April Stuff

Well, April has been a long and eventful month - starting with our one year anniversary! Leo and I were very excited to celebrate and it was fun to think back to what we were doing one year before. Preparing, partying, rehearsing, etc. That night we went to dinner at Maggiano's (where we had our rehearsal dinner) and then came home for champagne and cake. Yes, the cake was awesome. I wrapped it several layers deep in plastic and foil - there was no way freezer burn was going to take that last huge piece from us!

That part of the month seems so long ago. Since then I went to Atlanta, GA for my Arbonne conference. I had never been and I wished I had more time there. I would have liked to enjoy the aquarium and centennial park. But it was still a good time. I got to see all those Arbonne girls I talk to all year long and lay eyes on only once a year. Mom went too and she enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing all those Arbonne "celebrities". And when you meet people who have gone through it all and made it to the levels of management that they are at (making LOTS of $ too!) they truly become celebs to us.

We had a fair amount of time to enjoy each other over meals and between training sessions. And we got to see some awesome new products (think Spa and Detox! Let's just say I look, feel and smell great!). As a treat we also got a special performance from Tim McGraw. No, Faith did not grace us with her presence but Tim was enough for me.

I was home after Atlanta for only a few days when we packed up again for California. Ed's Nephew Jeremiah got married in LA and we were there to represent the family. The wedding and reception took place at the Marriott. The Marriott rocks! In Atlanta we stayed at the Marriott Marquis and I was excited to sleep in their beds again. The hotel was beautiful. As was the bride. It was the first time we had met Jen (another!) and she was even nicer than everyone said. She is perfect for Jeremiah.

Tim and his Jen were already in LA when we arrived as they had just finished their week-long vacation. We met up with Mom and Ed and the rest of the Gleasons for the rehearsal dinner. The bride is Hawaiian and Japanese and her families culture was a great treat - we had the most amazing selection of seafood - fresh tuna, seafood salad, clams, shrimp, wow!

Saturday morning I woke before everyone else and got ready to pick up Greg & Danielle who were flying in from NY mid-morning. This was their 2nd attempt to get to LA as they missed the flight the night before. It was good for me though - I had the chance to be out on my own in LA again . . a place I used to know so well. It has definitely changed since I was there last. More buildings, more people, more traffic! I drove through the beach towns though - right passed where I used to live - and found a favorite place on the beach. It was a chilly morning but I enjoyed sitting in the rental car with the heat on (it was barely past the mid-50's!) and cracked open the window to hear the ocean waves while I read a book and waited to go to the airport. It was probably one of the best parts of the trip for me - a quiet moment to relax.

From then on, there was always something going on. Us kids went to Denny's for brunch then I got to share the beach towns with them. It was nice to relive it and make new memories of the place with my siblings.

We relaxed a bit before getting ready for the wedding. Time flew! We wanted more time to catch up - the time change kicked our butts. But it was time to party. The ceremony was beautiful outdoors and the sun was finally peeking through. The huge bridal party looked great - I loved the girls dresses. Flowing brown with gold pearl accents.

The reception was fun because it had a different flair from what I have seen so often. They included family introductions and a slideshow of the bride and groom from childhood on. The food was great and we partied as long as we could.

Sunday Tim and Jen had to leave for the airport early :(. But Leo, Greg & Danielle and I were ready for some tourist action. We packed up and took the drive up the 405 (on the west side of LA) to the Hollywood area. Packing up all our bags into the little rental car was hysterical. We kind of didn't think that part through. But we managed and made the trek to the hotel on Sunset Blvd to unload.

The hotel was funky. It was not a chain, which we were looking forward to for something unique. That is was. Over each bed was a giant close-up picture of a woman's body parts. Greg & Danielle got legs. We got boobs! The rest of the hotel was ok - nothing too crazy, just different. I was in a great location though. We walked to the Saddle Ranch for dinner that night. They had bull-riding but it wasn't going on - I might have been persuaded. They did have two guys playing guitar walking around taking requests and serenading us. It was kind of weird and cool at the same time. "Do I look at them or just keep eating?"

