Big Deep Breath...It's Over!

Hello blogging world! I know that I have been absent for a number of weeks, and I apologize profusely to those of you that have been eagerly awaiting a post of mine (i.e.: Heather and Erin), but when your only access to the internet is at work, it really hinders your opportunity to blog, especially when it’s super busy, as were the past two weeks!

Our Marketing Machine was running full speed ahead this month as our name was splattered everywhere in the city of Burlington, and its surrounding counties. Between our live television interview on Friday the 20th, our trunk show on the 21st, and our two fashion shows on the 22nd and the 29th , and lets not forget all the advertisement, Christy’s Bridal was a name not to be forgotten this month, and it definitely wasn’t.

When we got back to the store on Friday after the Fox 6 interview, a number of people had already called the store, wanting to book an appointment to view the fabulous Australian gowns they’ve heard so much about. We gladly took their appointments, and awaited the crazy busy day ahead of us on Saturday.

Saturday came and went, and while I was not able to be at the store (I had to be at Geneva National setting up the show, and hosting the dress rehearsal for the models), the girls worked their asses off selling 9 dresses and a whole tons of jewelry and head pieces/veils. I came back to the store around 6:30 when dress rehearsal was over to see my very ecstatic mom running around like crazy helping the last of the brides that remained in our store. At about 7:00 we locked up the doors, took a 3 second breather and began loading the store into the vans outside, it was time to prepare for the bridal fair.

The final dresses were loaded by 8:15 and by 8:30 we had arrived at Café Calamari in Delevan to meet the rest of our party for some fabulous seafood and amazing martinis. We sampled a bit of everything, had a few too many to drink, and soon decided that unloading the vans in our condition was not in our best interest, so we retreated to the hotel to play some euchre, have a few more cocktails, and unwind a bit more.

I awoke Sunday with a bit of a hangover, but there was no time for nursing. By 8:30 I was at Fusion going over final details with Jacquelin and by 9:00 I was at Geneva National doing final run thrus with my show sponsors.

It was chaos before the fashion show. Dresses weren’t in order, models were complaining, props weren’t in place, after all my hard work I panicked thinking this was not going to come together, and people were going to hate every second of this spectacle. Luckily I found the master dress list and discovered all the dresses were in fact at the venue, and I was able to put aside all the other minor problems that were arising to just enjoy the moment. I finished up the show script within moments of the show’s beginning and by 2:15, the opening music played and my models walked out looking fabulous and sophisticated!

There were a few mishaps in the show, of which I was only able to tell, and aside from the occasional lag on the runway, and the speed of which the models were running down it, the show was an overall success. With over 400 people in attendance, 150 of which stayed for the fashion show, I couldn’t have been more pleased. Afterwards I received a number of comments from attendees saying it was the best show they’ve ever been to and the dresses were just stunning! That made me feel like all the hard work was really worth it!



It was back to work on Monday but there was no time to rest as I had another fashion show to prepare for on Sunday the 29th as well. Prom time is here, and we kicked off the season with a Prom Fashion Show, enlisting a number of girls from the surrounding schools to help us in our Prom promotions, including the fashion show. By Saturday all the dress choreography and model fittings had been done, so I was able to spend the majority of the day at the Vet’s Building setting up the runway, the chairs, the covers, and the decorations. Who would have thought the Vet’s building could have looked so elegant.

The show on Sunday went wonderfully! We sold three dresses at the show and have a number of the girls coming back this week to make their final purchases. The girls did a fantastic job, and most of all they had fun doing it! I really can’t wait to do it again next year =)

Things have gotten back to normal here at the store. My mom and I have been spending the last couple of days getting the shop back in order after all of our shows these past few weeks. It’s been really nice having peace and quiet back in my life, and here at the store.

We still do have one more show to plan for, and in fact 17 of the models for that show came in yesterday to get fitted for their dresses (and I have 8 more coming in tonight), but luckily Catholic Central is taking care of all the details. My mom and I just have to show up with the dresses!

It’s amazing how much I have learned in the past few weeks, and it’s unbelievable how much I have obtained in such a short time for my portfolio! As time moves on I know I’ll just get better and better at doing all of this. I could see the improvement in just the two shows I have done! The future is only getting brighter =)

My Week to come

More so for my own benefit:

• Learn "I Get So Lonely" dance
• Reserve runway/chair covers with Rick before he leaves for New York Fashion week!
• Figure out which model, is wearing which dress in BOTH of my fashion shows
• Decide which dresses are going to be shown on live television
• Finish coordination for two fashion shows then try to teach it to 25 different people
• Schedule voice over meeting with Kiss FM for our radio advertisements
• Create show brochures and get them printed ASAP
• Send out press releases for the Prom Fashion Show
• Meet with Russ one last time to coordinate music with show movement on the runway
• Get Prom boys measured and order Prom tux's for Fashion Show
• Meet with Hanan to pair up jewelry with my dresses
• Set up and dress rehearsals all day Saturday
• BRIDAL FAIR
• PROM FASHION SHOW
• Then drink...drink....drink =)

Yes, I am a work-a-holic

When I took this job at my mom's store I never dreamed I would actually treat it as my full-time career. I know that is an absolutely terrible attitude to have, but I just never considered this all very permanent. I assumed this would be my one year gig, to make some things happen on my resume, and then get the hell out of here! But the past 7 months have turned into something rather different. I've been here from the beginning, shared in the profits, shared in the losses, and shared in tears of seeing your first bride walk down the isle and say "I do" in the dress she purchased from YOU! And as time goes on, I find that I'm treating it less and less as just a resume booster, but more and more like my career. It sure makes coming to work much more satisfying when you look at it that way.

