Bad Bride…
I know, two posts in one day... what's the world coming to!
So, I’ve been wrapped up in planning my wedding. That’s to say, OUR wedding, Clinton’s and mine. And, as it is officially 30 days from today, I thought I’d give you a brief update.
Date, check
Place, check
Dress, check
Invites, check
Flowers, check
Music, check
Food, check,
Cake, check
Photographer, check
Honeymoon, check
There consider yourself updated.
Now the real reason for this post is to admit that I’m a terribly bad bride. No, no, no, not Bridezilla bad. Just nosy bad. You know, bad habit bad. Control freak bad. I want everything my way, now, bad. I’m not obnoxious about it or anything. There haven’t been arguments or anything of the sort. I haven’t raised my voice through the whole thing! Which, quite frankly, surprises me a little; only because when it comes to planning, designing and organizing, I’m a little obsessive. Truth is, the whole thing has gone wonderfully smooth! So why am I a bad bride???
I’m addicted to checking our registries.
There, I’ve admitted it. Those damn stores make it soooo easy to go on-line and check to see what you will receive. I was pretty good before my showers… only checking the registries a few times in total but now it’s becoming an obsession. And it’s just rude! I know this… but I can’t stop! So, whoever is getting me the Kitchen Aid blender, thank you. The beautiful scala bowl from Crate and Barrel, thank you. I’ll try to not check it from here on out; after all, everything will be clear in 30 days!!!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Religion at the airport???
We’ve all seen the movies where the Harri Krishna’s are at the airport passing daisies. It never occurred to me that there would be a religious experience that would involve me at an airport but… stranger things have happened!
Over the Labor Day weekend, Clinton and I decided to travel back up to Canada to visit his family. So, we took Friday off and headed to O’Hare to jump on an overbooked, over crowded airplane and head for the Northern part of North America. I like traveling. I love to people-watch and find it fun to make up stories about people I see. Clinton has adapted this “game” to his own abilities… which only means that his made-up stories are much funnier than mine. Anyhoo, on this particular trip, we didn’t have to make up a fascinating story about a fellow traveler.
As we approached our gate to find a seat, we saw a young girl who was reading. She was about 18 or 19 years old, cute, and blond. She traveled with a pink backpack and a case containing what we could only imagine was a musical instrument. As we sat in airport chairs near her, she began highlighting passages within her leather bound bible.
We didn’t speak to her; we just listened and observed as she spoke to another stranger. She was on her way to study music at a college in Canada… not because the school was known for its music program, but because the professor that she would be studying under was her favorite musician. She had grown up in New Jersey and seen a concert in New York as a (younger) child. Her new professor was the “headliner” at that concert and she’d followed this mentor throughout the years.
We listened as she explained this story to the other traveler. She went on to tell how nervous she was and that her excitement was uncontrollable because of what she’d been through to get to this point. Two years of a community college and 3 part time jobs so she could save up the money to afford this private school in Canada. And the time was finally here! All of that effort had finally paid off and her dream was beginning.
When their conversation ended, the girl just smiled and returned to her study of the bible.
Now, I don’t consider myself a religious person… spiritual definitely. I’ve never read the bible cover to cover and for some reason, I doubt I’ll take on that challenge. But, I’ve got to tell you, that girl made an impression on me. I found myself looking up to her. I found myself admiring the tenacity it must take for someone at that age to know, beyond a doubt, what they want out of life. I found myself humbled by her obvious intelligence and spirituality.
I went home and started reading the bible.
A few months before this incident, I was traveling, alone, through Midway airport. As I sat on the floor because the place was packed, a group of people flooded the area around me. 25 young African Americans were chatty and happy and excited about something. I tried to ignore this “invasion” as much as possible and focused on my book (not the bible). A few minutes later it got quiet… awkwardly quiet. As I looked up to see what was causing this break in activity, I heard the most beautiful sound. The 25 youngsters were a gospel choir… and they decided to rehearse… right there in the airport. They sang and clapped and bounced around with beautiful voices and angel-like smiles. I don’t think there was a single person within 500 feet that wasn’t affected by their contagious joy. To my happiness and surprise, no one asked them to stop. The performed 3 songs; songs about God and his meaning. Their message was to love the Lord and to love yourself and to love those around you… and I did. For those moments, I loved life. Those kids made me want to sing; and the first chance I got, I crawled into my car, cranked up one of my many sing-along-songs, and belted at the top of my lungs. It may not have been a gospel song, but I was singing to acknowledge them and their message.
Man, that felt good!
