Home Search 2007

So... most of you know that moving to Crystal Lake has taken up literally 50% of my time lately... followed closely by caring for and worrying about my dad. Between showing the condo, working on our mortgage application and looking for the perfect home, I'm obsessed with things that are not my work... Thank God I have an understanding and supportive boss!

Anyhow... we've looked at almost 350 listings now and of the 35ish that we've seen, we have (4) favorites! I'd say that's pretty good considering it's totally possible that NONE of them will be available when we finally get an offer on our condo! Clinton and I are both positive thinkers though and believe in things meant to be. We're on the right path!

So, I've listed a few photos of our "top 4" (2 from Clinton and 2 from me) Can you guess which ones belong to whom?

Enjoy!!!

While we both REALLY love all 4 homes, we each have different top 2 lists...

Answer: Photo 1 - Clinton' #1, Photo 2 - Jenny's #2, Photo 3 - Clinton's #2, Photo 4 - Jenny's #1

Ponchos...

So, last year (or the year before) I jumped on the bandwagon and purchased the latest fashion trend... the poncho. I have two of them... lovely, multicolored, stylish ponchos; and I like them.

Feeling a spring in my step (get-it... it's spring) I decided to wear one of these said poncho's to work today. Left the house feeling confident that I looked lovely (as usual). Got to work, everything is fine. Made it to lunch... great day.

Then, while tooling around on the Internet, something caught my eye. No, it wasn't the fashion police apprehending a poncho wearing perp, is was an image... of a television character... and I suddenly wondered...

Am I Ugly Betty?

The latest pain in my side...

At least I posted some positive thoughts about spring first!!!

Since Clinton is working his tail off, and commuting like a bastard, I've been trying to figure out how to move us to Crystal Lake as soon as possible. The problem is that we can't move until we sell our condo and, it you haven't heard, the real estate market SUCKS! So the past few weeks, I've been a busy little bee (whilst caring for the dear old dad) putting our plan of attack into action...

Step One: Clean and organize the condo... check! I made good use of my time with dad watching TLC shows... "Flip that House" and "Sell this House." HUGE difference in shows and the goals of each but, I took lessons from both on how to get the condo in selling shape. Spent a few days putting things in storage and organizing. Hired a cleaning crew to do the dirty work. Had the carpets shampooed and wa-la... we're off and running!

Step Two: Put our condo on the market... check! I'm meeting with our realtor this evening and everything should be a go!

Step Three: Sell the condo... this is the unknown factor. The market SUCKS! I think we'll make the listing read as follows...

"Jenny wants to see her husband more... so she's selling her condo and relocating to Crystal Lake! In addition, she wants to have a baby and doesn't have the space in the shoebox condo that she bought six weeks before she met her darling husband! So... all you twenty-somethings looking for a great condo in a great area for a great price, call Jenny immediately. Dingo the dog not included."

No really...

"Two bedroom. One bath. Sunny first floor condo in West Bucktown listed below market value! Gut rehabbed in Dec '05, owner hates to move... relocation. Fantastic European kitchen featuring integrated refrigerator and dishwasher, designer hood, stainless oven, granite counter tops, garbage disposal, great cabinets. Marble bathroom w/ whirlpool tub, wood window blinds, easy parking, security system and low assessments. Don't miss this one! Bring all reasonable offers!"
.................................................................................................$209,900.

Step Four: Pray.

Step Five: Find a new house... check! Well maybe. We've been looking with our realtor since January; trying to see what's out there, what we can afford for our $$. We've been through almost 300 listings, checked out about 30, and there are a ton of homes that are practically brand new in our price range. So, getting a home, once we sell, probably won't be an issue... after all, it's a buyers market. That said, we found our dream home last weekend. Perfect in every way... and it'll probably sell before we have a chance to grab it... boo.

Step Six: Pray.

Ahhhh.... Spring!

I'm blessed... My father instilled in me a love for all things beautiful. I spent the last two weeks with him and enjoyed his company and his beautiful yard. Spring is wonderful! We were able to watch the tulips emerge, the daffodils bloom and the crocus' come alive. We watched birds feed from the newly filled feeders and befriended a pair of ducks, lovingly named Ralph and Maude after my mothers grandparents.