With that said, I've definitley been taking pride in the marketing and events that I've been creating for the store. So far since our opening I have created numerous marketing efforts including an HR campaign which has been highly beneficial so far, mailings, fashion team creation, advertisements in both print and tv, and in-store promotions. On top of the marketing efforts, there have been a number of events I have organized all adding to my credibility as a professional =)

This weekend I spent emersed in more events, and more work, leading to the belief that I truly am a work-a-holic. I worked this weekend, but had Sunday off initially to enjoy a day of relief from the chaotic week I encountered. Instead of enjoying that day off however, I scheduled a Fashion Preview event in New Berlin, WI for the High School girls of the area to come and preview the entire Spring 2006 collection, before it all went on sale. My mom and I thus, packed up the van late Saturday night, and drove to New Berlin early Sunday to begin setting up for the event. Overall we had about 15 girls there with their mothers and we sold 3 dresses!!! Horray!! *cheers* to success!!! It was great, and we really got our name out there. Hopefully we secured more spots at our Prom Fashion Show as well.

Although I didn't get to enjoy my Sunday off, I was still excited for a day off on Monday to take care of the necessities around my apartment (laundry, dishes, etc) but of course I instead found myself perched at Starbucks for 4 hours, working on my bridal show choreography and event details. So much for days off right?! I want everything to be perfect though, and unfortunatley that means a lot of hard work. I've had a lot of offered help though, so that'll definitley come in handy as the weeks wear down.

In other news, my mom and I received some fantastic news yesterday from Fox 6 Wake Up here in Milwaukee. We have been sending out a number of Press Releases to all the local media announcing our Essense of Australia Trunk Show, as well as our Bridal Fair all coming up next weekend. Fox 6 was one of the contacts we had and they called us yesterday saying they want us to appear on their Wake Up show on Friday the 20th to do a Fashion Preview of our dresses. It'll include a live fashion show as well as a 4-5 minute interview and who gets to do the interview...ME! Horray for TV =) So make sure to look out for me. It'll be shown around 8:40 AM they said. I'm very excited that everything is coming together.

Working Hard...or Hardly Working

You would not BELIEVE the number of calls I get from woman who are at work, searching for bridal gowns and planning their wedding. Is this really what consumes a brides mind, even while they're at work? I'm sure their employers would be thrilled to know that they're checking out the latest "How to" on the Knot.com, or perusing thousands of dress styles on Essense's website, while on their dime. And it's very satisfying to know that certain people, I as a consumer rely on to be doing their job accurately, are really just sitting behind a computer fantisizing about their little "All about me" party.

And while I'm at it. SINCE WHEN DID MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DAUGHTERS?? Wasn't that something we did when we were 5 and couldn't pick out items for ourselves? I've gotten at least 5 calls in the last half hour from MOTHERS looking for a dress for their daughters. Yeah sure, they're helping, but if you're too busy to be planning a wedding....why are you planning one?

No, I'm not a bitter non-bride, and please know that I truly am happy for you. I just don't get it. It's supposed to be a celebration of your love right? Then why all the fuss? And why for the love of god must life revolve around it? I guess to me, if it were truly all about the celebration of love, the ceremony would exist with you, your spouse, your parents, and close friends and family...then go out and get bombed together =)

But it's just something much different these days...for a lot of brides.

And that's my crabby rant for the morning.

My 2006 ... so far

I rang in the New Year in Green Bay this year. Actually, it was for the second year in a row. It was fun...nothing spectacular. The same old crowd, the same old scene...just the same old. Drama arose as is per-usual which put a damper on a lot of things, and my phone got stollen which is always a plus (especially when you had a $400 phone), but other than that the evening was nice.

Tara and I hung around on the first being hung-over, watching movies, and pigging out on everything in sight. I practiced my dance routine a little bit (I'm doing a dance performance for Karnitz and Marissa's Humane Society Benefit), and then watched as Karnitz, Tara, and Katie practiced their routine as well. Ahhh those girls crack me up.

The following Monday I had off from work and took full advantage of doing absolutley nothing! It was great! Then, to top off the evening, Tara made me my favorite meal on the planet...her magnificent Chicken 'n Dumpling soup. Mmmm Mmmm Good. I think that Monday topped the weekend for sure!! =)

Tuesday it was back to work and it has been CRAZY busy here at the store for the last few days. As we knew they would, all the brides waited until after the holidays to make any wedding decisions and they're coming in in full force this week!! It couldn't come at a worse time as I have so many things to prepare for in the coming weeks, and my grandpa died last night so my mom can't be here, meaning I have to man the store by myself. Somehow between all the people and all the phone calls I'm managing to slip some of my other work in between here and there so it's working out so far. I have been progressively getting sicker as the days wear on (I think it has something to do with the fact that I gave up caffeine on the 1st) so I'm not exactly on my A-Game today. Uh what I wouldn't give for a big bottle of diet coke right now!!!

