...because I feel it's important to take a look at your life and get focused on all that you hope to do with it.
(In no particular order)
With my life, I hope to:
Swim with the dolphins
Learn How to Play Guitar
Visit the rainforest
Eat more Vegetables
Drink more water
Learn How to Play the Bongos
Visit every continent…yes…even Antarctica
Become fluent in a foreign language
Watch a wale swim wildly in the ocean
Take an African Safari
Open my own business
Raise a family
Scuba Dive
Sky Dive!
Do more things that scare me
See the Grand Canyon
Take a cross country road trip
Live in New York City
Swim in the Mediterranean Sea
Bike through Ireland
Lick a frog
Study Buddhism under a Buddhist monk
Learn to cook
Volunteer more
Become a mentor
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Another Weekly Shoutout
I think I may just make this a regular post =)
* Katie K. HAPPY 30TH!!!
* Flashback Fridays on 94.5 WKTI. I love singing along to them on my drive to work in the morning.
* The flying V! Although it signifies the coming of colder weather, I can't help but stare in amazement as I watch the birds flying high overhead, in that all too familiar manner. And in my amazement, I can't help but wonder: WHAT the H makes them do it, WHERE do they go, and HOW do they decide what birds get to go and which ones have to wait for a different V.
* HAPPY HAIR TRIAL WEEK ERIN!
* Katie K. HAPPY 30TH!!!
* Flashback Fridays on 94.5 WKTI. I love singing along to them on my drive to work in the morning.
* The flying V! Although it signifies the coming of colder weather, I can't help but stare in amazement as I watch the birds flying high overhead, in that all too familiar manner. And in my amazement, I can't help but wonder: WHAT the H makes them do it, WHERE do they go, and HOW do they decide what birds get to go and which ones have to wait for a different V.
* HAPPY HAIR TRIAL WEEK ERIN!
Monday, September 11, 2006
9/11
In a world where entertainment power houses profit on a nation’s suffering, and “remembering” has been reduced to magnetic ribbons on our cars, I’ve found it hard to figure out my own personal way of paying tribute to so many loss of lives during this 5 year anniversary of 9/11. As luck would have it, I randomly came across a blog which had dedicated itself not only to remembering the victims of 9/11 as a whole, but to remembering each individual, by name…all 2, 996 of them.
2,996 bloggers were assigned a different person and were asked to post a tribute to their specific victim. I was thrilled to receive my name in my email inbox and I spent numerous days researching his name and his life, trying to get the best sense I could as to who this man was in his years before the terrible tragedy of 9/11. With each article I read and each picture I saw, his presence began to feel more real and I found myself crying for his loss, many times. For the first time since the attacks, I somehow felt personally connected to an individual and I knew that the other 2,995 people felt the exact same way.
Today, I remember Herman Sandler who according to his obituary was a loving husband, a devoted father to three, a role model and mentor to hundreds of young people. He was a generous and caring man, devoting much of his time and money to Sting’s Rain Forest Foundation and in smaller projects such as the Tibetan Peace Garden in London. His memory is not forgotten, and the kind words of remembrance can be found all across the World Wide Web. As I close my tribute to Herman Sandler on this five year anniversary, I’d like to leave with words from his closest friends and family. Today, Herman is not just another number…he is remembered.
“I will miss his company; I will miss trying to amuse him just to hear his infectious laughter. He imbued New York with his vital life force, and it’s a smaller apple without him. We will always remember him.” Trudie Styler and Sting
“To our best friend who filled us with a passion for living and the inspiration to carry on. We will always remember and love you.” Melvin, Helen and Jack Heller
“We will miss you, your knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity, humor, and most of all your friendship. Our deepest sympathies to Suki and the family.” Jackie and Mort Ackerman
Herman Sandler, 57
2,996 bloggers were assigned a different person and were asked to post a tribute to their specific victim. I was thrilled to receive my name in my email inbox and I spent numerous days researching his name and his life, trying to get the best sense I could as to who this man was in his years before the terrible tragedy of 9/11. With each article I read and each picture I saw, his presence began to feel more real and I found myself crying for his loss, many times. For the first time since the attacks, I somehow felt personally connected to an individual and I knew that the other 2,995 people felt the exact same way.
Today, I remember Herman Sandler who according to his obituary was a loving husband, a devoted father to three, a role model and mentor to hundreds of young people. He was a generous and caring man, devoting much of his time and money to Sting’s Rain Forest Foundation and in smaller projects such as the Tibetan Peace Garden in London. His memory is not forgotten, and the kind words of remembrance can be found all across the World Wide Web. As I close my tribute to Herman Sandler on this five year anniversary, I’d like to leave with words from his closest friends and family. Today, Herman is not just another number…he is remembered.
“I will miss his company; I will miss trying to amuse him just to hear his infectious laughter. He imbued New York with his vital life force, and it’s a smaller apple without him. We will always remember him.” Trudie Styler and Sting
“To our best friend who filled us with a passion for living and the inspiration to carry on. We will always remember and love you.” Melvin, Helen and Jack Heller
“We will miss you, your knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity, humor, and most of all your friendship. Our deepest sympathies to Suki and the family.” Jackie and Mort Ackerman
Thursday, September 07, 2006
My Own 100
I never really envisioned myself making a big deal out of my "100th" post in fact, I didn't even know I was nearing my 100th until I randomly checked my profile the other day and realized I had just posted number "99". What are the chances!
As I purused other blogs I realized that the trendy blog-thing to do is to post a "100 Things About Me" post, and I happily obliged.
So here it is, my very own 100th post...100 list.
1. I was born on May 18, 1982 in Burlington, Wisconsin
2. I was born to two teenage parents who fought all odds and have developed a successful, healthy family life.
3. They were married when I was two, and have been together ever since!
4. I have one younger brother, his name is Mikey. Hes one of my favorite people on the planet!
5. When I was younger I used to plan out our marriage to each other. I was seriously under the assumption that every family had one boy and one girl so that they could be married some day. I was shocked to later find out that kind of thinking is a crime! (And that some of my friends had more than one sibling!!)
6. There are 8 children on my dads side and six children on my moms side. Our Christmass are always quite big!
7. I used to memorize books on tape when I was three and then read to my parents.
8. I cried on my first day of Kindergarden because I got on the wrong bus, and I didnt learn how to actually read!
9. I grew up idolizing Madonna and Cindy Lauper. I used to run around my school singing "Like a Virgin" when I was 4.
10. I miss the way the world looked behind the handle bars of my tricycle, but now I love the way the world looks under the drop top of my Cabrio.
11. Ive always been ridiculously independent. In first grade my parents would have to leave early for work so I would have to get to and from school by myself. I always knew it was time to leave when Captain Kangaroo was over =) Ive done things on my own pretty much ever since!
12. In 3rd grade I used to force my friends to skip their recess because we had to practice our dance for the talent showthe following year!
13. I once cried for a week straight when I found out my parents butchered the pig I thought they were bringing home to be my pet.
14. Ive ALWAYS been a girly girl
15. I loved barbies, dresses, and makeup when I was younger.
16. I started myself on a strict skin care routine at the age of 10.
17. Ive been following it ever since!
18. My mom and I make yearly trips together to the Spa to get facials.
19. My parents always wanted me to be a jock so they enrolled me in a number of sports.
20. With each sport I was always more interested in the flowers on the field or the food in the stadium.
21. I once tried to pee in a Depends to see just how much those could really hold.
22. I went to a Catholic grade school and a public high school. I never bought the Catholic beliefs. I was a born skeptic of everything I was taught. Ive had a hard time going to church since I left.
23. We had two cliques in Grade School: The Snob Squad and The Nerd Herd. I was of course part of the latter =)
24. I drank my first beer the summer leaving St. Marys at Tony Belmores going away party. It was the first time The Snob Squad and The Nerd Herd hung out together. Ill remember it always =)
25. I once saved $500 for a horse but ended up going out and shopping with it instead.
26. My first kiss was in my Freshman year of High School.
27. We ended up dating for 4 years but never officially broke up. I wonder if that means all this time Ive been cheating on him =)
28. I LOVE to eat Gushers
29. I like to pop out the juice from them first, suck it out then eat the squishy part last.
30. I peel ALL the cheese off of my pizza and just eat the crust.
31. I also refuse to eat the last bite of any of my food, or drink the last drink of any of my drinks.
32. *knock on wood* Ive never broken a single bone in my body.
33. But I did sprain my tail bone REALLY bad at Karen Smileys birthday party in fourth grade. I never told anyone!
34. I have pride issues.
35. I get my hair done every two months and every time I go in, I change it.
36. I think I have ADD
37. Im fascinated by how people act when they think nobody is watching
38. I was once in a damaging earthquake while studying in Mexico.
39. It was the strangest feeling Ive had to date.
40. I think Im addicted to Myspace
41. Im a TERRIBLE speller.
42. Its more so just laziness.
43. I could dance every day of my life
44. I was on the dance team for two years in High School and I absolutely loved it!
45. It wasnt until many years later that my best friend Erin and I were watching old tapes of our routines and we realized we were actually quite bad! (We thought we were pretty good at the time)
46. I was on Prom Court in High School. I was seriously convinced for the longest time that it was a joke. (was it?)
47. I had a hard time saying goodbye to High School. It was a great four years!
48. My best friend and I planned a three week tour of Europe for the summer we left High School. The day we went to buy our tickets, she bailed on me and I think Ive held a grudge against her for it ever since.
