Mexico

Here is one of the pictures from my six day Mexican vacation in Cabo. Besides a touch of food poisoning right before I got on the airplane from Milwaukee the trip was awesome. We had great weather, good company and awesome bartenders.

The frozen gin

There was a day a week ago that I was having a really bad day at work. So when Mike (the bF) picked me up I asked if we could go to the liquor store before dropping me off at my place. Sure! Of course I didn't know what I wanted. I needed to keep on working so wine was out of the question, and I would end up drinking too much beer if that was my choice. So I ended up in the hard booze section. When in doubt always get gin. So that's what I did - the best stuff - bombay saphirre. Oh so good. Add on a bottle of tonic and a lime and I was now happy holding my paper bag of wonderfulness.

And it did the trick that night and the night after that. Well, come a couple days ago when I now really need a cocktail (I didn't have one every night...stop dialing AA) I found that I had run out of tonic. I could either run to the store which would be a 15 minute trip OR keep right on working with gin on the rocks. I took the later and a lot more rocks. After trying to acquire a taste for straight gin my craving dissappeared. Now I had still a lot of gin left in my glass and I thought back to the Florida beach house where I learned from my Grandma that you could freeze your drink and take it back out whenever you wanted, add some more mixer and you're good to go. And that's what I did.

So happy that I didn't waste my top shelf gin I was very proud of myself. Until the next night where it disappeared, upon investigation the glass had made itself into the dishwasher. Apparently my roommate must think I'm an alcholic for putting a glass of water in the freezer.

The disappearance of my salad

Last night I was really hungry for one of my favorite salads. My favorite salad's original name was the "Jacked-Up Salad" consisting of lots of green, mandarins, nuts and the key ingredient, jack fruit. It has since switched names upon the changing of chefs. None-the-less, the now "Sweet-Sweet Salad" has not changed...until yesterday, or last Monday to be exact.

Pulling up to the Forty8 (located at 48th Street and National) last night everything seemed pretty much normal. I ordered a glass of wine and started looking over the menu. The menu was far from regular forty8 menu, where is my sweet-sweet salad, where did all the good food go, was was I going to eat??? I was in shock. I started to look at my boyfriend, raised an eyebrow, and started to look around at the interior trying to find an answer. The walls had been repainted, redecorated and there in the front corner hung my answer, two cowboy boots and a big shiny metal star. We've entered into a western bar.

Our server, slash bartender, slash bus boy, slash probably new owner could tell we were less then enthused after law and order interrogation on the newly bought forty8, the chefs and the disappearance of my salad. I shed a little tear in my cobb salad while billy ray cyrus played in the background.

HOTlanta

This weekend my boyfriend used his Christmas present. We boarded a plane Friday morning to Atlanta and the low sixties. His friend, who is a spitting image of Tim Van Vooren of Fox6 news, has been living in the city for some time now is half the reason why I decided to fly south this particular weekend. The main reason was Matt Costa, a friend of Jack Johnson and a stellar muscian, was playing at a small venue Saturday night. The show was awesome, someday he'll be filling up Alpine Valley but to say you saw him when you were 1 in a crowd of 100 is pretty damn cool. Then Sunday morning rolled around and Jeff (aka Tim Van Vooren) pulled out his Gibson guitar and strummed some tunes in the middle of the kitchen.

Sunday afternoon we explored the Art Musuem which was displaying a Georgia O'kefefe as well as some smaller exhibits which were equally as exciting, Aftrican Art and Contemporary Photographs which included Gary Winogrand. Then after we walked around for three hours in the museum we lunched at this diner called "Six Feet Under" housed directly opposite a graveyard. Creepy yes but the food was just outstanding.

Before we boarded our plane back we did a quick self guided tour of just a really cool neighborhood situated around a park that once was a camp during the civil war. The houses were a cross of vintage meets modern. Many of the houses in Atlanta are extended up, incorporating different yet complement materials to the orginial.

Despite the name Hotlanta is was rather brisk but a nice break from the Milwaukee weekend.