And I guess that's it. I'd write some profound post about how much my life has changed in the past year, and where I project it to go in the coming 360 days...but I'm much too busy and quite frankly, I just don't feel like it =) 2005 was a combination of stress, anxiety, joy, relief, desperation, confusion, simplicity, comfort, and chaos all wrapped up into one year. I can only expect 2006 will bring me much the same thing. And I look forward to every minute of it.

See the Rest of the Photos HERE!!!

Congratulations Mrs. Haggerty =)

I just finished my first complete wedding, and I left with a tear in my eye. There is something so absolutely unforgettable about seeing a bride, hours before she walks down the isle to say "I do". The glow in her face, the love in her eyes, and the excitement running throughout her body is a moment I am thankful I am able to share in. Regardless of what happens in the coming years, for that moment she is completely in love. I get to share in that moment. It's beautiful.

Kasey was one of our first brides here in the store. In fact, she came in weeks before we officially opened the doors, purchasing her dress long before we had any sort of inventory system established. But she found "the one", and we were thrilled for her!

As the months went on, we saw Kasey more and more as she purchased her bridesmaids dresses from us, and finally her tuxedos. From the fittings to the phone calls I was able to share in one of the most important times in her life. Throught these 8 months I was able to watch her grow into a wife. From seeing her moments after her engagment as a frazzled college kid, to seeing her moments before she walked down the isle as a mature, sophisticated woman. I was able to share in it all.

As I arrived at St. Charles church today at 2:00 pm I opened the door to see Kasey standing before me, in the veil she purchased from my shop, smiling so brilliantly. We hugged instantly, did a little "I'm getting married" dance, then proceeded into the back room to get her dressed. After 15 minutes, her dress was laced, the bridesmaids were dressed, and the tuxedos were delievered. My part in her wedding was over.

We hugged goodbye one last time and I said "Goodbye Mrs. Haggerty" to which she began to tear up saying "Thank you for everything you've done. You've made it all absolutely wonderful". I wished I could stay, as we were invited to the wedding/reception, but I had to get back to work.

I left the church, shared a tear myself, and drove back to the store. She looked so beautiful, and she was so in love.

My first wedding is complete. I can't wait to do it again.

Christmas '05 Recap

I cannot believe that it's over. Christmas came and went faster than any year in the past and I fear that it's only going to gain momentum as the years progress. I cherish this season so much, and it's over faster than I know how to handle.

It was an eventful couple of days that's for sure. Erin and I started off the season with our traditional "Christmas Eve, Eve" in which we have a few drinks, exchange presents (she got me some really yummy smelling candles and a Starbucks gift card) and drive the streets of Candy Cane Lane. I look forward to it every year (although this was only our second year doing it). After our little Christmas tradition, we swooped by her apartment and picked up Dave, and headed out to Mantra for some drinks with the Bistro kids. It was a fun night, the music was lame, but I was entertained anyway. Dave, Erin, and I left around 1:30 to grab some late night/early morning breakfast and then I headed back to my apartment...only to be awoken at around 4:00 by a very drunk Nicky wanting to exchange Christmas gifts =)

Christmas Eve was spent at my Aunt Linda's house. It's my favorite night of the entire year. My mom and I showed up wearing our Santa Baby Christmas outfits, which were the hit of the evening that's for sure! The days festivities included pictures with my cousin's new baby, toe nail painting in my Aunt's heated floored bathroom, a tearful dinner, a cozy movie session to Charlie Christmas Christmas, a fabulous gift opening (my Uncle got me a Best Buy gift card and a slinky he he), and a loud obnoxious game of Scattegories.

Christmas Day we woke up to Santa's presents which included: new curtains for my apartment, bath stuff (a TON of it), a ton of gift certificates, a new digital camera, an I-Dog, Pajamas, a few DVD's, a book, a bunch of stuff from Sephora (my favorite store EVER), and a kick-ass bracelet/necklace thing. Oh and who could forget my ring from Tara!! After present opening we headed to my Aunt Miki's house for my Dad's side of the family Christmas.

It was a truly joyous holiday and I'm sad to see it go =( This week at the store will now be spent tearing down the Christmas decorations and prepping the store windows for New Years. *sigh* 362 days to go until next year!!!!

Happy Holidays All!!!

So THIS is Christmas Season in the Bridal Industry

I always know that I've been slacking on my blog updates when I receive a little message in my email inbox saying "Time for an update", signed always with love by my dear friend Erin. It's nice to know someone's always around to keep you in line =)

Things have been extremely slow here at the store. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the last thing on most bride's minds is not a wedding dress purchase. Unfortunatley for us, this means no business! In this period of customer drought, I have managed however, to keep myself busy as I have three shows to prepare for in January as well as a Fashion Team to keep motivated!