49. I went to three different colleges after high school, in three different states and I finally graduated with a BA in Fashion Merchandising from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, IL.
50. Im still trying to tap into the fashion industry.
51. I went through a huge experimentation phase in college.
52. Its important for my character that I try everything once. Im a firm believer in the dont knock it until you try it cliché.
53. If I could choose to be addicted to one drug I would definitely choose Exstacy
54. I truly feel everyone should try it at least once (please dont fight me on this he he)
55. I got my first and only tattoo when I was living in Minneapolis. My roommates and I were very bored one day and so we decided to get tattoos to pass some time.
56. Its a butterfly on my lower right hip.
57. It means absolutely nothing
58. Politics bore me
59. Im not an over opinionated person
60. I just like things to go my way =)
61. I love to travel, but I have a fear of flying! I literally have panic attacks on every plane ride.
62. My first plane ride was when I was 11. My entire family went down to Florida.
63. Ive been to four different countries (other than the US) and 24 of the 50 US states.
64. I have a slight (read: immense!) fear of terrorists and death. Enter my fear of flying.
65. My first concert was when I was 15. It was Alanis Morrisette. Since then Ive seen well over 100 different concerts in my lifetime.
66. Ive always been relatively quiet and well mannered. Every year my parents would always hear from my teachers I wish all my students were like Christi
67. I lost my grandma in 2003 and Ive thought of her every day since then
68. I ran and finished the Chicago Marathon in October 2004. It has been the greatest achievement of my life thus far.
69. I recently lost a family member to suicide. I found myself angry at the situation and I still to this day cannot understand depression.
70. Im a true optimist, but rather cynical with my own personal life.
71. I over analyze most tough (read: all) decisions
72. Jealousy annoys me
73. I am in love with a wonderful woman. Weve been together for two years.
74. Shes the first person Ive fully let into my life.
75. I refuse to label myself as a lesbian, or as bisexual. I believe labels are too confining.
76. Ive only had my heart truly and fully broken once. It was the hardest year of my life!
77. I LOATHE the malls. I love shopping in an intimate boutique setting as opposed to a cattle-like shopping arena.
78. I have a slight obsession with couture denim. Ill usually spend between $200 and $250 on my jeans.
79. I love to reminisce. I miss a lot about my past.
80. I could watch old home videos for hours!
81. I get bored easily
82. Ive always loved planning things. Even as a kid I would plan little events for me and my friends to do.
83. Music is in my blood. Its the one thing I turn to when Im having a rough day.
84. Drives in the Cabby with the top down and fabulous music blaring is one of the things I look forward to most in my life.
85. I love simple pleasures and playing with my inner child.
86. People will argue with me, but I am absolutely NOT high maintenance
87. My first job was as a hostess at Houlihans in Lake GenevaI HATED it!
88. Soon after, I went to work at Geneva National Golf Club and it is still to date the best job I ever had!
89. I currently work in the bridal industry but am desperately trying to get out of itat least the retail end of it
90. Im not an over doting person.
91. Romance and sweet talk makes me laugh.
92. Im a huge mood killer
93. When I am tired, I play with my hair. Its very soothing.
94. I am not engineered for the cold. When the temperature drops below 70 my sweaters come out and the extra down comforter goes on.
95. Im very passive
96. My biggest pet peeve is when people slow down traffic to stare at whatever is going on off to the side of the road.
97. Im a big flirt, sometimes unknowingly
98. The words poop and sippy cup ALWAYS without fail put a smile on my face. Im smiling as I type this.
99. If I could own an entire farm of Pugs I would!
100. I love these self indulgent blog moments
As I purused other blogs I realized that the trendy blog-thing to do is to post a "100 Things About Me" post, and I happily obliged.
So here it is, my very own 100th post...100 list.
1. I was born on May 18, 1982 in Burlington, Wisconsin
2. I was born to two teenage parents who fought all odds and have developed a successful, healthy family life.
3. They were married when I was two, and have been together ever since!
4. I have one younger brother, his name is Mikey. Hes one of my favorite people on the planet!
5. When I was younger I used to plan out our marriage to each other. I was seriously under the assumption that every family had one boy and one girl so that they could be married some day. I was shocked to later find out that kind of thinking is a crime! (And that some of my friends had more than one sibling!!)
6. There are 8 children on my dads side and six children on my moms side. Our Christmass are always quite big!
7. I used to memorize books on tape when I was three and then read to my parents.
8. I cried on my first day of Kindergarden because I got on the wrong bus, and I didnt learn how to actually read!
9. I grew up idolizing Madonna and Cindy Lauper. I used to run around my school singing "Like a Virgin" when I was 4.
10. I miss the way the world looked behind the handle bars of my tricycle, but now I love the way the world looks under the drop top of my Cabrio.
11. Ive always been ridiculously independent. In first grade my parents would have to leave early for work so I would have to get to and from school by myself. I always knew it was time to leave when Captain Kangaroo was over =) Ive done things on my own pretty much ever since!
12. In 3rd grade I used to force my friends to skip their recess because we had to practice our dance for the talent showthe following year!
13. I once cried for a week straight when I found out my parents butchered the pig I thought they were bringing home to be my pet.
14. Ive ALWAYS been a girly girl
15. I loved barbies, dresses, and makeup when I was younger.
16. I started myself on a strict skin care routine at the age of 10.
17. Ive been following it ever since!
18. My mom and I make yearly trips together to the Spa to get facials.
19. My parents always wanted me to be a jock so they enrolled me in a number of sports.
20. With each sport I was always more interested in the flowers on the field or the food in the stadium.
21. I once tried to pee in a Depends to see just how much those could really hold.
22. I went to a Catholic grade school and a public high school. I never bought the Catholic beliefs. I was a born skeptic of everything I was taught. Ive had a hard time going to church since I left.
23. We had two cliques in Grade School: The Snob Squad and The Nerd Herd. I was of course part of the latter =)
24. I drank my first beer the summer leaving St. Marys at Tony Belmores going away party. It was the first time The Snob Squad and The Nerd Herd hung out together. Ill remember it always =)
25. I once saved $500 for a horse but ended up going out and shopping with it instead.
26. My first kiss was in my Freshman year of High School.
27. We ended up dating for 4 years but never officially broke up. I wonder if that means all this time Ive been cheating on him =)
28. I LOVE to eat Gushers
29. I like to pop out the juice from them first, suck it out then eat the squishy part last.
30. I peel ALL the cheese off of my pizza and just eat the crust.
31. I also refuse to eat the last bite of any of my food, or drink the last drink of any of my drinks.
32. *knock on wood* Ive never broken a single bone in my body.
33. But I did sprain my tail bone REALLY bad at Karen Smileys birthday party in fourth grade. I never told anyone!
34. I have pride issues.
35. I get my hair done every two months and every time I go in, I change it.
36. I think I have ADD
37. Im fascinated by how people act when they think nobody is watching
38. I was once in a damaging earthquake while studying in Mexico.
39. It was the strangest feeling Ive had to date.
40. I think Im addicted to Myspace
41. Im a TERRIBLE speller.
42. Its more so just laziness.
43. I could dance every day of my life
44. I was on the dance team for two years in High School and I absolutely loved it!
45. It wasnt until many years later that my best friend Erin and I were watching old tapes of our routines and we realized we were actually quite bad! (We thought we were pretty good at the time)
46. I was on Prom Court in High School. I was seriously convinced for the longest time that it was a joke. (was it?)
47. I had a hard time saying goodbye to High School. It was a great four years!
48. My best friend and I planned a three week tour of Europe for the summer we left High School. The day we went to buy our tickets, she bailed on me and I think Ive held a grudge against her for it ever since.
49. I went to three different colleges after high school, in three different states and I finally graduated with a BA in Fashion Merchandising from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, IL.
50. Im still trying to tap into the fashion industry.
51. I went through a huge experimentation phase in college.
52. Its important for my character that I try everything once. Im a firm believer in the dont knock it until you try it cliché.
53. If I could choose to be addicted to one drug I would definitely choose Exstacy
54. I truly feel everyone should try it at least once (please dont fight me on this he he)
55. I got my first and only tattoo when I was living in Minneapolis. My roommates and I were very bored one day and so we decided to get tattoos to pass some time.