Over the Labor Day weekend, Clinton and I decided to travel back up to Canada to visit his family. So, we took Friday off and headed to O’Hare to jump on an overbooked, over crowded airplane and head for the Northern part of North America. I like traveling. I love to people-watch and find it fun to make up stories about people I see. Clinton has adapted this “game” to his own abilities… which only means that his made-up stories are much funnier than mine. Anyhoo, on this particular trip, we didn’t have to make up a fascinating story about a fellow traveler.
As we approached our gate to find a seat, we saw a young girl who was reading. She was about 18 or 19 years old, cute, and blond. She traveled with a pink backpack and a case containing what we could only imagine was a musical instrument. As we sat in airport chairs near her, she began highlighting passages within her leather bound bible.
We didn’t speak to her; we just listened and observed as she spoke to another stranger. She was on her way to study music at a college in Canada… not because the school was known for its music program, but because the professor that she would be studying under was her favorite musician. She had grown up in New Jersey and seen a concert in New York as a (younger) child. Her new professor was the “headliner” at that concert and she’d followed this mentor throughout the years.
We listened as she explained this story to the other traveler. She went on to tell how nervous she was and that her excitement was uncontrollable because of what she’d been through to get to this point. Two years of a community college and 3 part time jobs so she could save up the money to afford this private school in Canada. And the time was finally here! All of that effort had finally paid off and her dream was beginning.
When their conversation ended, the girl just smiled and returned to her study of the bible.
Now, I don’t consider myself a religious person… spiritual definitely. I’ve never read the bible cover to cover and for some reason, I doubt I’ll take on that challenge. But, I’ve got to tell you, that girl made an impression on me. I found myself looking up to her. I found myself admiring the tenacity it must take for someone at that age to know, beyond a doubt, what they want out of life. I found myself humbled by her obvious intelligence and spirituality.
I went home and started reading the bible.
A few months before this incident, I was traveling, alone, through Midway airport. As I sat on the floor because the place was packed, a group of people flooded the area around me. 25 young African Americans were chatty and happy and excited about something. I tried to ignore this “invasion” as much as possible and focused on my book (not the bible). A few minutes later it got quiet… awkwardly quiet. As I looked up to see what was causing this break in activity, I heard the most beautiful sound. The 25 youngsters were a gospel choir… and they decided to rehearse… right there in the airport. They sang and clapped and bounced around with beautiful voices and angel-like smiles. I don’t think there was a single person within 500 feet that wasn’t affected by their contagious joy. To my happiness and surprise, no one asked them to stop. The performed 3 songs; songs about God and his meaning. Their message was to love the Lord and to love yourself and to love those around you… and I did. For those moments, I loved life. Those kids made me want to sing; and the first chance I got, I crawled into my car, cranked up one of my many sing-along-songs, and belted at the top of my lungs. It may not have been a gospel song, but I was singing to acknowledge them and their message.
Man, that felt good!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
It's getting hot in herrr. so take off all your clothes.
9:00 am -
I AM GETTING SO HOT, I WILL TAKE MY CLOTHES OFF! - At work??? For the past 3 days, my office has been sans air conditioning. Can you comprehend that? The last three days have been the HOTTEST OF THE YEAR and I'm stuck in a muggy office... no window, no fan, no cirrculation... just my corner, wrapped in humidity and heat. PLEASE, someone feel sorry for me!
11:30 am - I am about to rip someone's head off... anyone's head... it really doesnt matter. I just need to release some energy... after all, boiling takes energy right? Oh wait... there's no one to hurt... they've all managed to finigle a way out of this hell... the place is empty... I guess I'm one of the few dedicated worker bees.
1:00 pm - My brain is literally frying because my core body temperature had risen higher than it's supposed to... I am cooking! I wonder if I'd be tasty fully cooked??? They're all gonna find out if the damn air conditioner doesn't get fixed... pronto! That's it... I'm going to a movie.
I AM GETTING SO HOT, I WILL TAKE MY CLOTHES OFF! - At work??? For the past 3 days, my office has been sans air conditioning. Can you comprehend that? The last three days have been the HOTTEST OF THE YEAR and I'm stuck in a muggy office... no window, no fan, no cirrculation... just my corner, wrapped in humidity and heat. PLEASE, someone feel sorry for me!
11:30 am - I am about to rip someone's head off... anyone's head... it really doesnt matter. I just need to release some energy... after all, boiling takes energy right? Oh wait... there's no one to hurt... they've all managed to finigle a way out of this hell... the place is empty... I guess I'm one of the few dedicated worker bees.
