Crazy celebrity week

It seems like in the world of celebrities the week of June 22 started with the news of Ed McMahon dying.  Then came the news of Farrah Fawcett dying after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer.  Although her death didn't really come as a surprise.  It seemed as if she was always making tabloid news with her battle every week. 

 

Then on the same day as Farrah Fawcett's news broke the biggest news broke.  Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest.  The news would not officially declare his death until the hospital made a statement.  It seems to be one of those where were you when you found out, I was driving home from work trying to get an answer on news radio and of course you couldn't get one. 

I remember getting my first Michael Jackson tape for Christmas.  It was the Bad tape, I thought I was so cool, I also got a skateboard and a pink boombox that year. 

It seems to be a shame that Michael is getting more press for possible prescription drug addiction he had.  However, with as much media scrutinty he was under I'm sure he felt pressure to conform to a normal life.  Hopefully, he can now rest in peace.

After the sudden death of Michael Jackson, there was the sudden death of Billy Mays the infomercial king.  He most recently starred in Discovery Channel's show Pitchman.  He was always the annoying voice of Oxy Clean and many other products. 

And rounding out the week was the death of Karl Maldin.  He was in A Street Car Named Desire and Patton, along with the face of American Express during the 70s and 80s. 

Sauce Soiree

As a new way to experiment with food I decided that attending the Sauce Soiree would be a good idea.  The event was all the top restaurants in the St. Louis area and their specialities. 

We hit every booth and I think there may have been only one thing I didn't eat because it was raw scallops with beets.  Not a good combo in my mind.  

It was a fun night, lots to see and eat and drink.  Definitely, planning on going back to the event next year.

News Alert!!

I have completed a New Years Resolution!  I can't believe it but I actually have done it!   I finally got a new job!  I start on June 15th!

My new company is called The Growth Partnership, it's a consulting firmed based in St. Louis.  They focus on generating new clients, training and marketing for CPA firms across the country.

I'm very excited to start and can't wait to see what Monday brings!

Busy weekend

[caption id="attachment_176" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Theresa, me and Liz at Brew Fest"][/caption]

This weekend has been one of the busiest weekends in a long time, without going out of town or having a visitor.  Friday was Heritage Brew Fest in Forest Park.  Basically it was all local area brewers, A-B, Schlafly, O'Fallon...and you just sampled the beer with live music and some local restaurants serving food.  It was a lot of fun and I found that I really like the A-B Honey Beer and I still do not like dark, bitter beers. 

Saturday Theresa and I went to pick up our race packet from the zoo.  We decided that we didn't want to go to the gym so the plan was to walk around the zoo after we picked up the race info.  We parked next to the Jewel Box and hiked over to the zoo since it was a nice day parking was scarce.  After our hiking around the zoo we went to Amighetti's for lunch, why not enjoy a Special after a great walk. 

Later Saturday afternoon, Erin, a high school friend, Brooke and Austin came over to swim.  The weather was sunny but still a little too cool.  Over all it was fun to catch up on high school memories and watch Austin play in the water.

Sunday was a 5K Zoo walk.  I had done these in the past with my family and wanted to get back into the swing of things.  Liz, Theresa and I finished walking the 5K in about 50 minutes, not our best time but considering we had to bob and weave through the strollers and slow walkers that started in front of us, I think we did ok.  Our next walk will be a 5K during All Star Game weekend in July.   After the walk we headed over to the zoo for breakfast and a brief walk around the zoo before heading home.

On Sunday afternoon I volunteered with a group called FUEL  for the City.  The event was a house tour in Lafayette Square.   I arrived early to take my free tour of the houses.  It was interesting to see the houses that have keep the 1880s antique style versus those that have been gutted and completely updated to 2009. 

My job was a docent, my house was built in 1890s and had been through a fire on the third floor that pretty much destroyed it.  The current owners gutted the house and updated everything and brought back some of the 1890s charm.  It was a lot of fun being able to describe the house to everyone that walked through. 

After the tour was over everyone that participated in the neighborhood was treated to dinner at Sqwires.  We found out that the neighborhood association netted about $28,000 over the weekend.  Most of the profits coming from ticket sales from the house tour.  It was great to see the determination of the neighborhood to bring back the greatness that Lafayette Square once was. 

After all that I was exhausted and headed home to prep for my extemely short work week.

It’s Summer Time!

It's officially summer and there is nothing like Memorial Day weekend to kick it off.  Kelly made her first trip to St. Louis and it was a busy one.  On Friday night we went to Zia's on the Hill for real Italian food and Milo's to watch some Bocce and drinks. 

Later we met up with Tom and some of his friends at Venice Cafe.  Venice Cafe is a trip, there was every Happy Meal toy nailed to the pillars and bottle caps everywhere.  I'm pretty sure that they people who own it are hippies trying to keep the 60s alive.  Definitely going back ASAP!

Saturday felt like we were in the car most of the day.  We did start out at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, based on a suggestion by Kristin.  I will be going back to try out free yoga in the park.  But we had some sweet crepes under the trees and did a little shopping before heading to Forest Park.  The Zoo parking lots were full, and the walk was going to be a long one so we drove around the park and took in the sites of Forest Park by car.  Then headed down to the Arch. 