From the farm to dinosaurs

So you've all heard about the stories about my past roommate, the barn yard animal. I now have another grievance against a designosaurous. This species is known to surround itself with things it cannot detach from, making its surrounding unlikeable to those who enter. Usually you'll find this creature in front of a glowing computer monitor moving very slowly. Designosaurous do not adapt to change very well nor do they migrate. Thought to have nasty skin and a thick skull, communication is clearly very hard and not recommended unless the designosaurous approaches you. Designosaurous' are quiet defensive, so speak slowly and calmly, any sense of eye roll movement will put this beast into a crazy spiral. Remember designosaurous either were trained with or without computers. Technology paired with smart design can be quiet cumbersome. It's is hard to encourage futuristic design or even thoughtful design. Let the animal be until it is extinct. Do not put on the endangered species list and please pack aspirin or a six-pack to deal with day to day pitfalls due to this animal.

New Post - finally

So it's finally February and I've been asked to post.

What's new?
The weather: Coming back from Florida, I thought I missed the bitter coldfront in Milwaukee but turns out round 2 was this weekend. The weather currently is -2 in Milwaukee.

The man: My boyfriend is excellent, I can't wait to celebrate a hallmark holiday with him. He spolied me for Christmas and my birthday, he let me go on vacation for eight days without him and he takes care of me when I'm sick. We're looking forward to going to Atlanta in March to hang out with his good friend and go see Matt Costa in concert.

The sister's wedding: I'm still fighting to get the bridesmaids a fushia dress

The job: It's a love/hate relationship.

The bags: Took some time off selling and am started to sew sew sew to get my supply ready for market season. If you get a chance, buy the January Issue of M magazine and read the Green Article.

The Winter Weight: I've gained a winter belly! I stopped biking to work in October and because I've worked out only once I've started to notice that my jeans are getting a bit tighter. So my roomie and I are going to start working out at least twice a week.

christmas drinking

I've been out christmas drinking. it's great and it last the WHOLE month. And because it is my birthday next month (which I just realized today at the doctor's office) it continues into the first week of January ! So today after our work "holiday party" my boyfriend just met my coworkers. all went more than well. he said it was finally good to place a face to a name and vice versa. So hopefully it is just the same this weekend when he get to meet the whole Johnson family. I'm thinking my sister's fiance should take most of the burden for being one foot in and all, but in the end the bF is going to meet some really tall, really loud, really assertive Johnsons. No hugs, just handshakes, unless there's a diamond ring. That means hugs.

My sister's engaged!

Congrats to Danielle and Brandon who just got engaged on the beach in Florida. The wedding is going to be one hell of a party.

Store Bound

Exciting news from last week - After the Journal Setinel article ran, one of my college classmates contacted me about my bags. After selling one to her she asked me to sell on consignment at a new shop in her nonprofit. Long story short, there was a grand opening to the public this past Thursday and upon arriving she with much energy told me I've already sold one bag. My first bag sold at a store - how cool!

Also, after being peer pressured by my dad to call up the owner a West Bend bookstore to inquire about selling my bags - I set up a meeting. So I went in on Monday and to my suprise the owner wants a dozen to start with. So I am very excited about selling my bags at stores. Be sure to check out Fireside Books in West Bend this weekend and Horizon Home Hospice in Brown Deer.

Workaholic

I have no idea what a social life is anymore. If it’s a gin and tonic with my computer and sewing machine well that brings my posse to three. Four when the boyfriend calls. I have some updates.