56. Its a butterfly on my lower right hip.
57. It means absolutely nothing
58. Politics bore me
59. Im not an over opinionated person
60. I just like things to go my way =)
61. I love to travel, but I have a fear of flying! I literally have panic attacks on every plane ride.
62. My first plane ride was when I was 11. My entire family went down to Florida.
63. Ive been to four different countries (other than the US) and 24 of the 50 US states.
64. I have a slight (read: immense!) fear of terrorists and death. Enter my fear of flying.
65. My first concert was when I was 15. It was Alanis Morrisette. Since then Ive seen well over 100 different concerts in my lifetime.
66. Ive always been relatively quiet and well mannered. Every year my parents would always hear from my teachers I wish all my students were like Christi
67. I lost my grandma in 2003 and Ive thought of her every day since then
68. I ran and finished the Chicago Marathon in October 2004. It has been the greatest achievement of my life thus far.
69. I recently lost a family member to suicide. I found myself angry at the situation and I still to this day cannot understand depression.
70. Im a true optimist, but rather cynical with my own personal life.
71. I over analyze most tough (read: all) decisions
72. Jealousy annoys me
73. I am in love with a wonderful woman. Weve been together for two years.
74. Shes the first person Ive fully let into my life.
75. I refuse to label myself as a lesbian, or as bisexual. I believe labels are too confining.
76. Ive only had my heart truly and fully broken once. It was the hardest year of my life!
77. I LOATHE the malls. I love shopping in an intimate boutique setting as opposed to a cattle-like shopping arena.
78. I have a slight obsession with couture denim. Ill usually spend between $200 and $250 on my jeans.
79. I love to reminisce. I miss a lot about my past.
80. I could watch old home videos for hours!
81. I get bored easily
82. Ive always loved planning things. Even as a kid I would plan little events for me and my friends to do.
83. Music is in my blood. Its the one thing I turn to when Im having a rough day.
84. Drives in the Cabby with the top down and fabulous music blaring is one of the things I look forward to most in my life.
85. I love simple pleasures and playing with my inner child.
86. People will argue with me, but I am absolutely NOT high maintenance
87. My first job was as a hostess at Houlihans in Lake GenevaI HATED it!
88. Soon after, I went to work at Geneva National Golf Club and it is still to date the best job I ever had!
89. I currently work in the bridal industry but am desperately trying to get out of itat least the retail end of it
90. Im not an over doting person.
91. Romance and sweet talk makes me laugh.
92. Im a huge mood killer
93. When I am tired, I play with my hair. Its very soothing.
94. I am not engineered for the cold. When the temperature drops below 70 my sweaters come out and the extra down comforter goes on.
95. Im very passive
96. My biggest pet peeve is when people slow down traffic to stare at whatever is going on off to the side of the road.
97. Im a big flirt, sometimes unknowingly
98. The words poop and sippy cup ALWAYS without fail put a smile on my face. Im smiling as I type this.
99. If I could own an entire farm of Pugs I would!
100. I love these self indulgent blog moments
Friday, September 01, 2006
Weekly Shoutouts
- TARA RAE! She FINALLY came out!!! HORRAY!! It has been a long overdue occurance and I am so excited for her to finally share in this part of her life with her family.
- Autumn. It is well on its way and I have to admit I'm ready for it. As I drove to work this morning I was honestly thrilled to see the leaves begin their yearly change to orange and red. I am sad to see the Summer end, but I know that in 7 VERY long months, I'll get to go through the re-growth process all over again, and that makes me really happy!
- Harley Davidson for giving me an interview on September 13. Here's hoping!
- My Aunt Jackie, for sending me a card that made me bawl my eyes out. I am truly blessed to have a close-knit, ever accepting family.
- Nicky...I'll miss you roomie =(
Monday, August 21, 2006
In Death We Find Strength
"You guys are the Andersons. You'll get through all of this by using your music!" ~ Katie D.
In a time, when a family cannot possibly comprehend a death, they are somehow able to come together, and smile through their tears, through the very music that has always held them together as a family. I sat in awe this weekend as I watched my family heal before my very eyes as they played their hearts to the sounds of Black Sabbath, Pat Bennetar, and Lynard Skynard.
They may never truly heal from what has happened, and they may never be able to truly understand any of it...but the Andersons will forever have music to guide them. It's the cornerstone of our entire family.
...our late dear Annie would have agreed.
So *cheers* to music, and that it does for the world every day. Some people pop pills, some down alcohol, us Andersons....we sing, we dance, we jam our little hearts out. It is definitley something to smile about.
Rest in Peace Aunt Annie
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Vegas 2006
I’ve been trying for the past couple of days to find the right way to describe my trip to Las Vegas this weekend and I’m finding myself at a loss of words. What I have been able to pull from my four days there is this:
- I took lots of drunken PICTURES.
- It was HOT. 110, can’t stay out in the sun for more than 10 minutes at a time HOT! I loved it!!!!
- I still can’t believe I had to fly on the day when the alleged terrorist plot was stopped and travel was in return delayed and a bit chaotic. Way to add to my already tremendous fear of flying!!
- Bally's was the best place for us to stay. Innexpensive, and right on the strip
- Front of the Line passes are the way to go if you plan on going to the hot clubs. Even if you paid to be on it, it’s still fun to walk to the front of the massive line and say “I’m on the list”.
- Everyone in their lifetime needs to experience Ghostbar. Even if you only stay long enough for a few martinis and to learn a new phrase: “Silly Hot”.
- Looking hot and being brought up to the VIP room at RAIN nightclub is reason enough to have a big ego for the evening…especially when it’s accompanied by free vodka drinks!
- Vegas boasts some of the most fabulous clubs, and fabulously nice people! Apparently everyone that visits either comes from California…or Oshkosh, WI.
- I still have dreams about the gorgeous Go-Go dancers at Studio 54.
- I HATED Coyotee Ugly and hated Harrah’s even more!
- Travel the strip by city bus. It’s cheaper, and much more entertaining!
- Nickel slots suck. Can anyone even win anything on those?
- Three nights out and two full hot days is enough to make you crave your own bed and the cooler weather of Wisconsin. I had a blast, but was ready to come home.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Congratulations Jessica and Scott
Last Saturday, July 22, I laid witness to the beautiful exchanging of vows between Jessica McKeen and Scott Bailey. It was a beautiful ceremony, my first time at an outside wedding, and it was a wonderful and intimate experience.
Some of my favorite parts of their wedding:
The gorgeous ceremony site!
Gary's beautiful flower arrangements
Watching Jessica walk up the stairs and standing at the foot of the isle with her dad
Seeing Scott cry as he watches Jessica walk the isle
Lets face it...my dress.
The wind in the hair of the bridesmaids standing at the front of the pavillion
Some of my favorite parts of their wedding:
The gorgeous ceremony site!Gary's beautiful flower arrangements
Watching Jessica walk up the stairs and standing at the foot of the isle with her dad
Seeing Scott cry as he watches Jessica walk the isle
Lets face it...my dress.
The wind in the hair of the bridesmaids standing at the front of the pavillion
SUPER strong Bacardi/Cranberries at Crossroads bar in Elkhorn
The full mugs of beer in the wedding party's hands as they exited their massive limo
Crawling under Jessica's dress to help her with the bustle
The cookie favors on our tables
Tippy Cup and drinking games during the reception
Falling over while taking a picture with Jess
Watching my dad get hit on
Dancing the night away
Taco Bell
Monday, July 24, 2006
American Players Theatre
Every year, for the past 5 or 6 years, my parents have driven up to Spring Green, Wisconsin to attend the performances at the American Players Theatre. For the first time last year, my brother and I were able to attend one of the plays with them, Tartuffe, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
The venue consists of a cozy outdoor theatre setup with about 1100 auditorium style seats horseshoed around the stage. The theatre sits on top of a hill, in which you have to hike up a wooded path to get to, and surrounding the path to the theatre are little picnic areas in which you can utilize prior to the shows. Last year we brought our picnic basket and some wine and sat and enjoyed the nature before heading up the path to the theatre. This year however, we were crunched for time and arrived to Spring Green just in time to hear the music playing at the top of the hill, signaling the patrons to take their seats.
This year, I saw Romeo and Juliet (my first time seeing a live performance of it) and I must say I’ve never seen Romeo and Juliet portrayed better! While the actor playing Romeo was a bit weak, the rest of the company did a fantastic job portraying the intensity and the crazed feelings these young lovers had and the stage direction of the play was just phenomenal! I loved it so much more than any movie creation of the story.
It’s always a bit intimidating walking into the theatre due to all the scholars, professors, and literary types that frequent the shows, but luckily the popularity of the Romeo and Juliet story drew quite a younger crowd, so I was able to relax a bit more than I was able to while seeing Tartuffe. =)
I’d love to make it up one more time this summer to see another show, but time is crunched the way it is so I may have to settle for an early show next season.
The venue consists of a cozy outdoor theatre setup with about 1100 auditorium style seats horseshoed around the stage. The theatre sits on top of a hill, in which you have to hike up a wooded path to get to, and surrounding the path to the theatre are little picnic areas in which you can utilize prior to the shows. Last year we brought our picnic basket and some wine and sat and enjoyed the nature before heading up the path to the theatre. This year however, we were crunched for time and arrived to Spring Green just in time to hear the music playing at the top of the hill, signaling the patrons to take their seats.