Every spring I get the urge to visit with nature... it's not that easy in the city... but occasionally I find a little oasis that makes me forget about this concrete jungle and pay tribute to the idea of the country or even just a yard! Yesterday, I went shopping for some blooming plants to "springify" our little home. The Home Depot and I have a great relationship... they set up tents filled with plants and natural wonders and I joyously peruse the aisles touching and smelling the treasures... then I buy beautiful things that I'll kill inside of 3 weeks. While dad instilled in me a love for beauty, I did not inherit his green thumb!

While "vacationing" at the Home Depot, I had the urge to purchase a million plants for a yard that I don't have... including a magnificent Japanese Maple tree... another pleasure that dad and I had last week... watching the Japanese Maple bloom. It really is amazing to see branches and twigs suddenly develop buds and go from brown and bare to bursting with beautiful burgundy leaves. I love Japanese Maples and as soon as we get a house... in the Crystal Lake area... I will purchase one and make Clinton help me plant it... in the front yard.

It should also be noted that caring for my daddy the last few weeks really instilled in me that "nesting" thing that women get during their child bearing years. I went to kiss his bald little head and it smelled like my newborn nephew. The wonderful two weeks made me want children even more... to care for and educate and inspire.

So... that's been our spring so far... we're taking one day at a time, caring for dad, selling the condo, working, house hunting, and stopping to smell the flowers.

I married a Chiropractor!

I married a Chiropractor and I've found that the vast majority of the general public have ABSOLUTELY no idea what a Chiropractor truly does!

It's amazing the reactions I get... people shake their heads and assume that I've joined a cult or that I've been brainwashed by my husband because I "get it." I understand, that is, that Chiropractic is important and could be beneficial to anyone!

When we were children, we had these people come into our school and do a spinal exam. I didn't even realize that it was a spinal exam, until my husband discussed a recent spinal screening he put on. I remember standing up against a wall and a man looking at my shoulders and hips to see if they were straight. Then I had to bend over and touch my toes and he looked at the curve of my back. Just like when they did the fluoride thing at school and kids got sick... or the head lice check and some kids got special shampoo... it was a maintenance thing that was required.

Think of it as going to the dentist or for your yearly medical exam. These are things that everyone does as a "maintenance" program for their bodies. Unfortunately, the Chiropractic community has failed (so far) in communicating the importance of Chiropractic exams.

So, here's a lay persons attempt to educate the 3 people that read this blog.

Your BRAIN is connected to every single organ in your body through your SPINAL CHORD.
Your SPINE protects your SPINAL CHORD.
There are bunches of NERVES that come off your SPINAL CHORD, go through your SPINE and to your ORGANS.
If your SPINAL CHORD is not ALIGNED, that means it’s CRUSHING nerves that are needed to get vital information to whichever ORGAN those nerves are connected to!
This means that whatever organ that CRUSHED NERVE is going to, is not working at 100%!

Quite Simply...

"When bones of the spine become misaligned or move out of their normal position, they can distort the flow of information from the brain to the body. Without the proper information from the nerve system, the body cannot function to its full potential.1"

Chiropractic has been proven to help people with reoccurring problems such as migraines, sinuses, ear infections, throat issues, joint and arthritis pain, heart burn and kidney function, among other health issues! But, most people would rather pump themselves with chemicals to relieve pain or deal with an illness… we are brilliant!

If you want to read a little more about the basic philosophy of Chiropractic a quick description can be found at: http://admissions.palmer.edu/info/whatis.htm

Rant complete.

- 1 Taken from the Palmer College of Chiropractic website

Happy New Year!!!

Well, 2006 has definitely been eventful! But I must start the 2006 recap a little further back.

July of 2005 saw the end to another relationship. It was short lived and only heartbreaking because it was yet another failure. I mention it because it prompted me to take a hard look at where this life of mine was going.

I had been hoping for a relationship to fill some emptiness that was going on in the old heart and decided that this concept was crappy and unsuccessful. I don't mean to imply that I was un-happy. I wasn't. The happiness level just wasn't quite as high as I thought I deserved. Time for some ch-ch-ch-changes!

So, I took it upon myself to devise a plan... I called it my "sans man plan." It's purpose: To figure out what I need to be truly happy and content without a relationship. After thought and prayer and a bunch of sappy songs that made me cry (Jesus Take The Wheel - Carrie Underwood... no comments from the peanut gallery) I realized that this was only a 2 step plan! It all seemed so simple! And I was off...

STEP 1: New J O B - I was disgusted with the politics of the firm I was with. Not happy with the amount of design I was doing and thwarted by a design director who annoyed the hell out of me, I decided that I'd be better off in a smaller firm where I could actually make a difference. I found ESA and after several interviews (mostly to make sure I was comfortable with them) I started as a Designer October 3rd 2005.

