In a city such as Vegas, it’s no wonder that it becomes a highly frequented city, considering all that there is to do there. In the five times that I have stayed in Las Vegas, I have managed to leave with a very different experience each and every time, and each time I find myself loving it more and more. I have had trips dedicated solely to drinking and partying in which I was given a thorough look at some of the fabulous nightlife that Vegas has to offer, while other trips were dedicated to the sole purpose of relaxing by the fabulous pool, to which I must say Mandalay Bay remains one of my favorites. I have seen shows, and eaten at amazing restaurants. I have shopped at one-of-a-kind stores, gambled in a number of different casinos, and walked down the strip with a beer in my hand. I’ve seen live music, I’ve ridden a number of rides, and I’ve spent countless hours relaxing in a number of different spas. Yes, Vegas is probably my most frequented vacation spot, and I can’t say that I’ve ever had more fun than I have when I go there.
This weekend I went back, this time in celebration of my brother’s 21st birthday and like every other time, it failed to disappoint me. We stayed at the Mirage (a first for me), where we spent a combined total of about 10 hours sleeping and about 60 hours partying and gambling. We partied like rock stars that’s for sure (my parents included), taking stretch limos to clubs, renting out VIP rooms, and drinking Grey Goose by the bottle. Who cares if we couldn’t technically afford it…we were in VEGAS! Some of us partied a little too hard. In fact, I ended up leaving early and carrying one of my brother’s friends home from RAIN one night because he was puking in our VIP room and was too intoxicated to walk on his own. I have to say that it was my first time ever being escorted out of a club by security guards.
When we weren’t clubbing, we were gambling, and the majority of us were winning! Hundred dollar Blackjack hands could be seen throughout our group of 13 and that came with both very big wins, as well as very big losses. My winnings were spent in the Forum Shops of Caesars palace where I treated myself to my first Kate Spade purse (and matching wallet/clutch) and a fabulous pair of Betsey Johnson stiletto shoes. Yes, I am a designer whore. I love buying myself something I couldn’t normally afford when I win money I wouldn’t have normally had.
Although we did party hard, the trip didn’t consist of a total drunken stupor. We managed to have a number of really good meals and I squeezed in a few naps as well as some down time at the hotel hot tub (it was too cold to go swimming). Overall I think it was a great trip, and I think my brother had a really great time! I wish the trip had been a bit more relaxing than it was considering I leave for Daytona on Wednesday for two weeks, but I suppose you can’t really expect that when heading to Las Vegas.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
I didn't go to Grammar School
In doing research today for a few work projects, I came across a number of articles written on the subject of grammar, and our declining English language. Some of them made me laugh at how annoyed people get when people don’t properly use their words, and some made me want to grab my Webster and study up immediately. They all got me thinking though, and they sparked the need inside of me to explain a few things about us non-English majored members of the English speaking world. Although I speak for nobody else but myself.
I have terrible grammar, and probably even worse spelling (which doesn’t say too much). I’m sure that anyone who has every read this blog knows that little fact about me, and I am grateful that regardless of my occasional misuse of the English language, many of you continue to frequent my ramblings; even though you may cringe inside when I throw in a few too many run on sentences, or make a word plural that isn’t exactly supposed to be. (speaking of…was that last sentence a run-on?)
However, the great thing about the Weblog world is that I don’t HAVE to be a great speller or have fantastic English to do what some people had to go through many years of schooling to do, and that is to write. Sure I don’t get paid to update people on my life, and my words aren’t as pretty to read as some, but it’s an opportunity for me to do something that up until recently, was only reserved for personal diaries. People actually READ what I write, and some actually enjoy it!
But Christi, you speak English, you live in the United States, you SHOULD know how to speak proper English, or at least spell correctly! I couldn’t agree more. However, aside from my poor spelling (which I attribute to my reliance on spell check), my only knowledge of proper grammar use is what I learned in Grade School. GRADE SCHOOL. Outside of my 6th grade English I have never once had to learn anything even remotely close to grammar “right and wrongs”. So blame the educational system, not me =)
I guess the excuse I’m trying to make is aside from the simple “their, they’re, and there” we learned in our earlier years, my knowledge base of the matter simply isn’t there. And since I don’t do this professionally, why delve into it so deeply? Now don’t get me wrong, I do believe it’s important to remain educated on the English language, after all, we use it every single day! But to think of all the possible mistakes that are out there to make when using all of these fabulous words of ours is exhausting! I’ll let the professionals deal with all of them.
To sum it up: I didn’t go to school to learn every grammatical error that is possible to make, so I’m going to make mistakes sometimes. I’ll continue to try to grow as a literary human being, but in the mean time, you may just have to tough out some “pet-peevy” type mistakes. I apologize to those that this bothers. But know, that while I’m aggravating you with my words, I’m having a great time sharing my thoughts with all of you =)
I have terrible grammar, and probably even worse spelling (which doesn’t say too much). I’m sure that anyone who has every read this blog knows that little fact about me, and I am grateful that regardless of my occasional misuse of the English language, many of you continue to frequent my ramblings; even though you may cringe inside when I throw in a few too many run on sentences, or make a word plural that isn’t exactly supposed to be. (speaking of…was that last sentence a run-on?)
However, the great thing about the Weblog world is that I don’t HAVE to be a great speller or have fantastic English to do what some people had to go through many years of schooling to do, and that is to write. Sure I don’t get paid to update people on my life, and my words aren’t as pretty to read as some, but it’s an opportunity for me to do something that up until recently, was only reserved for personal diaries. People actually READ what I write, and some actually enjoy it!
But Christi, you speak English, you live in the United States, you SHOULD know how to speak proper English, or at least spell correctly! I couldn’t agree more. However, aside from my poor spelling (which I attribute to my reliance on spell check), my only knowledge of proper grammar use is what I learned in Grade School. GRADE SCHOOL. Outside of my 6th grade English I have never once had to learn anything even remotely close to grammar “right and wrongs”. So blame the educational system, not me =)
I guess the excuse I’m trying to make is aside from the simple “their, they’re, and there” we learned in our earlier years, my knowledge base of the matter simply isn’t there. And since I don’t do this professionally, why delve into it so deeply? Now don’t get me wrong, I do believe it’s important to remain educated on the English language, after all, we use it every single day! But to think of all the possible mistakes that are out there to make when using all of these fabulous words of ours is exhausting! I’ll let the professionals deal with all of them.
To sum it up: I didn’t go to school to learn every grammatical error that is possible to make, so I’m going to make mistakes sometimes. I’ll continue to try to grow as a literary human being, but in the mean time, you may just have to tough out some “pet-peevy” type mistakes. I apologize to those that this bothers. But know, that while I’m aggravating you with my words, I’m having a great time sharing my thoughts with all of you =)
Friday, February 09, 2007
Too many thoughts to combine into an actual post
My end of week thoughts:
Is it that far fetched of an idea to think that we as humans have had a drastically devastating effect on the earth and the environment? And why does this have to be such a political debate. Shouldn’t we all want to do something good, to keep the place we live clean and healthy?