1:00 pm - My brain is literally frying because my core body temperature had risen higher than it's supposed to... I am cooking! I wonder if I'd be tasty fully cooked??? They're all gonna find out if the damn air conditioner doesn't get fixed... pronto! That's it... I'm going to a movie.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Ramblings from a happy and emotional bride-to-be…
When I was little, my dad would wake me up early on a school day. I mean 4 in the morning early. We'd get in a Busse and Rieck truck, drive north to his flower suppliers, goof around in the big coolers, pick out the flowers necessary for the week, load up the truck so that it smelled of wonderfulness and then drive home... just in time for me to get to school. This is a memory that has recently surfaced because of my up-coming wedding.
During our little road trips, dad and I would laugh and joke and dream about my wedding. If it was a spring wedding, the flowers would be tulips and the bride's maids dresses would be lavender. If it was a summer wedding, the flowers would be roses, big beautiful multi colored roses. My fall wedding dream was earthy colors with eucalyptus and orchids, and a winter wedding was to be white and ivory with calla lillies and evergreen. I've had this moment in the back of my mind since I was a girl.
It's interesting to me that these conversations about my wedding were with my father. I can't remember dreaming about my wedding with mom, but I find myself wishing that she was here to share in the planning. It's sad for me to realize that I'm 32 and she has been gone for literally half of my life. When she died, I was very aware that she wouldn't be present at my wedding and I've been feeling that lately.
Clinton and I have thought from the beginning that there were forces outside of ourselves that brought us together. His dad, John, died in 1997 and it's nice to think that just maybe mom and John have been playing a little game of chess to bringing us together. Still, I can't help but wonder how different this process would be if she were here to help. I can see her getting excited about the plans. Dad has been an amazing help, as I always knew he would be, but how would mom participate? She used to do this thing with her hands when she got excited... I do it too... shaking her little fists in the air to show her happiness... I imagine her doing that... happiness and excitement for me.
So, we've been engaged for 4 weeks now and we've accomplished a lot!
We've put together a guest list... 195 of our closest friends and family. Dad's helped, Stacy has helped, who would mom want me to invite?
We booked the venue... I could see the happiness in dad's face as we strolled through the facility. I could see the wheels turning in his beautifully creative mind. Like me, he was imagining the space, in November, with beautiful flowers and music and laughter and friends and family. I couldn't help but wonder if mom would love it too.
I found a dress... with the help of my Katy, my Lynn, my Dad and my aunt. As I stood there, in my wedding day finery, I couldn't help but wonder what mom would say if she saw me. Would she have cried?
I've been designing the invitations and, by tradition, they're supposed to say Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Rieck invite you to... well, Mrs. Rieck isn't here physically... that makes me sad.
We got a pastor... he's not catholic, because Clinton's divorced. would mom disapprove?
We've booked the music... one of the things I think mom probably would have had the most opinions about. I think she'd be proud with my choice of dueling pianos. I imagine her participating the most of anyone trying to coax the players to play the songs that she loved most... that music I grew up on... "Jump" by the pointer sisters to which she'd listen to in the car. Driving around with her hands at 10 and 2, using the steering wheel to support her as she hopped her little butt off the front seat every time they sang the word jump... we would laugh... I really think she'd love the dueling pianos.
Of course, the flowers are taken care of... well, there is still a ton to discuss but, I've got connections! I think mom would take a back seat in this area... dad's the genius and she would refer to him.
We even booked our honeymoon! Riviera Maya! I think that mom and I would have lots of talks about this. She loved travel. She loved planning trips.
Anyway, all of the plans are in good shape and I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have the best Father ever. My sister has been supportive and a great help... she just went through this in February and has been a great source of ideas, knowledge and encouragement. Katy bug has been terrific and a great confidant, as bestest friends should be. My Lynn has been a true friend showing more excitement that I think I could possibly muster. I have beautiful girlfriends (Laura, Kelly, Gina, Ann, Lindsay) that are smiling, beautiful voices of encouragement.
And Clinton is... beautiful and wonderful in every way... promising me that I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world and that all he wants is me... forever.
How did I get this lucky??? I'm sure mom's got something to do with it... I love you mommy... and I miss you.
During our little road trips, dad and I would laugh and joke and dream about my wedding. If it was a spring wedding, the flowers would be tulips and the bride's maids dresses would be lavender. If it was a summer wedding, the flowers would be roses, big beautiful multi colored roses. My fall wedding dream was earthy colors with eucalyptus and orchids, and a winter wedding was to be white and ivory with calla lillies and evergreen. I've had this moment in the back of my mind since I was a girl.
It's interesting to me that these conversations about my wedding were with my father. I can't remember dreaming about my wedding with mom, but I find myself wishing that she was here to share in the planning. It's sad for me to realize that I'm 32 and she has been gone for literally half of my life. When she died, I was very aware that she wouldn't be present at my wedding and I've been feeling that lately.
