Grandma's big trip to the city

As it turns out, every year our family vacation to Florida lands on the same day of Oconomowoc- Grandma's birthday. For as long as I can remember she has always put one Milwaukee restaurant on a pedestal, Red Lobster. However, since she doesn't trust her driving or her 89 year old boyfriend's driving to Milwaukee, we arranged pick up and drop off. Below are some highlights of the adventure.

1. Upon all sitting down at the table, I ask Grandma, "So when's the last time you ate at a Red Lobster."
   Grandma: "Oh, many years ago."
   Me: "Like 10 years?"
   Grandma: "Well your mom was 8 when we last came here."
   Me: "That was 40 years ago!"
2. Instead of ordering lobster, she orders a lobster pizza. (Gross).
   
3. Our wonderful waiter, Jermaine, asks Grandma, whose opening her birthday cards, if it's her birthday. She throws her hands up and shouts, "NO!"
4. Jermaine brings her out a cheesecake, she eats two bites and puts the rest in her to go box, along with uneaten biscuits. Total to-go boxes for Grandma and John = 3.
   
5. Upon leaving, this could possibly be the first time Grandma was the minority in the room. I'm sure I'll get a letter in the mail concerned for my safety. 
6. When getting settled in Mike's car, John asks "Boy did you get this (car) in the Philippines?"
   
7. Finally getting to show Grandma that I live in a good neighborhood and a nice house hopefully will bring relief when she watches the news. North Ave + gun shots/robbery will keep my phone ringing and letters coming in the mail...concerned for my safety.
   
8. John knew exactly when specific highways, gas stations and business were coming up when driving on capital. Very sharp for 89 years old. (minus the car comment)
   
9. John running back to the car claiming, "I think I left my rubbers in there." 
10. Making my grandma happy for a couple hours makes me happy.  

Resolutions

Made some resolutions for the new year in which I probably will not be following by next December, but we will see.
1. Floss
2. Learn to cook 12 new meals
3. Reduce questioning Mike
4. Learn to speak better Spanish by October
5. Get rock hard abs by October
6. Try not to get pregnant
7. Put 500 miles on the road bike
8. Plant thriving herbs
9. Sew more bags than last year
10. Find my life calling

Life changing moments of the decade

2000: 18 years old
Am working at the West Bend Sunday Post learning everything about putting a newspaper together, except (ironically) graphic design.

Accepted to UW-Milwaukee

Move to Milwaukee, find a roommate who happens to be the son of one of my coworkers at the newspaper. Learn how to live on my own: cook, clean and make friends who can purchase beer.

Meet my first friend, Aaron. Who plays a pivotal role in 2007.

Meet more friends whom are still my good friends today.


2001: 19 years old
Required to take an English class. Enroll in Creative Writing.

Surprise myself by being able to write poetry.

Grandpa Farold Heine dies a few days after I visit him. It’s the first time in my adult life having to cope with death. Find hidden treasures in their basement, stamp collections, handmade rifles, old pipes and jars of homemade honey.

Am pushed by Katie to get a job to curb partying, drinking and watching bad tv. I get two jobs: an office assistant at the Milwaukee Idea office and sales person at Restoration Hardware. Make many connections at Idea office some remain my freelance clients to date.

Travel with mom to California to look at Colleges to attend. Eat sushi everyday of trip, get lost in Beverly Hills.

Declare major with emphasis in Graphic Design,

2002: 20 years old
Spend a week in Fort Myers Beach with my closest friends, Sara, Katie, Molly, Brooke, Tony & Aaron. Each end up loving my Grandma and still talk about her drinking and driving lecture and gin martinis.

On the first day of Spring Break, Mom dies unexpectedly. Confused. Lost. Hurt. Angry. Sad. Life is never the same. Still am reminded of her every single day.


2003: 21 years old
Ended my first real relationship with someone I really cared about. Figured out to be a good and bad girlfriend. Learned how and how not to treat an ex-boyfriend. We still keep in touch today amidst previous drama.

Visited the most Western part of the 48 states near Eureka, CA. Amazed by the redwoods. Moved friend home by helping to drive an 8 foot UHaul from Northern California to West Bend.

Had a whole bunch of fun going out, partying, dating (well I was 21 and single ready to mingle).