Our first Fashion Team agenda was to shoot a commercial to be aired at the Plaza Theatre here in Burlington, WI. I enlisted the help of Hair Works Salon here in Burlington to do the hair for our shoot and I was thrilled that they were willing to provide a free service, in exchange for a mention in our commercial. Thus at 3:00 on Thursday, 20 of my girls headed to the Salon for their Prom updos, and I met them at the WinTV Media station at 5:30 to go over wardrobe assignments.

The shoot went better than I could have expected! The girls were so excited to be helping out and the energy really was portrayed in the shots we got. I turned on some music to help keep the mood light and fresh and instructed the girls to just "have fun". The shots Jim got were great, and I'm excited to head back this week to oversee the editing process with him.

Oh! I just realized many of you may not know what my Fashion Team is! I sought after 25 girls from the local area high schools, to help me in a number of promotional activities for Christy's Bridal and our Prom lines. Activities they'll be helping me out with include advertisement, distribution, mailing lists, and of course...modeling. We meet about twice a month and discuss different marketing techniques as well as go over their required assignments for the month. So far it's been working out really well. The girls are great!

The rest of my weekend was pretty low key. Saturday Tara and I celebrated Christmas together by having dinner at Benihanas, and then a few drinks at The Pint in Milwaukee. It was a bust, as it most always is, so we opted for an evening back at my apartment.

And the work week returns but I'm already anxiously awaiting my three day weekend. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I'm a freak!

"Tara, we need to leave right now". That was how I responded last night to a few gun shot sounding noises in the distance, some flickering lights in the air, and the sound of planes flying overhead. Without a question asked, she obliged to my cry of distress and followed behind as I pulled her out of the apartment, still trying to put on her shoes.

Let me start at the beginning.

I am a chronic worrier. Most anybody that has followed my blog writings, or that knows me pretty well knows this sad fact. It's never really affected my day to day activities, aside from the occasional breakdown (please refer to my New York Post for an example of said breakdown), and has thankfully remained an inner struggle. Occasionally though, the inner struggle manifests itself in the form of irrationality, and those around me are just forced to go along with it. Such is the case, last night.

The night started out very chill and relaxed. After watching a bit of "Titanic" we decided to put the DVD on pause, and spend an hour or so catching up on our reading (I needed to finish reading "Wicked" and she had some class assignments to read). In the quiet and stillness of her apartment, I began to focus my attention on a strange sort of banging noise, coming from the woods behind her apartment. Knowing that the railroad tracks run right behind her apartment complex, I assumed the noise was from the train yard and ignored the interuption. As the banging continued however, I became increasingly curious as to what was making such a ruckus, and decided to investigate the situation further.

I opened the door to listen a bit closer, and was surprised to find that the noises were not coming from the train tracks, but from the distance and sounded more like gun fires, not train yard happenings. I called for Tara to come listen who simply told me to "Shut the door, you're letting all the heat out!", indicating my cue to stop being ridiculous, that there were no gun shots outside her apartment. I humored her for the time being, shut the door, and resumed my spot on the couch.

Worry, began to set in. I knew right away where this was going, and it was nowhere pleasant.

As the sounds outside her apartment rang in my ear, I found it harder and harder to concentrate on anything other than the gun shots (read: noises probably attributed to fireworks or something similar and very unthreating). I quickly threw my shoes back on, and headed for the porch only this time finding that the gun shots were accompanied by sounds of planes in the distance (note: she lives next to Midway Airport) and bright blinking lights across the horizon. My heart began to pound as I assured myself that we were in fact being attacked, and we needed to get out of there NOW!

I ran into the apartment, grabbed Tara, and we piled into the Cabby. Tara wondered where exactly I had planned for us to go, if in fact we were being attacked, but I figured anywhere was better than being in her apartment just waiting for them to blow up her building and kill us! I drove around Oak Creek for a few minutes to assess the situation and hopefully catch a glimpse of these enemy aircrafts that were trying to take over the city/THE UNITED STATES!!! (I wasn't lying when I said I am a chronic worrier). When it hit me that I had just freaked (like usual) over nothing, I looked over at Tara, smiled, and apologized for being such a freak. There was obviously NOTHING going on, and the city was safe.

She laughed and said "It's okay honey. Someday you'll probably save our lives because of it". She was such a trooper. Just following along behind me, being as supportive as she could be to a completely irrational woman. I bought her ice cream to apologize and she just quietly ate it, without ever making me feel stupid or making me feel as though I had inconvenienced her with my worries.

We arrived back at the apartment once I was sure that Oak Creek was not in fact under attack, and laughed a bit more about the entire situation. I'm a freak. I know this. At least people love me because of it =)

Looking back on 2005

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before? Graduated college, flew to New York by myself, moved to Milwaukee, and joined a book club

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Last year my resolutions were as follows: be honest with myself...YES!, Eat better...ABSOLUTLEY NOT, Drink More Water...NO!, Spend less time worrying about things I have no control over...HA HA HA NO! Okay so I didn't do too well last year. For next year I really want to focus on both my mental and physical health. I'm a true believer in the mind's power over the body. Healthy mind. Healthy body. This is what I'm going to strive for =)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Rosy had a baby boy and my step cousin Angela had a baby girl!