Clinton and I have thought from the beginning that there were forces outside of ourselves that brought us together. His dad, John, died in 1997 and it's nice to think that just maybe mom and John have been playing a little game of chess to bringing us together. Still, I can't help but wonder how different this process would be if she were here to help. I can see her getting excited about the plans. Dad has been an amazing help, as I always knew he would be, but how would mom participate? She used to do this thing with her hands when she got excited... I do it too... shaking her little fists in the air to show her happiness... I imagine her doing that... happiness and excitement for me.
So, we've been engaged for 4 weeks now and we've accomplished a lot!
We've put together a guest list... 195 of our closest friends and family. Dad's helped, Stacy has helped, who would mom want me to invite?
We booked the venue... I could see the happiness in dad's face as we strolled through the facility. I could see the wheels turning in his beautifully creative mind. Like me, he was imagining the space, in November, with beautiful flowers and music and laughter and friends and family. I couldn't help but wonder if mom would love it too.
I found a dress... with the help of my Katy, my Lynn, my Dad and my aunt. As I stood there, in my wedding day finery, I couldn't help but wonder what mom would say if she saw me. Would she have cried?
I've been designing the invitations and, by tradition, they're supposed to say Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Rieck invite you to... well, Mrs. Rieck isn't here physically... that makes me sad.
We got a pastor... he's not catholic, because Clinton's divorced. would mom disapprove?
We've booked the music... one of the things I think mom probably would have had the most opinions about. I think she'd be proud with my choice of dueling pianos. I imagine her participating the most of anyone trying to coax the players to play the songs that she loved most... that music I grew up on... "Jump" by the pointer sisters to which she'd listen to in the car. Driving around with her hands at 10 and 2, using the steering wheel to support her as she hopped her little butt off the front seat every time they sang the word jump... we would laugh... I really think she'd love the dueling pianos.
Of course, the flowers are taken care of... well, there is still a ton to discuss but, I've got connections! I think mom would take a back seat in this area... dad's the genius and she would refer to him.
We even booked our honeymoon! Riviera Maya! I think that mom and I would have lots of talks about this. She loved travel. She loved planning trips.
Anyway, all of the plans are in good shape and I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have the best Father ever. My sister has been supportive and a great help... she just went through this in February and has been a great source of ideas, knowledge and encouragement. Katy bug has been terrific and a great confidant, as bestest friends should be. My Lynn has been a true friend showing more excitement that I think I could possibly muster. I have beautiful girlfriends (Laura, Kelly, Gina, Ann, Lindsay) that are smiling, beautiful voices of encouragement.
And Clinton is... beautiful and wonderful in every way... promising me that I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world and that all he wants is me... forever.
How did I get this lucky??? I'm sure mom's got something to do with it... I love you mommy... and I miss you.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Love-to-Hate and Hate-to-Love
I feel that I must, for the good of all that is sacred in this world, comment on the on-going love/hate fest between Greg Schaertl and Mike Bradecich.
Isn't it obvious to you all, that they are truly one person, sharing the same feelings, dreams, emotions and annoying sarcastic witt? Don't you see that while the physicalness of each may be in separate places, they are one in love, friendship and a unified goal to beleaguer all of God's creatures to the best of their ability? If one gets pricked, does the other not bleed?
I ask you, my friends, to consider this... How often are Mike and Greg really in the same place? And when they are in close proximity to each other, is it not conceivable that the brilliance or power, if you will, that is Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer), could affect our psyche enough to force us to see them as their separate, but equal, physical selves? Call it hypnotics, call it pyrotechnics, call it magic... I truly believe that they have cast a spell on us all and that the being that is Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer), is one of power that should be feared.
I beg you, friends of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer), save yourselves. This is a 3 step process....
1. Avoid, with all your might, the temptation of the KFC commercial. The Mike side of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer) has been successful in going nationwide. Mike and his commercial have been casting this spell across the country and I fear for us all.
2. Listen not to the bass in the fabulous band "the Shifties." The Greg side of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer) has managed to hop a certain pond and plant it's evil in England and while we are excited and happy for the other "shifties" we fear that the Greg side of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer) has now infected Europe with it's sinister sarcasticness.
3. Believe, with all your might, that this tryst between the "men" that we know as Schaertl and Bradecich, while interesting, comical and (at times) educational, is blah, boring, colorless, dreary, droning, dull, flat, ho hum, humdrum, monotone, pedestrian, plodding, recurrent, reiterated, repetitious, tedious, tiresome, toneless, uninflected, uninteresting, unrelieved, unvaried and wearisome. Do not allow yourself to laugh or chuckle at their mindless banter, for your amusement only makes them grow stronger. Forcing your brain to find them... obsolete will weaken their powers and render them funny-less.