Before that we spent much of the day in the car driving around. We went passed another old address of mine, drove around Griffith Park (for what felt like forever - sorry guys! I forgot my way!) then finally to one of my favorite places - The Observatory. From here you can see the Hollywood sign and all of LA (at least as far as the smog will allow). It was yet another trek to get there and I had to circle a few times for parking but the view was worth it I think. We also took a drive downtown to check out the Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry. For those who don't know, he does some funky stuff and this building does not disappoint.

Monday we took our time getting up only to realize that maybe we should have planned better. We had plans to go to a taping of the Tonight Show and thought we would try to get into a tour of the Warner Brothers or NBC studios. We didn't ave much time for either so we enjoyed $2.50 margaritas (Margarita Monday!) at a local mexican place. It passed the time perfectly.

The Tonight Show was a lot of fun. It was exciting to be in a real studio with all those camera, lights and crew. We saw some animal guy (who Danielle had just met through work ironically), Norm McDonald and Ashlee Simpson. It was a good show - well worth the time you spend getting in line to get in. A highlight for sure.

Leo and I were then off to the airport. It was early but we figured we would try to get an early flight to Las Vegas as that daily route is common. Good thing we did since our original flight was cancelled so we were put on another, earlier flight anyway. What a relief. I was so hunger and tired I was practically kissing the Las Vegas ground when we got there hours before we were supposed to. Leo's dad and grandma were already there enjoying a few days of vacation and he had a van so he picked us up. We dumped our stuff and had a late dinner. We watched Leno on TV later to see if we could see ourselves(you would have too!). It was weird to see it again on TV hours later in another city.

Tuesday we met with Leo's poker friends - the first time meeting in person - for lunch. We wandered around a bit and met up with Greg & Danielle who took an afternoon flight to Vegas. We hung out around where a poker tournament was taking place an ran into our buddy Daniel Negreanu. Ok so maybe he didn't run over and say "hi guys!" But Leo said hi and I'm sure if he hadn't just lost a big hand he would have talked and reminisced!

The rest of this day and the others run into each other. I had a couple mornings of sun time by the pool, we went downtown to the old parts of town to gamble and entertain ourselves and we had one very late night out. Leo taught G & D craps and I got into some of that action too towards the end of the trip. I found a new slot game that was fun - I'm not much of a gambler but I can see why some people just love it. When you get lucky it's hard to stop!

One night we were getting tired of eating out so we had pizza delivered to the room. Cool huh? Pizza and beer for dinner hit the spot. This was the day that almost didn't exist - we were out late so we got up late then we were so tired we went to bed early. Man, we are getting old!

We met another of Leo's poker friends while there. He was super nice and even offered to bring up to the airport for our flight out since he had a car. That was really nice. What wasn't as nice was the wait for our flight home - delayed and long. But we made it. It was wonderful to come home to a clean house and our own bed!

Friday was a rough day and even Saturday we felt we were fighting the time zone again. But it was a great trip. I really enjoyed the time with family, sharing old places, and discovering new ones. I hope we can continue to do that as we get old and have families. Even if it means we go to bed earlier as the years pass!

And now we are back to the real world. We have both been busy making plans for the months ahead. We hope to get down to Wilmington to visit with Mommy Sharon & Stan and I am thinking about a solo trip to NY in June. I just can't stay away for long!

The Big Reveal

Hello all and welcome to the start of Spring. Well, for us NC folks anyway. Warm weather is on the menu for the week and the longer day light hours are always a plus.

Wow, do I feel old. I said "us folks" and started off yet another blog post with a comment about weather. Ugghhh!

Let's talk about something more exciting . . . like this new business venture I have been hinting at. It's pretty exciting and I'm ready to spill the beans.

Last year I found a company that produces very unique products that got me really excited. I've been doing some research and testing and now I'm ready to reveal Jen Trendy Designs. I can finally put to use the interior design knowledge that I am still paying for even years after school. And hopefully this new business will help me pay down those loans!

