I'm Back - But Not For Long

Good times in LAS and PHX last week. Dinner with Riebe, future Mrs. Riebe - Vic, and EA/Deportes was fun on Thursday. When you only get to see some of your friends a couple of times a year, its always great to chat for a few hours over a nice tenderloin and green chili mac and cheese. Looking forward to the Riebe wedding May 2008, should be a blast.

I flew in on Friday, Ali picked me up at the airport and we headed straight for Green Lake. Arrived just before midnight and since I was ridiculously tired from all of my travels, I slept until 9 on Saturday. I haven't slept that late since July 1982. Got a round of golf in on Saturday which hopefully does not turn out to be my last. Will see all the Green Lakers at the Harris wedding this weekend - should be a good time out in Geneva.

I just got back to the house last night, but I am now leaving again. Was told when I got to work today that I am booked on the 6:25 am flight to ATL on Wednesday. Will be back on Friday.

This latest burst of traveling is letting me try out a new theory. Matt's Theory of Thank-you Notes. I absolutely hate writing thank-you notes, and because of that, I never write them. Because of my wife's penchant for writing a thank-you note for just about anything, I am yelled at after each birthday/holiday for which I receive presents. Well, to try and bridge the gap, I am no longer accepting presents. No, not really. I am currently buying a couple of postcards from every airport I go through/place I visit; I will then use these as my thank-you notes. It keeps it a little more fun for me, remembering everywhere I went, and its more cost effective with postage. Gotta squeeze out those dimes everywhere I can!

Bought two new pairs of Johnston and Murphy shoes three weeks back. One of the pairs squeaks when I walk. I just called and they said they will repair them for me. So, I got that going for me, which is nice.

Internal Audit bowling outing tomorrow. I am looking for a game over 200. I will take anything over 175, but a 200 sure would be nice.

As I am typing this, I was notified by email that my Russian Visa has been shipped and will arrive tomorrow. Too bad the trip has been postponed. It seems the guy that works for me/am traveling with, is still considered a Russian citizen by their crazy government. Nice of the Russians that they finally let him know now!!!

Green Lake...Here We Come!!

This weekend Matt and I will be heading to Green Lake with my mom and dad. I am looking forward to spending the weekend at the lake, as we have not been up there since Labor Day. Although the boat has been put away and the water is way too cold to swim, this time of year is one of my favorites at the lake. The crisp fall air and colorful leaves will make the perfect relaxing fall weekend (along with the great company, of course). I also can't wait for a long run or walk along the country roads. There is something so refreshing about the cool clean air. Have a great weekend!!!

Rants and Raves

I just have to rant about 2 things for just a quick moment.....

1. Why is it necessary for perfectly capable human beings to take the elevator to the 2nd floor? Take the stairs...especially when you are the cute 20 something chica that looks like she works out every day!!!
2. Why do I have to be sitting on the 5th floor, northwest corner of Jackson and Michigan, across the street from a building they are doing work on? I swear, they have been drilling and making noise all day long...I can't concentrate!!! I will never take silence for granted again.

Now because I just ranted, I will give some raves (or things I am thankful for or excited about)....

1. Tonight I am having dinner with my mom, dad, sister and Ben. I am excited to see everyone and try Margie's.
2. Seeing Matt tomorrow....he has been in Vegas all week!
3. The high school boy who held the door open for me today as I was leaving for lunch. His mom and dad should be so proud.
4. Fall...I absolutely love this season. Today is the perfect fall day!

The Perfect Jacket?

Now that the weather has finally started to cool down, I am in search of an "in between" jacket. Something that is not too heavy, but at the same time not too light...basically, the perfect fall jacket. I ran to Ann Taylor Loft at lunch today with a co-worker and found this jacket. It is not only stylish, but the perfect weight. Exactly what I am looking for! I am just hoping it goes on sale in the next couple of weeks or that I receive a coupon in the mail. Has anyone seen any other cute fall jackets?

Of course, I also did some additional browsing while I was there and found this blazer that was "iffy" on the hanger, but adorable on. Very Jackie-O!

Live from LAS!!!

Blogging today from the Vegas airport and their free Wi-Fi network. One of the things I hate the most about traveling is the lack of free wireless in airports. Even today, very few offer the service free of charge. One of these days they will learn some customer service! While I am at it - hotels that charge $13 a day for internet access, can suck my router.

Vegas leg of my trip has been fun. All day Sunday was spent watching NFL games and betting of course. I ended up about even on the football games, which is always a goal. The tables though were a different story. Just could not get on track, craps, roulette, blackjack, nothing. My only winning session came last night at Caesars in the new Pussycat Dolls casino. Nothing like sitting and playing blackjack while girls are dancing in their skivvies, in a cage, in front of you. Played for about an hour and quit when I had the $50 I started with.

Now its on to Phoenix, a quick jump over the Grand Canyon. Should get to meet up with Riebe, Vic and possibly Deportes for dinner tomorrow night.