4. Did anyone close to you die? No but I did have to get rid of my piggies =(

5. What countries did you visit? I didn't leave the US at all this year =(

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005? Emotional stability. This year was rough for me in terms of finding my place in this world. For some reason I have the misconception built into myself that I need to have my life planned out by the time I graduate.

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory? January 2nd

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I graduated college

9. What was your biggest failure? I was a little bummed out that I didn't get the job at Claire's.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No injuries, but I was sick a lot this year. Ugh I need to start eating better!

11. What was the best thing you bought? I honestly can't remember buying anything really spectacular this year?!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Tara's, she got two MASSIVE raises within a six month period AND went back for her MBA. And I'm going to go with Dave and Eric for finally popping the question as well =)

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? People annoyed me on occasion, but I wouldn't say anyone made me feel appalled or depressed.

14. Where did most of your money go? GAS and Jimmy Johns

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My 23rd birthday, our New York trip, dancing with the girls, finally hanging out with Nat, Tara moving to Milwaukee, Jamaica (although it never happened)

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2004? "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" only because every time I hear it now I think of Erin and I driving up to Minneapolis busting out fiddle moves down I-94.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: i. Happier or sadder? HAPPIER ii. Thinner or fatter? I think I'm thinner, that's what people tell me anyways. iii. Richer or poorer? richer, I was pretty broke around this time last year.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Cooked instead of eating out so much

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Drinking so much Diet Coke.

20. How will you be spending Christmas? Since my parents sold their house we'll have Christmas Eve with my mom's side at her sisters house (It's my favorite night of the year) and then Christmas Day we'll probably go to my dad's sister's house in Madison.

22. Did you fall in love in 2005? I made it known that I was in love this year yes.

23. How many one night stands in this last year? NONE!

24. What was your favorite TV program? I RARELY watched TV, but Tara got me hooked on her Queer as Folk DVD's and oh yeah, I liked Laguna Beach.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Nope

26. What was the best book you read? The Devil Wears Prada

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? I've never been good at that whole "musical discovery" thing. I'm pretty mainstream when it comes to my music

28. What did you want and get? A new IPod

29. What did you want and not get? A Seal Coat Himalyan Kitten

30. What was your favourite film of this year? War of the Worlds was GREAT!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 23 and the night before my birthday my parents, brother, and Erin came down to Chicago and we all went out to eat at "The Green Dolphin" then Erin and I went out dancing. It was a GREAT night! The next night Tara came down and she made me a cake, and sang happy birthday to me then we went out for Cajun at Heaven on 7. YUMMY! It was one of my best birthdays.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If I would have had a job right after graduation.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004? comfortable and coordinated

34. What kept you sane? Bubble baths, and the drives in the Cabby.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most? I'm not really into the whole celebrity idealist thing.

36. What political issue stirred you the most? I don't really follow politics, but I do remember getting riled up about the accusations regarding the Hurricane relief.

37. Who did you miss? EVERYONE

38. Who was the best new person you met? Emily and Nikki

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005: You cannot measure your own personal standards, against those of someone else.

A Holy Jolly Christmas

This first weekend in December brought in many holiday festivities for both myself, my friends, and my family.

Thursday I enjoyed my day off at Mayfair Mall, with my Aunt Linda, Cousins Bridget and Carol, and of course my mom. We met up bright and early for breakfast at 9:00 and then Christmas shopped all morning and afternoon. We even took a detour break for a plop on Santa's lap, and lunch at Panera. YUMMY!

At 2:00 my mom and I left the Koshick girls to head to Brookfield for our facial appointments at Azana Salon and Spa. We LOVE a good facial (we're becoming quite the connoisseurs). The salon is actually really great and we were pleasantly surprised that such a great facial came at such a reasonable price! We'll definitley be back.

After our facials, my mom and I parted ways and I headed to Target to purchase a few last minute Christmas items: Christmas Tree, a few ornaments, and of course some wrapping paper. I was then off to my apartment to spend the evening decorating my tree and wrapping my newly purchased presents. Ryan came down and helped me "fluff" the branches of my artifical tree and Nikki and Adam came strolling in a few minutes later with plans to head to the Hi-Hat for a martini or 2 (who could pass up THAT invitation). I finished putting the finishing touches on my tree, then headed to meet up with them for a Martini which quickly turned into one martini, one lemon drop shot, and a bottle of Spotted Cow.

Strolling back to our apartment, Nikki and Karen helped me to decorate the tree (keep in mind, they're Jewish) while Adam showered, and within an hour we had the tree decorated and we were ready to head out again for the night.