The company I found provides expressions (or quotes) for your wall. You pick the words or designs you like in the color and size that fits your space and then the product comes as a thin vinyl that adheres right to your wall (or any smooth surface). I never saw it before -and after speaking with several designers, realtors and other business people who see a lot of people's home - it truly is a new concept. The original idea behind the company is to run it as many other direct sales companies - through parties and such. That's something I will do occasionally - but my real vision is to offer my eye for composition, color and design to those who lack the skills, time and patience and make someone's home special. I also plan to use the product to create gifts, advertise businesses (on store and car windows) and any other interesting use I can think of.

Check out the company here . . . http://www.uppercaseliving.com/. You can look around a little bit on the website or you can log into the "Customer Corner" to see the catalog on-line as well as create your own sayings. (You will need my demonstrator id "305017" , and token "expressions") Also I have a very rudimentary website for my business specifically - http://www.jentrend.com/. It's not much yet but I hope to soon have examples of the work I have done and possible uses for the product.

Many have asked "What happened to Arbonne?" It hasn't gone anywhere. In fact my ability to help people through Arbonne has improved because I'm making more friends and contacts by talking about another part of my life that is exciting, different and interesting. I've learned to talk to more people, communicate and present better because of this new journey. Also, my creative needs are being met again. I've always considered myself an artist and now I get to act like one again!

As you might guess, I am a busy gal. AND we are counting down to our various trips coming up, the first being to NY for friends Carole & Tom's wedding. We are looking forward to partying with friends. Speaking of, we have plans for a St Pat's celebration this weekend. Lime jello shots, beer, green shirts and fun games. It really is a party around here all the time . . . !

A New Person

I'm feeling much better now. Like a new person even. Unfortunately I gave the cold to my mom. Sorry mom.

Despite not feeling my best we went ahead with our visitor plans. We had dinner at Mom & Ed's with my godparents last weekend. Mom's homemade lasagne was delicious and a temporary fix! We hosted dinner for them on Thursday and it was a hit. I love to experiment with different recipes. I never cook as much as I like to. We loved the company!

Friday we had a Trendowicz dinner at the Carolina Ale House. Truck treated us and we had a long relaxing dinner. Friend Mario arrived later that night and the house was full for the rest of the weekend. I love the sound of people in the house - it makes me feel even more at home. I think it just reminds of what it was like to have a houseful of brothers around.

We enjoyed breakfast together then went to the movies later in the afternoon and saw Jumper. Hhmmm.....my thoughts on this are still not concrete. It was an entertaining movie but the end was unsatisfying. Another half hour of story would have been better.

We then did a quick supermarket run before dinner. Penna Vodka a la Jen was on the menu. It's easy and everyone loves it. Mario made some chicken and Leo got a cookie cake for his sisters birthday. What a good guy! Kerri, Rob and Truck came over to enjoy dinner and dessert and before we knew it more company arrived. Our regular friends came by as did Mom and Ed and it was nice to have everyone meet one another. It often feels like my NY life and my NC life rarley overlap. So when people from both places exist at once it makes me feel more complete.

We were up late, as usual. In fact the next day I slept until 11am. That may not sounds crazy for some, but for me - I was living on the wild side! Our day started late and slow but we made up for it at the gym. Ok, don't tell anyone this . . . but we ended up going back to our old apartments to use the raquetball court. We weren't sure the code to the gym would be the same but it was. While Mario and Leo played some ball I used the gym and happily tread-milled on my merry way, i-pod in tow. I feel guilty about it but truth be told there was only one person we encountered the whole hour we were there. Someone should be using it right?

We settled in to watch another movie later in the afternoon - Michael Clayton. Not a winner in my book. It was slow until halfway through and when it was over I wasn't really left pondering any new revelations in life. I guess I'm a little numb when it comes to movies as I have watched to many while getting better!