This year, I saw Romeo and Juliet (my first time seeing a live performance of it) and I must say I’ve never seen Romeo and Juliet portrayed better! While the actor playing Romeo was a bit weak, the rest of the company did a fantastic job portraying the intensity and the crazed feelings these young lovers had and the stage direction of the play was just phenomenal! I loved it so much more than any movie creation of the story.
It’s always a bit intimidating walking into the theatre due to all the scholars, professors, and literary types that frequent the shows, but luckily the popularity of the Romeo and Juliet story drew quite a younger crowd, so I was able to relax a bit more than I was able to while seeing Tartuffe. =)
I’d love to make it up one more time this summer to see another show, but time is crunched the way it is so I may have to settle for an early show next season.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Do I stay or Do I Go?
Today, I was offered a position representing Essense of Australia, in Southern California. I would be the Southwestern representative for the line, traveling between southern Cali, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada. I would be training staff and store owners, selling the line, and representing the Australian company at the US bridal markets in New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas. On top of that I'd be working out of their Paloma (sp?) beach office which is yes...right on the beach. I'd finally be living by my beloved ocean.
But I'm happy here in Milwaukee. I have my family, and my friends...and my love. what am I supposed to do? In a time, where I feel completely content with my life in Milwaukee...an opportunity like this comes along causing me to jump into "adult world" and make a huge decision regarding my career path.
A decision has to be made...do I stay, or do I go? And I haven't the slightest clue what to do.
But I'm happy here in Milwaukee. I have my family, and my friends...and my love. what am I supposed to do? In a time, where I feel completely content with my life in Milwaukee...an opportunity like this comes along causing me to jump into "adult world" and make a huge decision regarding my career path.
A decision has to be made...do I stay, or do I go? And I haven't the slightest clue what to do.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Awww, Summerfest is officially over. I’m always a bit saddened at the end of it all, because I feel that my summer has an official lull in it. I never made it to the final night, but I went out with a bang on Saturday, seeing Pink for all of 4 songs and pigging out on the final combination platter at Saz’s for the year.
Tara and I started out our Saturday festivities with martini’s at the Hi-Hat near my apartment and by the time Erin arrived at my apartment around 6:30 that evening, we were half in the bag already. *cheers to summer*. We polished off a bottle of champagne with Erin at my apartment, chatted about wedding stuff (sorry Tara), then headed back to the Hi-Hat to get one last drink, and a free ride to Summerfest.
The bus took a bit longer than we had anticipated, and we didn’t end up getting to the grounds until close to 9:30 which put a damper in our evenings plans but we weren’t willing to sacrifice any portion of the evening: Saz’s, booze, and Pink. We would just have to hurry along this way.
We hurried over to the Saz’s stand, waited in an obnoxiously long line (which is pretty common for the famous restaurant) and pigged out on our combination platters on our way to the Briggs and Stratton stage on the South end of the grounds. We quickly grabbed a drink (a beer for me, mixed drinks for Tara and Erin) and headed to the stage, disappointed to find that actually seeing Pink was going to be a pretty hard feat to accomplish.
Annoyed at some of the Summerfest patrons, and sick of hearing Erin complain about not being able to see Pink, I decided to lead the group up the front of the stage, in hopes of getting a better glimpse of pink. I was sadly mistaken as I realized the further up we went, the more condensed the bleachers became and the harder it was to see above the screaming heads. We got a few quick glimpses, enough to say we actually “saw” Pink that day, and hurried back out the way we came.
Ready to leave, we decided to foot it the rest of the way home (my brilliant idea) and I think about 45 minutes later we finally made it to my apartment…ready for bed.
It was a great end, to a terrific 11 days of fun. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year!
Tara and I started out our Saturday festivities with martini’s at the Hi-Hat near my apartment and by the time Erin arrived at my apartment around 6:30 that evening, we were half in the bag already. *cheers to summer*. We polished off a bottle of champagne with Erin at my apartment, chatted about wedding stuff (sorry Tara), then headed back to the Hi-Hat to get one last drink, and a free ride to Summerfest.
The bus took a bit longer than we had anticipated, and we didn’t end up getting to the grounds until close to 9:30 which put a damper in our evenings plans but we weren’t willing to sacrifice any portion of the evening: Saz’s, booze, and Pink. We would just have to hurry along this way.
We hurried over to the Saz’s stand, waited in an obnoxiously long line (which is pretty common for the famous restaurant) and pigged out on our combination platters on our way to the Briggs and Stratton stage on the South end of the grounds. We quickly grabbed a drink (a beer for me, mixed drinks for Tara and Erin) and headed to the stage, disappointed to find that actually seeing Pink was going to be a pretty hard feat to accomplish.
Annoyed at some of the Summerfest patrons, and sick of hearing Erin complain about not being able to see Pink, I decided to lead the group up the front of the stage, in hopes of getting a better glimpse of pink. I was sadly mistaken as I realized the further up we went, the more condensed the bleachers became and the harder it was to see above the screaming heads. We got a few quick glimpses, enough to say we actually “saw” Pink that day, and hurried back out the way we came.
Ready to leave, we decided to foot it the rest of the way home (my brilliant idea) and I think about 45 minutes later we finally made it to my apartment…ready for bed.
It was a great end, to a terrific 11 days of fun. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Fourth of July
Today, a week’s worth of festivities has finally caught up with me. My throat hurts, my body aches, and I really could just sleep. But alas, it’s summer and it’s summerfest, and rest is not on the radar until early next week. Yes, I am a Summerfest junkie. There is no better time to me than a cold beer, great friends, and a night of fabulous food and music. I feel so lucky to live in a place that for 10 days out of every year, I can pay my $15 and access hundreds of different bands. Not many other places can boast something so marvelous. Not to mention, for anyone who loves people watching, what better place than in Wisconsin! Summerfest has some of the best people watching EVER. In just a few hours you'll see a great mixture of many different types of people. Thanks to the likes of Nine Inch Nails playing on the same night as Dirks Bentley, you're bound to see a wide aray of people. It's great!
I’ve been there three days so far, and have three more lined up. Thursday’s outing was by far the most intense but Sunday’s trip was equally as entertaining. Katie, her sister Julie, and Julie’s friend showed up to my apartment around 6:00 and we headed down to the grounds, Cabby top down, boppin’ away to the sounds of Brittney and Rihanna. Parking is always absurd around Summerfest, but luckily we found a lot close enough spot for only $7 (a steal of a deal).
We started off the night with…Saz’s of course…and made our way to the Harley Davidson Stage to watch Pat McCurdy perform (One of Katie’s favorites). He was AWESOME. He had this unique gift of being able to get the crowd jumping and singing to anything he decided to spit out of his mouth. I laughed hysterically as I watched the crowd turn from hick to hip hop in a matter of seconds and they laughed along the entire time. He had quite the following and not to mention the Dirks Bently concert had begun to draw quite the crowd at the stage as well, so by 8:30 we were pretty much trapped on our bleacher seats. I guess we were staying for the concert =)
At 9:00 A CMT producer came on stage and informed us all that this specific concert was going to be televised on July 16 and we laughed at how random it all seemed. Here we were, stuck on these bleachers, and were about to be televised on national television. I love Summerfest. =)
The concert was awesome. I had never heard of Dirks Bently prior to the concert, but I left a full fledged fan. I even went out and bought his newest CD the next day. He was personable, and fun, and super cute. Minus the drunken morons that frequent Summerfest, we girls managed to have a fantastic time.
My third trip to Summerfest came a bit spontaneously. Tara and I woke up early Tuesday morning and decided we wanted to go see Kenney Chesney that night. 10 minutes later, we had 15th row seats…I was pumped. Before the concert however, we had plans to meet up with Katie and Mary at Miller Park for the brewer’s game that afternoon. We met them in the Petit National Ice Center parking lot at 10:00 and made our way to the stadium.
Only in Wisconsin can you enter a place at 10:00 in the morning, and find the parking lot full of people with grills, lawn chairs, and plastic footballs. If there’s one thing us ‘sconies are known for, it’s our ability to drink. *cheers to us* ha ha.
Anyways, we grilled out and drank in the parking lot until well after the 4th inning and finally made our way inside the stadium. It was Bobble Head Day and we were WAY excited about leaving with our free little toy. However, we soon realized that you cannot expect stock to remain well into the 5th inning and so we left instead with a blue “rain check” for our bobble heads. We were a bit disappointed.