I could never, in a million years, work in a warehouse for 40 hours a week. Mad props to those that can!
Friendships need nurturing, and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
So do relationships for that matter. ALL relationships I guess.
Am I supposed to feel MORE sad about Anna Nicole Smith dying than I am say of the small child that was recently killed in my hometown, simply because she’s well recognized?
Getting paid for 25 hours of overtime that you spent in Orlando, Florida isn’t that bad of a deal.
I think it should be mandatory that every human being partake in some sort of Yoga exercise or meditation in the morning before they head to work. People on their morning commutes are entirely too stressed out to be driving…and sometimes they’re just mean. It hurts my feelings.
GWEN STEFANI is coming to the Bradley Center!! Who’s coming with me?!
And for that matter…what ever happened to that Justin Timberlake concert Jayne?
I spend way too much money, on too many unnecessary things.
I miss living next door to Jimmy Johns.
It’s funny how 12 degrees can feel so warm when you compare it to 15 below. Ah, the wonder of relative comparisons.
I love cinnamon, especially in the morning.
I enjoy getting up at 6:00 in the morning. I just wish my body felt the same way.
Is it that far fetched of an idea to think that we as humans have had a drastically devastating effect on the earth and the environment? And why does this have to be such a political debate. Shouldn’t we all want to do something good, to keep the place we live clean and healthy?
I could never, in a million years, work in a warehouse for 40 hours a week. Mad props to those that can!
Friendships need nurturing, and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
So do relationships for that matter. ALL relationships I guess.
Am I supposed to feel MORE sad about Anna Nicole Smith dying than I am say of the small child that was recently killed in my hometown, simply because she’s well recognized?
Getting paid for 25 hours of overtime that you spent in Orlando, Florida isn’t that bad of a deal.
I think it should be mandatory that every human being partake in some sort of Yoga exercise or meditation in the morning before they head to work. People on their morning commutes are entirely too stressed out to be driving…and sometimes they’re just mean. It hurts my feelings.
GWEN STEFANI is coming to the Bradley Center!! Who’s coming with me?!
And for that matter…what ever happened to that Justin Timberlake concert Jayne?
I spend way too much money, on too many unnecessary things.
I miss living next door to Jimmy Johns.
It’s funny how 12 degrees can feel so warm when you compare it to 15 below. Ah, the wonder of relative comparisons.
I love cinnamon, especially in the morning.
I enjoy getting up at 6:00 in the morning. I just wish my body felt the same way.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Winter Dealer Meeting 2007
After a week of traveling, I have finally had the opportunity to sit down at my computer, and spit out an update into the life of a jet-set working girl =) I must admit that after a week away from home, my life is feeling a bit disorderly, and chaotic and I have a feeling it's going to take me a few days to re-enter some sort of routine and organization. But alas, chaos of life aside, I am long over-due for a blog update (as is usually the case) so I have set aside a few minutes here to stop unpacking, sit down on the chair, and hammer away on my little keyboard.
My trip to Orlando, FL this past week was both exciting and exhausting, with a range of emotions thrown somewhere in between that spectrum. As I departed General Mitchel International Airport early Friday morning, destined for my first event far away from home, I had much anticipation for what lay ahead of me in those coming 6 days and I hoped that at the end of it all, I would be able to leave with a reaffirmation that I was truly destined to be in the events industry.
It was tough at first to grasp what I was supposed to be doing with myself, but I think most of that stemmed from my insecurity of wandering around a strange city by myself, representing a company I had only been employed by for three weeks. But the independent girl in me took over eventually and after getting my bags, finding the hotel shuttle, and checking into the hotel I was ready to begin my assignment.
I arrived to a convention hall bustling with union workers and a few of my fellow employees who had arrived earlier in the day, working hard to get the events center ready for the coming show. I found my boss, and after a quick chat, I was put right to work. The rest of the marketing employees trickled in throughout the rest of the day and at 6:00 we all decided to call it a night, and I hit up the closest seafood/sushi bar with a few of my female co-workers to put a cap on the hard day of setup.
The remaining couple of days went pretty much the same way, minus the air travel of course. Get up, grab coffee, set-up, go home. By the time Monday came I was so exhausted from the 10 hour work days, that I found myself happily in bed by 8:00 each night.
Monday was the first day of the show and from what I hear it went really well. I spent the first day doing mindless tasks like handing out promotional t-shirts and assisting my boss with seminars. The next few days of the show I wandered around the show floor feeling pretty useless. It's hard to find your place occasionally in such a large company, especially when you're so new and your skill sets haven't exactly been determined yet. My boss tried to keep me as busy as possible, but for the most part I just stood around and smiled, trying to make myself look busy =)
The show wrapped up on Wednesday, and a few of us celebrated with an outing to Downtown Disney for some yummy Cuban food, plenty of Mojitos, and some dancing at the local Irish pub. It was the perfect end to a long hard week.
And with that, my week ended. I boarded my flight back home early Thursday morning and I was back to work today. As I look back at the week I have to say that it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned it to be, but I can't say that I'm dissapointed either. I think for my first show it went as well as it could have. I learned a lot, met a lot of great people, and familiarized myself with yet another gorgeous US city =)
In getting back to my previous inquiry: Am I cut out for the events industry? I think it's still too soon to say, but I'm optimistic for what lies ahead. My next stop is Daytona Beach, FL at the end of this month. It'll be one more event closer to figuring out my true professional calling in life, or if nothing else a fabulous excuse to hang out away from the bitter cold of Wisconsin for two weeks.
My trip to Orlando, FL this past week was both exciting and exhausting, with a range of emotions thrown somewhere in between that spectrum. As I departed General Mitchel International Airport early Friday morning, destined for my first event far away from home, I had much anticipation for what lay ahead of me in those coming 6 days and I hoped that at the end of it all, I would be able to leave with a reaffirmation that I was truly destined to be in the events industry.
It was tough at first to grasp what I was supposed to be doing with myself, but I think most of that stemmed from my insecurity of wandering around a strange city by myself, representing a company I had only been employed by for three weeks. But the independent girl in me took over eventually and after getting my bags, finding the hotel shuttle, and checking into the hotel I was ready to begin my assignment.
I arrived to a convention hall bustling with union workers and a few of my fellow employees who had arrived earlier in the day, working hard to get the events center ready for the coming show. I found my boss, and after a quick chat, I was put right to work. The rest of the marketing employees trickled in throughout the rest of the day and at 6:00 we all decided to call it a night, and I hit up the closest seafood/sushi bar with a few of my female co-workers to put a cap on the hard day of setup.
