Transitions

Moving in
Originally uploaded by Clav.

This weekend was all about transitions. On Saturday Certain Someone and I said farewell to a friend of ours that was tragically murdered. The group gathered to be strong for each other and pay our respects to a beautiful girl taken in her prime. The funeral turned to a all day affair with us continuing onto a bar for drinks, then dinner , and a movie. No one seemed to want to part company. The day was filled with laughter and tears. In the end I felt our friend was at peace and would watch over and guide all that loved her. I didn't know her as well as the others, but her death and life left a strong impression.
On a lighter note , Certain Someone and I announced to some friends and family members that he will be moving in with me for a few months. In principle I don't believe in living together, but his landlord is selling his place, and its easier to stay with me until Jan, when he'll get a new place. It will help me out enormously as I like his company, and I will be recovering from surgery. My own male nurse! It will also be a good test for our relationship. Some other friends of ours are taking the plunge and teased us about this was how it started. Were both only children, so we have a lot to learn about sharing space and lives. So lets hope for the best. Daylight Savings time has started , and we've gained a extra hour. So much to plan over the next few weeks with my Birthday, Thanksgiving, and the move. It all looks so promising.

Minneapolis Panorama

Minneapolis Panorama
Originally uploaded by Bolobilly.

I've been in Minneapolis since this past Monday. As ususal there isnt much to report. Just the usual territory visit. The weather has been bleak and dreary with the exception of today, which was a little warmer.Honestly I can't wait to get home. My group received some tragic news concerning a friend of ours that just leaves me with a unsettled feeling . It makes you wonder" what posseses people to do what they do" and more distrusting of mankind in general. I tried to clear my mind last night and go see the controversial Marie Antoinnette. For a few hours I was transported into the glittering and decadent world of the doomed Austrian born princess. I loved the costumes and images. The normally empty theater was full of customers for a special screening of another movie. I had the misfortune to be in front of a odd group that seem to make a hobby out of scoring free passes, going from movie to movie, until they get caught ,and driving hours for a cheap church dinners.Interesting life they lead. I could have sworn the manager of the theater was a man, put passed as a female very nicley. After the film I hurried along the nearly deserted skyway before it closed. I felt trapped and finished the journey back to the hotel outside. The cold air felt good. As I settled into bed( why are hotel beds so comfortable?) I thought about Certain Someone and my own home. How I missed them . I love Chicago.

Fire Starter

Car Fire I-10 Fry Rd
Originally uploaded by billjacobus1.

Over the past month some strange occurrences have been happening when I'm with Certain Someone. I have to ask myself "is it just coincidence?" It first started in D.C. While we were navigating the Beltway to visit my old house, a car was burning rapidly on the side of the road. A group of nonchalant teenagers sat along side it ,not at all scared it was going to blow! Certain Someone seemed non pulsed but I feared that it would explode just as we passed it. It reminded me of a childhood accident I once witnessed .Then last week while we took a romantic stroll to work off some calories, a five alarm fire broke out at highrise on Michigan Ave. Several fire trucks , police, ambulances, and newscrews blocked off traffic. All the hundreds of tourists just stopped and looked up trying to catch a glimpse. We couldn't see anything and wondered what everyone was pointing at. I thought perhaps someone was getting ready to jump. But we were informed it was a five alarm . The building still stands, and honestly I haven't caught up with local news lately to see what happened yesterday, we calm walked along Michigan Avenue after my German class , and a taxi just caught on fire right there! The smoking engine exploded into rapid flames once Certain Someone turned his penetrating green eyes on it. It really looked and smelled like it was going to blow in a few minutes. I looked at him strange and commented on all the weird fires lately. He smirked at me with a devilish grin and said 'maybe your starting the fires..." In that sexy low German accent of his. Coincidence or supernatural?

What's Wrong With People...?