We left the stadium at the top of the 9th inning, still bitching about not receiving our Bobble Heads. We decided to wait out the crowd and play a few games of cards outside our car and we ended up meeting a group of really great people who were waiting out the crowd as well. A nearby Chicago girl had heard us all bitching about how we never received our Bobble Heads, so she came over and dropped hers off at our table…she was never going to use it again. We were like kids in a candy store. I have never seen four grown women more excited about a Bobble Head in my life! We took pictures, and named it, and talked to it…it was a little ridiculous. But I suppose that’s what alcohol will do to you sometimes =)
After the game, Tara and I made our way to Summerfest and soon after to the Kenney Chesney concert at the Marcus Amphitheatre. We had fantastic seats (as we usually do when it comes to Kenney) but I was a bit disappointed in the concert itself. The entire show just seemed awfully random to me. Generally when I go to a concert, the headliner lets you know that he’s going to be starting…in some way. The lights go off, the music plays, there’s a moment of anticipation. But for whatever reason, there wasn’t any of that. Suddenly I just hear “Summertime” playing, and I look behind me and he’s standing on some bleacher singing in the middle of the theatre. What?! Um...okay there’s Kenney. As the rest of the concert went on, random people came out and sang with him. Sugarland. Why? Uncle Cracker...from where?! I just found myself trying to stay focused and enjoy what was going on, but was being way over stimulated =)
Regardless of the randomness of the concert, I enjoyed myself immensely. It was the best Fourth of July I’ve had in a long time. I love summer! I’m so happy that it’s finally here.
I’ve been there three days so far, and have three more lined up. Thursday’s outing was by far the most intense but Sunday’s trip was equally as entertaining. Katie, her sister Julie, and Julie’s friend showed up to my apartment around 6:00 and we headed down to the grounds, Cabby top down, boppin’ away to the sounds of Brittney and Rihanna. Parking is always absurd around Summerfest, but luckily we found a lot close enough spot for only $7 (a steal of a deal).
We started off the night with…Saz’s of course…and made our way to the Harley Davidson Stage to watch Pat McCurdy perform (One of Katie’s favorites). He was AWESOME. He had this unique gift of being able to get the crowd jumping and singing to anything he decided to spit out of his mouth. I laughed hysterically as I watched the crowd turn from hick to hip hop in a matter of seconds and they laughed along the entire time. He had quite the following and not to mention the Dirks Bently concert had begun to draw quite the crowd at the stage as well, so by 8:30 we were pretty much trapped on our bleacher seats. I guess we were staying for the concert =)
At 9:00 A CMT producer came on stage and informed us all that this specific concert was going to be televised on July 16 and we laughed at how random it all seemed. Here we were, stuck on these bleachers, and were about to be televised on national television. I love Summerfest. =)
The concert was awesome. I had never heard of Dirks Bently prior to the concert, but I left a full fledged fan. I even went out and bought his newest CD the next day. He was personable, and fun, and super cute. Minus the drunken morons that frequent Summerfest, we girls managed to have a fantastic time.
My third trip to Summerfest came a bit spontaneously. Tara and I woke up early Tuesday morning and decided we wanted to go see Kenney Chesney that night. 10 minutes later, we had 15th row seats…I was pumped. Before the concert however, we had plans to meet up with Katie and Mary at Miller Park for the brewer’s game that afternoon. We met them in the Petit National Ice Center parking lot at 10:00 and made our way to the stadium.
Only in Wisconsin can you enter a place at 10:00 in the morning, and find the parking lot full of people with grills, lawn chairs, and plastic footballs. If there’s one thing us ‘sconies are known for, it’s our ability to drink. *cheers to us* ha ha.
Anyways, we grilled out and drank in the parking lot until well after the 4th inning and finally made our way inside the stadium. It was Bobble Head Day and we were WAY excited about leaving with our free little toy. However, we soon realized that you cannot expect stock to remain well into the 5th inning and so we left instead with a blue “rain check” for our bobble heads. We were a bit disappointed.
We left the stadium at the top of the 9th inning, still bitching about not receiving our Bobble Heads. We decided to wait out the crowd and play a few games of cards outside our car and we ended up meeting a group of really great people who were waiting out the crowd as well. A nearby Chicago girl had heard us all bitching about how we never received our Bobble Heads, so she came over and dropped hers off at our table…she was never going to use it again. We were like kids in a candy store. I have never seen four grown women more excited about a Bobble Head in my life! We took pictures, and named it, and talked to it…it was a little ridiculous. But I suppose that’s what alcohol will do to you sometimes =)
After the game, Tara and I made our way to Summerfest and soon after to the Kenney Chesney concert at the Marcus Amphitheatre. We had fantastic seats (as we usually do when it comes to Kenney) but I was a bit disappointed in the concert itself. The entire show just seemed awfully random to me. Generally when I go to a concert, the headliner lets you know that he’s going to be starting…in some way. The lights go off, the music plays, there’s a moment of anticipation. But for whatever reason, there wasn’t any of that. Suddenly I just hear “Summertime” playing, and I look behind me and he’s standing on some bleacher singing in the middle of the theatre. What?! Um...okay there’s Kenney. As the rest of the concert went on, random people came out and sang with him. Sugarland. Why? Uncle Cracker...from where?! I just found myself trying to stay focused and enjoy what was going on, but was being way over stimulated =)
Regardless of the randomness of the concert, I enjoyed myself immensely. It was the best Fourth of July I’ve had in a long time. I love summer! I’m so happy that it’s finally here.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Summerfest 2006...Day 1
Every year, Summerfest roars into Milwaukee and every year I anxiously await its arrival. The festival kicked off on Thursday with a full day of music, food, and beer and I was bound and determined to be there for it!
After work on Thursday, Katie D and her two friends showed up at my apartment, ready to party it up, the way Milwaukeeans do. We mixed a few Rum and Cokes, girlified ourselves, and headed out the doors at 8:30 destined for the Milwaukee lakefront. We had a bit of trouble figuring out transportation but luckily we met a very nice woman, and a very helpful bus driver, and we were able to get ourselves to the lakefront with very little hassle. I’m really bad at telling stories, so I won’t go into detail about the bus ride and events leading up to it. But luckily, we made it =)
We started off the night with a Miller Light and an REO Speedwagon concert. We only caught the last couple of songs, but were there long enough to hear “Roll with the Changes”, “Keep on Loving you” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out”. I was sad to have missed “Can’t Fight This Feeling” but what can you do right?
After REO was finished, we made our way to Jo-Jo’s Martini lounge, sipped on a few Cosmopolitans, and awaited the Big Bang fireworks. The fireworks were amazing, a little long, but still amazing. They really are the best fireworks display all year…in the state of Wisconsin I think! Not that I’ve seen that many to compare it too, but I’m sure it’s up there!
For the remaining couple hours we spent some time at the Harley Davidson stage watching Common and then headed to the Miller Light Oasis to watch the Bodeins. At 12:30 the grounds closed and we made our way back to my apartment for some Pizza Shuttle, sobering talk, and a pass out session =)
I’m hoping to make it to Summerfest a few more times before it all ends. I’ll definitely be there on Sunday with Katie again for the Love Monkeys and then on Monday for Phil Vassar and Keith Anderson with Tara. Thursday is The Frey and Saturday Pink is playing and I’m going to try really hard to make it to that as well. Luckily I have a free ticket in my wallet to utilize. Summerfest is getting quite expensive! But it’s totally worth it. $15 gets you inside the grounds, and access to a ton of bands….FOR FREE! It’s the greatest festival ever! For anyone not from Milwaukee…get your ass up this way. You’re missing out on a fantastic time.
After work on Thursday, Katie D and her two friends showed up at my apartment, ready to party it up, the way Milwaukeeans do. We mixed a few Rum and Cokes, girlified ourselves, and headed out the doors at 8:30 destined for the Milwaukee lakefront. We had a bit of trouble figuring out transportation but luckily we met a very nice woman, and a very helpful bus driver, and we were able to get ourselves to the lakefront with very little hassle. I’m really bad at telling stories, so I won’t go into detail about the bus ride and events leading up to it. But luckily, we made it =)
We started off the night with a Miller Light and an REO Speedwagon concert. We only caught the last couple of songs, but were there long enough to hear “Roll with the Changes”, “Keep on Loving you” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out”. I was sad to have missed “Can’t Fight This Feeling” but what can you do right?
After REO was finished, we made our way to Jo-Jo’s Martini lounge, sipped on a few Cosmopolitans, and awaited the Big Bang fireworks. The fireworks were amazing, a little long, but still amazing. They really are the best fireworks display all year…in the state of Wisconsin I think! Not that I’ve seen that many to compare it too, but I’m sure it’s up there!
For the remaining couple hours we spent some time at the Harley Davidson stage watching Common and then headed to the Miller Light Oasis to watch the Bodeins. At 12:30 the grounds closed and we made our way back to my apartment for some Pizza Shuttle, sobering talk, and a pass out session =)
I’m hoping to make it to Summerfest a few more times before it all ends. I’ll definitely be there on Sunday with Katie again for the Love Monkeys and then on Monday for Phil Vassar and Keith Anderson with Tara. Thursday is The Frey and Saturday Pink is playing and I’m going to try really hard to make it to that as well. Luckily I have a free ticket in my wallet to utilize. Summerfest is getting quite expensive! But it’s totally worth it. $15 gets you inside the grounds, and access to a ton of bands….FOR FREE! It’s the greatest festival ever! For anyone not from Milwaukee…get your ass up this way. You’re missing out on a fantastic time.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Bee Bop Shoo Wopp
I spent my time last night, immersed in the sounds of the 50’s and 60’s, while people watching amidst my favorite generation of people…senior citizens.