The remaining couple of days went pretty much the same way, minus the air travel of course. Get up, grab coffee, set-up, go home. By the time Monday came I was so exhausted from the 10 hour work days, that I found myself happily in bed by 8:00 each night.
Monday was the first day of the show and from what I hear it went really well. I spent the first day doing mindless tasks like handing out promotional t-shirts and assisting my boss with seminars. The next few days of the show I wandered around the show floor feeling pretty useless. It's hard to find your place occasionally in such a large company, especially when you're so new and your skill sets haven't exactly been determined yet. My boss tried to keep me as busy as possible, but for the most part I just stood around and smiled, trying to make myself look busy =)
The show wrapped up on Wednesday, and a few of us celebrated with an outing to Downtown Disney for some yummy Cuban food, plenty of Mojitos, and some dancing at the local Irish pub. It was the perfect end to a long hard week.
And with that, my week ended. I boarded my flight back home early Thursday morning and I was back to work today. As I look back at the week I have to say that it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned it to be, but I can't say that I'm dissapointed either. I think for my first show it went as well as it could have. I learned a lot, met a lot of great people, and familiarized myself with yet another gorgeous US city =)
In getting back to my previous inquiry: Am I cut out for the events industry? I think it's still too soon to say, but I'm optimistic for what lies ahead. My next stop is Daytona Beach, FL at the end of this month. It'll be one more event closer to figuring out my true professional calling in life, or if nothing else a fabulous excuse to hang out away from the bitter cold of Wisconsin for two weeks.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Looking back on 2006
I'm not one to make resolutions. Yes there are things I'd like to change, and do differently but come February and into the rest of the year those resolutions begin to take a backseat to the rest of life and suddenly I'm spending less and less time at the gym and less and less time volunteering as much as I said I was going to. And then I'm mad at myself for not sticking to them. So instead, each year I just vow to do better. To learn from the past, and not carry the same mistakes into the new year. And with that, instead of a resolution list, I have looked back on 2006 and taken into account all that I have learned and experienced in the past year. Last year, as with every year, I made mistakes...and I learned from them. It's all about growing.
Here's what I've learned in 2006:
Don’t leave empty water glasses next to the couch
Camping after a huge rainstorm is NEVER a good idea
A smile during a big fight is one of the most comforting things ever!
Sometimes a simple hug can make everything okay.
I miss Milwaukee.
I miss Chicago even more.
Don’t live your own life according to other people’s paths.
Finding a new job SUCKS!
But landing a new job is a fantastic feeling!
NEVER be the overly-drunk bridesmaid
Pink boas will always make for a great night.
I know nothing about motorcycles.
Shooting a gun isn’t as terrifying as I once thought.
Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t make anything any better.
Always lock your front door.
Girls night out is a much needed adventure every couple of months.
Some people never change
Choosing between a career and love is one of the hardest decisions I’ve been faced with.
Follow your heart
I missed AIM.
Facebook is a million times more addicting than Myspace.
Nicky makes the best martinis on the planet!
Ex’s will always cause drama…at some point.
Don’t start drinking hours before a concert, 45 minutes away…you’ll never make it there.
Flippy Cup is the best drinking game EVER!
Phase 10 and Cranium run a close second and third.
Game nights should happen much more than they do.
BUDGET!
Stop at all red lights.
Flavor Blasted Goldfish crackers are NOT a substitute for a complete meal.
Let guys buy you drinks in Vegas...unless they are 45 with bleached blonde hair and are wearing their sunglasses in the club.
Be honest about money up front…not after the tickets have been purchased. =)
Get pissed and then get over it.
Open and honest communication lines solve everything.
Book clubs are a good idea, but the wine and gossip part is an even better one!
Don’t go off the gift registry unless you’re SURE nobody else is going to buy what you did.
Everybody at the bar does not need you to buy them a drink.
I still hate Oshkosh.
Don’t learn how to snowboard on an intermediate hill.
Being interviewed on TV is a really cool feeling.
A fashion show cannot be planned in a few days.
Belly dancing is not all it’s cracked up to be.
The princess of Iceland is pretty!
Bite your tongue.
Fasting sucks!
I don’t blog nearly enough.
Some of the best friends that I have, I see only every few months.
Here's what I've learned in 2006:
Don’t leave empty water glasses next to the couch
Camping after a huge rainstorm is NEVER a good idea
A smile during a big fight is one of the most comforting things ever!
Sometimes a simple hug can make everything okay.
I miss Milwaukee.
I miss Chicago even more.
Don’t live your own life according to other people’s paths.
Finding a new job SUCKS!
But landing a new job is a fantastic feeling!
NEVER be the overly-drunk bridesmaid
Pink boas will always make for a great night.
I know nothing about motorcycles.
Shooting a gun isn’t as terrifying as I once thought.
Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t make anything any better.
Always lock your front door.
Girls night out is a much needed adventure every couple of months.
Some people never change
Choosing between a career and love is one of the hardest decisions I’ve been faced with.
Follow your heart
I missed AIM.
Facebook is a million times more addicting than Myspace.
Nicky makes the best martinis on the planet!
Ex’s will always cause drama…at some point.
Don’t start drinking hours before a concert, 45 minutes away…you’ll never make it there.
Flippy Cup is the best drinking game EVER!
Phase 10 and Cranium run a close second and third.
Game nights should happen much more than they do.
BUDGET!
Stop at all red lights.
Flavor Blasted Goldfish crackers are NOT a substitute for a complete meal.
Let guys buy you drinks in Vegas...unless they are 45 with bleached blonde hair and are wearing their sunglasses in the club.
Be honest about money up front…not after the tickets have been purchased. =)
Get pissed and then get over it.
Open and honest communication lines solve everything.
Book clubs are a good idea, but the wine and gossip part is an even better one!
Don’t go off the gift registry unless you’re SURE nobody else is going to buy what you did.
Everybody at the bar does not need you to buy them a drink.
I still hate Oshkosh.
Don’t learn how to snowboard on an intermediate hill.
Being interviewed on TV is a really cool feeling.
A fashion show cannot be planned in a few days.
Belly dancing is not all it’s cracked up to be.
The princess of Iceland is pretty!
Bite your tongue.
Fasting sucks!
I don’t blog nearly enough.
Some of the best friends that I have, I see only every few months.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
A Little Bit of Positivity Goes a Long Way
A few weeks ago, if you would have asked me how I was doing, I would have instinctively responded with “I’m fine”, as seems to be the common and accepted response these days to that question. But in all truth and honesty, I was sad and depressed. I was feeling really down and sorry for myself that I was living back at home and had no future job prospects in the making. Plus, to top it all off, the Christmas season was upon me and I couldn’t have wished for anything to pass over more quickly in my life. I was broke, and it was warm, and I was leaving for Christmas anyways to spend it in Utah, yes still with my family but, away from my beloved holiday tradition. I was just crabby about the situation in general. I hated feeling self indulgent but sometimes when the negative feelings come, it’s hard to replace them with something positive. It’s easier to just let them snowball sometimes.
