIDENT" choice instead of really listening to the people. It was not against any (1) party is was against big government spending. Maybe, if you got your head out of your a** you may realize not everything is about President Obama. My gosh it has only been 102 days but other elected officials alot longer in office.

I have my own beef with the government, especially how stupid Nancy Pelosi is and she is speaker of the house. I admit I love the power struggle between her and President Obama, she needs to be taken down a peg or two. Chris Dodd, I see at the Tea Party in CT was not pretty toward him..

Right now though CNN should be embarrassed and Susan Roegan should actually learn her job, or at least how to speak to people if you are going to "try" and be a non-baias reporter.. HA! CNN has no clue on how to be non-baias.

CNN where were you yesterday? Actually where was any of the "Mainstream Media"? The biggest story of people protesting Taxes, BIG GOVT spending not just against any one party, against all of the so called "elected officials" who have allowed this to get so out of control.

The CNN anchorwoman in CHICAGO should be embarrassed at her actions and so should CNN, how professional to yell at the demonstrators not allow them to finish a sentence and then act like a penchant child and make the comment about FOX News Spearheading this movement. Hate to break it to you, uninformed people, it was not FOX NEWS it was taxpayers upset at the fact GOVT spending is out of control and we are paying for it. Oh, yeah she was upset about the Obama signs, but said nothing last year when people had Bush in a Hilter sign, but you are not bias right?

Fox News did cover the event all over the country, where were you? Also, loved the fact you compeletly ignored it on the news, I am sorry Chris Mathews you blowhard where were you yesterday took the day off? Afraid people might realize you have no clue, maybe you should watch O'Reilly or Hannity actual smart people. NEW YORK TIMES, you lead with the new Bishop and the Demonstrations in Afghanstian but nothing on the "Tea Party" in your own Country? Seriously, can we take you for nothing more then nodding heads?

Nancy Pelosi needs to get a grip and stop reading the leftist blogs, these demonstrations were against all of the government spending nothing against Obama personally or the democrats all BIG SPENDING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. Afraid to speak the truth and lose your seat in government? By ignoring yesterday, you just make the tax payers realize we sort of "hired you" and now we can "fire you" wait to the next elections. For all the elected officials who ignored yesterday, you spoke loud and clear to the taxpayers you do not care to listen so we will make you listen and not reelect.

I was brought up that the News was bi-partisan and fair obviously that was proven wrong yesterday. So again where were you "MAINSTREAM MEDIA"?

Spring is upon us, today here in NH it is 58' and beautiful. Way to nice to be stuck in my office, leaving in about 30 minutes YEAH!! I have the whole weekend off, what will I do?

We are now living on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH and today I see boats out on the Lake fishing, so I belive it is called, "Ice out", people on the docks fishing. Last night, we went for drinks up at "Joe Greens'" and the deck was so nice to stand out there or sit and enjoy the wonderful weather. It seems like a long winter and we didn't arrive up here until February, being in Hilton Head until then, we have nothing to complain about, I am getting more and more excited about the summer season here.

The hotel is opening on Memorial Day weekend so the construction has to be over. We are all waiting to see the finished product, I have my own imagination but you never know if I am right on or compeletly gone.

Enjoy your Easter Weekend

I am bragging about my article in the Citizen Union March 31 and today, Granite State News, here is the article below:



I missed my brides, I missed New England…and I love Lake Winnipesaukee!"

All three are reasons why Paula Smith is excited about her new position as function coordinator at the Wolfeboro Inn in Wolfeboro.

"Paula brings with her more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most of them in vacation resorts similar to Wolfeboro," said Karen Beranger, the Wolfeboro Inn's new general manager. "We are delighted to have her join our team as we raise the bar on the quality of everything here at the Inn."

Smith grew up in Norwich, Conn. where her first job, at 15, was behind the cash register in the family hardware store. As in most family businesses she learned how to do everything there by the time she went off to college.

Working on the front line in a retail business taught her first hand the importance of customer service, a lesson she applies everyday in her current career. It's all about the turkey sandwich, but more on that later.

While studying at Central Connecticut State University, Smith took a part-time job as a dining room hostess at the local Marriott, where she settled in for a while. Working for the Marriott Corporation gave her the opportunity to learn many aspects of the hospitality business and do something else she loves too: travel!