Last night, I accompanied Erin to a performance of Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets at the Marcus Center in Milwaukee. The show consisted of four guys, in dinner jackets (surprising right?), who bee bopped to the catchy tunes that made the 50’s and 60’s so famous. While the harmonies were awesome, and the singing itself very entertaining, I found myself lost in many of the “50’s humor” jokes and a bit annoyed at the overly done jokes and randomness of the show. But I suppose that just has something to say about the generation gap that exists between then and now, because as I looked around the room at all the men and women laughing and clapping and singing along, I realized that this was probably a huge treat for them! To be transported back to the days of their youth, and to hear the songs they all loved as teenagers! I know I’d be exstatic to hear “Like a Virgin” from Madonna 50 years from now =) I found myself smiling endlessly as I focused on the room and saw so many of them having such a great time, and watching them wiggle in their seats as the guys on stage harmonized to “Love Potion Number Nine” and “Runaround Sue”. As I’m sure many of you know, old people just warm my heart, and to be in an entire room of them was a slight taste of heaven to me.
I’m not sure if I would go see the show again, but I’d DEFINITLEY recommend it to my grandmother and her friends! The men were highly talented and truly entertaining to watch. It’s just hard to get into something fully, that you don’t really understand.
Last night, I accompanied Erin to a performance of Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets at the Marcus Center in Milwaukee. The show consisted of four guys, in dinner jackets (surprising right?), who bee bopped to the catchy tunes that made the 50’s and 60’s so famous. While the harmonies were awesome, and the singing itself very entertaining, I found myself lost in many of the “50’s humor” jokes and a bit annoyed at the overly done jokes and randomness of the show. But I suppose that just has something to say about the generation gap that exists between then and now, because as I looked around the room at all the men and women laughing and clapping and singing along, I realized that this was probably a huge treat for them! To be transported back to the days of their youth, and to hear the songs they all loved as teenagers! I know I’d be exstatic to hear “Like a Virgin” from Madonna 50 years from now =) I found myself smiling endlessly as I focused on the room and saw so many of them having such a great time, and watching them wiggle in their seats as the guys on stage harmonized to “Love Potion Number Nine” and “Runaround Sue”. As I’m sure many of you know, old people just warm my heart, and to be in an entire room of them was a slight taste of heaven to me.
I’m not sure if I would go see the show again, but I’d DEFINITLEY recommend it to my grandmother and her friends! The men were highly talented and truly entertaining to watch. It’s just hard to get into something fully, that you don’t really understand.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Religious Balance
Questions about religion enter my mind almost on a daily basis. Growing up Catholic there are certain things I was brought up to believe in: An almighty God, a miraculous virgin birth, an arc to save the world, a single man and woman who produced human life, a heaven and a hell. As I’ve grown up, I’ve struggled with my faith as I developed a more in depth understanding of mythology and its origins, as well as science and research. As a result, I’ve sort of left behind my Catholic roots, and embarked on a different path of spirituality.
Coinciding with my upbringing and struggle with religion, I’ve always been a firm believer in the balance of the universe…in the Yin and Yang of the world if you will. For every bad there is good, for every negatively charged situation is a positive one waiting right around the corner, and for every dying life form is a new life developing somewhere else.
Utilizing these two concepts I found myself thinking today, on my drive to work, about the existence of what religion and mythology will deem as a heaven and a hell…the ultimate universal balance. The optimist in me wants to believe that only a heaven exists and there is no such thing as a devil or a hell. The agnostic in me wants to believe that neither heaven nor hell exist in the manner in which I was taught to believe, and it is more so a metaphor for our spirits…of how they will continue to be remembered through generations to come. And then there’s the Catholic in me that wants to believe that there is in fact both a heaven and a hell, and it is up to us to live our lives fully so that on judgment day we are accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven and not deemed to an eternity of flames and torture.
In thinking about the balance of the world, it seems only necessary that if a good place exists, a bad must exist as well. But I have a hard time believing that there is truly an inherently evil place, and that some humans are destined to spend eternity there.
Thus, without starting a religious debate, I was just curious how the rest of the world feels about this Heaven and Hell concept. If you believe in a Heaven, do you believe in a hell? If not, why not?
Coinciding with my upbringing and struggle with religion, I’ve always been a firm believer in the balance of the universe…in the Yin and Yang of the world if you will. For every bad there is good, for every negatively charged situation is a positive one waiting right around the corner, and for every dying life form is a new life developing somewhere else.
Utilizing these two concepts I found myself thinking today, on my drive to work, about the existence of what religion and mythology will deem as a heaven and a hell…the ultimate universal balance. The optimist in me wants to believe that only a heaven exists and there is no such thing as a devil or a hell. The agnostic in me wants to believe that neither heaven nor hell exist in the manner in which I was taught to believe, and it is more so a metaphor for our spirits…of how they will continue to be remembered through generations to come. And then there’s the Catholic in me that wants to believe that there is in fact both a heaven and a hell, and it is up to us to live our lives fully so that on judgment day we are accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven and not deemed to an eternity of flames and torture.
In thinking about the balance of the world, it seems only necessary that if a good place exists, a bad must exist as well. But I have a hard time believing that there is truly an inherently evil place, and that some humans are destined to spend eternity there.
Thus, without starting a religious debate, I was just curious how the rest of the world feels about this Heaven and Hell concept. If you believe in a Heaven, do you believe in a hell? If not, why not?
Monday, June 26, 2006
Just some weekend stuff
I am making it known to the entire blogging community, that on Friday of last week, I went on an interview with the Kohl’s corporation and, as I cross my fingers, it went really well. Of course there is the chance that I’m delusional in my thinking, and the interview went horribly, in which case I just admitted failure to many, many people, but I’m optimistic for the time being. I originally interviewed for a Sample Specialist position which is an entry level position feeding into the entire company. But as the interview process continued, I was introduced to even more people, in a few more departments, for a few more open positions in the company. At the end of all of it, I was taken to the buying offices and introduced to a few people there as well. The recruiter is also in the process of passing over my resume directly to them. At the end of three hours I had met with 5 different people, and interviewed for three different positions. Hopefully SOMETHING will turn up =)
I was so thrilled with how well the interview went that I was definitely in the mood for some celebrating. Tara and I thus, met up with Katie and Mary for some drinks at The Harp and headed over to Out and About a little later for some drinking and dancing with some more friends. I’m not a big bar fly, but I definitely enjoy the occasional drunk night out =)
I awoke on Saturday with a bit of a hangover, but had to quickly nurse it away as I had to work all day Saturday. The day went by quickly, thankfully, and at 6:00 Erin, Dave, and Tara showed up at my parent’s apartment, ready to head to Heather and Eric’s. They were having a small get together of close friends, celebrating their new house…and of course their new life together. Their house is ADORABLE: two bedrooms, one bath, cute little backyard, and a cute little dog to compliment it. They’re your typical storybook couple: high school sweethearts get married right out of college, buy a cute little house and a dog =) I love them. We spent the night playing games and chatting around the fire pit.
Sunday I spent lazing around trying to get my stomach into some sort of normal routine again. Feeling full I decided to jump on the scale to see how “full” I actually was and I realized that for the past month I have been consistently gaining weight. For the first time in my entire life I am above 124. While I by no means need to go on a diet, I think this was my first indication that I should probably start watching what I eat a little bit better. My metabolism seems to be slowing a bit more. I think it’s time to incorporate some fruit into this diet of mine =)
I was so thrilled with how well the interview went that I was definitely in the mood for some celebrating. Tara and I thus, met up with Katie and Mary for some drinks at The Harp and headed over to Out and About a little later for some drinking and dancing with some more friends. I’m not a big bar fly, but I definitely enjoy the occasional drunk night out =)
I awoke on Saturday with a bit of a hangover, but had to quickly nurse it away as I had to work all day Saturday. The day went by quickly, thankfully, and at 6:00 Erin, Dave, and Tara showed up at my parent’s apartment, ready to head to Heather and Eric’s. They were having a small get together of close friends, celebrating their new house…and of course their new life together. Their house is ADORABLE: two bedrooms, one bath, cute little backyard, and a cute little dog to compliment it. They’re your typical storybook couple: high school sweethearts get married right out of college, buy a cute little house and a dog =) I love them. We spent the night playing games and chatting around the fire pit.
Sunday I spent lazing around trying to get my stomach into some sort of normal routine again. Feeling full I decided to jump on the scale to see how “full” I actually was and I realized that for the past month I have been consistently gaining weight. For the first time in my entire life I am above 124. While I by no means need to go on a diet, I think this was my first indication that I should probably start watching what I eat a little bit better. My metabolism seems to be slowing a bit more. I think it’s time to incorporate some fruit into this diet of mine =)
Monday, June 19, 2006
WICKED!