This week has been pretty ho hum. Its been so busy and nothing really exciting to report other than I got a flu shot and got sick soon after. I'm always on the run between both jobs, Certain Someone, board commitments, and a occasional outing . This weeks outings were with Certain Someone's at his new find J Bar ,at the James Hotel. I wearily joined him there twice this week after long work days. One thing I found that both annoyed he and I this week was just people at large. At the restaurant it amazed me how people just bypassed me the hostess and basically tried to do whatever they wanted. I held one mans reservation for an hour, and he finally showed up and ignored my greeting and me. He decided to smooze at the bar , not caring that I had a two page wait list of people dying for that table. I gave the table away, and then he decided he wanted the table. The nerve. That's just one of many tales of self absorption I find in others. I wish I could be that inconsiderate and not care, but I always worry about everyone else. Then on the weekend Certain Someone and I just got downright irritated at the crowds along the Mag Mile and the rudeness. It has always amazed me that people have no regard for others they may be blocking , stalling, or pushing. The gawkers want to hog the sidewalks and generally stop the flow. At the Symphony Sunday evening we got irritated with the general admission crowd . One pushy lady even had the audacity to ask us to move down mid Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. She didn't like her view. Sometimes I look at Certain Someone and can see that he gets really pissed. Those Germans are all about order, good manners, and flow. Maybe his influence is rubbing off on me, hence my lack of patience and irritation.

Buckeye State Of Mind

This weekend Certain Someone flew me to Columbus Ohio to visit his childhood friend and wife from Germany. I had been to Columbus numerous times before for business and really didn't form a accurate favorable impression of the city. But this weekend changed my mind. Romeo and Juliet were the most gracious hosts. I felt as if I were in a luxurious Bed and Breakfast. Our first dinner consisted of grilled steaks and salmon in their lovely home. I found Juliet to be a kindred spirit as she hails from France and we had similar interests and tastes. We wrapped up dinner lingered over our digestifs and called it a night. The next day Ohio State Football awaited . Romeo is on the faculty and procured two hard to get tickets and a pre season reception for us. I had never been to a American College game before, as I had European art school experience .What a slice of Americana!The bands, pageantry, loyal die hard fans raised from birth to root on the Buckeyes. Certain Someone made sure I was dressed in the right colors. He just blended right on in. No one would have guessed he was raised elsewhere. The number one ranked team won against Bowling Green (naturally). I felt bad for the under ranked team, dressed in Hooters(the boob restaurant)colors. But they gave it a good shot. And I learned what a Buckeye is( a type of nut) and the name of their adorable mascot, oddly called Brutus(wasn't he a traitor?).The day was long and concluded in a great restaurant in the cobblestone German Village , G. Michaels. The next day we woke late a drove into the scenic countryside . Our destination was Granville and some apple picking. Certain Someone and Romeo sang to a eighties soundtrack. How Juliet and I were shocked when they knew Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse Of The Heart, by heart. It was unnerving they sang it several times. We passed by a haunted house called Haunted Hoochie, which looked lame. Once in Granville we had lunch and climbed up the long hill to Dennison College, a private college on top of hill. The fall foliage was stunning. No wonder those pampered college kids were so skinny, all that hill climbing. We finally made it to Lynde Apple Orchards. Certain Someone at first didn't seem to into it, but soon enough he was directing me to what the better trees and apples were. He and Romeo had this childish enthusiasm that was p[leasing to watch. We decided to make a Apple cranberry crisp and grill some brats when we got back. Those were the best tasting apples I ever had. Certain Someone and I carried our big bag on the plane later that evening. I promised to make him a American apple pie later. Before we left his old and my new friends, we were asked to make a drawing and write some words on a parchment sheet that can be added to a unusual chandelier over their dining room table.All their guests had left interesting drawings and notes in all sorts of languages. Certain Someone and I decided to draw a spoof of a fairy tale that correlates to his childhood nickname. An fitting end to a story book weekend.

Brauhaus

brauhaus
Originally uploaded by Lis Rock.