I thank you, my dear friends, for your time and wish each of you luck in your endeavors.
God bless us all!
Isn't it obvious to you all, that they are truly one person, sharing the same feelings, dreams, emotions and annoying sarcastic witt? Don't you see that while the physicalness of each may be in separate places, they are one in love, friendship and a unified goal to beleaguer all of God's creatures to the best of their ability? If one gets pricked, does the other not bleed?
I ask you, my friends, to consider this... How often are Mike and Greg really in the same place? And when they are in close proximity to each other, is it not conceivable that the brilliance or power, if you will, that is Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer), could affect our psyche enough to force us to see them as their separate, but equal, physical selves? Call it hypnotics, call it pyrotechnics, call it magic... I truly believe that they have cast a spell on us all and that the being that is Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer), is one of power that should be feared.
I beg you, friends of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer), save yourselves. This is a 3 step process....
1. Avoid, with all your might, the temptation of the KFC commercial. The Mike side of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer) has been successful in going nationwide. Mike and his commercial have been casting this spell across the country and I fear for us all.
2. Listen not to the bass in the fabulous band "the Shifties." The Greg side of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer) has managed to hop a certain pond and plant it's evil in England and while we are excited and happy for the other "shifties" we fear that the Greg side of Mike-Greg (or Greg-Mike if you prefer) has now infected Europe with it's sinister sarcasticness.
3. Believe, with all your might, that this tryst between the "men" that we know as Schaertl and Bradecich, while interesting, comical and (at times) educational, is blah, boring, colorless, dreary, droning, dull, flat, ho hum, humdrum, monotone, pedestrian, plodding, recurrent, reiterated, repetitious, tedious, tiresome, toneless, uninflected, uninteresting, unrelieved, unvaried and wearisome. Do not allow yourself to laugh or chuckle at their mindless banter, for your amusement only makes them grow stronger. Forcing your brain to find them... obsolete will weaken their powers and render them funny-less.
I thank you, my dear friends, for your time and wish each of you luck in your endeavors.
God bless us all!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Guess What....
You just won't believe it...
It's truly a miracle!
Hold your pants on!
It's the news you've all been waiting for!
I FINALLY found "that guy"
You know, the one who can deal with me and still smile in the morning! Yeah... that one!
AND GET THIS!!!
HE WANTS TO MARRY ME!!!
tra la la la la dee dee dee da doo tee hee hee!
I GOT ENGAGED!!!
to this man...
in this place...
AND I'M THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD!Friday, May 05, 2006
Ramblings...
This post is for dad... cause I know that he checks to see if I've been creative on a relatively continuous basis... and for Ms. Gina... cause I need to vent about ANTM.
I finally went on an Architectural boat tour! After years of threatening to participate in this tourist-y activity, I finally did it! As a matter of fact, my Dr. Yummy and I, had a perfect tourists Saturday in the city! A few weekends back, we decided to go for a walk. Simple thought right? We ended up on the corner of State and Monroe after walk-ing, bus-ing and el-ing our way though the city. Then we found a little dive-burger joint for lunch... sustenance was needed. Then we took a stroll through Millennium Park. Another tourist attraction that I'd avoided. It was spectacular! Clinton likened it to the "holiday planet" that those crazy star trek characters used to "beam down" to visit. I walked barefoot through the "spitting towers", we stood under the "bean," we gazed at the interesting shapes that make up the amphitheater, we made our way over the winding bridge that crosses Columbus Drive and then we rested, talked, soaked up the sun and watched the birds at a park little park. Then we walked all the way to Navy Pier and boarded a boat for our Architectural education... it was lovely!
Now, on to the real stuff... America's Next Top Model... Gina, can you explain this Jade thing to me? I'm incredibly confused as to why they keep giving this girl a chance. She has the personality of an emu... and she looks like one too! I'm tired of her made up words and her "she's just not on my level" comments. She gets uglier as the weeks pass and she is the most horrifyingly insulting television personality I've ever seen. Maybe she'll go home tonight... one can only hope!