Ever since I had heard that Wicked had come to Chicago, I have been dying to see it. I have heard nothing but unbelievable things about the musical and I myself wanted so badly to enjoy it.
For a few months after I moved back to Milwaukee (still not having seen Wicked), I joined a book club and through that club I was given the opportunity to read the book, to which sparked my curiosity even further. As countless people around me headed down to the Windy City to enjoy the much talked about theatrical presentation, I sat back and pouted knowing I may never get to see it on Broadway, as its end is drawing closer and closer.
Suddenly, an extension of the musical was announced and I hurried to purchase a few tickets, only to find that they were well in the upper hundreds, a price way outside of my budget.
And then Fathers Day 2006 came upon me and when asking my dad what he wanted to do on his special day he responded with “I want to go see Wicked again”. I screamed, literally, and hurried to the computer to purchase our tickets. 6th row center in the orchestra section was where we ended up. I couldn’t wait!
My family and I arrived in Chicago around 12:00 yesterday afternoon, and stopped for lunch before arriving at the Oriental Theatre. As we took our seats I sat in awe at the artwork surrounding the theatre. It’s a true joy to experience something as I was about to experience in such an old and decorated building. Modern buildings just don’t seem to have the same charm.
At 2:00 the orchestra began to play, the curtain drew up, and for the next three hours I was engulfed in a wave of emotion. Throughout the entire production I sat with a beating heart, tingles through my body, and tears in my eyes. I was so moved by the singing, and the dancing, and the overall story. Words cannot describe what I saw yesterday afternoon and for all of you that have been fortunate enough to have seen Wicked, you know exactly what I am talking.
I have never before seen a live production that I have enjoyed half as much as I enjoyed Wicked. I would go back and see it in a heartbeat.
For a few months after I moved back to Milwaukee (still not having seen Wicked), I joined a book club and through that club I was given the opportunity to read the book, to which sparked my curiosity even further. As countless people around me headed down to the Windy City to enjoy the much talked about theatrical presentation, I sat back and pouted knowing I may never get to see it on Broadway, as its end is drawing closer and closer.
Suddenly, an extension of the musical was announced and I hurried to purchase a few tickets, only to find that they were well in the upper hundreds, a price way outside of my budget.
And then Fathers Day 2006 came upon me and when asking my dad what he wanted to do on his special day he responded with “I want to go see Wicked again”. I screamed, literally, and hurried to the computer to purchase our tickets. 6th row center in the orchestra section was where we ended up. I couldn’t wait!
My family and I arrived in Chicago around 12:00 yesterday afternoon, and stopped for lunch before arriving at the Oriental Theatre. As we took our seats I sat in awe at the artwork surrounding the theatre. It’s a true joy to experience something as I was about to experience in such an old and decorated building. Modern buildings just don’t seem to have the same charm.
At 2:00 the orchestra began to play, the curtain drew up, and for the next three hours I was engulfed in a wave of emotion. Throughout the entire production I sat with a beating heart, tingles through my body, and tears in my eyes. I was so moved by the singing, and the dancing, and the overall story. Words cannot describe what I saw yesterday afternoon and for all of you that have been fortunate enough to have seen Wicked, you know exactly what I am talking.
I have never before seen a live production that I have enjoyed half as much as I enjoyed Wicked. I would go back and see it in a heartbeat.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The joys of being a woman
For the first time in a very long time, my alarm went off this morning, and I didn’t want to slam the sounds of Wes, Ronnie, and Alley from KISSFM into the wall. I instead, laid in my bed for a few more minutes, allowing my body to adjust to the morning, and hearing out Wes’s story about golfing.
I was FLOORED with what I heard.
For the first time in my entire life I was listening to another man speak of how lame other men can be.
Let me explain.
Apparently KISSFM hosted a golf outing yesterday in which the entire morning show cast was in attendance. Apparently throughout the outing, Wes spent some time riding around on the beverage cart with the girls working it. He continued to tell a story of the repulsion he felt for men as with each and every hole she stopped at, she had to endure ongoing remarks and comments from the men at each of the holes. FINALLY for the first time, a man was seeing this situation from our eyes.
He laughed as he made fun of some of the comments, and he sincerely apologized on-air for the way that men act towards women sometimes. It was a refreshing thought to wake up to. I turned off the alarm with a smile =)
Now unfortunately, I am not as tolerant as apparently this beverage cart girl was for she responded to Wes saying “It doesn’t really bother me, I’ve gotten used to it”. This little lady on the other hand, has had to endure these situations my entire life and I am not so willing to just brush it off with a little giggle. I just sometimes wonder why it is that men feel the need to hoot and holler and spit their game at every walking pair of breasts they see. Is there really a point? Do they get more "booty" that way? Do women truly respond positively towards these situations?
But then I have to wonder where us women stand in all of this. After all, we are the ones giggling for tips and oogling our goodies for men to stare at. Maybe we're bringing this all on ourselves. Or at least we should take some credit for it.
Either way it's no excuse for a man to make a woman feel completely uncomfortable in her surroundings, and the cat calls are really unecessary, regardless of your chosen profession. I hope that a number of these men were listening to the KISS morning show this morning and heard how stupid they actually sound. Who knows ladies, maybe there’s hope for them, and our social lives after all.
I was FLOORED with what I heard.
For the first time in my entire life I was listening to another man speak of how lame other men can be.
Let me explain.
Apparently KISSFM hosted a golf outing yesterday in which the entire morning show cast was in attendance. Apparently throughout the outing, Wes spent some time riding around on the beverage cart with the girls working it. He continued to tell a story of the repulsion he felt for men as with each and every hole she stopped at, she had to endure ongoing remarks and comments from the men at each of the holes. FINALLY for the first time, a man was seeing this situation from our eyes.
He laughed as he made fun of some of the comments, and he sincerely apologized on-air for the way that men act towards women sometimes. It was a refreshing thought to wake up to. I turned off the alarm with a smile =)
Now unfortunately, I am not as tolerant as apparently this beverage cart girl was for she responded to Wes saying “It doesn’t really bother me, I’ve gotten used to it”. This little lady on the other hand, has had to endure these situations my entire life and I am not so willing to just brush it off with a little giggle. I just sometimes wonder why it is that men feel the need to hoot and holler and spit their game at every walking pair of breasts they see. Is there really a point? Do they get more "booty" that way? Do women truly respond positively towards these situations?
But then I have to wonder where us women stand in all of this. After all, we are the ones giggling for tips and oogling our goodies for men to stare at. Maybe we're bringing this all on ourselves. Or at least we should take some credit for it.
Either way it's no excuse for a man to make a woman feel completely uncomfortable in her surroundings, and the cat calls are really unecessary, regardless of your chosen profession. I hope that a number of these men were listening to the KISS morning show this morning and heard how stupid they actually sound. Who knows ladies, maybe there’s hope for them, and our social lives after all.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Lazy Summer Days
As summer is approaching faster than I anticipated, I'm finding that my schedule is filling faster and faster with festivals, concerts, weddings, trips, and other occasions of the summer. Thus, when a weekend such as this past one arises, I welcome the opportunity to spend a few days relaxing and gearing up for the coming weeks that lie before me.
I had the entire weekend off of work which I utilized to my full advantage to take care of a few things I've been meaning to take care of for a number of weeks. I get a lot of running in, a lot of reading, and a lot of errands done. It was great! By Sunday, I was ready for some socializing so Tara and I packed up the Cabrio and headed to the Milwaukee County Zoo to meet up with some friends for a leisurly day at the Zoo.
Before arriving, I was telling Tara how I remember the days when I was little, of going to the zoo and spending the entire day there!! We would walk, and eat lunch, and shop, and just make an entire day out of it. As time grew on however, the full days seemed to end and now I'm lucky if my trips to the zoo last more than an hour.
And then I realized what it was like to be there with small children.
We met up with my friend Rosy, her husband Ben, and their son Sean, as well as Kiersten's sister Stephanie, her husband Andy, and their son Braden. Them, along with Tara and I and Kiers and Angie, wandered the park taking in all of the sights as well as the gorgeous weather we encountered. We stopped for lunch, chatted over a few beers, and laughed at the children's reactions to certain animals going about their daily "zoo-ish" business. Suddenly 4:00 rolled around and I realized we had been at the zoo for over 4 hours!! We had spent the entire day there!
Walking out to the car I had a big smile on my face knowing that I had just spent a "family day" just as I used to only this time, we were the adults! It was a little strange at first, but I quickly warmed up to the idea. I love this getting older stuff =)
I had the entire weekend off of work which I utilized to my full advantage to take care of a few things I've been meaning to take care of for a number of weeks. I get a lot of running in, a lot of reading, and a lot of errands done. It was great! By Sunday, I was ready for some socializing so Tara and I packed up the Cabrio and headed to the Milwaukee County Zoo to meet up with some friends for a leisurly day at the Zoo.