2004: 22 years old
Partied “Pat” who will turn out to be future fiancé’s cousin.

Dated the craziest designer/dancer who really helped me pushed my design work and he got me a job that would hire me full time in 2006.

Graduated UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Fine Arts


2005: 22 years old (I stayed 22 for two years)
Spent 3 months living in Australia, working in a small design/gallery shop. Met the most amazing friendly people. Learn how to open up and fall in love and travel by myself.

Sew my first Save the Earth bag and take to grocery store. Goodbye paper and plastic.

My friend & old roommate Molly passes away. Restore friendships.

Became a vegetarian for 6 months, right before Thanksgiving of all times.


2006: 24 years old
Started taking upholstery classes.

Meet someone who I thought could be “the one”. Look past all the red flags.

Promoted to full time status at work.


2007: 25 years old
I get a surprise Pomeranian puppy for 1 year anniversary that I don’t want.

Aaron tells me to meet him at a mutual friends housewarming party. Introduce myself to strangers in kitchen, one of them happens to be Mike. Mike helps me find a home for the puppy. Break up with loser boyfriend.

Divulge to Mike about wanting to sell my grocery totes, he connects me to the Milw. Public Market. I start selling my totes and even score an article in the Milwaukee Journal. Sales are booming.

July 14: First “real” date with Mike. Made chicken and capers, drank a bottle of wine, watched the movie the Prestige.

2008: 26 years old
Spend a long vacation with Mike in Cabo, Mexico.

Moved my 10th time in 10 years into Mike’s house.

My little sister gets married! Deliver most awesomeness speech ever. Best after wedding party ever!

2009: 27 years old
Mike proposes. I say yes.

Travel to the Philippines: explore culture, the land, the food and meet Mike’s family.

Quit my job. Accepted different one.

2009 top 20 moments

1.   Getting a new job
2.     Shopping, eating and getting a haircut in Manila
3.     Mike talking to himself in the voice of the Slumdog Millionare game show announcer in a public bathroom in Door County, not realizing a father and son where in the closed stall. He booked it to the car and told me to hit the gas.
4.     Attending Seven pant splitting weddings
5.     Listening to Grandpa’s animated stories while he pours himself three whisky straights
6.     Not quite remembering the craziness of the Sara/h’s 30^th birthday party
7.     Creating a new line of purses and selling in a store
8.     Danielle yelling “No, keep going” when trying to pull into a supper club up north
9.     Being able to understand Mike’s dad
10.  Burning the oven knob & being suspended from using appliances that could cause a fire
11.  Making new friends
12.  Driving 10 hours in a car to Cleveland while Mike’s mom tries to feed me lemon bars.
13.  Watching Mike and Brandon become brothers
14.  Listing to Vampire Weekend while driving to the mountains of Baguio
15.  Soaking up the sun, gambling & going to see O in Las Vegas with friends
16.  Hanging out on Boracy Beach in the crystal clear water
17.  Dinners with Dad
18.  Meeting all of Mike’s wonderful family in the Philippines
19.  Mike asking me to marry him outside the public market
20.  and the surprise engagement party afterwords.

Bluffing Fairness

Sometimes being a good person tells their honest opinion. And sometimes it's about sitting back, having a gin martini and not saying anything.

Red and Plaid make friends

Since starting the wristlet line in May I've been busy experiementing with different designs, sizes, pairing colors and adding new bangles. Over the past month I've been attached to my computer or sewing machine. Mike's been making me dinner and right after I escape to the basement with a glass of wine. It paid off. I've far exceeded my goals, the shop I'm consigning at in Whitefish Bay is doing well and I've had my first online sale on etsy. What suprised me the most is that my grocery totes sold. I had to call in my sister to help me double my inventory just to get through all my sales. This could be the first saturday in a long time where I'm not sewing or selling all day. Do you know what that means? I get to shop!

Find my bags/clutches/wristlets on blackbirdbags.etsy.com

My Thanksgiving in Cleveland

I'm about 12 hours away from leaving Cleveland but thought I'd share some highlights from my first Filipino Thanksgiving in Cleveland.

