I am so excited for Thanksgiving. The reason is because I love to eat. It's pretty simple really. I love food, especially when it's free and I don't have to cook it. Turkey meat, mashed potatoes, corn and desserts....mmmm, desserts.
The only bummer about this lovely holiday is that there is an underlying tension. We got to my cousin's house every year, and each year it seems to get more and more uncomfortable. Maybe it's just me. My grandma and grandpa passed away several years ago, and it became very apparent that they were the glue that kept the family together.
Granted, there is no hatred amongst the family, per se, but there is no closeness at all. When my grandparents were alive we would see the entire family nearly every month. Now we see them twice a year - Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
No longer do we exchange birthday cards via the mail, nor do they stop by my mom and dad's house for Halloween (the kids dress up, not the parents, obviously.)
In fact, we hear through the grapevine that my aunt has been sick several times over the last couple years - to the point she was hospitalized. The grapevine, unfortunately, is quite slow and we learn of the hospitalizations months after they happen. Do you think my uncle would call my dad, my aunt's only sibling? Nope. Apparently she didn't want my dad to be called anyway.
It is all so strange to me. I'm sure this is normal for a lot of families, but it seems so sad to me. So while I will enjoy the delicious meal my cousin cooks up, part of me will be longing for the family bonds we once had many years ago.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
Time to relax and get sick
After much uncertainty I was able to take my vacation time planned for this week (and Friday of last week.) Even though I didn't have anything specific planned, I had been looking forward to four days of no stress. The Year of Nikkie has become a bit exhausting physically, as well as mentally and emotionally. Between going out too much, not eating healthy, learning some ugly truths about someone I had feelings for and dealing with the after-effects of that, encountering a lot of jerks, getting propositioned by multiple men, etc...I need time to, ahhhh, relax.
I had been experiencing a weird pinch in my shoulder and stiffness in my neck since last Tuesday. I scratched it up to stress and hoped it would go away soon.
Much to my disappointment, Friday I started to feel a little scratch in my throat which lingered a bit over the weekend and BAM this morning I woke up with a full fledged cold. Not only am I sick, but the neck/shoulder thing is still insanely present. This puts a bit of a damper on my remaining three days of vacation. The reason why is that I am not feeling rested, and I have no energy to do anything -- especially leave me house. I had such high hopes of getting a good run in today and Wednesday after a fairly enjoyable five miler on Saturday. The thought of running makes me want to cry...or maybe it's just my eyes watering from sneezing so much.
As I sit here watching HGTV in my robe I am so bummed about what could've been. I'm hoping I feel better later today. I'm going to get a massage this afternoon, so that will have to help!
I had been experiencing a weird pinch in my shoulder and stiffness in my neck since last Tuesday. I scratched it up to stress and hoped it would go away soon.
Much to my disappointment, Friday I started to feel a little scratch in my throat which lingered a bit over the weekend and BAM this morning I woke up with a full fledged cold. Not only am I sick, but the neck/shoulder thing is still insanely present. This puts a bit of a damper on my remaining three days of vacation. The reason why is that I am not feeling rested, and I have no energy to do anything -- especially leave me house. I had such high hopes of getting a good run in today and Wednesday after a fairly enjoyable five miler on Saturday. The thought of running makes me want to cry...or maybe it's just my eyes watering from sneezing so much.
As I sit here watching HGTV in my robe I am so bummed about what could've been. I'm hoping I feel better later today. I'm going to get a massage this afternoon, so that will have to help!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...until I write about it on my blog
For the past three days I have been spending some quality time in Las Vegas - a city I have never visited, and am unsure if I want to visit again (after last night).
Wednesday-Friday early evening I spent the majority of my time with my clients, working at the AARP Life at 50+ Festival. Me and the "seasoned" citizens, as my colleague calls them. What I can safely say after working this Festival is that people are vultures. They will take anything that's free and not nailed down. We had pens and chip clips at our booth, and I'd put some out on a table and they'd be gone within minutes. I mean, how many pens can one person really need? Geez.