I got up Friday with a bit of a hangover, but had to put on my "A-Game" quickly as there was much to do back in Burlington that day. It was December 2nd, the day of the Burlington Area Christmas Parade, and Christy's Bridal had float number 35 to assemble. My dad spent the morning drilling and hammering, while my mom and I dressed the manequins and fluffed the trees. We closed down the shop at 5:00, pre-partied in the salon with some champagne and hot cocoa and whiskey, then dressed and headed down to Kane street to line up.

It was REALLY cold outside but the adrenaline of the parade kept us all really warm (plus I'm sure the whisky helped). At 6:30 the parade began to move, Steve and I hopped onto the float while Patty and my mom walked (read: sprinted) alongside the float handing out candy to the little mittened hands along the parade route.

Steve and I danced the night away but unfortunatley half way through the parade we lost power, including our music. We improvised though, and laughed while we danced to nothing but the hoots and hollers from the crowd.
Saturday was a very much needed recovery day, as can be expected, I was CHILLED to the bone after being outside in the freezing cold in nothing but a wedding dress (and a few layers). Due to the snow I was stuck in Burlington, so I spent the evening watching Christmas movies with my mom, and relaxing in a hot, HOT bath.

Sunday came, and my parent's apartment was filled with people by 10:00. It was time for our anual Christmas cookie baking get together. The girls bake, while the kids decorate (I get to be included in the kids portion of the get together) and about 6 hours later I left with 4 plates full of FABULOUS cookies. I love cookie baking time =)

You'd think with a festive weekend such as mine I'd be a little burnt out on the holiday season but I'm most definitley not. The ground is white, the lights are bright, and music is still magnificent! I'm cheerful as ever and am looking forward to the coming weeks.

St. Nick comes tonight everyone! Horray! =)

A Week for Reunions

It's been an odd week. A week full of long-time reunions, and chit-chat with old best friends. They've been completely unexpected reunions, but worthy none-the-less. I've missed my old friends, and all of our old memories. It's comforting to know that no matter what happens, they're all still there. And for the most part we can all pick up where we left off many many years ago.

The week started off Wednesday night as a bunch of my old High School friends came over to my parent's apartment for some pre-bar drinks and some catching up. For most of us it had been a year since we'd seen each other, so of course there was much to catch up on. I mean ROSEMARY just had a BABY!!! HELLO! The girls stood in the kitchen and talked up a storm, while the boys sat in the living room watching the game until it was time to head out to the bars, a typical tradition in the Burlington area the night before Thanksgiving.

The Brickyard offered up some yummy shots, some cheap drinks, and a night of dancing and more old friends. I was even offered up an apology from a very old friend for apparently hitting on my boyfriend Freshman year of High School. Hmmmm =) In the past, I'm over it!

Pictures from the evening!

I woke up the next morning with quite the hangover, but with a huge smile on my face because of the amazing time I had just had with everyone. I truly, truly missed them all!

Thanksgiving was great, I got to see my Uncle David (my dad's Identical Twin) so that was a plus, and as always the food was fantastic.

Then, Tuesday (this morning) rolled around and I found myself back in Burlington, at White Fox Den, having breakfast with my three grade school best friends. GRADE SCHOOL! They sure hadn't changed at all. Beth was still immature Beth, Carrie is still mature mommy Carrie, and Jenny will forever be that excentric non-stop talker. I'm heading out for drinks tonight with Carrie and Beth which I'm very excited about. I just can't believe that in one week I've reconnected with so many old friends. Of course we've all vowed to not let so much time pass between visits again, but who knows where life will take us all in the next 8 or 9 years. I'm just happy for this week. They've all held special places in my heart, even through all these years.

Premature Spirit

I'm a Christmas spaz. I'll be the first to admit that about myself. EVERYTHING about the season makes me so incredibly happy. The snow, the lights, the wrapping of the presents, even the scrooges of the season add joy to my life. When the Christmas season is in full swing I laugh a little louder, smile a bit bigger, and hug a bit harder. I'm just full of love and joy...as cheesy as that may sound.

But the spaz does have limits. Limits like: NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC BEFORE THANKSGIVING. That's a biggie =) And I refuse to put up my Christmas tree/obnoxious Christmas decorations (I'm sorry Nikki!!) until Thanksgiving is gone and overwith. A spaz I may be, but impractical I am not. I just think we get ahead of ourselves sometimes, and don't take time to induldge in the full spirit of the Holiday. It's coming sooner and sooner every year as the stores start putting their stock our well before Halloween has even broken, causing people to Christmas shop earlier and earlier to get a "head start" on the purchasing process. All the while missing the...cheezball line coming...true spirit of it all. It's sad.

I broke my limit Thursday night though when Erin (my best friend) and I decided to head downtown for the Milwaukee Lights Festival. I know I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet and here we were celebrating Christmas but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. We walked down to the Marquette park around 7:00, linked arm and arm, skipping and singing the Laverne and Shirley theme song, to keep ourselves warm. Yes, we're big cliche dorks =) For about an hour once we got there, we wandered in the freezing cold drinking free hot chocolate, eating free cookies, and laughing at the people taking pictures in the faux snow globe set up. People are so weird =) It may have all been a bit premature, but it sure did put me in the mood. The dancing, and the lights, and the FIREWORKS kept me smiling through the night, even while I shivered with cold. I wish everyone could feel like that...all the time!