That is, until something positive actually does come along! Today, two weeks later I am a happier person. I got the job I had been hoping for; we got a massive dumping of snow catapulting me into full blown Christmas mode, and to top it all off, WE’RE STICKING AROUND FOR CHRISTMAS! I couldn’t be more ecstatic with how things have worked out, and it feels so good to be happy about life again. Granted I’m still broke, and there’s no more snow left on the ground, oh...and I’m still living at home, but I’m okay with all of that =) I have the personal satisfaction of knowing I am spreading my wings and challenging life on my own, and I have the anticipation of a fantastic holiday season ahead of me. I have my fantastic friends, my loving family, a warm home, lots of love, and many other blessed things in my life. When you break it all down, and take a look at it all, I really am a very lucky girl. I only wish I could have seen that two weeks ago.
That is, until something positive actually does come along! Today, two weeks later I am a happier person. I got the job I had been hoping for; we got a massive dumping of snow catapulting me into full blown Christmas mode, and to top it all off, WE’RE STICKING AROUND FOR CHRISTMAS! I couldn’t be more ecstatic with how things have worked out, and it feels so good to be happy about life again. Granted I’m still broke, and there’s no more snow left on the ground, oh...and I’m still living at home, but I’m okay with all of that =) I have the personal satisfaction of knowing I am spreading my wings and challenging life on my own, and I have the anticipation of a fantastic holiday season ahead of me. I have my fantastic friends, my loving family, a warm home, lots of love, and many other blessed things in my life. When you break it all down, and take a look at it all, I really am a very lucky girl. I only wish I could have seen that two weeks ago.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A Christmas Carol
If anyone is bored this holiday season and is looking for something to do, go see A Christmas Carol at the Milwaukee Rep/Pabst Theatre. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Now, I must admit that when the first mention of seeing the play in Milwaukee was brought up, I didn’t have the highest expectations. I’ve seen a number of plays/musicals in Milwaukee and they have failed to wow me in the past. I assumed this one wouldn’t be any different, but I welcomed the idea of a night out at the theatre anyways…even if it was in Milwaukee.
I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised.
Tara and I arrived just as the lights began to blink in the lobby indicating it was time for us to take our seats. We were escorted to the third row and sat amidst a sold out crowd, dressed to the nines in their business suits, tuxedos, and occasional evening gowns. I took a minute to take in the well dressed crowd, and the gorgeous scenery around me that the Pabst theatre so proudly boasts. Within a matter of moments the music began to play and I was transported back to the late 1800’s, enjoying the classic Christmas tale that Charles Dickens created so many years ago.
The costuming was gorgeous, the set was really quite stunning, and I found myself both laughing and crying throughout most of the production! To top it all off, Jonathan Smoots (whom I’ve seen many times at the American Players Theatre) took the role as the Ghost of Christmas Past and I was thrilled to see a familiar face up there on the stage in Milwaukee!
I left the show with a HUGE smile on my face and an affirmation that Milwaukee can produce some fabulous live theatre. They just need to be given a fair chance.
Now, I must admit that when the first mention of seeing the play in Milwaukee was brought up, I didn’t have the highest expectations. I’ve seen a number of plays/musicals in Milwaukee and they have failed to wow me in the past. I assumed this one wouldn’t be any different, but I welcomed the idea of a night out at the theatre anyways…even if it was in Milwaukee.
I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised.
Tara and I arrived just as the lights began to blink in the lobby indicating it was time for us to take our seats. We were escorted to the third row and sat amidst a sold out crowd, dressed to the nines in their business suits, tuxedos, and occasional evening gowns. I took a minute to take in the well dressed crowd, and the gorgeous scenery around me that the Pabst theatre so proudly boasts. Within a matter of moments the music began to play and I was transported back to the late 1800’s, enjoying the classic Christmas tale that Charles Dickens created so many years ago.
The costuming was gorgeous, the set was really quite stunning, and I found myself both laughing and crying throughout most of the production! To top it all off, Jonathan Smoots (whom I’ve seen many times at the American Players Theatre) took the role as the Ghost of Christmas Past and I was thrilled to see a familiar face up there on the stage in Milwaukee!
I left the show with a HUGE smile on my face and an affirmation that Milwaukee can produce some fabulous live theatre. They just need to be given a fair chance.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
A Spontaneous Ski Trip
I am not a winter type of girl. In fact, I’m quite the baby once the temperatures drop below 50 degrees, and I just can’t seem to ever quite get warm enough. I spend many winter nights plopped on top of heating vents, perched in front of fireplaces, or just simply incapacitated under a blanket on my couch. I truly feel that my body is just not genetically engineered to handle the cold. But alas, amidst my extreme discomfort around subzero temperatures (read: slightly cold), I have a love of snow and all things associated with it, so I’m often able to fight through the deep chill that runs through my body 5 months out of the year, and get out there and enjoy winter!
Last night, my dad and I took a spontaneous trip to Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy, WI to hit a couple of the hills and enjoy the first great snowfall of the season. I suited up in my brother’s old snowboard gear (I haven’t purchased any new skiing equipment for myself in a number of years) and headed to the hills with my dad. We rented some equipment (for such a spontaneous trip it was too much work to haul all of our own personal equipment to the resort) and plopped ourselves on the chair lifts.
It was BITTER cold out there, and the blowing snow that engulfed the ski hill was almost intolerable. I made it down about 8 times and finally after an hour had to call it a night as I was completely frozen solid. It was so great to get out there though. The fresh air and the speed of a Black Diamond slope is something I wouldn’t be able to pass up no matter how cold or uncomfortable I was. Even it was just for an hour
Last night, my dad and I took a spontaneous trip to Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy, WI to hit a couple of the hills and enjoy the first great snowfall of the season. I suited up in my brother’s old snowboard gear (I haven’t purchased any new skiing equipment for myself in a number of years) and headed to the hills with my dad. We rented some equipment (for such a spontaneous trip it was too much work to haul all of our own personal equipment to the resort) and plopped ourselves on the chair lifts.
It was BITTER cold out there, and the blowing snow that engulfed the ski hill was almost intolerable. I made it down about 8 times and finally after an hour had to call it a night as I was completely frozen solid. It was so great to get out there though. The fresh air and the speed of a Black Diamond slope is something I wouldn’t be able to pass up no matter how cold or uncomfortable I was. Even it was just for an hour
Monday, December 04, 2006
Christmas Party 2006
A whirlwind of a weekend is behind me and luckily the hangover that resided after Saturday night’s escapade has subsided and life has resumed on this cold Monday.