So after my frustrations with humanity, I was pretty excited to go out Friday night. A friend of mine had a friend in Vegas who happened to have an extra ticket to the U2 concert. SCORE! Well, apparently the friend thought he would too. Um, yeah, no.
I meet up with this guy at the Palms and was somewhat surprised that there were three other older guys with him, and one of them was WASTED already. Super.
We went to dinner and had some cocktails, then headed to the concert in a Hummer limo. I'm not joking. It was in that limo that things got a bit uncomfortable. The friend started asking me really inappropriate questions about me and our mutual friend, and just wouldn't let up. We made it to the concert and by the fifth song he made his intentions pretty clear. Tit for tat, if you will. He got me dinner and the concert ticket (both comped by the way) therefore I needed to give him something. I do have to give him credit, because he came right out and just asked, at which point I said "um, no, I need to go to the bathroom" and immediately left the stadium.
It was a very tough thing because I really wanted to see U2, but I just didn't trust four drunk men, one of which was clearly out for something from me that I didn't want to share. I felt really bad because I did tell my friend what his friend did, and I'm sure that put him in an awkward position. I know my friend would've never had me go out with his friend if he knew it would get like that. Sigh.
Anyway, I ended up getting in a huge line for a cab and met some really awesome Canadians who completely made my night better. They were from Winnipeg, eh. They were extremely impressed by the fact that I knew Winnipeg was in Manitoba, haha.
They were super friendly, super welcoming, and totally took little ol' alone me under their wing. They managed to flag down a car driven by an 18 year old concession stand worker from the concert, squeeze us all in, and get us back to the Strip. We hung out the rest of the night, dancing, making fun of people, and just talking. It was totally the way to end my Vegas trip.
Now as I sit here at the airport feeling like utter crap (one too many cocktails, I think), I can say that I'm glad I went, but I don't think I want to go back.
Wednesday-Friday early evening I spent the majority of my time with my clients, working at the AARP Life at 50+ Festival. Me and the "seasoned" citizens, as my colleague calls them. What I can safely say after working this Festival is that people are vultures. They will take anything that's free and not nailed down. We had pens and chip clips at our booth, and I'd put some out on a table and they'd be gone within minutes. I mean, how many pens can one person really need? Geez.
So after my frustrations with humanity, I was pretty excited to go out Friday night. A friend of mine had a friend in Vegas who happened to have an extra ticket to the U2 concert. SCORE! Well, apparently the friend thought he would too. Um, yeah, no.
I meet up with this guy at the Palms and was somewhat surprised that there were three other older guys with him, and one of them was WASTED already. Super.
We went to dinner and had some cocktails, then headed to the concert in a Hummer limo. I'm not joking. It was in that limo that things got a bit uncomfortable. The friend started asking me really inappropriate questions about me and our mutual friend, and just wouldn't let up. We made it to the concert and by the fifth song he made his intentions pretty clear. Tit for tat, if you will. He got me dinner and the concert ticket (both comped by the way) therefore I needed to give him something. I do have to give him credit, because he came right out and just asked, at which point I said "um, no, I need to go to the bathroom" and immediately left the stadium.
It was a very tough thing because I really wanted to see U2, but I just didn't trust four drunk men, one of which was clearly out for something from me that I didn't want to share. I felt really bad because I did tell my friend what his friend did, and I'm sure that put him in an awkward position. I know my friend would've never had me go out with his friend if he knew it would get like that. Sigh.
Anyway, I ended up getting in a huge line for a cab and met some really awesome Canadians who completely made my night better. They were from Winnipeg, eh. They were extremely impressed by the fact that I knew Winnipeg was in Manitoba, haha.
They were super friendly, super welcoming, and totally took little ol' alone me under their wing. They managed to flag down a car driven by an 18 year old concession stand worker from the concert, squeeze us all in, and get us back to the Strip. We hung out the rest of the night, dancing, making fun of people, and just talking. It was totally the way to end my Vegas trip.