Flying Solo

Matt left for Vegas yesterday so I am a bachelorette this week. Yes, he is there for work, although I am not too sure how much work can actually get done in Las Vegas. I know for a fact that there was no work being done yesterday as the entire day was spent watching and betting on football games. The 6 a.m. flight out of Chicago and the limo pick up at the Las Vegas airport ensured the boys a timely arrival at the hotel to place their bets. Work scmerk, that is all I have to say!!!

Whenever Matt travels, I always have the best intentions to have a productive week. Most of the time, I am extremely lazy and don't get anything on my "To-Do" list accomplished.

A couple of things on my list this week:

1. Organize my recipes - I have a ton of recipes that I find during lunch or get from friends and most of the time I just throw them in my recipe box. Does anyone have a good way to organize recipes? The box is just not doing it for me. I am thinking a binder maybe.
2. Start working on Christmas cards - Yes, I know it is early, but if I don't start now, I will never get them out. Hence, what happened last year.
3. Clean the house
4. Decorate for fall
5. Organize my pictures
6. See my sister and Ben - the newlyweds arrive home today. I can't wait to see them!!

Let's hope I can at least get a few of these things accomplished.

The New Mr. and Mrs. Livermore

The Konneker-Livermore wedding weekend was gorgeous, simply gorgeous...and perfect!!! Although there were a few hiccups along the way, October 13th, 2007 was one of the most beautiful days I have ever seen. From the gorgeous bride and groom to the heartfelt ceremony and stunning reception, nothing can compare. My sister and Ben are truly a perfect match, they could not have been happier on their wedding day. They are blessed with not only great friends and family, but with each other. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin and Kristin Livermore.

Check out some pictures from the weekend under photo albums on the right. I don't have a lot from the wedding day so, I will include links to some other pictures I have received. Enjoy!!

Allison's Album
Bev's Album

We Out

No updates over the next couple of days due to a couple of reasons, one being the wedding, and two, that the Konneker's don't have internet access!?!?!?!

I Just Want A New Blackberry!

Two hours of my day today was spent trying to get a new Blackberry. I have been debating between the 8800 (with its GPS capabilities) and the Curve (which gets better ratings as a better phone among other advantages.) Because the company pays, price really isn't an issue. I went to two TMobile stores to look and neither had the 8800 because it is no longer carried in stores (I wish the first store would have been able to tell me this.)

To shorten this story up, I went in today and bought a Curve, total price $495 after tax. She said I could get my discount when I received authorization from the company, blah blah blah, just come in later with the documents and they would apply it.

I get back to the office (which is about a half mile away) and call my mobile phone services person. She gets pissed that I didn't have her order it, although I was just following what others in my department have done.

She calls me back and tells me that the store did not have authorization to sell me the phone because my plan is corporate liable, blah blah blah. She then tells me that she can get me the same blackberry, have it ready on Monday, for $100. I just need to take mine back.

So, I go back to the store and tell the same girl I want to return the phone I just bought. She asked me for my credit card and said not one other word to me. Never asked why I was returning it or anything to that point. It's like she knows she tried to screw me over and knows she just got caught.

Adding to it, I am doing all of this in dress shoes I bought yesterday. Yes, they are comfortable shoes, but I am not sure they are 4 miles of walking on the first day comfortable.

Moral of the story is you need to exhaust all of your researchable alternatives before buying from a cell phone retail shop.

Man I wish I had my new one today...

Wedding Week

This week is wedding week and I will give you a rundown of my schedule, why, I don't know, I just want to.

Monday night - haircut, start mix-disc compilation for limo bus (I am not sure if this is officially my responsibility, but since I am pretty much one of the best in the world at making mixed-discs, I will make one anyway.)
Tuesday night - clean 2nd bath, do laundry, buy new pair of black shoes, buy new blackberry, hit the dry cleaner if I can get there in time, same for post office to ship some ebay items we sold this weekend, continue work on compilation
Wednesday night - clean our bath, floors, counters, dust, vacuum, complete cd
Thursday night - pick up dry cleaning and altered dresses, pick up Kelly and Jim at Midway, drop off at our house, then drive to Crystal Lake

Friday starts actual wedding stuff for me with a round of golf and then rehearsal and all of that good stuff.

Just wanted to make sure you are kept in the loop...

2007 Chicago Marathon

Sunday, Matt and I (and some friends and family) watched my cousin, Megan, compete in and finish her first marathon. Yesterday was the hottest day in the history of the marathon and took its toll on many of the runners. About 3.5 hours into the race, they actually called the marathon because it was just too hot. Runners were diverted back into the city or were told to walk the rest of the race course, depending on your location. While many of the participants were not able to finish the race, Meg decided to tough it out and finish! We are so proud of her and all the runners who competed yesterday. I know it took a lot of will! Congratulations to ALL!!

In the picture above, Meg has just completed mile 4 and was looking great! Here are more pictures that Matt took of the marathon; some of the wheelchair pictures are my favorite!