In the early 1990s she came to the Inn at Mystic in Mystic, Conn., one of her "most favorite properties."

"It was a small, family-owned business and I booked the weddings, planned the weddings, and worked the weddings. That's what I love to do, and that's what I'll be doing here at the Wolfeboro Inn."

From Mystic Smith's career took her to the Norwich Inn and Spa in Norwich, Conn., a much larger resort where she looked after conferences and special events as well as weddings.

"The Spa is owned by the Mashantucket Indians, the same people whom own Foxwoods," she explained.

In 2005 Smith married and moved with her husband, Stephen, to North Carolina to work as a sales manager for Embassy Suites, first in Charlotte and then in Winston-Salem. Stephen's job in web design, marketing and training allows him to work from home, so it's Paula's career that dictates where they live.

"I was basically selling space, almost all business conferences. It didn't take me long to find out I missed my brides and I missed New England!"

The Smiths moved to the Sabasco Harbor Resort, just outside Bath Maine, where she worked in sales for this 150 acre resort right on the seacoast. When the Resort fell on hard times last year, Smith began looking and Hay Creek Hospitality, the new owners of the Wolfeboro Inn found her.

Smith is no stranger to the Lakes Region. Her cousin owns a summer home on Winnipesaukee's Rattlesnake Island and Smith has visited many times.

"Being right on the lake, Wolfeboro has much to offer those who want a destination wedding or family reunion," she continued. "And we have lots of options at the Wolfeboro Inn." "I love what we're doing to the 1812 Room, which is perfect for a small intimate gathering, 50 to 60," she said. Named for the year the Inn was built, this venue has lots of glass and a view of the lake. As part of the more than four million dollars being spent on Inn renovations this winter and spring, some of those windows are being replaced with French doors that will open onto a new outdoor deck for 40 people.

"And that darling gazebo overlooking Wolfeboro Bay is perfect for a ceremony," she added. "We can do up to 300 people in our new tent, very upscale, from the Exeter Tent Company, or if you want to be sure to control the weather, our ballroom accommodates 150 and it has its own lobby, fireplace, bar and even a bride's room. It's air-conditioned or heated, so you know everyone's going to be comfortable. It's all new too.

"And don't forget the Winnipesaukee Belle!" Smith reminded. The Belle is the Wolfeboro Inn's floating function facility. A bit of a replica of a steamboat with side-wheels and two decks, the 65-foot-long fiberglass boat accommodates up to 125 guests and is popular for weddings, receptions and especially rehearsal dinners. Like everything else at the Wolfeboro Inn, she's being spruced up too!

"I didn't get married until I was 40. My wedding was at the Norwich Inn where I was the function director. I didn't know it, but my food person always put a couple turkey sandwiches, chips, and bottled water in the bride and groom's room for after the reception. I'd always sent strawberries and champagne but everyone does that. I appreciated that turkey sandwich, and the thoughtfulness it represented, a whole lot more! I've done it for every wedding since."

"That's what it's all about, the small personal things. When I first meet with the bride and groom, I try to find their vision, what they really want. I tell everyone to set a budget and stick to it. I'll work with anyone on any budget. And they'll all get "the turkey sandwich treatment

Today, I am at work but only for a bit, and I am somewhat down. I keep thinking of Thomas and in May he would of been
40 years old, and I always love to celebrate big birthday's and I miss him so much. It was raining for a few days, but it has cleared up and is now a beautiful day up here in NH. The Lake seems to be starting to melt/thaw YEAH!! I am thinking at the end of April, but you can never tell, it might be later depending.

NH is working out well for the moment, husband's doing well and making contacts, I am about to join the rotary and getting to know people in town, it is kind of fun. My boss and I are going down to Boston tomorrow for the NEMIC MPI conference, we will meet up with other of our co-workers at other properties on Monday. Tomorrow is Social night, with a dance band that sounds like fun, I of course, have a new dress, new shoes and a fabolous purse, which I think puts me right around 50 purses now, you can never have enough. I would love to collect shoes, but purses I can afford not the shoes besides I ruin them way too much.

Back to work, no really!!