I finally went on an Architectural boat tour! After years of threatening to participate in this tourist-y activity, I finally did it! As a matter of fact, my Dr. Yummy and I, had a perfect tourists Saturday in the city! A few weekends back, we decided to go for a walk. Simple thought right? We ended up on the corner of State and Monroe after walk-ing, bus-ing and el-ing our way though the city. Then we found a little dive-burger joint for lunch... sustenance was needed. Then we took a stroll through Millennium Park. Another tourist attraction that I'd avoided. It was spectacular! Clinton likened it to the "holiday planet" that those crazy star trek characters used to "beam down" to visit. I walked barefoot through the "spitting towers", we stood under the "bean," we gazed at the interesting shapes that make up the amphitheater, we made our way over the winding bridge that crosses Columbus Drive and then we rested, talked, soaked up the sun and watched the birds at a park little park. Then we walked all the way to Navy Pier and boarded a boat for our Architectural education... it was lovely!
Now, on to the real stuff... America's Next Top Model... Gina, can you explain this Jade thing to me? I'm incredibly confused as to why they keep giving this girl a chance. She has the personality of an emu... and she looks like one too! I'm tired of her made up words and her "she's just not on my level" comments. She gets uglier as the weeks pass and she is the most horrifyingly insulting television personality I've ever seen. Maybe she'll go home tonight... one can only hope!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Letters from a Child...
I just read Gina and Chris' blog and was reminded of my own letter writing memory as a child... I thought I'd share!
I was 7-ish. My family and I were staying at the Ambassador West Hotel during a flower convention. Actually, I watched Princess Di step from her carriage on her wedding day that weekend. It was on the Television in the hotel lobby! Ahhhh the summer of 1981. Anyway, I was so enthralled by the staff and the grandness of the hotel that I wrote a letter. Placed prominently in our room the day we left, the cleaning staff apparently passed it on to the right person. In my 7 year old handwriting, the note went something like this...
Dear Ambassador people,
Thank you for making our trip to Chicago fun. Everyone was really nice. I will stay in this hotel again and again. Please send me something.
Love,
Jenny Rieck.
I left my address too.
2 weeks later I received a box... a very BIG box... addressed to me. This may have been my very first piece of mail EVER! Inside the box were soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, towels, slippers and robes... all with the Ambassador West logo on them. And a note from the management that read something like...
Dear Jenny,
Thank you for your note. It was nice. We are glad that you had fun at our hotel. Please come back again.
Love,
Ambassador West.
Pretty cool huh!?! I haven't stayed at the Ambassador West hotel since.
I was 7-ish. My family and I were staying at the Ambassador West Hotel during a flower convention. Actually, I watched Princess Di step from her carriage on her wedding day that weekend. It was on the Television in the hotel lobby! Ahhhh the summer of 1981. Anyway, I was so enthralled by the staff and the grandness of the hotel that I wrote a letter. Placed prominently in our room the day we left, the cleaning staff apparently passed it on to the right person. In my 7 year old handwriting, the note went something like this...
Dear Ambassador people,
Thank you for making our trip to Chicago fun. Everyone was really nice. I will stay in this hotel again and again. Please send me something.
Love,
Jenny Rieck.
I left my address too.
2 weeks later I received a box... a very BIG box... addressed to me. This may have been my very first piece of mail EVER! Inside the box were soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, towels, slippers and robes... all with the Ambassador West logo on them. And a note from the management that read something like...
Dear Jenny,
Thank you for your note. It was nice. We are glad that you had fun at our hotel. Please come back again.
Love,
Ambassador West.
Pretty cool huh!?! I haven't stayed at the Ambassador West hotel since.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
A Girly-Girl Among Manly-Men
You know, my job often takes me to dirty and dingy construction sites where there are large sweaty men building things. They build walls where I tell them, lay the flooring that I specify, hang light fixtures that I choose, install millwork that I've designed and paint walls the colors that I like. All in an effort to please my clients and help them move into new spaces that are exciting, efficient and functional... I love this.
But what I really love about my job, aside from the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis, is the fact that these blue collar, jeans wearin', hard-hat toting, dirty men, accept me. They feel comfortable shooting the shit around me. They are loud and they swear... which they apologize for... and I respond "No worries, my dad says I have a mouth like a truck driver too!" I think that sometimes they try to shock me... and fail... which only makes me a more valuable part of their team.
And at times, I get rewarded... mostly with smiles and compliments. Like... "Why can't all designers be as cool as you?" or "I'd work on any job, any day if you were part of the team."
Today, I got a big reward! My very own, personalized PINK hard hat!
Now to be fair, I had said that I coveted an FBPS (feminine brain protection system) in jest, only to find out that my General Contractor had a stash of them. Apparently, ordered wrong and gathering dust because the manly-men that typically adorn themselves with these practical garments are too cool to wear pink. So, it's not like anyone went out of their way for me but... the note that came with it was priceless...
Here... now shut up and be a girly girl among manly men. - Scott.
And... it's a Sunny, beautiful day!
Ahhhhhhhhh... life is good!