Certain Someone returned earlier than planned from Copenhagen. Due to his heavy work demands we couldn't join our friends for Octoberfest in Milwaukee. I can't wait to read Gabis account of the beer fueled weekend. So Friday night after attending Macy's Glamorama fashion show and party, feauturing headliner Beyonce, I rushed over to my sweeties. I had planned on being at the party past midnight,but tired feet and a jaded attitude made me leave earlier than planned . I was glad to see Certain Someone even though he was half asleep and exhausted from all his jet lag. We woke early and went our separate ways, he to golf, and me to German class. We planned on meeting later for dinner at Chicago Brauhaus . After a wait of just a hour , we managed to get a table in the noise filled establishment. Talk about kitsch, but the food lived up to our expectations. Certain Someone ordered a crispy pork shank. It reminded me of when I first fell for him upon meeting, he had ordered a garangutan lamb shank. I always felt like he looked like Henry VIII with those huge hunks of meat. I dared him to finish it, but he couldn't. Needless to say us 'old folks" went home at a reasonable hour and called it a night. We got a update from Milwaukee, and seems they were turning in early as well. But they started way earlier. Today was a quiet one as we parted ways so he could work , and I could do my thing. This weekend we plan on flying to Columbus for the Columbus Day weekend to visit his good friends. We have Ohio State football tix and plan to visit another German establishment . Its hard to believe its October already. Where does the time fly by?

Not Quite Like His Mutters

Last weekend , in honor of Certain Someone's big promotion, I decided to make a traditional German meal of Sauerbraten. After extensive online research comparing recipes with marinating times varying from 2-4 days,I targeted Sunday as dinnertime! I started prepping Wendsday evening . Come Friday Certain Someone informed me that he was being called to Copenhagen Sunday night on business .Not only was I upset at the prospect of my newly appointed Director being away for a long time, but that my dinner was ruined! We decided to push it up a day to Saturday. I spent Saturday taking my first German class for 2 1/2 hours, shopping for additional ingredients to make potato dumpling, and hard to find German beer. I settled on packaged potato dumpling in the freezer section of Hyde Park COOP. If I hadn't have told him he never would have known. The scents from the roasting meat were yummy as I cleaned the house. All was perfect until the final preparation of the sauce. Since most of my cooking liquids had evaporated ,the gravy turned out too thick. Certain Someone looked at the dish skeptically after appreciating the scent as he walked in my home. He also inquired as to what type of meat I used. In Deutschland another type of meat,which I won't mention, is occasionally used. Nevertheless he had several servings with red cabbage and dumplings. He really liked the dumplings!. I thought I did ok for my first try. The gravy was thick but very tasty. He was stuffed. Although none will ever be as good as his mamma's. At least I cooked it with love. So as my sweetie eats Danish hotel food all week, he can fondly look back to my first Sauerbraten.

Juggling the Crazies,Time, and Money

juggling balls in the air
Originally uploaded by mike 23.

Today was a crazy day. I got up at the crack of dawn for a early morning doctors appointment . I had a lot on my plate today which I systematically accomplished. Every now and then a curve ball was thrown my way. Like for instance Certain Someone( who recently got a big promotion) assured me that he wouldn't be traveling for a few weeks, has to go to Copenhagen for a week and half on Sunday. I had spent the day before planning and pre prepping a elaborate German Sauerbraten that has to marinate four days for a romantic dinner Sunday. Oh well, it will have to be Saturday night then. Hope he doesn't compare it to his mothers as it will only marinate for 3 days now..Then I have this odd person that works for me that informed me of a supposedly important meeting in the store. I protested that it was to short notice and wasn't convenient today. Nevertheless I drove the 40 miles out and got there late afternoon. The manager was supposedly busy and the culprit was stalling for a excuse. Upon seeing him I railed into him about postponing yet another meeting, not returning my calls, etc. He told me that she basically told me she put all this together without his knowledge ,and when he found out told her I wasn't needed,which she didn't relay to me. We soothed our ruffled feathers and realized we are dealing with a major manipulator and liar. If it was attention she sought ,it was our wrath she incurred by putting us in that situation and playing us off each other. She had her meeting all right, but not with me ! I also found out some juicy gossip I really didn't need to hear. Lets just say a certain newlywed I know of in passing is having a affair with a Vegas performer , whilst pregnant with her long sought after husbands child. How do people get in these jams? So I went over to job #2 and had a relatively busy but peaceful evening. Its amazing how mindless labor centers you. I chuckled over an earlier incident with my colleague in a Fannie May store. When paying for her candy,she asked the sales clerk for a discount. The skinny teenager promptly replied she has just missed Senior Day. Meow! Well that's my day. Busy, hectic,and surrounded by all sorts of interesting people and situations.