The store is put back to normal as the Christy’s Bridal/Anderson/Webley Chiropractic annual Christmas party has come and gone. Every dress is put back on it’s shelf, every ounce of spilled wine and beer is cleaned up, and the quiet little shop I have grown to love is just that today…quiet.
While I don’t think we’ll be hosting such a grand event at the little salon any time soon again, I do have to say that the night came together really nicely and that little shop can accommodate some five star decorations and make you feel as though you’re paying $100 for your plate of dinner at a cozy restaurant down town Chicago…even though you’re really partying in a bridal salon in Burlington, WI =)
But the event didn’t come without its stress. After closing the salon on Friday to prep for the weekend’s festivities, Melinda, my mom and I spent all day (and well into the evening) on Friday, cleaning up and moving out everything being held on the first floor of our tiny shop. Dresses were crammed into fitting rooms, decorations were put into closets, and 5 round tables covered in rich linens now filled the room that once held hundreds of dresses and racks. Decorating came next and by Saturday at 5:00 the room was full of Christmas cheer and the caterers had arrived…as well as the guests.
Louise’s out of Milwaukee did a fabulous job with the catering and I enjoyed my food immensely! After dinner we played a few Christmas party games, did a few too many shots, and I called it a night around 12:30. The party itself wrapped up around 3:30, with the last of the party animals stumbling their way home, and by Sunday the Christmas Party was over and what was left was a disastrous store and a day full of cleaning ahead of us.
I was pretty hung over on Sunday, and I wasn’t much help in the cleaning department, but I did what I could under the circumstances. As we swept, mopped, and dragged dresses back to the salon we laughed at how much work was put into a 6 hour event. Never again we said…never again.
But it was sure fun while it lasted.
View the pictures here
The store is put back to normal as the Christy’s Bridal/Anderson/Webley Chiropractic annual Christmas party has come and gone. Every dress is put back on it’s shelf, every ounce of spilled wine and beer is cleaned up, and the quiet little shop I have grown to love is just that today…quiet.
While I don’t think we’ll be hosting such a grand event at the little salon any time soon again, I do have to say that the night came together really nicely and that little shop can accommodate some five star decorations and make you feel as though you’re paying $100 for your plate of dinner at a cozy restaurant down town Chicago…even though you’re really partying in a bridal salon in Burlington, WI =)
But the event didn’t come without its stress. After closing the salon on Friday to prep for the weekend’s festivities, Melinda, my mom and I spent all day (and well into the evening) on Friday, cleaning up and moving out everything being held on the first floor of our tiny shop. Dresses were crammed into fitting rooms, decorations were put into closets, and 5 round tables covered in rich linens now filled the room that once held hundreds of dresses and racks. Decorating came next and by Saturday at 5:00 the room was full of Christmas cheer and the caterers had arrived…as well as the guests.
Louise’s out of Milwaukee did a fabulous job with the catering and I enjoyed my food immensely! After dinner we played a few Christmas party games, did a few too many shots, and I called it a night around 12:30. The party itself wrapped up around 3:30, with the last of the party animals stumbling their way home, and by Sunday the Christmas Party was over and what was left was a disastrous store and a day full of cleaning ahead of us.
I was pretty hung over on Sunday, and I wasn’t much help in the cleaning department, but I did what I could under the circumstances. As we swept, mopped, and dragged dresses back to the salon we laughed at how much work was put into a 6 hour event. Never again we said…never again.
But it was sure fun while it lasted.
View the pictures here
Friday, December 01, 2006
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
IT’S SNOWING!!!
A huge dumping, white covered, doesn’t show any signs of stopping kind of snowfall. It’s the kind of snow that silences the world around you with its thick blanket and dense fall. It’s the beautiful white powder that looms over streets and housetops before the salt trucks have a chance to muck it all up and turn it brown and unpleasant. It’s the same kind of morning that I used to wish for really hard every winter in Grade School because I knew that the next morning school would be cancelled…and today it has been. Best of all, it’s the type of weather that I needed to put me back into the Christmas mood I’ve been missing this season.
I LOVE snow. Hate winter, love snow. As much as I say I want to, I would never be able to leave this in search of warmer weather. Sure I complain about it come February and March, but I would never want to miss the opportunity to miss the first great snowfall of the season. Days like today are priceless to me. No ocean could ever replace a Wisconsin Blizzard.
A huge dumping, white covered, doesn’t show any signs of stopping kind of snowfall. It’s the kind of snow that silences the world around you with its thick blanket and dense fall. It’s the beautiful white powder that looms over streets and housetops before the salt trucks have a chance to muck it all up and turn it brown and unpleasant. It’s the same kind of morning that I used to wish for really hard every winter in Grade School because I knew that the next morning school would be cancelled…and today it has been. Best of all, it’s the type of weather that I needed to put me back into the Christmas mood I’ve been missing this season.
I LOVE snow. Hate winter, love snow. As much as I say I want to, I would never be able to leave this in search of warmer weather. Sure I complain about it come February and March, but I would never want to miss the opportunity to miss the first great snowfall of the season. Days like today are priceless to me. No ocean could ever replace a Wisconsin Blizzard.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
It Has Arrived
It's here! It's finally here!
That time of year when The Mix plays it's non-stop holiday music and when every store is bursting with twinkling lights and the smells of pine trees. It's the time of year when snow reminds you of innocence and days off of school and when the thought of Santa kept you awake at night. It's a time for decorated store windows and endless shopping lists. It's holiday cheer, warm egg nog, and falling in love around a fire place. Yet finally, who could forget the one thing that I look forward to most each and every year....
THE VICTORIA'S SECRET ANNUAL HOLIDAY CATALOGUE!
Each page is filled with gorgeous exotic lingerie, fabulous gift sets, and of course...adorable holiday attire (including a pink rhinestone Santa hat). Sure I can never afford the 6,000,000 bra that tends to show up, but it's fun to pretend none-the-less.
Now, I have vowed not to turn on The Mix to indulge in the holiday music until AFTER I get through Thanksgiving, and I'm certainly not ready to start putting up my Christmas Tree just yet. But there's something about the VS Holiday Catalogue that tells me...it's okay to start a little early this year. What girl couldn't use a sexy new nighty ;)
The credit card is patiently waiting in my wallet.
That time of year when The Mix plays it's non-stop holiday music and when every store is bursting with twinkling lights and the smells of pine trees. It's the time of year when snow reminds you of innocence and days off of school and when the thought of Santa kept you awake at night. It's a time for decorated store windows and endless shopping lists. It's holiday cheer, warm egg nog, and falling in love around a fire place. Yet finally, who could forget the one thing that I look forward to most each and every year....
THE VICTORIA'S SECRET ANNUAL HOLIDAY CATALOGUE!