But what I really love about my job, aside from the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis, is the fact that these blue collar, jeans wearin', hard-hat toting, dirty men, accept me. They feel comfortable shooting the shit around me. They are loud and they swear... which they apologize for... and I respond "No worries, my dad says I have a mouth like a truck driver too!" I think that sometimes they try to shock me... and fail... which only makes me a more valuable part of their team.
And at times, I get rewarded... mostly with smiles and compliments. Like... "Why can't all designers be as cool as you?" or "I'd work on any job, any day if you were part of the team."
Today, I got a big reward! My very own, personalized PINK hard hat!
Now to be fair, I had said that I coveted an FBPS (feminine brain protection system) in jest, only to find out that my General Contractor had a stash of them. Apparently, ordered wrong and gathering dust because the manly-men that typically adorn themselves with these practical garments are too cool to wear pink. So, it's not like anyone went out of their way for me but... the note that came with it was priceless...
Here... now shut up and be a girly girl among manly men. - Scott.
And... it's a Sunny, beautiful day!
Ahhhhhhhhh... life is good!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Valentine's Stardom
OK... So, yesterday was Valentines Day. A holiday I associate with other women receiving romantic gifts and gestures of affection from their men. It's a Hallmark created Holiday that I have celebrated with not-so-special people. It's typically a season, where waiting on customers at my dad's flower shop and experiencing the romance of other couples was the closest I could come to getting butterflies in my tummy. It's a holiday where my wonderful daddy never fails to put a smile on my face with a special delivery... and this year was no different. If I had put expectations on cupid, this year, he would have exceeded them... in spades.
My Valentine's started weeks ago when I met Dr. Yummy… My 6’-6” Canadian born Ukrainian Chiropractor boy with a heart of gold, an intelligence that blows me away, a sensitivity that I thought only existed in me (and my dad) and arms that give the most perfect hugs I could have ever imagined (those of you who know me, understand this is an extremely strong statement).
Continuing on with my Valentine experience, Monday I received a special delivery from my dad. This was no ordinary special delivery though. A stunning tropical inspired arrangement with protea, birds-of-paradise, bamboo and orchids was delivered to me by Ashland-Addison Florists… with a WGN News crew in tow! WGN’s Ana Beneval was doing an “Around the Town” expose on the flower industry during the Valentine Holiday and chose to focus on Ashland-Addison, one of the oldest and most successful flower businesses in the Chicagoland area. Obviously, WGN had no idea that my dad used to be a florist. They had no clue that Bill Sheffield, the owner of Ashland Addison and my father are friends. They just hopped on one of the delivery trucks and drove to my work… to deliver my flowers.
So… I was on TV yesterday morning. Blushing and receiving beautiful prettys from my dad. (Thank you daddy!). I have not seen, nor will I see, my second ever television appearance (I was on the Bozo Show when I was 10), but I know it existed because I got 3 phone calls from friends and co-workers proclaiming me a “superstar.” I will say that I made a valiant effort setting the DVR to record the WGN Morning News… I was told that the segment would air at 8:45 so I set it to record for 15 minutes being fairly confident this would suffice… It didn’t. I think my subconscious sabbotaged me… I REALLY didn’t want to see myself on TV. I was not at all dissappointed when I returned home to find that I’d recorded most of the segment but missed seeing myself embarrassed and blushing… Whew… now I don’t have to show anyone!
Anyway, my wonderful Valentine’s journey continued when my new beau drove for 2 ½ hours to take me to dinner and then 2 ½ hours home… on a “school night.” We went to La Cantena @ the Italian Village and had a fantastical dinner. I felt like a queen... and yes, there were butterflies. Thank you, honey.
I don’t want to imply that I’ve been soured on all pink and lace that typically surround this holiday. It’s just that the most magical one I’ve had occurred when I received a pink heart cut out of construction paper attached to a carnation... and that was in high school! I was due for a little magic! And thanks to my two favorite men, I got it!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
My Valentine's started weeks ago when I met Dr. Yummy… My 6’-6” Canadian born Ukrainian Chiropractor boy with a heart of gold, an intelligence that blows me away, a sensitivity that I thought only existed in me (and my dad) and arms that give the most perfect hugs I could have ever imagined (those of you who know me, understand this is an extremely strong statement).
Continuing on with my Valentine experience, Monday I received a special delivery from my dad. This was no ordinary special delivery though. A stunning tropical inspired arrangement with protea, birds-of-paradise, bamboo and orchids was delivered to me by Ashland-Addison Florists… with a WGN News crew in tow! WGN’s Ana Beneval was doing an “Around the Town” expose on the flower industry during the Valentine Holiday and chose to focus on Ashland-Addison, one of the oldest and most successful flower businesses in the Chicagoland area. Obviously, WGN had no idea that my dad used to be a florist. They had no clue that Bill Sheffield, the owner of Ashland Addison and my father are friends. They just hopped on one of the delivery trucks and drove to my work… to deliver my flowers.