Revisiting The Past

Originally uploaded by .bandit.

I've just returned from a long weekend in Washington DC as Certain Someone's guest. He has a conference this week there , and thought it would be nice to return to my birthplace . I haven't been "home " in a long time. With both of my parents gone, I have little connection. We arrived on separate flights late Friday afternoon and checked into the Washington Hilton and Towers. This was where Reagan was shot many years ago. My father had offices right across the street at the time. After a quick nap we walked around Dupont Circle. By this point I felt like a stranger in my hometown, but it was nice to rediscover it with my sweetie. We had a late dinner in a Osteria and returned to the hotel. On Saturday I called my dads best friend from his American University in Beirut days and we all met in Chinatown. My how that had changed as well. I remember my first job out of college in the old Woodward and Lothrop store. Chinatown was a little grittier and real back then. Now its very commercial and developed with Bed Bath and Beyond's alongside the eateries. Nevertheless the Dim Sum at Tony Chengs was the best I ever had. A tourist told us upon entering ,she had dined there twelve times on her visit as she rubbed her belly. Daddies friend and Certain Someone hit it off and I felt Daddy would have approved. He dropped us off on M St in Georgetown where we leisurely shopped,walked around the "new" waterfront ( another new concept to me ) by the canal, pigged out on ice cream and pizza at Paradisos. The Hagen Das shop was there when I was a teenager, so that was nice. Along the waterfront we witnessed a seedy fashion photoshoot. A boat owner let the girls hop on his craft as they posed and contorted for the camera. Certain Someone and I loved to people watch. Sunday we decided to rent a car and visit my old high school in Potomac and a house I lived in prior to my parents divorce. He was quite impressed with the all girls campus and ritzy real estate around my school. White Pickett fences and stables were the norm. We ate lunch in Potomac Village and drove out further to North Potomac. I was a little disappointed. The houses where I grew up did not seem as impressive as when I was a child. I saw a lady come out my old house( which looked the same , just smaller) and told her I was the first family that lived there. She said hi, and drove her car down the driveway and into a ditch. The craziest thing I ever saw. All the neighbors came out to try and help. I recognized one and he called his wife out. She invited us in for coffee, but we politely declined. Time sure does fly. We caught up for a few moments and left. Tom Wolf was right,'You can never go home again". I felt I closed a book on a long chapter. We drove to Great Falls and walked some miles along the C&O CANAL,viewed the dams, took photos, and just enjoyed the flora and fauna. A nice way to wrap up the day. I had one last treat remaining. We went to the Dancing Crab where I indulged in my favorite Maryland crabs cooked in Old Bay. Certain Someone tried one, but I felt they were to much work for him. He ordered a huge seafood platter. I ate like a happy kid with my bib and wet dirty hands covered in spice. We came back to the hotel and watched Kill Bill 1 and 2 like a old cozy couple. After breakfast we kissed goodbye and I drove the car back to the airport. The end our mini vacation. It was the best weekend ever! Thank you sweetie for making this happen.

I Never Thought It Could Happen To Me...

Millenium Park - Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Great Lawn
Originally uploaded by wallyg.

Over the weekend I gathered some friends and people from an art's association, I'm involved with, for a lawn concert. One of the guys brought along some people from his church. Certain Someone had with him two friends visiting from Stockholm. All in all a lovely evening,until...One of the "church" woman got quite tipsy and exuberant on her jug wine and friends Cheerio trail mix.In mid concert whilst I lay alongside my sweetie, she took a hunk of cheese and went crazy. Next I felt her push me belly and face down into the blanket and proclaimed 'I MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD'. She started to rub my derriere and back and commenting on how tense I was. As much as I protested she forcefully continues. Certain Someone or no one could stop her, and everyone was sssshhhisng us . Of course I was tense because this strange older Yoko Ono type who seemed to have suffered a stroke was rubbing my ass in front of hundreds of people.I tried to be polite and just let her rub a few moment's more to keep the commotion down. She eventually got the message and stopped. I thanked her for her services and thankfully the concert ended and we got the hell out. I pray I never see her again. Later that night as we went to sleep Certain Someone expressed that he had never been more mortified and he wished the ground had swallowed him up right there. Well how the hell did he think I felt!