I still refuse to turn on 99 WMYX and subject myself to their "All Christmas, All The Time". I won't break on that =) But you can bet that come November 25, I'll be jamming in the Cabby to "All I Want For Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey and Harry Conick will be on repeat in the changer. Ahh Christmas. You're almost here.

The Knott

I'm sure many of you newly engaged/married women out there are familiar with a website called The Knot (www.theknot.com). For any of you that aren't, it's a website devoted to brides and all that nonsense associated with a wedding. Basically, it's a great big bridal cult where many brides spend hours a day talking on and on about their wedding. =)

As you can tell, I am obviously not a fan....probably because I'm nowhere near getting married. Or because, I'm just not that girl.

But I am an advertiser on the site, as I know that THOUSANDS of brides register every day. We've done really well with the site, mostly due to our Essense of Australia line, which brides are just LOVING, so it's been worth the absurd amount of money they charge. The steady stream of phone calls, emails, and dress purchases resulting soley from our Knot advertising/listing has managed to keep us afloat =)

And then today Essense of Australia, one of our vendors, faxed us over a news release stating that The Knot had named one of Essense's silk gowns in their top 50 Wedding Gowns. It was actually number 3!! I'm so excited! The knot is like the Oprah Winfrey of the bridal industry. If it has The Knot approval, brides will flock. I'm so excited. I've been waiting for Essense to be discovered because they're just so unique and fabulous, and the fabrics are really great! I'm very excited for Essense's big break and our hopeful future success as a result =)

Elf

Like many people, the Christmas season's approach fills me with so much excitement and joy. The glittery lights, the youthful laughs of children, the sound of bells ringing through the air, and the thick blanket of snow that we're graced with at least once a year is something I look forward to and truly enjoy when it all arrives. Everything about the season puts a smile on my face.

Every year I find it hard to wait until after Thanksgiving to begin the holiday festivities. Putting up my decorations, putting in one of my favorite christmas movies, and listening to my favorite Christmas CD's top off my list. My mom has a very similar problem, and as we plopped in front of the TV the other night, we both decided upon "Elf", knowing that it was probably a bit premature to be watching it, but I was more than thrilled!

It's seriously my all-time favorite movie. Not only because Will Ferrell is probably the most hilarious man on the planet, but because I realized that I am more like Buddy than I ever realized. He's adorably naive to the troubles in the world, and believes that all anyone ever needs is to sing to make everything better. He hops through crosswalks, spins through revolving doors, and finds joy in the most minute aspects of life. He's simplistic and happy. Very much like me.

A One Year Milestone

It's been since September 6, 1997 that I have celebrated a one year anniversary, however a serial dater I am most definitley not. I've had "long" relationships thrown in there: 6 months, 7 months, 11 months. But for one reason or another, we never made it to the coveted one year mark.

But here I am, November 5th 2005, celebrating my one year anniversary. I arrived at work today to a huge bouquet of red roses and have maintained a perma-smile the entire morning thus far.

As I said it's been a while since I've done the whole one year anniversary thing, so I was a little stumped as to what I was supposed to do for it. Do I buy jewelry, do I spend a lot of money, do we just go out to dinner? Of course my analytical mind contemplated senario after senario and stressed out about the deal for a while actually, but I think I've come up with something adequate. If anything, meaningful =)

Regardless of the gift, after one year I am at my happiest and feel so lucky to have someone so wonderful.

After one year, I still love her more than day one. And it's all because:

When we fight, she doesn't try to demean me. There will never be a "one up" competition between the two of us. I never feel hurt.

She's loud and obnoxious in the morning, and pleasantly chipper.

She loves her niece and nephew more than anything in the world.

She's been through some rough stuff in her life, and never once has she blamed the world for her misfortune. She remains upbeat, and positive. A true emotional role model.

She's way hot when she plays short stop

She's adorably shy

She cowers at the sound of yelling

She thinks Queer as Folk is real life

She stutters when she gets excited

and because she loves me.

Four for Friday

Q1 - Halloween: Did trick-or-treater's come to your house this year? If so, approximately how many came by? Was this year's number higher or lower than you've had in previous years, and what did you give them?

Honestly, I would not know if trick or treaters came to my apartment. I doubt that they did. The area of downtown I live in isn't exactly known for it's family environment. We may have gotten the occasional bum asking for spare change, but definitley no trick or treaters. Although, I was MIA from Milwaukee that weekend so I'd have to consult with the roomy just to be sure.

Q2 - Allergies: Do you have allergies? If so, what are you allergic to? If you're not allergic to anything, is there anything you wish you were allergic to?

I actually have no known allergies. I watched Tara last weekend suffer through a night of burning eyes and an itchy, runny nose because of Karnitz's cats and it definitley doesn't look fun at all! Although, I always wanted to be allergic to something just so I could sneeze a lot. I love sneezing =)

Q3 - Organic Food: The organic food market in the United States is projected to reach a value of $30.7 billion by the year 2007. According to one recent report, close to 40 percent of the U.S. population now uses organic products on a daily basis. Are you included in that 40 percent figure... do you intentionally buy organic foods or drinks? If so, what are you buying? If not, why?