1. The eight hour car ride turned into 10 hours thanks to Chicago traffic. Note to self: Drive at night or by a plane ticket
2. Laughed when Mike's mom thought the car jack was Mike's exercise equipment
3. Mike's brother's house is perhaps the biggest house I've ever been in
4. There will always be food at all hours of the day.
5. Mike's nieces and nephews are so lovable and sweet it made the drive seem like nothing
6. Learned how to shoot a handgun. Now accepted by the brothers
7. Thanksgiving grace was combined with the news of another baby on the way
8. Woke up to a beautiful snowfall - good thing I packed socks
9. Black Friday shopping wasn't as nearly as bad as predicted
10. Hoping to telecommute back to Milwaukee through wine, didn't work on white, lets try red.

Vegas

I recently returned back from Vegas. A little R&R with Mike and a couple friends from Atlanta. Weather was 10 degrees above normal, shopping is insane, learned how to play blackjack and ate the best Filipino food so far in the states. We were so stuffed we didn't even bother with dinner. It may have been the cheapest & filling meal there. Some highlights include:

1. Watching Mike walk into the women's restroom (twice)
2. Walking through Venice
3. Walking through Paris
4. Gushing at how gorgeous the Wynn & Encore hotels are
5. Seeing “O”
6. Laying poolside while it’s 40 degrees in WI
7. Showing someone how to play slots
8. Getting asked if I was 16
9. Buying perfume from Appa Kappa
10. Staying clear of drinking and the wedding chapel

Curling Iron Heaven

I knew the end of my big barrel curling iron was near. I just didn't know it would be today. Yes the "on" button was floating somewhere inside, screws were loose, the outside was stained by a fushia lipstick and speckles of hairspray hung on. I could still manage to hit the on button, but today the light didn't show red. Impossible! I removed the cord from the socket, pushed reset on the socket, line up the cord to the socket, insert. ZAP! Poof! Sizzzzzz. And the power upstairs is lost.

I run downstairs, reboot the power, run up. Slowly lets try this again. Line up the cord to the socket, insert. It works! I start curling away. Then zap. zap. zap. zap. My finger feels funny and hot! Oh it must be that nest of exposed metal. Wonderful. Nothing like a little electrution to start the morning. The iron now lays in our trash can, awaiting pick up.

Did even matter if my hair was curled anyway. It was raining and didn't have my umbrella.

Stepping on the scale

The day after my workout wasn't too bad. However Friday was absolutely painful. My legs hurt so bad I had to hold onto the toliet paper dispenser in order to lower myself down. I had muscles in places I never knew and they ached, all of them. So yesterday I decided to step on the scale to see if any damange was made. The arrow creeped even higher. How could I know be at the heaviest I've ever been? How could I have gained two pounds since Monday?

Workout

It's been awhile since I fit in some of my jeans so I've decided to become a member at a gym. Monday was my first official day as a member. I took a pilates class which I thought wasn't going to work me... until two days later and my abs still hurt. Today I start my free training program with a french woman who just happens to be a football player. So much for prancing around the gym in a leotard, I'm afraid I'll be one of those contestants on the biggest loser crying while their coach tells them to do 10 more. Will keep you updated.

Seven Weddings

When Mike and I counted how many weddings were going to this year, we thought wow we are going to be busy this summer and fall. Yesterday was wedding reception #5. Our friends closed down the Wicked Hop for their friends and family. It was great - open bar, good food and the bride and groom were so happy.

I have to say I'm very excited for Sue and Lamont's wedding next weekend. I've been looking forward to it ever since Mike and I met them out in Chicago and Lamont whispered something along the lines of..."Hook me up with your number because I'm going ask Sue to marry me and it's going to be a huge surprise." That was December 2008.

I don't know what I'm most looking forward to - the winery, dancing with my friends, seeing Sue in a wedding dress or just being part of their special day. I think the later.

The Time Traveler's Wife Movie

Not as good as the book - but I cried so hard it looked like I had pink eye.

The Time Traveler's Wife

If you haven't yet read "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffengger add it to your reading list now. It's an amazing story of love and dedication through time and space. Throughout reading I wondered what it would feel like if Mike was a time traveler (in his dreams he is) and how I would feel seeing past or future Mike. Or what would happen if he would tell me things that are to happen in the future. I can't say I would want to know. It's almost like know your death date. If you know something is going to happen would you (or wouldn't you) take steps to make sure it does (or doesn't) happen?