Missing Nemo

Nemo
Originally uploaded by raqui09.

Sunday as Certain Someone and I were on the boat, his eye caught a glimpse of something. The Rockford River is a dark green murky body of water where you may find a occasional catfish jumping , see a live Human torpedo, or Daddy and Me water skiing teams decked out in bright costumes. Along the shoreline you admire beautiful houses and Goth kids doing a Happy Dance around a fountain. In other words, anything goes. So imagine our amazement when Certain Someone pointed out a floating plastic bag passing us by. Our friend B immediately jumped in the warm waters and fished it out. Inside the bag was little Nemo. My Sweetie became quite attached to the little thing and guarded it closely until we got back to the house. A lot of fuss was made about the transfer of water, etc. Quite educational ! It was decided that with his schedule , Certain Someone could not provide Nemo a good home, so he decided to let our hosts neighbors children adopt it. They have promised to send updates. Already we were informed that he has a brand spanking new aquarium and might get a little buddy to splash with. Its tough for Certain Someone as he also had to say goodbye to his good friends baby who was moving away soon. Two goodbyes in one day. I have to find a way to cheer him up.

Girls Beware of the Competition

render1
Originally uploaded by Jack000.

This Labor Day weekend Certain Someone and I drove out to Rockford to go boating with 'The Rock' at his sisters house. The day was perfect cruising the Rockford river ,drinking and eating. Certain Someone and I really relaxed and enjoyed the good company. When we got back to the house after a very long day we fired up the grill and threw on some steaks and brats, chased by more beer and tequila. Then came show time . The Rocks brother in law hooked up the Playstation on the 60 inch TV screen ( the ultimate mans toys) and played some sort of game called Guitar Hero. Everyone was really good playing along to classic guitar rock pieces, with the exception of myself who ultimately crashed on the sofa. Certain Someone was impressive. In fact he was glued to the game . His face fell into that zombie like trance you see little boys and teenagers get into. All I remember was finally going to bed , and he eventually joining around 2 am or so. When we woke, around 10, he immediately went back to the TV and started on another game. My grown man had turned into a little boy in less than 24 hours. I'm worried because his friends are coming in from Sweden this week with his precious X box he left behind. I can compete with the work schedule, boys nights out, golf, etc. But the X box, I'm scared....

I Wonder What That Freaks Day Job Is?

Cartel Freak Day
Originally uploaded by deramaenrama.

Every now and then when it gets really quiet in the wine bar, I look up from my host stand and he goes whizzing by. He is a Asian man approximately in his late thirties , early forties with a Aztec looking bob. He's always scantily clad in gold lame hotpants with some butt cheek showing. As he rolls by on roller blades and Boom box in one arm (very early eighties ghetto), he's always smiling like he took some Ecstasy tabs. Today he wore a short blue trench coat over his shiny hot pants. Freak Boy either arouses love or hate. I like to think that this probable IT geek ,or perhaps even a lawyer, likes to unwind at the end of a hard day ,flashing the patrons of the avenue cafes in Bucktown. Just my opinion anyway...

Hell...I'll Even Go To A Opening Of A Supermarket

Well the fall social season has officially kicked off for me today. No Opening Night of the Opera, or some gala. Today , that had a hint of Fall in the weather, I attended a supermarket opening. A friend invited me because his old school friend was part of the organization. The market is called Sunflower, and is a cross between the trendy Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Their hook is lower prices and a shopping experience made easier while supporting local farmers and vendors. I , being a foodie, was quite impressed. I strolled the aisles nibbling on organic pizza that trendy Asian girls in green vinyl distributed. I sampled some Dixie cups of wines, chatted with the cheese boys as they spread my cracker with some Brie concoction. The brands were top rate, and a very nice beer and wine section I may add. After the head of the Lincoln Park Chamber of commerce cut the ceremonial ribbon in front of the refrigerated glass produce room, I decided to do a little shopping for my dinner .Organic clams, pasta,oh and toothpaste for the morning. Great market, plan to go back.