1. My bags are now going to be sold at the just opening Grief Resource Center (8949 N. Deerbrook Trail, Brown Deer, WI 53223). Part of the proceeds go to help the organization.
2. I donated my time to design a Rodeo invite for my friend Brooke in Denver, CO. She works at the American Liver Foundation and one of the events is a rodeo. The committee like my design so much they are going to make a belt buckle from the main graphic!
3. I made it into the West Bend Daily News. Grandma says it’s the biggest picture she’s seen in that paper since the President (Regan) came to town. Read the article.
4. I carved two pumpkins at a pumpkin party my boyfriend and I hosted. My carving included a spider and a scary face. He out carved everyone with a total of four.
5. I have since moved into a new condo with a view of the lake. Besides keeping everything spotless it has been refreshing.
6. I’ve joined Facebook. So if you’re on there by my friend.
7. I’ve got asked to sell bags at a Jewish holiday boutique sale AND a posh house party both in November. So far my supply is 50+. But with the way those women shop in Mequon I may need to start a sweatshop.
8. I’ve introduced the boyfriend to my Grandma and “special friend” who live in Oconomowoc. Grandma was on her best behavior. I don’t count talking so loud that everyone in the restaurant was glaring her down. She can’t help it.
9. I’ve started a 403b if anyone cares. When the financial planner asked me what my future retirement plan is he laughed when I said marry rich and retire at 28.
10. On a relaxing note I did manage to break away for a colorful weekend in Fish Creek with the man. It was the perfect weekend getaway from the city.

Work in progress

Now that the leaves are turning and people are sitting inside drinking apple cider, people no longer shop outside. They shop inside and online. I've started putting my bags online. It is a temporary gallery page until I build a more sophisticated site equipped with a shopping cart. I'm also taking suggestion on names for the bags.
visit the site.

Moving!

Yes! I'm moving once again. It's been 1 year and 5 months since I've lived in my cozy upstairs bungalow.
Was I looking for another place? Not really.
Did I want to move again? Not really.
But... my co-worker/girl friend lives in a very amazing condo overlooking the lake. Her boyfriend/fiance bought the condo and has since moved to back to the homeland (Ireland). Until they figure out the future, she asked me to move in to keep company and help with the bills. Could I pass it up? Heck no! It has an awesome view of the lake, great (clean) kitchen, workout room, garage space, etc... An elevator up to the ninth floor replaces my three flights of stairs, yes I can't wait.
Will I miss the garbage in the freezer or the garbage can in the back yard or the text messages at 7am or fifth grade boxers hanging in the bathroom? I think not.

My roommate will burn the house down by the end of the year

That's right, I'm calling it. The barn yard animal will be too busy rummaging through his pigsty to remember to TURN OFF THE BURNER on the stove. I've now walked downstairs more than a handful of times when I'm about to leave when I see a small blue flame in the kitchen. Seriously man, you're 30 years old and can't turn off the gas? There is something wrong.
My patience level has hit an all time low with him. If you don't already know I'm moving out. (a different story).

I've since learned to stay away from the sharp silverware when we are both present in the kitchen. At one point I found my spoon I was stirring my hot cocoa in the spice cabinent, about 8 feet from where I left it. I was so mad I flung it into the sink from across the kitchen. Midway through the air and my cursing he entered the kitchen. I'm not a violent person, but sometimes I wish I had hearding whip or something of the sort because this is one astranged animal we are dealing with.

Close to the record

It's the last day of the month, sales are up in bags and I close out this week with 13 bags sold. For the two months I've sold 68 bags. That 68 bags "hopefully" being used for grocerys or other shopping items. If everyone took there bag to the store for a whole year just think at how many plastic or paper bags would be sparred, the number is in the thousands!

If you don't already have a resuable bag or need more I'll be at the Milwaukee Public Market's outdoor market throughout Septmeber. OR if you have any connections with furniture stores or interior designers and they have fabric that is discontinued, I would gladly recycle it!

Record breaking day

Saturday at the Market was a record breaking day. Mostly everyone who bought my bag said they saw my article. Even people passing by would whisper, "That was the girl from the article," or "I remember reading about that." My dad surprised me by riding down on his road bike all the way from West Bend. By the time he got there it was raining steadily and by 1:30 I packed up, early. Sold my total for Saturday was 13 and ending Sunday I sold 5 more which brings me to a total of 18. Whooo Hooo. I couldn't be happier.

To celebrate my success, my new friend took me out for a nice dinner at Lake Park Bistro. It was just amazing I haven't been somewhere that romantic and nice with the best company. After dinner I noticed a present with my name on it at his place. Even though he said it was something small it was really quite big - A signed print of Bruce Springsteen in the seventies. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

In Today's Paper

If you missed Wednesday's Milwaukee Journal, you missed a good article.
Here's the online version.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=646523

So far I've gotten emails and phone calls waiting for me at the market for bags. I hope to have a record breaking day this saturday.