Each page is filled with gorgeous exotic lingerie, fabulous gift sets, and of course...adorable holiday attire (including a pink rhinestone Santa hat). Sure I can never afford the 6,000,000 bra that tends to show up, but it's fun to pretend none-the-less.
Now, I have vowed not to turn on The Mix to indulge in the holiday music until AFTER I get through Thanksgiving, and I'm certainly not ready to start putting up my Christmas Tree just yet. But there's something about the VS Holiday Catalogue that tells me...it's okay to start a little early this year. What girl couldn't use a sexy new nighty ;)
The credit card is patiently waiting in my wallet.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Melrose Nights....Revisited
Does anyone remember Melrose Place? That swanky drama about a bunch of 20-somethings trying to live in Los Angeles while sleeping with each other in the process!!! Who WOULDN’T miss that!
The DVD box set of Season One came out on Tuesday and for the past three days I have been engulfed in the dramas of my past. I’m reminded of Wednesday evenings in High School when my two best friends would drive over to my house and we would lounge around in front of the TV eagerly awaiting our Melrose Place nights. We’d pull out my big stuffed dog, fight for who got to lay on the fluffiest part of him, and chat while watching our favorite characters make out, break up, and then date their best friend.
Our Wednesday night get togethers were sure missed once Melrose Place was cancelled.
Through my years I had all but forgotten about Melrose Place, except for the random mentions of it during Pop Culture shows on VH1 or MTV, but then suddenly in a random trip through Target, I catch a glimpse of what used to be and I couldn’t help myself from putting down the $60 and popping it into my DVD player.
It’s a bit more lame than I remember it being when I was 16 but it’s fun to go back none-the-less. Now if only they’d bring Rainbow Bright back. My blast from the past may be very well complete.
The DVD box set of Season One came out on Tuesday and for the past three days I have been engulfed in the dramas of my past. I’m reminded of Wednesday evenings in High School when my two best friends would drive over to my house and we would lounge around in front of the TV eagerly awaiting our Melrose Place nights. We’d pull out my big stuffed dog, fight for who got to lay on the fluffiest part of him, and chat while watching our favorite characters make out, break up, and then date their best friend.
Our Wednesday night get togethers were sure missed once Melrose Place was cancelled.
Through my years I had all but forgotten about Melrose Place, except for the random mentions of it during Pop Culture shows on VH1 or MTV, but then suddenly in a random trip through Target, I catch a glimpse of what used to be and I couldn’t help myself from putting down the $60 and popping it into my DVD player.
It’s a bit more lame than I remember it being when I was 16 but it’s fun to go back none-the-less. Now if only they’d bring Rainbow Bright back. My blast from the past may be very well complete.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Back to School?
I never envisioned this whole “finding myself” process to be so stressful. As I watch my peers around me grow up and move into their “grown up” professional and personal lives, I’ve found myself taking a look at my own life and wondering…”Where the H am I going with it?!” As my year of resume padding at Christy’s Bridal has come to a close, the stress of job hunting has come upon me...again and yet, as I continue to browse through my options in the fashion industry (or lack there of in this area) I can’t help but realize that I’m no longer as passionate about it all as I once was.
Sure I love great clothes and over priced designer labels, but what I’ve found I love even more than that is the consumer behavior behind all of it. WHAT makes us buy what we do, HOW do we get them to continue to do it?! In my time at Christy’s I’ve found myself focusing more and more on the advertising and marketing portions of my job description, and less and less with the fashion portion of my job. I LOVE writing (although I’m not very good at it), I LOVE brainstorming with groups of people to regurgitate out some new great marketing idea, and I LOVE implementing all of that into one fabulous special event to promote the hell out of something!! Suddenly the dresses and the merchandising have taken a backseat to everything else I once thought was my “calling”.
I know that you hear all the time how many people transfer jobs like 30 times before they find something they love, and some people have two, three, even FOUR bachelors degrees on their resume because they just can’t seem to find that exact fit. I realize that in an age of limitless options it’s only natural that we’d take full advantage of all of it, but I never envisioned myself needing to. I always thought I was made for the fashion industry.
But as I do my own growing up, and my own personal career exploration I’m finding that what once was true just isn’t so much anymore. Dear lord the story of my life! So I’m contemplating heading back to school and switching focus a little bit; maybe something along the Advertising or Journalism lines. I have many creative friends already in the industries so I’ll have plenty of help along the way if need be, and plenty of advice to go off of this time around.
We’ll see though. Tomorrow is another day, with a whole different set of emotions to go along with it. =)
Sure I love great clothes and over priced designer labels, but what I’ve found I love even more than that is the consumer behavior behind all of it. WHAT makes us buy what we do, HOW do we get them to continue to do it?! In my time at Christy’s I’ve found myself focusing more and more on the advertising and marketing portions of my job description, and less and less with the fashion portion of my job. I LOVE writing (although I’m not very good at it), I LOVE brainstorming with groups of people to regurgitate out some new great marketing idea, and I LOVE implementing all of that into one fabulous special event to promote the hell out of something!! Suddenly the dresses and the merchandising have taken a backseat to everything else I once thought was my “calling”.
I know that you hear all the time how many people transfer jobs like 30 times before they find something they love, and some people have two, three, even FOUR bachelors degrees on their resume because they just can’t seem to find that exact fit. I realize that in an age of limitless options it’s only natural that we’d take full advantage of all of it, but I never envisioned myself needing to. I always thought I was made for the fashion industry.
But as I do my own growing up, and my own personal career exploration I’m finding that what once was true just isn’t so much anymore. Dear lord the story of my life! So I’m contemplating heading back to school and switching focus a little bit; maybe something along the Advertising or Journalism lines. I have many creative friends already in the industries so I’ll have plenty of help along the way if need be, and plenty of advice to go off of this time around.
We’ll see though. Tomorrow is another day, with a whole different set of emotions to go along with it. =)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Shout Out Number 4
I realize that I normally do my “shout outs” on Friday, but in wake of this weekend’s festivities, I won’t be around tomorrow to blog about anything, and this particular shout out is much too important to go un-noticed. In fact, it’s so important, that it merits its own entire entry.
So, for this week, I’d like to send a single, simple, one-and only shout out.
TO ERIN AND DAVE’S WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, for this week, I’d like to send a single, simple, one-and only shout out.
For a year and a half we have been planning, and emailing, and partying, and shopping, and chatting all things wedding…just waiting for this day to arrive. And now, in just two short days my best friend on the planet will be walking down the isle to say “I Do” to the man of her dreams. It sure makes you all ooey and gooey inside over love doesn’t it?
The wedding festivities kick off tomorrow with a girly day of lunch and manis/pedis then rehearsal, dinner and then Saturday we awake to October 28….the wedding.
I can’t wait. I’m just beaming from the inside out.