Now as I sit here at the airport feeling like utter crap (one too many cocktails, I think), I can say that I'm glad I went, but I don't think I want to go back.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Birthday festivities come to an end
What a week of celebrating my birthday. In the words of Harry Caray, holy cow!
I recapped the weekend of debauchery, of sorts, in my last posting, and now I shall update you fine readers on this past weekend.
After spending many days out with friends over the last week, it was time to relax and refresh. I was supposed to meet my friend Jacquie out for drinks Friday, but an unfortunate incident with goat tacos put her out of commission (I'm still amazed that she ate goat tacos, but who am I to judge?) So I ended up hanging out with my mom, going to dinner at Olga's (YUM!) and shopping for my Halloween costume. That's a whole new post for another day, but this is it - yep, it's the Gretchen costume. I am going in a skanky costume. I'm not quite sure what I'm thinking (and I'm not sure what I was thinking when I tried it on for my mom...omg, awkward!)
Saturday spent more time with the fam going to pick up my packet for the half marathon, then visiting Apple Charlie's where I ate half a dozen cinnamon donuts with glee. They are so good. Wowza. We finally ended up at my favorite Italian restaurant, Dolce Vita, where I inhaled the tortellini con pana, a glass of wine, and a piece of tiramisu (the best I've ever had.) I ended up passing out around 9:30, which was perfect because I had a long day ahead Sunday.
I woke up at 5 a.m. Sunday to prep for the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Half Marathon. I was expecting pain and agony because I hadn't run, at all, since the Chicago Half Marathon in mid-September. Nearly a month of absolutely no running, no exercise...real smart.
I arrived at the race with a few moments to spare thanks to the awesome traffic of Detroit (completely forgot how bad it can be.) I left my parents as they tried to park and hustled to my starting corral where I ran into my old friend Lynn from grade school. What are the chances?? Totally random and cool!
BTW, it was really flippin' cold - about 30 degree at the start, so I wore some old raggedy layers that I could throw away as I ran (seems wasteful, but I know they are collected and sent to shelters.)
As I ran I met up with a girl who went to my high school, but graduated six years before me, and also lives in Chicago. Again, totally random but cool! We ran together for about four miles, before I wanted to slow down and she kept going. I looked her up and she finished about 10 minutes before me. Go her!
Anyway, this race was a complete departure from my first three half marathons of the year. First, I didn't train at all as previously mentioned; second I didn't bring a hydration belt (given the cold temps I didn't really need it); and third I tried to run the whole thing instead of the run/walk method.
All in all I did amazingly well given the fact that I didn't train. I finished in 2:35 and some change, and have renewed my love for running. In fact, my dad said he wants to try his hand at running again (he did the Freep full marathon in 1984) and is starting to train for next year's half marathon. We may be doing a daddy-daughter run if his foot holds up. Family bonding at its finest.
Up next for me in a couple weeks off where I will be in Vegas for work, and then back to the Chicago chill. I start Winter Warrior training with CES in preparation for the Key West Half Marathon on January 31. It's still TBD whether I'll actually run that race, because airline tickets will probably be a thousand bucks by then, but it's something to look forward to regardless.
So a big, hearty thank you for your birthday wishes and good luck cheers. They were greatly appreciated :)
I recapped the weekend of debauchery, of sorts, in my last posting, and now I shall update you fine readers on this past weekend.
After spending many days out with friends over the last week, it was time to relax and refresh. I was supposed to meet my friend Jacquie out for drinks Friday, but an unfortunate incident with goat tacos put her out of commission (I'm still amazed that she ate goat tacos, but who am I to judge?) So I ended up hanging out with my mom, going to dinner at Olga's (YUM!) and shopping for my Halloween costume. That's a whole new post for another day, but this is it - yep, it's the Gretchen costume. I am going in a skanky costume. I'm not quite sure what I'm thinking (and I'm not sure what I was thinking when I tried it on for my mom...omg, awkward!)