The Surprise Was....Corteo.

Corteo.
Originally uploaded by _e.t.

Certain Someone had kept me guessing a week about a surprise he planned for today. As much as I inquired, the more he shut down , and actually threatened to cancel. I pushed the envelope, even goggling the date to see what came up. But In all my fantasies and thoughts , I could never have guessed the Cirquedesoliel's Cortero! We started our leisurely Sunday attending a Ferrari festival near the Italian Village with our friend 'The Rock'. If you remember I tried to fix him up with a crazy disaster last weekend. We all still hadn't gotten over her comments. Certain Someone and The Rock were like babes in toyland checking out the details of the Ferrari's and lone Masseratti. We posed and primped by the cars. I wore a snug zip up Ferrari Tshirt , and was approached by several people asking if I worked for the company. CLTV even approached me and interviewed me for a segment to run later on TV that evening. Not the boys, me! We then had a leisurely walk, lunch , and beers. 5:00 snuck up all to soon and my sweetie and I grabbed a taxi. He had wanted to blindfold me, but forgot. So he kept my head down in his lap until we reached our destination. I sensed United Center, and it was. I looked up and saw the tents. I had never attended a Cirquedesoliel performance but had heard rave reviews. It didn't disappoint. I covered Certain Someone in kisses,and we settled back to watch the show. Spectacular. How thoughtful of him. Another affirmation to my insecure self that he cares, and I'm a lucky girl. Kiss .

The Ever Changing Face Of Downtown Chicago

Chicago - Marshall Field and Company
Originally uploaded by wallyg.

My mother used to go all 'old school' and recall about growing up in Chicago during the '50's and 60's'. The eldest of eight children wouldn't dare meet her mother downtown for a trip to Marshall Fields or Carsons without being dressed in a dress, white socks, white gloves, coat and matching hat. That's the way they did it back then. All of 'mamma's ' children always had the best quality clothes and were something to behold and admire. That standard carried through into everything they did. As a result all eight attained advanced degrees in their chosen fields. Quite a feat back then ,and even in this day and age. It wasn't that they were rich, but my grandparents worked hard and were go getters. They instilled this quality in their children. The standard was high. Like the high standards of retail in another era....
Yesterday I received a disturbing call. While trying to reconcile ,on a business front ,the merging of historic Marshall Fields into Macy's, another piece of big news hit. Carsons State Street was closing its doors. Now Carsons and Fields ran head to head . Both offered superb quality , service, and wares. Both were in landmark buildings that held so many stories. Christmas at Fields in to see the 'Tree' in the Walnut Room attracted people from all over. Both Carsons and Fields went all out for the window displays. I could go on. Macy's is committed to keep the Fields traditions alive. Chicago can wait and see. Carsons however, in my opinion lost its original luster a long time ago. After so many takeovers,I suppose that's bound to happen. But it had its loyal customer ,and will continue to in its many locations. The Carsons State street store was huge,and operating costs were cited as the a main reason for its closing. Its the end of a era. I remember the last time I saw my grandmother alive she took me, along with Auntie Mame to assist, on a shopping spree to Carsons, Fields, and Neiman Marcus for my high school graduation present. We endlessly tried on the high quality pieces for me take off to Paris where I was to attend college. When we got home she made me model them again to make sure they were just right and show off her oldest grandchild. I treasured my Dior wool pleated skirt and wore it for years until I couldn't no more. Like Mommy,I'm thankful for my downtown memories.

Chicago Is My Kind Of Town

Blue Angels
Originally uploaded by Кevin.