STEP 2: New Home - I've wanted to own a condo in this fantastical city for 10 years. As part of my "sans man plan," I decided that I wanted to feel as though I had my own little piece of this city. I searched and searched and finally found my little shoe box place. I closed on the condo on December 2nd, 2005 and moved in with my most wonderful room mate Laura the following weekend... just in time for Christmas.

It worked! I was in bliss... happy and content with my new job and my new home. My 2006 New Year's resolution was to stop thinking about a relationship because I didn't need one. I was happy on my own... with Laura... and dingo... and my new job... and my new condo. 2006 was looking great!

Now, I believe in God. I believe that things happen for a reason. I've come to believe that I set out on the "sans man plan" because I was unconsciously readying myself for what would come next. And wouldn't you know it... the next thing came in the form of a man! Here's my 2006 recap...

He e-mailed me for the first time on January 22nd.
He spoke to me for the first time on January 26th.
He smiled at me and hugged me for the first time on January 28th.
He was my valentine on February 14th.
He was my date to my sister's wedding on February 18th.
He brought me to meet his family on April 27th.
He became my roommate May 13th.
He became my fiance on May 26th.
He was my birthday boy on September 13th.
He became my husband on November 11th.
He was my New Year's kiss on December 31st.

So you see... I've had the best 2006. And do you want to know the best part... He says that his 2006 was better than mine.

Happy New Year from Clinton and Jenny Garda!!!

Bad Bride

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!!!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 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!

Holy s*_t!!! I'm a home owner!

This morning I was a renter... now, I'm a homeowner! (Well, a condo owner). So, the process has lead itself here... to 1653 N. Fairfield. An adorable little condo conversion that holds a bunch of little treasures... Namely ME! I've posted a few photos to tide y'all over. I plan on having an "open house" get together at a later date.


This is the "front door." The space is an english basement, which is just a fancy way of stating that it's a garden apartment with full size windows instead of those half windows that a lot of garden units have... you can see the 3 steps down into my living room in this photo.















This is my new kitchen... I know, I really don't deserve it cause I don't cook but these German appliances are amazing (or so I hear) so I'm gonna have to start!












The bathroom... it has the coolest tub stopper I've ever seen! Is that weird?















And the living room... a curved wall leading to my bedroom... and just enough space for me to do my "designer thing!"







So, that's my news! Yeah!

My new Shanty!

New Year's 2005... I gave up the sacrificing chocolate and diet coke years ago and decided that a new year's resolution should be to better myself. In that spirit, this year, I resolved to better my circumstance...

Get a new job. SUCCESS! The new gig... act, action, affair, assignment, bit, business, charge, chore, commission, deed, duty, effort, enterprise, mission, office, operation, project, pursuit, responsibility, role, stint, task, undertaking, venture, or work... has been wonderful! The people in this very loft-like, exposed beam, sunlight filled office are pleasant, non-catty, non-competitive, hard working, nice people. They all realize that our job is not to cure cancer but to make the world a little more interesting to look at and a lot more functional. That's all... it ain't rocket science! They don't subscribe to the idea that our clients make the schedules. They are realistic in recognizing that this is a job... and then we go home to our dad's, room mates, friends, dogs etc.. Life outside of work is why we work... They get that! I'm happy. On top of the joy of little pressure, I am finally able to express my creativity, my way, with no rules, no design dictator breathing down my neck and no feeling of creative oppression. It's lovely!

Resolution #2 was to own. No more renting. No more paying $$ to slum lords who don't lift a finger when the sewer backs up in the basement and ruins my personal property. So... in July, I started looking. At first I was excited! The thought of walking into a space and just "feeling" like it's the one. Picturing my furniture (the new stuff in my head that I will never be able to afford... ahhh... it's nice to dream), my artwork, my dog, my silly morning routine in a new space, was fun! But...by early October, I'd almost abandoned the idea when the sheer magnitude of spending almost 200K on an 800 SF space totally FREAKED me out! And then I started learning about the closing costs... HOW DO PEOPLE DO THIS? It's unbelievable... I gotta pay $9.00 for a flood certificate... WHAT? Does that $9.00 do anything if my place actually floods? NO! As soon as I relegated myself to the idea that I would have to wait until spring, thus failing on my New Year's Resolution 2005... a rainbow appeared... Atlantis, apparition, bubble, bugbear, chimera, daydream, delusion, fairyland, fantasia, figment, hallucination, illusion, mirage, utopia, vision... Xanadu... well, not actually, I found (2) condos in my neighborhood, in my price range! WOO-HOO!!!