Saturday spent more time with the fam going to pick up my packet for the half marathon, then visiting Apple Charlie's where I ate half a dozen cinnamon donuts with glee. They are so good. Wowza. We finally ended up at my favorite Italian restaurant, Dolce Vita, where I inhaled the tortellini con pana, a glass of wine, and a piece of tiramisu (the best I've ever had.) I ended up passing out around 9:30, which was perfect because I had a long day ahead Sunday.
I woke up at 5 a.m. Sunday to prep for the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Half Marathon. I was expecting pain and agony because I hadn't run, at all, since the Chicago Half Marathon in mid-September. Nearly a month of absolutely no running, no exercise...real smart.
I arrived at the race with a few moments to spare thanks to the awesome traffic of Detroit (completely forgot how bad it can be.) I left my parents as they tried to park and hustled to my starting corral where I ran into my old friend Lynn from grade school. What are the chances?? Totally random and cool!
BTW, it was really flippin' cold - about 30 degree at the start, so I wore some old raggedy layers that I could throw away as I ran (seems wasteful, but I know they are collected and sent to shelters.)
As I ran I met up with a girl who went to my high school, but graduated six years before me, and also lives in Chicago. Again, totally random but cool! We ran together for about four miles, before I wanted to slow down and she kept going. I looked her up and she finished about 10 minutes before me. Go her!
Anyway, this race was a complete departure from my first three half marathons of the year. First, I didn't train at all as previously mentioned; second I didn't bring a hydration belt (given the cold temps I didn't really need it); and third I tried to run the whole thing instead of the run/walk method.
All in all I did amazingly well given the fact that I didn't train. I finished in 2:35 and some change, and have renewed my love for running. In fact, my dad said he wants to try his hand at running again (he did the Freep full marathon in 1984) and is starting to train for next year's half marathon. We may be doing a daddy-daughter run if his foot holds up. Family bonding at its finest.
Up next for me in a couple weeks off where I will be in Vegas for work, and then back to the Chicago chill. I start Winter Warrior training with CES in preparation for the Key West Half Marathon on January 31. It's still TBD whether I'll actually run that race, because airline tickets will probably be a thousand bucks by then, but it's something to look forward to regardless.
So a big, hearty thank you for your birthday wishes and good luck cheers. They were greatly appreciated :)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Par-tay with a side of Cuban food
Yesterday I celebrated my 31st birthday a week ahead of schedule. The main reason is because my friend Jacquie came down from Detroit to go skydiving with me. Let's discuss this part of the weekend first...
Skydiving...oh how I was scared to death of thee. Jacquie and I purchased a Groupon certificate to skydive with Chicagoland Skydiving in beautiful Hinckley, Ill. The catch was that it had to be used by November 1 of this year. It didn't leave a lot of options; otherwise I probably wouldn't have chosen an October date. We all know the unpredictability of Chicago weather in the fall, so it was a crapshoot. Sure enough, the weather reared its ugly head and we were placed on a "weather hold" aka you sit in an airplane hangar for hours on end praying that the snow at 8,500 feet will clear up. After about an hour we gave up, got our raincheck, and will try again next year. Now I have about 6-7 months to mentally prepare myself, again, in the hopes I don't pee myself once I get up in the air.
After we left Hinckley it was time to prepare to PARTAY! Oh, yeah, we did stop at the outlet mall in Aurora en route home. Can't forget that, because I did get some cute, comfy work shoes. Wahoo!
So Jacquie and I met up with my friends Jen and Barb for some delish Cuban food at Cafe 28 where we discussed various things, like guys, food, and guys. After that great conversation at dinner, we made our way to the bar where I had all of my friends together for the first time ever. I was in HEAVEN! There was a ton of great conversation, not only between me and my guests (if you can call them that), but amongst everyone else. That is why my friends are all so great - they can talk to anyone. No need to babysit and make sure folks are comfortable. So nice.
After several hours at the bar, people started to head out and a small group was left. Jen and Mike convinced me to go out for one more drink even though I was in a totally sour mood (long story why, but ugh.) And that is exactly what I did, I headed to another bar, had one more drink and hit the road.