It's late , and I'm just returning from a great girls night out with Gab's and some friends . When I woke this morning I wanted to cancel,due to fatigue from all the weekend festivities. But I'm glad I didn't. We had a 5 star dinner at IL Covo. Gab's compatriot is the head chef blending Australian and Italian cuisine. As we dined a film crew from a popular local show came into the joint and asked our opinions. Gab's did all the talking, PR pro she is, and really sold the place. I must return with Certain Someone for dinner for two.
Yesterday was spent on Mother Gumby's at her annual rooftop Air Water Show party. What a great food and drink spread she presented. Her apartment had amazing views and looked like something from architectural Digest. The crowd was warm and cozy. Certain Someone and I shared a chaise poolside and watched all the jets thunder by,while I rubbed his temples. Those boys love their toys. While I have mixed opinions about all the military activity in the current state of the world,you cant help but being impressed seeing those Blue Angels and other craft fly by. What a show and party. After the party we went shopping,which I'm coming to believe is his favorite pastime. He should start paying me as his personal shopper.
The night before we met with a friend and a blind date we set him up with. What a disaster! It really should have been filmed for reality TV. The young lady was loaded and quite suggestive to both our friend and Certain Someone. At the end of the evening we had quite a earful about her favorite "physical activity"and "recreational activity" . I felt bad for her, as she won't remember what she said and did. Remind me to not play Cupid again.
And last but not least was Gabis Birthday Celebration on Friday. Great night was had by all. I only wish I could have unwinded more ,But I had to rise early the next morning( 4:00 am) to perform makeover s for a wedding. The Birthday girl had a most memorable 29 th . She's a lucky girl ,and we should all feel blessed to know her.

Don't Forget What The Important Things Are

This evening a good friend of mine , who had read my recent blog entries, reminded me not to forget what the "important things are". This coming from a man that deals with life and death every day. Sometimes we get all wrapped up in the material, that we forget to count our blessings. I'm grateful for so much in my life . For having a loving family,Certain Someone, great friends, and most importantly health and hope. I'll take health and hope over the immaterial any day.

Love in the Afternoon

Google Calender + weather
Originally uploaded by Stella N.F..

I realize as I'm about to write this,I've been influenced by Gabis blog entry from yesterday. She spoke of how her social calendar is filling up rapidly. It seems that theme is running through Certain Someone's and my lives. Today he squeezed me into his busy schedule , as he just returned late last night , for a quickie lunch at Typhoon Cafe. We literally pulled out the Blackberry's and Treos to coordinate the next few weeks. He complained that our very little free time ( weekends) are always taken with some social activity,and how we don't spend enough quality alone time together. I agree. He's always away for business during the week, and I work two jobs. If he is home, he's usually burning the midnight oil . Our precious weekends go by far too quickly , and most of it is spent sleeping. Sometimes it feels as if we don't have enough time for our friends , family,or each other. I look forward to a special 'surprise ' he has planned in the next few weeks, and some quick weekend get aways.In the meanwhile I'm content with a occasional quickie lunch in the afternoon. Wir finden schon eine Losung.

Where Does All This Money Come From

Acme Market give away needles, and Richie Rich
Originally uploaded by Saffanna.

Yesterday Certain Someone and I went to one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, RL. Auntie Mame introduced me to this treat. The menu is pretty basic, emulating that old waspy private dining club feel. In my mind I always call it the rich mans McDonald's. On any given day you'll always see some prominent Chicagoan meeting friends there after a hard day of shopping or some cocktail event. So as Certain Someone and I settled in,and ordered deluxe burgers while we sat in the outdoor section, a group of flashy young nouveau types caught our attention. The two men looked like 'club' types with a impressionable young lady who was obviously impressed. The group sat sipping rose and sharing a charcuterie platter. Their conversation s vulgar,loud,yet intriguing . Certain Someone , masked in his Prada frames ,chastised me for not speaking German so we talk about them. I was riveted. Then a Mercedes pulled up, and another young one got out and yelled at the group. She joined the table and introductions were made and she was asked what her father did. By now we were rolling our eyes. It seems they were all in the restaurant/ club biz. Not to offend my European honey,but they epitomized the term Euro trash. We later saw them cruising Rush street giving shout outs . Certain Someone and I wondered how they do it and where this money comes from. As we walking back home we passed the Bentley dealer. Certain Someone loves his cars and gives me the history and stories of the exotic high end makes. We noticed a relatively young man about our age pull out in a Maybach. I"m sure that car fetches around a few hundred thousand. I kind of got depressed because making ends meet is a endless struggle. These Bright Young Things don't seem to burning the midnight oil,but yet seem to have huge incomes. Must be nice. I hope they are happy.