The line to go up to the top was too long so we walked the museum and the Arch grounds.  Saturday night we went back downtown to Lumiere Casino so Kelly could try her luck at the craps table.  I just sat back and watched.  Way too much going to to even try to figure out that game.  We missed seeing Pat Green but that's ok, we went to Rib America 2009 and saw Bret Michaels for $5!!!!   The concert was great!

Sunday, we finally made it to the zoo!  It was packed but we walked the whole thing!  After the zoo we headed back to the Arch and rode to the top and checked out the view.  After the Arch we stopped by Ted Drews for some much needed Frozen Custard.  After a little relaxing we headed to the Central West End for sushi dinner at Drunken Fish, so far the best sushi I've ever eaten!  Then we bar hopped in the CWE, Sub Zero, where we met the owner and got a couple free drinks, Llywelyn's Pub and Bar Louie.



On Monday we drove around Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and the Central West End trying to find fun little shops that would be open but since it was Memorial Day they were all closed.  We then headed to Crown Candy, it was closed...at least I now have more spots to go for Kelly's next visit.  We settled on Union Station to kill time between storms and time to head to the airport. 

After dropping Kelly off I headed home to prep for the interview I had bright and early Tuesday morning.  However, a nap and recovery was needed first.

The Stout’s

I made another trip back to San Antonio, this time for Niki and Chris' wedding.  I had 4 days to relax at my parent's house.  I arrived in SA and went to Korean BBQ with my dad and brother, my mom showed up later and full.  The food was great...I need to find a place in St. Louis that has good Korean BBQ, although I'm sure it won't be hard to find.  After lunch I finally got to meet Andrew's new puppy, Miss Winnie Cooper Manzotti.  She's a pretty cute pup with a licking problem.  My mom and I did a little shopping and I was able to come to the conclusion that I'm too busy in St. Louis to go shopping compared to when I lived in San Antonio.  This is a good thing!

Friday night I met up with Jason and Kendra, the next couple to be getting married.  We met at the Lion and the Rose and enjoyed a few beers and the best grilled cheese sandwich ever!  I'm hoping they are able to make it up to St. Louis once the craziness of the wedding is over.

Saturday my mom and I met Kelly, Katie and Allie for lunch and the Tamale Factory, I don't think that is the real name of the place, but it was good.  I was able to catch up with the girls and play on the swingsets that are set up all around the restaurant.  After a couple hours of playing we decided it was time for a nap and time to start getting ready for the wedding.  I met up with April and we headed to Randolph Air Force Base for Niki & Chris' wedding.  I had been to the Officier's Club before but never upstairs and was impressed with how nice everything was.  I'm so happy for Niki and Chris!

On Sunday we decided to celebrate my dad's birthday and mother's day early with brunch at the Westin La Canterra.  We thought the food and view would be better but what do you expect it's San Antonio and it's not a world class city like they'd like to believe they are...god I'm happy I moved out of there...That afternoon I went to Comfort, Texas with my mom to an antique show and didn't see anything too unusual minus an older lady who had to be taken away by ambulance due to heat exhaustion.  That night Andrew, Jon and Aarty went to see State of Play, awesome movie.  Then drinks at Oasis and I finally went to Coco Beach...I will not go there again.

On Monday I didn't do much of anything except hang out at the house and relax.  It's nice when you don't really have to do anything but lay around sometimes.  I caught a late afternoon flight out and waited for Ben & Ellen to pick me up so we could celebrate Catherine's 7th birthday with some chinese food when I picked up Reily.  All in all it was a good trip and just enough time in San Antonio.

Pampered Chef

As a way to increase my funds I have recently become a Pampered Chef consultant.  So far, it's been helping me save money by cooking at home way more than I had been.

After about a month of talking with and meeting with my Director, Ruth, I decided I could totally handle what Pampered Chef had to offer.  I placed an order for my starter kit and 2 days later it was here!  I spent about an hour opening each box and checking out the recipe cards that came with each individual product.  I finally realized that I was excited to cook, although I still hate going to the grocery store.

My roommate decided to help me out with my first practice party.  About 5 of her friends came over and we made a pizza.  I had gone in with the idea that no one was going to buy anything but at the end of the night I sold over $200.  The only issue I had with the party was the minor dog fight under the table over a piece of cheese.

Last night was my first monthly meeting at Ruth's house in Belleville.  I was nervous and excited to meet other consultants and hear how everyone got started.  I was able to meet Susan, my Director's Director, and Dan, a fellow consultant.

Dan was an interesting guy, he started Pampered Chef 3 years ago in memory of his daughter who lost her battle with breast cancer.  He choose Pampered Chef since their number one charity is breast cancer awareness (all May you can buy Pink products).  At one of Dan's parties he only makes desserts and tries to make them healthy.

Now that I've met other Pampered Chef people I'm back to being pumped and ready to sell more.  I currently have 2 standing orders for a catalog party and would like a couple more before I submit.

Hopefully, this will be the start of a fun new career or at least a great new hobby.