So… I was on TV yesterday morning. Blushing and receiving beautiful prettys from my dad. (Thank you daddy!). I have not seen, nor will I see, my second ever television appearance (I was on the Bozo Show when I was 10), but I know it existed because I got 3 phone calls from friends and co-workers proclaiming me a “superstar.” I will say that I made a valiant effort setting the DVR to record the WGN Morning News… I was told that the segment would air at 8:45 so I set it to record for 15 minutes being fairly confident this would suffice… It didn’t. I think my subconscious sabbotaged me… I REALLY didn’t want to see myself on TV. I was not at all dissappointed when I returned home to find that I’d recorded most of the segment but missed seeing myself embarrassed and blushing… Whew… now I don’t have to show anyone!
Anyway, my wonderful Valentine’s journey continued when my new beau drove for 2 ½ hours to take me to dinner and then 2 ½ hours home… on a “school night.” We went to La Cantena @ the Italian Village and had a fantastical dinner. I felt like a queen... and yes, there were butterflies. Thank you, honey.
I don’t want to imply that I’ve been soured on all pink and lace that typically surround this holiday. It’s just that the most magical one I’ve had occurred when I received a pink heart cut out of construction paper attached to a carnation... and that was in high school! I was due for a little magic! And thanks to my two favorite men, I got it!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Friday, February 03, 2006
My hiatus was longer than Dave's!
Many apologies folks (all 3 of you)… I have been remiss in posting. Excuses… none. The holidays were fabulous. We (yeah, dad, that’s you) did Christmas in Cincinnati with my sis and her husband-to-be. It was lovely. She created the perfect Christmas dinner and was a perfect hostess. (Sorry if I forgot to tell you that Stac.)
Just before the holidays I moved into my new condo! It’s fabulous! I promise that someday I’ll have a party so’s I can show off the new digs… I’ve just been so busy… that’s a lie. I’ve just been so lazy… But, we (Laura, Dingo and I) are appropriately settled in and I’ve managed to put the ‘ol Jenny spin on the place to make it my own!
Let, see… what else… OH, for those of you who haven’t been blessed, I got to meet Mike and Abby’s new addition… Little Miss Sophie Marie is beautiful! Congrats you two!
Ok, so I’m really posting because I do have news… my sisters up coming wedding! It’s going to be beautiful and I’m so excited for her. John is a great guy and they are going to be sooo happy! I’ll be honored to have him as my brother-in-law. I think that I’ve got all of the maid of honor responsibilities taken care of. And of course, the most important part of being in or going to a wedding is having the right date… right?! Guess what…hang on folks… this one’s a shocker… I have a date! Yup, you heard me right! Pardon me whilst I do a dance of joy! I found me a 6’-6” Canadian born Ukrainian Chiropractor boy and somehow convinced him that I’m the shit! So, hopefully you’ll be hearing more about that!
That’s all I’ve got for now… Dr. Yummy is coming to visit this weekend and I’ve got work to do before I can go get myself “cutified.”
I’ll try to be more entertaining next post!
Just before the holidays I moved into my new condo! It’s fabulous! I promise that someday I’ll have a party so’s I can show off the new digs… I’ve just been so busy… that’s a lie. I’ve just been so lazy… But, we (Laura, Dingo and I) are appropriately settled in and I’ve managed to put the ‘ol Jenny spin on the place to make it my own!
Let, see… what else… OH, for those of you who haven’t been blessed, I got to meet Mike and Abby’s new addition… Little Miss Sophie Marie is beautiful! Congrats you two!
Ok, so I’m really posting because I do have news… my sisters up coming wedding! It’s going to be beautiful and I’m so excited for her. John is a great guy and they are going to be sooo happy! I’ll be honored to have him as my brother-in-law. I think that I’ve got all of the maid of honor responsibilities taken care of. And of course, the most important part of being in or going to a wedding is having the right date… right?! Guess what…hang on folks… this one’s a shocker… I have a date! Yup, you heard me right! Pardon me whilst I do a dance of joy! I found me a 6’-6” Canadian born Ukrainian Chiropractor boy and somehow convinced him that I’m the shit! So, hopefully you’ll be hearing more about that!
That’s all I’ve got for now… Dr. Yummy is coming to visit this weekend and I’ve got work to do before I can go get myself “cutified.”
I’ll try to be more entertaining next post!
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