I’ll be back on Monday everyone (with tons of pictures I’m sure).
*cheers to love*
Friday, October 13, 2006
Shoutouts Number 3
With nothing else to post...here are my weekly shoutouts:
To Superstition! Without it, days like today (Friday the 13) would be meaningless and I wouldn't have an excuse to sit around all night and watch scary movies or secretly fear the ladder leaning up against my garage door at the moment.
To Erin! HAPPY BACHELORETTE PARTY WEEK!!! The DAYS are counting down until the big day. I absolutley can't wait!
To The Blushing Bride! Thanks for all the extra business ;)
To Winter! I HATE YOU. Ooohh I just cringed saying that. That sounded so evil. Okay I digress. I'm angry at your early arrival.
To Chicago! For always being such a happening, busy, welcoming metropolis. You make me miss you more and more every time I visit.
To Finding Old CD's! I've loved my drives to and from Milwaukee, jamming to the sounds of my past. =)
To Superstition! Without it, days like today (Friday the 13) would be meaningless and I wouldn't have an excuse to sit around all night and watch scary movies or secretly fear the ladder leaning up against my garage door at the moment.
To Erin! HAPPY BACHELORETTE PARTY WEEK!!! The DAYS are counting down until the big day. I absolutley can't wait!
To The Blushing Bride! Thanks for all the extra business ;)
To Winter! I HATE YOU. Ooohh I just cringed saying that. That sounded so evil. Okay I digress. I'm angry at your early arrival.
To Chicago! For always being such a happening, busy, welcoming metropolis. You make me miss you more and more every time I visit.
To Finding Old CD's! I've loved my drives to and from Milwaukee, jamming to the sounds of my past. =)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Bridal Stuff
I don’t think my mom and I ever envisioned the bridal industry to be so exhausting when the idea was first thrown around to open up a shop here in Burlington. As nieve entrepreneurs I really think we were expecting a relaxed, yet excitable, atmosphere where everyone is happy and absolutely positively in love. Who wouldn’t be while planning a wedding?!
We couldn’t have been more wrong.
For the past year we have delt with screaming brides, over controlling mothers, cancelled weddings, restraining orders, pagent moms, and most recently: bankruptcy. It has all contributed to fabulous stories, which my mom and I like to re-tell sometimes when we’re really bored (and secretly wishing for a bit of drama in our store), but it also makes weeks like this past one…a bit hard to handle.
My mom took a much needed vacation away from the store this week, which meant I was in charge. Things were going really well until the Blushing Bride suddenly declared bankruptcy and our store found itself in the midst of interviews, panicked brides, and concerned citizens. We dealt with what we could, and helped who we were able to, all the while trying not to ignore our own brides and appointments that were coming into the store all week. Between the daily 100 + phone calls and the influx of brides into our store (both ours and the Blushing Brides) I was crazy busy that’s for sure…and I quickly began to stress out.
By Friday morning I was in work overload. I had a list of people to contact waiting for me on my desk, a voice mail box full of brides awaiting help, and on top of it, 5 weddings to ensure got off timely and properly. Lets not also forget the number of vendors trying to get a hold of me to come visit their booth at Chicago Market week (we’ll get to that later in the post). The tip of the ice burg came when one of our brides called complaining that her dress re-wrinkled on her way to the church, and she wanted me to come there and re-steam it for her.
I lost it.
I called up my mom and cried to her about how I’m all by myself and there’s nobody to help me with all of this and that I’m just not cut out for this! (I work well under pressure to a point…then I crack). I’m expected to be here helping out these brides, and I’m expected to be there helping out another bride. Where am I supposed to be?! I got angry with her for a minute for leaving me there but I quickly calmed down and realized this wasn’t all that bad. I could definitely handle it all. And I did. Friday came and went, Saturday came and went, and then Sunday finally came and I was able to leave the salon for a few days and head to Chicago for the National Bridal Market which takes place twice a year at the Merchandise Mart downtown.
Melinda and I took the early train down Sunday morning and spent all day Sunday at various fashion shows checking out the new Spring 2007 collections. It was a blast and we saw a lot of really great stuff!! I found myself a bit star struck as we went to each of the shows and were able to talk to the designers of the lines. They’re just such amazingly talented people and I was meeting them face to face! I loved it. Compare it to meeting your favorite movie star or musician…only I have no interest in musicians or actors…I love designers.
Melinda and grabbed the 5:00 train home but it was back to Market on Monday when my mom came back. I introduced her to a few new lines that I was hoping to introduce into our store, and we made our purchases for the season. We’re really excited about the lines this year!
After market, my mom and I made our way to our hotel room that we got for the night to get ready for the Debi Awards, being held at the Field Museum. We were invited to attend the black-tie affair by Essense of Australia, one of our bridal designers, and we happily obliged an evening to get dressed up and eat and drink with a group of designers =) My mom and I had never attended a Debi awards ceremony, so we weren’t entirely sure what to wear. I kept it low key with an a-line ball gown skirt and a tank top with a capelet, while my mom wore her St. John black suit. We didn’t want to over-do it. I should have known however, that a black-tie event in the fashion industry is never low-key.
We arrived to the Field Museum, walked up the grand staircase, and entered to what I believe is my version of heaven. Elegantly decorated tables, candlight everywhere and the most beautifully dressed people I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I found myself stopping and staring as so many gorgeous women walked past me in their thousand dollar beaded gowns. I compared it to what the Oscars might feel like and I got a little jealous at the movie stars for a slight second.
My mom and I walked around with our glasses of wine and took in everything until an announcement was made that dinner was about to begin. We walked back down the grand staircase into the main lobby and found our table already occupied by the Essense design team.
The girls were amazing and the food was to die for as well. As desert was brought out, the fashion show began (hosted by John O’Hurly) and the excitement inside of me just couldn’t be contained. Watching a Vera Wang gown strut down the runway literally brought a tear to my eye and just knowing that the designer for Monique Lhullier was sitting a few tables down from me made me feel as star struck as a little girl meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time. I was sad to have to say goodbye but mom and I needed to get home. I loved every second of my time at the Debi awards, and I absolutely can’t WAIT to do it again next year.
Tuesday came, and life resumed as usual. I filled my mom in on everything that had been happening in the week and we prepared our store for our incoming new stock as well as our 50% off sale this coming weekend. I’m glad to have her back to help buffer some of the stress of the salon. But I must say, the more I do this…the more I absolutely love my job.
We couldn’t have been more wrong.
For the past year we have delt with screaming brides, over controlling mothers, cancelled weddings, restraining orders, pagent moms, and most recently: bankruptcy. It has all contributed to fabulous stories, which my mom and I like to re-tell sometimes when we’re really bored (and secretly wishing for a bit of drama in our store), but it also makes weeks like this past one…a bit hard to handle.