Um...have any of your broke 20 somethings out there ever tried to purchase organic food? It's ungodly expensive! I like the idea of all natural, but my budget definitley cannot afford it right now.

Q4 - Television: Which TV shows from the past would you like to see back on television and why?

Rainbow Bright for sure! It was just such a happy cartoon! I really used to like Perfect Strangers too though, and Ned and Stacy. Does anyone remember that show? It was pre-Will and Grace starring Debra Messing =)

Thursday Ramblings

I dyed my hair =) Every so often (okay more like every few months) I feel the need to drastically change my hair. Sort of a hair ADD issue. I've been from blonde, to brown, to brown with blonde, to blonde with brown, and now...red (It looks very tame in this picture). I went in yesterday with intentions of leaving with a flaming head, but Shelly talked me out of it saying I would probably hate the outcome. Instead, she insisted going with a more Auburn color, to which we added stark Red to add more of a dramatic appeal to it. I'm pretty much in love =) Of course the ladies at Exclusiva Hair Design were impressed with the turnout (cut AND color) and insisted on taking pictures of Shelly's artwork for the store portfolio. While my 'do may be expensive, it's worth every penny. I don't think I could ever entrust anyone else other Shelly with my hair.

I just joined a book club and have to read "The Secret Lives of Bees" for our first meeting. Is it cheating if I get the book on CD to listen to on my hour commute to work?

I recently discovered last night that VH1 has put out a THIRD installment of "I Love The 80's" to which I willingly sat in front of with my Jimmy John's sub to indulge in some reminising. During the 1988 segment, the funny characters of the show discussed Unsolved Mysteries and I was stunned to hear that many people thought it was real, much like I had when I was little!!! I remember thinking as I watched it as a child "Why don't they put down the camera and help these people?!". Yes, a bit nieve but I was happy to hear that I wasn't the only one who thought such nonsense! (Although I have a feeling they were being sarcastic in their statements as the acting really was truly horrible).

A cute old lady just came storming into the store terrified that she may have hit a dog. She was stopping traffic in the road trying to get people to stop for this little dog seemingly lost and scared in the middle of our busy street. I told her it's the neighbor dog and it often wanders the streets around here. I've tried to catch it myself a few times and save it from it's obvious potential doom, but it just scampers off. There's nothing that can be done (except put your damn dog on a LEASH!). But she was so cute and worried about the little rascal. Love old people...and dogs =)

I have to go to the DMV after work today and update my license but I now have red hair. What hair color do I put on my license?

Kept me Laughing

Okay, so I've been forwarded this email probably once a year for many years now and everytime I find myself laughing outloud. Mainly, because I can honestly see myself doing some of them =)

It reminds me of the time Ashley and I talked about driving to Summerfest on a rented moped, decking ourselves our in Harley gear, and parking in the Harley motorcycle parking lot of the festival grounds. All the while, strapping a sterio to the back of our bike playing motorcycle sounds to make us sound tough and keeping a straight face the entire time =)

Here's the "Keep yourself Sane" list:

At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down

Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice

Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with That

Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In"

Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch To Espresso

In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Sexual Favors"

Finish all Your Sentences With "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

Don't use any punctuation

As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk

Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

Sing Along At The Opera

Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme

Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day

When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot,Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go"

Daily Update

I woke up this morning to a flat tire on the Cabby. Just frickin' great. On top of the flat tire, I have a break light that's out, and oil that needs to be changed. Just rack up the automotive bill. Lord knows I'm good for it! The good thing about knowing everyone in a small town is that the people are more than willing to go out of their way for you. So, thanks to the ever so generous boys at Lois Tire Shop, my car is being towed away from my parent's driveway at no extra charge to us and hopefully by the end of the day I'll have a fixed car, and a ride home to my deserted apartment.

I am of course here at the store again all day today, but I'm really looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I have intentions of shopping around the Brady street area, cleaning out my car, and finally getting to the DMV to update my license. Maybe I'll go get my hair cut/colored. It is after all about that time. I'm thinking red this time. I'm kind of excited for another drastic change =) I really should take the extra time to drive up to Madison to look at a few venues but another long drive just doesn't sound appealing to me, so I'm trusting internet pictures and recomendations from Madison area residents instead.

In the mean time, our Spring shipments are slowly coming in which I'm thrilled about! TONS of Prom dresses, TONS of Mother of the Day dresses, TONS of bridesmaids, a few more flower girls, and of course fabulous new bridal gowns. Oh and who can forget our new Victoria Lee, by Maggie Sottero, jewelry...FABULOUS! Needless to say I'm pretty busy updating inventory, merchandising the store, and getting everything put away where it's supposed to be. I also have to run to the printers and get my newsletter printed out for the store, return all these phone calls from event coordinators for my Madison show, and get the model lineup and show choreography started so that I have something to bring to my meeting with the hair and makeup crew...uy! Staying busy keeps me happy =)