Granted the book is better than the movie - off to see it tonight - Can't resist Eric Bana.

afterthought

Yesterday I was thinking more about this gift registering. I asked my sister who's been through the process of why a couple would register for little items that could be easily purchased by the couple. She made a good point in saying that you have to consider your guest's budget, putting items of various values on your list. It made sense.

I guess I'm not your "typical person getting married" as noted in a previous post. This morning while reading the Miss Manners column, she discusses guest etiquette in regards to contributing to the wedded couples favorite charity. How refreshing is it that couples are thinking about giving back as their wedding gift. This is something I also have been thinking about. If I had to have a shower, this is exactly what I would do. Miss manners says (talking in second person) "Yes, Yes, she is aware that a vast number of people presume that their weddings (and graduations and birthdays) are license to order what they want from their relatives and friends."

I begin thinking about Christmas, birthday and even my own graduation, high school and college. Immediately I was ashamed. For my high school graduation I was in Target scanning items I wanted to start my college life. I'm now mortified.

I'm not blaming my Mom for throwing a party I didn't want, because I could have put my foot down. I think I spent most of that party sitting on the peer with my friend Tony. My family and family friends probably thought I was an inconsiderate snot. I did appreciate the gifts and they helped out immensely my first year.

Much has changed since then. Mom's not here and my perspective on life has 180-ed. And I think with time my family's perspective on giving has changed as well, our big family christmas' are now spent purchasing and wrapping presents for a family who needs it. I am extremely grateful to have financial independence and would give it all back just have my mom.

My lesson learned: To not even look at their list. To give them a gift I think will make them happy on their special day.

Registering for gifts

Having perused family and friend's gift registries, there are some things I think I really funny to register for - like fondue kits, line spool, long red handle grip and corn seasoning. I JUST can't imagine opening up a gift and gushing over a long red handle grip... maybe if it were purple or teal...

Things Mike and I could register for that I think are very practical and would really help us out as newlyweds:
1. M&I Bank CDS
2. A month's mortgage payment
3. Snow tires
4. Motor Oil
5. Cable bill payments
6. Fireplace Insert
7. New windows
8. Frozen salmon
9. Alterra coffee beans
10. Cupcake baking tins

Why I'm not a typical person getting married - or "bride"

1. Doesn't want bridal shower
2. Doesn't want bachelorette party.
3. Would rather send an evite verses a formal mailed invite
4. Doesn't care what color or style the maid of honor dress is
5. Doesn't own or want a wedding planner kit
6. Has already unsubscribed from the knot.com email list
7. Mike has already done more planning by far
8. Thinks showers are just a way to get presents
9. Doesn't own any bridal magazines
10. Could walk into the courthouse, get married and that would be it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to get married the few things I do want

1. the day to be unforgettable
2. a memorable dress
3. excellent food
4. fun music
5. my closest friends & family
6. a sunny sky
7. everyone to have a good time
8. future family in the Philippines to come
9. a relaxing day after with the future husband
10. a safe trip home

One Month until Shanel's runway show

Just sent the Lela/Shanel Runway show postcard to print this morning. Shanel's one talented designer - if you're interested in fashion plan to attend.

Sept. 12, 2009
321 N. Broadway Ave. Milwaukee
7pm Cash Bar
8:30 Pm Runway
$25 cash at door
After Party at Clear

New Job Update

With now three weeks under my belt at the new job I'm feeling more comfortable. Still haven't figured out how the coffee machine works or what everybody does, I have a comfortable workload. The clients I've been working with think I'm brilliant. I have yet to blow my paycheck - because that's what your suppose to do. I don't get out shopping soon I'll be shopping for fall. Something I'd rather not think about.

I'm so cool they made a BMW after me.

From DesignBoom.com

BMW GINA light visionary model concept car
BMW recently revealed the GINA light visionary model concept car, an innovative new exploration in car design. instead of the traditional steel and plastic body shell, the GINA concept uses a textile fabric starches over a wire frame. this unique idea allows the car’s skin to change shape, stretching to match the position and curve of the wire frame. this idea is demonstrated in the ‘blinking’; headlights and the flexibility of the car doors as they open. the project began by questioning the purpose of a car’s body and exploring new possibilities. The car is currently on show at the BMW museum in munich, germany