Well, I hate to say it’s about time, but…it’s about time. The Celtics have brought victory back to the Bay State and finished the series against the Lakers with an impressive score of 131-92. It was a fun series to watch and brought back memories of the good ol’ days when Larry Bird, Danny Ainge, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish & Dennis Johnson won the championship in 1986.

I was lucky enough to be living in Boston during that era and luckier still to have taken a second job as a security guard at the Boston Garden. Yup! That’s me in the picture with my friend Maria and unfortunately cardboard cutouts of the great Danny Ainge and Larry Bird. We never had the honor of actually meeting these great players, but we did sweet talk our way into the locker room once. We “befriended” the trainers who escorted us in. What an honor it was to stand next to Larry Bird’s locker and view his boat size sneakers, jersey, and some unmentionables that I won’t get into.

Maria was the one who dragged me down to apply for this job. She needed the money and loved the Bruins and I loved basketball and was a big Larry Bird fan. I got to see many of the Celtics games standing courtside in my polyester pants and clip on tie and quite often I forgot I was working and cheered along with the fans. How could you not. I mean, c’mon…it was the Celtics!!!

Unfortunately, I only made it through one season. The late hours were getting to me as was the abuse from the fans. One guy gave me the finger when I shut him off at the beer stand and tempers flared when I said, “Put out that cigarette” with brutal authority. But…just like this year’s great championship, the memories I have from watching those great players will last forever, just like my polyester uniform.

Ah, the smell of the fresh crisp air, sounds of frolicking fauna, and sights of gorgeous greenery. These are all of the things I look forward to when I go out for a bike ride. Two years ago I bought a new road bike to get in shape (because I realized how much I really detest running) and also because I have great memories of riding all over the place as a kid. Of course that doesn’t count the time, pre-helmets, I crashed and knocked myself unconscious. I know what you’re thinking, “Now, that would explain a lot.” Very funny!

Anyway, I really do enjoy biking. In fact, I could ride for hours, maybe days. I wouldn’t be able to sit down for a month, but that’s OK, I’d stand an reflect on the way being out on the open road felt. There is truly something really “zen” about it.

Well, that was zen and this is now. One day, I was out there lost in my own thoughts, when WHOOSH! an18 wheeler flew by, the exhaust-filled breeze almost knocking me off my bike. That experience was followed by a dog darting out at me trying to bite my tires, or was it my femur? I forget. Or the time my son stopped short and I couldn’t unclip from my pedals fast enough. Can you say “timber?”

Oh well, I’m not gonna let all of those bad experiences get me down. I still love biking and try to get out there as often as possible. One request…if you see me out there bombing along…don’t honk to say hello. Instead, greet me with a soothing, “OMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!”

On Friday, June 13th, Tim Russert, political analyst and host of the highly rated show, “Meet the Press,” died suddenly at work from a heart attack. It was news that shocked everyone including me, who isn’t really a political enthusiast by any stretch of the imagination. However, Russert was more than a political icon. By all accounts he was an all around great guy and most importantly a great father and husband. This is the side that captivates me most. He’s a guy who clearly had his priorities straight and I thought it fitting I write a tribute on this day…Father’s Day. We live in a society where many men and women work ridiculous hours just to stay afloat and have little time for family and friends. I think it’s a tragedy!

When Tim’s death was announced, I think a lot of people stopped in their tracks and thought about their own lives. I know I did. I thought, if someone were to take a snapshot of my life at this very moment, would it be one that I recognize and am proud of? For the most part, the answer is “yes.” Of course, there is always room for improvement, but I have always said, you should live your life the way you want your epitaph to read on your gravestone. I want mine to say, “She was a good friend, wife and mother and made a few people laugh along the way.” So far…I think I’m on track. How about you?