At the end of the night there were lots of nice hugs and birthday wishes (well, from everyone except one person, but this does not surprise me.) Overall an awesome night with good friends :)
Skydiving...oh how I was scared to death of thee. Jacquie and I purchased a Groupon certificate to skydive with Chicagoland Skydiving in beautiful Hinckley, Ill. The catch was that it had to be used by November 1 of this year. It didn't leave a lot of options; otherwise I probably wouldn't have chosen an October date. We all know the unpredictability of Chicago weather in the fall, so it was a crapshoot. Sure enough, the weather reared its ugly head and we were placed on a "weather hold" aka you sit in an airplane hangar for hours on end praying that the snow at 8,500 feet will clear up. After about an hour we gave up, got our raincheck, and will try again next year. Now I have about 6-7 months to mentally prepare myself, again, in the hopes I don't pee myself once I get up in the air.
After we left Hinckley it was time to prepare to PARTAY! Oh, yeah, we did stop at the outlet mall in Aurora en route home. Can't forget that, because I did get some cute, comfy work shoes. Wahoo!
So Jacquie and I met up with my friends Jen and Barb for some delish Cuban food at Cafe 28 where we discussed various things, like guys, food, and guys. After that great conversation at dinner, we made our way to the bar where I had all of my friends together for the first time ever. I was in HEAVEN! There was a ton of great conversation, not only between me and my guests (if you can call them that), but amongst everyone else. That is why my friends are all so great - they can talk to anyone. No need to babysit and make sure folks are comfortable. So nice.
After several hours at the bar, people started to head out and a small group was left. Jen and Mike convinced me to go out for one more drink even though I was in a totally sour mood (long story why, but ugh.) And that is exactly what I did, I headed to another bar, had one more drink and hit the road.
At the end of the night there were lots of nice hugs and birthday wishes (well, from everyone except one person, but this does not surprise me.) Overall an awesome night with good friends :)
Friday, October 09, 2009
Halloween....sooooo scary
I had this moment of panic just now. Halloween is three weeks away and I don't have a costume idea. I also don't have time. The next three weekends I am booked with things, either hanging out with awesome friends for my birthday, or traveling for various reasons. I do not have one weekend to shop for a Halloween costume.
What should I do? I had been giving some thought as to what I could be, asking various friends if they have any suggestions. The consensus seems to be that I should dress up like Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin on SNL. This would make sense given that I often get told I look like both. I own a suit with a skirt, I have the glasses...the hair may be tricky, but I'm sure I could figure it out with enough hairspray and bobby pins.
But then I doubt my choice...my suit would get all nasty (it's a nice suit mind you), my hair would fall out of its up-do and I'd look bad, etc.
So what else could I be? If you ask my guy friend, it doesn't matter as long as it's skimpy and borderline (or not) hoochie. Yeeeeah, I don't know about that one. The last thing I want is to either get manhandled by drunk guys wanting to cop of feel of the girls, or have some drunk people say I'm too fat to be showing my bidness like that. Either way I would be mortified and would probably end up in jail after beating the bejesus out of them. I stand up for myself...let it be!
To all my devoted three readers (or two), let me know if you have any brilliant suggestions. I'm thinking something sassy, but not skanky, something inexpensive, and if possible, something comfortable. It's a tall order.
What should I do? I had been giving some thought as to what I could be, asking various friends if they have any suggestions. The consensus seems to be that I should dress up like Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin on SNL. This would make sense given that I often get told I look like both. I own a suit with a skirt, I have the glasses...the hair may be tricky, but I'm sure I could figure it out with enough hairspray and bobby pins.
But then I doubt my choice...my suit would get all nasty (it's a nice suit mind you), my hair would fall out of its up-do and I'd look bad, etc.
So what else could I be? If you ask my guy friend, it doesn't matter as long as it's skimpy and borderline (or not) hoochie. Yeeeeah, I don't know about that one. The last thing I want is to either get manhandled by drunk guys wanting to cop of feel of the girls, or have some drunk people say I'm too fat to be showing my bidness like that. Either way I would be mortified and would probably end up in jail after beating the bejesus out of them. I stand up for myself...let it be!