Party Cloudy is Partly Sunny

What a great weekend. The forecast for this past saturday was party cloudy. I told this to another vendor and she said, well that means partly sunny. That optimism brought me a record shaking day selling eight bags. I even had a returning customer that was buying a bag for her mother. Wooo hooo. It was a good day.

A short catnap later I was on my way to Otto's to buy a 1/4 barrell for the fantasy football draft party taking place with 11 guys and me. I lost last year due to some key injuries, but this year I'm back in with a strong lineup, or so I hope. When I arrived at Jeff's I was told that it was also Greg's bachelor party. Ok so there is me, a bunch of dudes and one guys wife during the draft. Many beers later we close the draft and the only other female leaves me. Well do I go home at 9pm and fall asleep or am I one of the guys and throw back some more. No suprise - I partied until bar time wearing same short shorts and top I put on at 6:20 am. I thought I deserved it. And the guys needed some silly entertainment anyway.

And Sunday I payed for it..all...day...long.

Who wants to Save the Earth?

Well I think you all that live in Milwaukee should come visit me at some point in August at the Milwaukee Public Market on Saturdays from 8-2. Gina needs to sell some bags. Gina wants to save the earth and Gina also wants to buy new shoes.

Well the market was slow this past Saturday. I only sold one, and traded another for some salt scrub. But spending a Saturday outside with my friends is much better than being hungover and attached to my laptop.

So I have a lot more time on my hands being single. It's been almost a month now. I don't stay up late worry why I never got a phone call or wait around for him to be done with work or wait for the phone call saying he'll be busy working. Fapooii! I have my life back and I feel good. I don't feel bad. I suprisingly don't have feelings of resentment or need. I guess I went through those already during the later part of our relationship. I truly thought that he was different but I overlooked what I needed rather than realize what he could actually give me. A long but good lesson learned. So rather than tip toe into his schedule I went out. I met. And now I have met some pretty incredible people because I finally got mad and starting taking control.

Life is good.

Long Weekend

I am very glad that I have mondays off. It turns into my sunday.

Saturday again was the market. I didn't sell as many as hoped, but the word it getting out and people that cannot make it are asking for website to look at the bags. Maybe it will be up next week...or perhaps winter...depending on how much free time I can swing to complete it. After seven hours of the market (and a strong mimosa from the Wicked Hop) I headed back home, packed up my car again for a work picnic I was co-hosting at lake park. As soon as the food was set up and the beer was in the cooler, friends and co-workers were coming by the dozen. It was a perfect day to be outside grilling out and sipping cocktails.

After a couple hours there I had to head back home for a catnap before I slipped into my little red skirt for a posh birthday party. It was interesting, I was warmly welcomed by a group of girls who I could have prejudged as snobby and uninteresting. They were kind and sincere - it was a breath of fresh air to become friends with a new group of people who you just fit into. It felt good and I was happy. and the raspberry martini at Stir helped too.

and the rain cleared

Yesterday was my second time at the market. When I woke up it was thundering and drizzeling. When I packed up my car it was pouring. When I got to the market, blue skies! The day went by fast, I had friends come and visit me, even my dad, which was a surprise. None of them overlapped and it seemed I always had someone sitting next to me. Friends, family and co-workers have given me a this wonderful support system - I can only feel so blessed. I'll be happy to note that I sold seven bags. I doubt if next time I could double that - but who knows. I do have a lot of sewing to do between now and next saturday.

On a different note - the bF and I didn't work out. It has, yes, been upseting - but a relief once I got out of the box. He is and will be a good man but whether he is a good man for me is a very different question. Sometimes people are not as they seem and we envision them to be a certain way, pushing the red flags out of sight only taking in the good. It came to a point where enough red flags slammed me to break down and realize that I wasn't happy. I've learned a good lesson - you are in control of your own happiness, never ever ever let someone or something take happiness away.

gina