Before arriving, I was telling Tara how I remember the days when I was little, of going to the zoo and spending the entire day there!! We would walk, and eat lunch, and shop, and just make an entire day out of it. As time grew on however, the full days seemed to end and now I'm lucky if my trips to the zoo last more than an hour.
And then I realized what it was like to be there with small children.
We met up with my friend Rosy, her husband Ben, and their son Sean, as well as Kiersten's sister Stephanie, her husband Andy, and their son Braden. Them, along with Tara and I and Kiers and Angie, wandered the park taking in all of the sights as well as the gorgeous weather we encountered. We stopped for lunch, chatted over a few beers, and laughed at the children's reactions to certain animals going about their daily "zoo-ish" business. Suddenly 4:00 rolled around and I realized we had been at the zoo for over 4 hours!! We had spent the entire day there!
Walking out to the car I had a big smile on my face knowing that I had just spent a "family day" just as I used to only this time, we were the adults! It was a little strange at first, but I quickly warmed up to the idea. I love this getting older stuff =)
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Memorial Day Weekend '06
Beneath the sunburn, behind the exhaustion and the full belly that remains from a weekend full of eating, lies a three day Memorial Weekend packed with memories. It was a weekend filled with great friends, great food, and plenty of sunshine to top an already amazingly good time.
The weekend kicked off on Friday as I hurried home from work to meet up with Tara, her roomate Dobry (Jeni) and Ashley for a night of grilled food and beer. We (read: them) cooked up hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, corn on the cobb and some baked beans and hurried upstairs to enjoy a fresh grilled meal.
Fast forward a half hour.
With full bellies we assessed the beer situation and decided we had plenty to keep us going all night. Thus, with beers in hand we busted out the board games...my favorite part of friendly get togethers. We started off with Yahtzee, as Ashley insisted she wasn't drunk enough yet for a game of Cranium and she proceeded to kick our asses in the coming rolls of the dice. Saddened at my defeat, I pulled out Cranium, ready for a game I KNEW I could win.
Drunken Cranium is probably on my list of top 5 things to do at a get together. I never laugh harder than I do while watching someone try to draw "Rock, Paper, Scissors" without looking at the paper, while their partner continuously yells "Square, Apple, Scissors", all the while thinking her guess is perfectly accurate given the picture being drawn. We never ended up finishing the game, but Tara and I were way ahead by the time we called it quits to play Circle of Death (more commonly called in B-Town, Kings Cup) =) We again failed to finish the game as Dobry left to vomit and Ashley and I engaged in an argument about whether feemer and leaner rhymed (which I must digress and admit I was wrong). It was then, we decided to call it a night.
I awoke early Saturday for work, which ended up being slower than usual, making it for a touch day to sit and stare, and wish you weren't hung over. At least I had the evening to look forward to, as Katie and I made plans for a late night out at our favorite B-Town bar: John's Main Event.
We arrived at 11:00 to a semi-crowded bar, but still managed to secure ourselves a seat at the bar, and a few rounds of shots courtesy of our favorite bartender. Seeing as how our money was obviously no good there, we decided to plug the juke-box with dollars and fill the bar with the sounds of Katie/Christi music. Def Leopard's "Pour Some Sugar On me" always gets me into the partying mood, so we opted for a few more shots, a few more drinks, and plenty of friendly run ins with old friends. But alas, at 2:00 a fight had broken out, dampening the mood of the night so we left the bar, destined for some late night eats at White Fox Den. Bed time didn't come until around 5:00 and I dragged myself out of bed three hours later to get to work.
I spent two hours at the salon on Sunday then quickly closed up and drove home to meet Tara at my apartment. I threw on a tank top, grabbed my flip-flops, and we were out the door, ready for a day by the lake.
We strolled to Altera, wandered through the Kite Festival and spent a lot of time lounging around on picnic tables, talking and people watching. It was the perfect way to spend a 90 degree day in Milwaukee. As dusk fell, we opted for an easy night in, rented a few movies, and by 9:30 I was sleeping on the couch.
Finally, memorial day came and the sun was shining as beautifully as it had the day before. I jumped out of bed, threw my swimsuit on, and we headed, with the Cabby's drop top down, to the beach to spend a few hours lounging in the sun. A few hours quickly turned into a half hour and we realized we had less time to spend there than we had originally hoped. It was a wonderful half hour though.
Tara and I reloaded up the Cabby and drove to the Metro Market to pick up BBQ essentials for our cookout with Erin and Dave. We loaded up on fresh fruit, buns, and of course Metro Market's famous free samples! The Metro Market rocks!
We arrived at Erin and Dave's exactly on time and we chatted for a while (us girls) while Dave manned the gril. Ah yes, the fine display of gender roles =) KIDDING! After dinner we played a few games, Dave kicked our asses in Trivial Pursuit, and so we moved to Taboo where Erin and I dominated the round.
And with that, my weekend ended and I sit her now recapping it and nursing my sunburnt shoulders. As the last weekend in May bring about the first week in June, it also brought with a hint of summer that still remains in the memories of the weekend. But as a cool air blows from the open door in front of me, and the signs of rain linger in the air, I am reminded that this summer is indeed still around the corner. I just can't wait for it to fully arrive!
The weekend kicked off on Friday as I hurried home from work to meet up with Tara, her roomate Dobry (Jeni) and Ashley for a night of grilled food and beer. We (read: them) cooked up hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, corn on the cobb and some baked beans and hurried upstairs to enjoy a fresh grilled meal.
Fast forward a half hour.
With full bellies we assessed the beer situation and decided we had plenty to keep us going all night. Thus, with beers in hand we busted out the board games...my favorite part of friendly get togethers. We started off with Yahtzee, as Ashley insisted she wasn't drunk enough yet for a game of Cranium and she proceeded to kick our asses in the coming rolls of the dice. Saddened at my defeat, I pulled out Cranium, ready for a game I KNEW I could win.
Drunken Cranium is probably on my list of top 5 things to do at a get together. I never laugh harder than I do while watching someone try to draw "Rock, Paper, Scissors" without looking at the paper, while their partner continuously yells "Square, Apple, Scissors", all the while thinking her guess is perfectly accurate given the picture being drawn. We never ended up finishing the game, but Tara and I were way ahead by the time we called it quits to play Circle of Death (more commonly called in B-Town, Kings Cup) =) We again failed to finish the game as Dobry left to vomit and Ashley and I engaged in an argument about whether feemer and leaner rhymed (which I must digress and admit I was wrong). It was then, we decided to call it a night.
I awoke early Saturday for work, which ended up being slower than usual, making it for a touch day to sit and stare, and wish you weren't hung over. At least I had the evening to look forward to, as Katie and I made plans for a late night out at our favorite B-Town bar: John's Main Event.
We arrived at 11:00 to a semi-crowded bar, but still managed to secure ourselves a seat at the bar, and a few rounds of shots courtesy of our favorite bartender. Seeing as how our money was obviously no good there, we decided to plug the juke-box with dollars and fill the bar with the sounds of Katie/Christi music. Def Leopard's "Pour Some Sugar On me" always gets me into the partying mood, so we opted for a few more shots, a few more drinks, and plenty of friendly run ins with old friends. But alas, at 2:00 a fight had broken out, dampening the mood of the night so we left the bar, destined for some late night eats at White Fox Den. Bed time didn't come until around 5:00 and I dragged myself out of bed three hours later to get to work.
I spent two hours at the salon on Sunday then quickly closed up and drove home to meet Tara at my apartment. I threw on a tank top, grabbed my flip-flops, and we were out the door, ready for a day by the lake.
We strolled to Altera, wandered through the Kite Festival and spent a lot of time lounging around on picnic tables, talking and people watching. It was the perfect way to spend a 90 degree day in Milwaukee. As dusk fell, we opted for an easy night in, rented a few movies, and by 9:30 I was sleeping on the couch.
Finally, memorial day came and the sun was shining as beautifully as it had the day before. I jumped out of bed, threw my swimsuit on, and we headed, with the Cabby's drop top down, to the beach to spend a few hours lounging in the sun. A few hours quickly turned into a half hour and we realized we had less time to spend there than we had originally hoped. It was a wonderful half hour though.
Tara and I reloaded up the Cabby and drove to the Metro Market to pick up BBQ essentials for our cookout with Erin and Dave. We loaded up on fresh fruit, buns, and of course Metro Market's famous free samples! The Metro Market rocks!
We arrived at Erin and Dave's exactly on time and we chatted for a while (us girls) while Dave manned the gril. Ah yes, the fine display of gender roles =) KIDDING! After dinner we played a few games, Dave kicked our asses in Trivial Pursuit, and so we moved to Taboo where Erin and I dominated the round.
And with that, my weekend ended and I sit her now recapping it and nursing my sunburnt shoulders. As the last weekend in May bring about the first week in June, it also brought with a hint of summer that still remains in the memories of the weekend. But as a cool air blows from the open door in front of me, and the signs of rain linger in the air, I am reminded that this summer is indeed still around the corner. I just can't wait for it to fully arrive!
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