My mom took a much needed vacation away from the store this week, which meant I was in charge. Things were going really well until the Blushing Bride suddenly declared bankruptcy and our store found itself in the midst of interviews, panicked brides, and concerned citizens. We dealt with what we could, and helped who we were able to, all the while trying not to ignore our own brides and appointments that were coming into the store all week. Between the daily 100 + phone calls and the influx of brides into our store (both ours and the Blushing Brides) I was crazy busy that’s for sure…and I quickly began to stress out.
By Friday morning I was in work overload. I had a list of people to contact waiting for me on my desk, a voice mail box full of brides awaiting help, and on top of it, 5 weddings to ensure got off timely and properly. Lets not also forget the number of vendors trying to get a hold of me to come visit their booth at Chicago Market week (we’ll get to that later in the post). The tip of the ice burg came when one of our brides called complaining that her dress re-wrinkled on her way to the church, and she wanted me to come there and re-steam it for her.
I lost it.
I called up my mom and cried to her about how I’m all by myself and there’s nobody to help me with all of this and that I’m just not cut out for this! (I work well under pressure to a point…then I crack). I’m expected to be here helping out these brides, and I’m expected to be there helping out another bride. Where am I supposed to be?! I got angry with her for a minute for leaving me there but I quickly calmed down and realized this wasn’t all that bad. I could definitely handle it all. And I did. Friday came and went, Saturday came and went, and then Sunday finally came and I was able to leave the salon for a few days and head to Chicago for the National Bridal Market which takes place twice a year at the Merchandise Mart downtown.
Melinda and I took the early train down Sunday morning and spent all day Sunday at various fashion shows checking out the new Spring 2007 collections. It was a blast and we saw a lot of really great stuff!! I found myself a bit star struck as we went to each of the shows and were able to talk to the designers of the lines. They’re just such amazingly talented people and I was meeting them face to face! I loved it. Compare it to meeting your favorite movie star or musician…only I have no interest in musicians or actors…I love designers.
Melinda and grabbed the 5:00 train home but it was back to Market on Monday when my mom came back. I introduced her to a few new lines that I was hoping to introduce into our store, and we made our purchases for the season. We’re really excited about the lines this year!
After market, my mom and I made our way to our hotel room that we got for the night to get ready for the Debi Awards, being held at the Field Museum. We were invited to attend the black-tie affair by Essense of Australia, one of our bridal designers, and we happily obliged an evening to get dressed up and eat and drink with a group of designers =) My mom and I had never attended a Debi awards ceremony, so we weren’t entirely sure what to wear. I kept it low key with an a-line ball gown skirt and a tank top with a capelet, while my mom wore her St. John black suit. We didn’t want to over-do it. I should have known however, that a black-tie event in the fashion industry is never low-key.
We arrived to the Field Museum, walked up the grand staircase, and entered to what I believe is my version of heaven. Elegantly decorated tables, candlight everywhere and the most beautifully dressed people I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I found myself stopping and staring as so many gorgeous women walked past me in their thousand dollar beaded gowns. I compared it to what the Oscars might feel like and I got a little jealous at the movie stars for a slight second.
My mom and I walked around with our glasses of wine and took in everything until an announcement was made that dinner was about to begin. We walked back down the grand staircase into the main lobby and found our table already occupied by the Essense design team.
The girls were amazing and the food was to die for as well. As desert was brought out, the fashion show began (hosted by John O’Hurly) and the excitement inside of me just couldn’t be contained. Watching a Vera Wang gown strut down the runway literally brought a tear to my eye and just knowing that the designer for Monique Lhullier was sitting a few tables down from me made me feel as star struck as a little girl meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time. I was sad to have to say goodbye but mom and I needed to get home. I loved every second of my time at the Debi awards, and I absolutely can’t WAIT to do it again next year.
Tuesday came, and life resumed as usual. I filled my mom in on everything that had been happening in the week and we prepared our store for our incoming new stock as well as our 50% off sale this coming weekend. I’m glad to have her back to help buffer some of the stress of the salon. But I must say, the more I do this…the more I absolutely love my job.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
The up side of things
When I heard about the Blushing Bride fiasco I was stunned that a store owner could do something like that to her customers. In an industry revolving around brides and their special day, it hurt me to see so many at a loss…and in tears…as their wedding dates crept up on them. Hundreds of brides left without a dress, hundreds of dollars poorer…and no hope in sight. Luckily, they were wrong.
Since the story broke on Tuesday evening, I have been hearing nothing but horror stories turned miraculous as bride after bride is being offered a second chance to turn this whole situation around into a positive one. Salon owners have been donating dresses and taking on responsibilities of shipments so that these brides can receive their dresses. Previously competition, these stores are working together and putting profits aside to make sure these women get the day they have always envisioned having.
But it’s not only salon owners that are getting involved.
Previous brides are donating dresses left and right so they have something to wear on their special day and other companies are offering monetary donations to these brides to be used as a down payment on a new dress. Finally, tears of sorrow are turning to tears of joy as these brides receive the help they deserve.
I must admit, these past few weeks have really made me question the world…and humanity. With the abundance of school shootings and pedophilia in the news lately, I’ve found myself questioning literally: “What is happening to the world?!”. At night, I’ll just sit and stare at the TV, amazed that this is really the world I’m living in sometimes. What is happening to us? Do we have no regard for human suffering anymore? Are we that self involved that we only see our own personal motives?
After weeks of thinking we were doomed as a society, another unfortunate circumstance has managed to turn it all around and prove to me that through all the bad, the good will still flourish…and humans will still continue to do good things for others.
Thank you humanity.
Since the story broke on Tuesday evening, I have been hearing nothing but horror stories turned miraculous as bride after bride is being offered a second chance to turn this whole situation around into a positive one. Salon owners have been donating dresses and taking on responsibilities of shipments so that these brides can receive their dresses. Previously competition, these stores are working together and putting profits aside to make sure these women get the day they have always envisioned having.
But it’s not only salon owners that are getting involved.
Previous brides are donating dresses left and right so they have something to wear on their special day and other companies are offering monetary donations to these brides to be used as a down payment on a new dress. Finally, tears of sorrow are turning to tears of joy as these brides receive the help they deserve.
I must admit, these past few weeks have really made me question the world…and humanity. With the abundance of school shootings and pedophilia in the news lately, I’ve found myself questioning literally: “What is happening to the world?!”. At night, I’ll just sit and stare at the TV, amazed that this is really the world I’m living in sometimes. What is happening to us? Do we have no regard for human suffering anymore? Are we that self involved that we only see our own personal motives?
After weeks of thinking we were doomed as a society, another unfortunate circumstance has managed to turn it all around and prove to me that through all the bad, the good will still flourish…and humans will still continue to do good things for others.
Thank you humanity.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Life List
...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
(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
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!
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