So that was the past week. Things are a little slow at the start of the week - I have to get myself back on track after being out of it for so long. I started up my workout routine again though. No more being sick in this house anytime soon.

Still Sick

Uugghhhhh. . . . I don't know if that's really the sound you would be hearing me make if you were here but I'm not sure how to spell out the sound of me sniffling, blowing my nose and whinning about being sick still. But you get the picture.

So this is the middle of week 2 and you know what I realized this morning as I lay awake at 6am completely stuffed, head throbbing? Hey, I'm kinda sick. I should probably take it easy. In case you haven't noticed I can be somewhat of a stubborn ass. I have been pushing myself to keep going and work through appointments and meetings and whatnot. But I just have to let it go and accept that my defenses are down and I have to rest. UUgghhhhhh......

This is especailly disappointing as we have a lot of people in town this week/ end and I'm looking forward to enjoying it. But I figure today I go rent yet a another couple of movies and stay put in hopes of having energy for the weekend. Any theatrical suggestions?

Sick

It is only day 4 or 5 of my sickness but poor Leo is in the middle of week 2. I am personally going a little batty being in the house all day. After 5 movies, catching up on tivo, going through 4 boxes of tissues, and having that constant achy feeling all week I'm pretty much done with being sick. Leo commented that I'm a bad patient. My mom also reminded me that when I get sick, I really get sick. Being as I haven't had so much as a sniffle in several years now I guess I forgot. And yes, I am a bad patient. I hate feeling so cruddy! (Although I don't mind the movies. Good Lcuk Chuck and 3:10 to Yuma were both good.)

But I see the light. I'm hoping the last of this will lift this week as I have some parents to visit with in the weeks ahead. Mommy Sharon & Stan will be around this weekend as will my mom and Ed. My godparents will be down also, for the whole week. I look forward to making them lovely meal at our house! The following weekend Big Truck will be here, and I think our friend Mario. When it rains it pours. We are looking forward to it.

Not much else to report. When you are sick it feels like the week is sooo loooooong and so much time as passed I must have something to say. It must be the naps that throw me. I keep expecting it to be Saturday when I wake up eventually.

Well Oprah's on and I'm due for another dose of Theraflu. That stuff kicks butt!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Superbowl Sunday

While I don't usually care about the superbowl, when we are expecting a dozen or so people and the house needs some attention before we welcome anyone into it, I tend to care a little more.

We expect a small crowd of our closest friends and neighbors later today to enjoy some million dollar commercials, pizza, these wonderful peanut butter rice crispies things I made yesterday, beer and . . . what am I forgetting? Oh yeah, the game. Good times.

Lately things have been pretty busy for both of us. Leo had some work stuff that required him to be downtown for a few days. I had the house to myself! But I didn't have too much time to enjoy it since being an entreprenuer means getting out of the house to make things happen in my world. And what a different world it is.

I have been venturing out to local meetup and business groups lately. A few weeks ago I was worried there weren't enough ways for me to meet people. Now I am faced with several meetings in a day. This has been great for me as I am naturally a bit introverted and I really hate walking into a room of people I don't know. But, the practice has already benefitted me as I've met some really nice people that wil help me to grow in many ways as I am finding my way as a full-time, self-employed, working woman.

As far as being that working woman, I am working on something new these days. It's creative, fun, unique and very exciting for me. I may actually make use of my education with interior design! More news on that soon . . .

Well, I must go. The house hasn't cleaned itself in the 20 minutes I've been spending on-line. Sigh. . . .

OMG it's snowing!

It's real this time. Fat flakes are falling from the sky! We expect a couple inches but it may be mostly slush as it's been kind of raining all day.

I am set with the perfect type of snow day activity - I'm working on finishing one of the wedding albums. The goal is to complete both (one professional, one more fun one) by our first anniversary so we can reminice over our defrosted wedding cake. (I wrapped that sucker eight times - I expect it to be delicious!)

Have a good weekend and keep warm!

PS - I have a new phone number in addition to the 845 one. Doesn't matter for most of you but if you need it let me know....