So, after getting a few opinions, negotiatiating and finalizing the funding... I am now the proud owner of a condo in Chicago. (Well, I close on December 1st). Yes folks, I have a new shanty... Jenny's very own abode, a new address, no more apartment, my very own asylum, not quite a bungalow, cabin or castle, about the size of a cave, far from a cottage, closer to a crash pad, definately new digs, domicile a'la Jenny, not a dump, my lovely dwelling, hangout, haunt, hideout, homestead, hut, joint, manor, mansion, nest, pad, palace, place, residence, resort, roost, shelter, turf and villa! Yeah me!

So... anyone with boxes that I can borrow or have... let me know! I gotta get rid of a ton of stuff to fit in this adorable shoebox... I'm thinking yard sale in the spring... I'll store it until then! And yes, Laura's coming with me!

On to 2006!

Poop wars and nice co-workers... unrelated topics!

OK... so, I'm having an issue with dog owning tenants in my building. As the title of this Blog may have lead you to assume, these issues stem from dog feces. I know, I know... not a pretty thing to discuss however, I truly believe that sharing this with y'all will help me resolve some deep seeded doggy pooh issues... Thank you in advance! (I'm a liar... I'm just uncreative when it comes to writing and this is the only topic I can think of today so... you benefit)!

Here's the deal. There are 4 dog owners in my building.

Me - Dingo the wonder dog's mom and a very loving dog owner but not necessarily one deserving the most responsible award.
Carol - Beck's mom, a landscape architect and a relatively responsible dog owner.
Eli - mother of two (Shiksa and Bailey), 21, tattooed (more than me), fire red hair (at least that's what color it is today), musician, creative, brash, fun and... not what most people would call a responsible dog owner.
Christine - new doggy mom to Griffin the beagle, smart and nice but when it comes to her new puppy... anal, over protective, over educated with the dog books which equates to common sense retarded and easily agitated.

Now that you've met the cast of characters, can you guess who's having the problem?

Now, I must admit that I've not always been the solution to the problem but over the last few months I've been religious about picking up after my dog. Miss Eli moved in a month ago and we've all noticed a decline in the progress since the arrival of her fiery hair, matching fiery attitude and sweet mutts. We've all mentioned the issue to her... I've noticed improvement... but there is still drama!

The first attempted solution (retaliation) by a dog owning neighbor was to pick up a bundle of joy and place it directly in front of the side door that's used by 6 different apartments (only 2 of which house the canine species) with a post it note on the door saying "Pick up Shiksa's poop... it's gross". This brilliant idea was instituted on the windiest day of the year so the post it note blew off and guess who stepped in the strategically placed pile of dung... yup, you guessed it... me! Oh it gets better... this happened twice! And neither time did it occur to the "lesson teacher" that the intended pupil (who works nights) may not be the one who learns the lesson!

And now, the more anal of my precious neighbors wants to call the cops because of this situation. All I have to say to that is Tghhhhghhghhhhghhhttt.

Calling the cops is going to do nothing!
1. It's private property and all they'll do is notify landlord Ed who will just cause problems for us all. He's an ass and has been conveniently absent lately... why mess with heaven?
2. They're not going to take the time to DNA test doggie shit to verify which dog owner is responsible... and with my luck, if they do, I'll have missed Dingo's lastest gift to me and get fined for some godly amount of money equal to the yearly vet visit which is coming up in December, Dingo will get sick and die all because someone thought it would be a good idea to call the cops.
3. We're supposed to be friends... that's the greatest thing about my building... we all get along, we all look out for eachother and we all care. Why would you call the cops on a friend?

So, on one hand, I hate picking up after other people's dogs... I hate picking up after mine... but I do it! I understand the frustration. Really, I do. But at some point, someone's got to be a little flexible. One has to get better and the other has to lighten up! Oy, I tell ya... being mother hen SUCKS!

In other news... it's Friday and I've successfully completed the first week at my new job. I tell ya... I'm not used to smiling-happy-faces-all-the-time! I actually had to ask someone if the entire office was putting on a show for me or something... it's almost... creepy... in a good way.

Lastly, still condo shopping. I'm getting discouraged but I WILL PREVAIL (someday).

OK... that's all for today. It's been my pleasure entertaining you!