Reality TV Answers

While researching an answer for Shannon - I found the following website:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9756436/

This site will answer all of your reality tv questions such as - do participants on "What Not to Wear" really have to throw all of their clothes out.

Have fun looking around!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Want to buzz through the rest of the TV week and give you some updates, since I know you are all eagerly anticipating the finale to this ridiculous series of postings.

Friday night has two shows that I watch when I can. Friday Night Lights premiers tonight for the season. I liked what I saw last year but admit that I missed probably the last half of the season. I think I am going to Tivo this year's then get the first season from Netflix and catch up.

Las Vegas is on as well and I really only like the show because its Vegas and gambling. I love Vegas. In fact, I will be there later this month.

Saturday - well, its college football day - there are no other shows on.

Sunday - Home Makeover is good to see the end product - newest trends and the sort. Plus, we (USG/L&W Supply) sometimes donates all of the drywall and we are on the show every now and then.

Desperate Housewives follows and we have been watching since the beginning. I liked this season's first show. Should be able to take off from there.

I watched Pushing Daisies on Wednesday night this week after reading a whole bunch of "good things." Wasn't sure that I liked it, but I will give it another week.

And this is and inside joke for Kim - Natalie Gulbis is on Wednesday's.

The Bachelorette

As my sister and Ben's wedding nears...only 9 more days...I thought I would post a picture of my sister the night of her bachelorette party. Now, isn't she the cutest bachelorette you have ever seen?!?!?

A quick recap of the evening....
We started the night off at the Sofitel and then headed to Bella Lounge for dinner and drinks. Kari arranged for us to have this great private area that was lounge-y and perfect to get the night going. After dinner, we went right next door to McFadden's. I had never been to McFadden's before, but it was a great place to go and dance. We even made our way up on the bar for a song or two!! Shenanigan's was next on the tour...enough said! After witnessing some peculiar behavior we moved on to one of my favorite places...the Hange Uppe!! If you have never been to the Hange Uppe before, I highly suggest making it the last stop after a night out. I mean, where else can you sing and dance to Rockin' Robin with 300 of your closets friends and have a great time. The night was such a blast, coming in a close second to my bachelorette party. Thank you to all the lovely ladies who made my sister's "Last Night Out" a success!!!

Mmmm, Mmmm Good!!

A brand new Dominick's just opened up within walking distance of our house and I am extremely excited. I am actually more excited about the metal "wheely" cart we bought to transport groceries back and forth, but that is a different story. With the opening of a grocery store so close, I am hoping that Matt and I start making dinner on a more consistent basis.

So on Sunday, as we were deciding what to have for dinner this week and making our grocery list, I ran across a recipe from Williams Sonoma for Risotto with Prosciutto and Asparagus. Peaking our interest because we had some great risotto in Italy, we decided to try it for dinner that night. The risotto was really good and quite easy to make. We do not have a pressure cooker so we used the stove top instead. Because of this, we only used 4 cups of chicken stock. The recipe made a ton so, this would be perfect as an accompaniment to steak or chicken if you are entertaining.

Enjoy!!

Thursdays

TV on Thursday is the wife's domain. It starts with Ugly Betty, then goes to Grey's Anatomy. I wasn't impressed with last week's Ugly Betty, it doesn't help that they made the hot chick not hot.

Grey's was pretty good, seems like the storylines are progressing and should be another entertaining year.

I do need to throw in some man-ness here. I also watch the ESPN Thursday night college football game each week, I am just relegated to the small tv in the bedroom.

Wednesday TV Redo

Forgot about the one show Ali and I now watch on Wednesdays. At 9pm on the Golf Channel - The Natalie Gulbis Show. If you don't like golf, you probably won't like the show, unless you are an adolescent male who loves tall chicks in short golf skirts. Ali and I watch it for our friend Kim King who is on the show about every other episode. When Natalie refers to Kimmy(Kimmie?), we know Kimmy! Very exciting stuff.

Big Money

Today is a big day - It's my 3 year anniversary at USG. That means two things - I get a very awesome desk clock and I am fully vested in my 401k. Welcome to my account oh so sweet company match.

TV - Tuesday and Wednesday

As I go through rethinking the shows I watch, I am thinking to myself I don't watch that much TV. Tuesdays are Beauty and the Geek and Boston Legal.

Beauty and the Geek is on the CW at 7 - I really just like the interaction of the players, the beauties and the geeks, obviously. I do however wonder how staged it is, cause girls cannot be that dumb and guys cannot be that geeky. Whatever, its funny. Especially when the two hook-up. What's up with me and geek shows?

Boston Legal is a keeper for about three years now. James Spader won the Emmy this year, so hopefully it means its not going anywhere for a while. Not sure I like the new year as of yet after one episode. They change a majority of the cast each year and this year seems a little off. I will still watch though for one thing. Denny Crane.

I think I am going to need a new hobby cause Wednesday sucks. We watched the Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice last week, but I will not make the mistake twice. It was terrible. I have no desire to watch it or any other show on Wednesday night's. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

I guess I should say that Lost should be back on Wednesday's at some point.