To all my devoted three readers (or two), let me know if you have any brilliant suggestions. I'm thinking something sassy, but not skanky, something inexpensive, and if possible, something comfortable. It's a tall order.
Monday, October 05, 2009
How too many rough weekends make me funny
I am too old for this. Really, I am. Somehow over the last couple months I have reverted back to my college days of drinking too much and staying out too late on the weekends. Every once in awhile is okay, I suppose, but every weekend is just getting to be too much and too exhausting.
While it is tiring for me, for my friends who aren't out with me, my weekend exploits bring much amusement come Monday morning. Not that I share everything with everyone, but a top line summary usually is enough to produce some good chuckles, a few "Daaaaamn, girl" replies, and at least one "I am going to live vicariously through you." Not sure if this a good thing, but glad to know my social life is entertaining.
So where does this leave me? Let's start by saying I have fallen so far off the half marathon training plan that I am seriously doubting whether I should attempt to run the Detroit Half Marathon. I fear I will cramp up around mile 7, which is in the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. I wonder if they would cart me to a Canadian hospital if I was closer to the Windsor side? That would be really, really bad. And scary, eh.
Then there's the whole "going out gets expensive" thing. Between cabs, eating out and drinks, you can drop some serious coin in one night. This is problematic because I seriously need new, well, lots of things - shoes, coat, jeans, winter running gear (I am convinced I will get back on the running bandwagon very soon), etc. My priorities are way out of whack.
One thing I have learned through all of this, is that I really like to make people laugh. Even when I don't mean to make people laugh, when they do I totally get a kick out of it. A wise man once told me I was the funniest person he's ever met, and while I am fairly certain he was saying that because a. He was drunk and b. He thought I would sleep with him (I didn't), I would like to think there is a wee bit of truth in that. Maybe I am witty. You can stop laughing now.
So, on top of all the things I really do need to buy (shoes people! I have three pairs of shoes and they are all falling apart!), I am giving serious consideration to taking some classes with Second City. I think I have talked about this before, and probably chickened out because I'm frugal when it comes to bettering myself (part of the reason why I wear raggedy shoes and faded jeans...) and the fear that I am not funny at all.
The next term for classes starts next Monday. The class is $275 for 8 weeks. Ugh, I want to do it so much....
While it is tiring for me, for my friends who aren't out with me, my weekend exploits bring much amusement come Monday morning. Not that I share everything with everyone, but a top line summary usually is enough to produce some good chuckles, a few "Daaaaamn, girl" replies, and at least one "I am going to live vicariously through you." Not sure if this a good thing, but glad to know my social life is entertaining.
So where does this leave me? Let's start by saying I have fallen so far off the half marathon training plan that I am seriously doubting whether I should attempt to run the Detroit Half Marathon. I fear I will cramp up around mile 7, which is in the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. I wonder if they would cart me to a Canadian hospital if I was closer to the Windsor side? That would be really, really bad. And scary, eh.
Then there's the whole "going out gets expensive" thing. Between cabs, eating out and drinks, you can drop some serious coin in one night. This is problematic because I seriously need new, well, lots of things - shoes, coat, jeans, winter running gear (I am convinced I will get back on the running bandwagon very soon), etc. My priorities are way out of whack.
One thing I have learned through all of this, is that I really like to make people laugh. Even when I don't mean to make people laugh, when they do I totally get a kick out of it. A wise man once told me I was the funniest person he's ever met, and while I am fairly certain he was saying that because a. He was drunk and b. He thought I would sleep with him (I didn't), I would like to think there is a wee bit of truth in that. Maybe I am witty. You can stop laughing now.
So, on top of all the things I really do need to buy (shoes people! I have three pairs of shoes and they are all falling apart!), I am giving serious consideration to taking some classes with Second City. I think I have talked about this before, and probably chickened out because I'm frugal when it comes to bettering myself (part of the reason why I wear raggedy shoes and faded jeans...) and the fear that I am not funny at all.
The next term for classes starts next Monday. The class is $275 for 8 weeks. Ugh, I want to do it so much....
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