Today the Rameys welcomed baby boy Everett to their family. WOO!
Today was my last day in the Barkley office. BOO.
I'm not going to lie, walking out of Barkley this morning totally sucked. Barkley has been a huge part of my life for the past five years, two months and 20 days. That's a long time. In that time I've went from Account Manager to Senior Account Manager to Account Supervisor. I moved from Omaha to Kansas City. I went from Hicks to Fitch. I tooled around on Organized Living, Learning Quest, Ameristar, Blue Bunny, Payless, and the Breast Cancer 3-Day. And most importantly several colleagues turned into lifelong friends. It was extremely hard to say good-bye to everyone this morning and I already miss them.
I am very, very excited to start at BL on Tuesday and I know making the move from Barkley to Bailey was the right decision. But it still doesn't make leaving my friends and colleagues at Barkley any easier. Will I stop tearing up? Cause it feels like that is all I have been doing today.
8/21/2008
8/14/2008
Rolling Stone Article
The Heavy Soul fellas brought this article on the Von Maur shootings to my attention.
This article disturbs me for several reasons.
First, one commenter to the article and blogger points out that in the hard copy the pages are splattered with red ink to represent blood. How distasteful Rolling Stone, seriously.
Second, I realize Hawkins had a horrible childhood. I really do. But what about the people that grow up with terrible childhoods and turn out better than fine? Those that were abused as kids that grow up to be successful? Where are the seven page stories about those individuals and their achievements? I don't understand what the writer is trying to get across in this article. Is he trying to say that Hawkins did this and is excused for doing this because his life was so shitty growing up. (Newsflash - Hawkins continued to make poor decisions throughout his life, in drugs, infidelity, etc.) Really, is that an excuse? Is he trying to place blame on the parents? Do they need to be tried on murder charges? Yes, he was a troubled man. But you didn't need to point that out Mark Boal. We knew he was troubled by what he did December 5, 2007. Thanks for writing about the obvious.
Third, the comment about Hawkins having to get a job at McDonalds because the Nebraska farming industry was so poor is just bogus.
Fourth. The description Mark Boal, who I am beginning to dislike more and more, portrayed after Von Maur's reopening is just sick. As I commented on the Heavy Soul site: "the reponening of Von Maur after the shootings was not about making up for lost profits for the holiday season. It was about helping a community move on and cope with what they dealt with. Knowing a Von Maur associate, who was at the store during the shootings and right next to one of the victims, I applaud Von Maur for how they handled this situation and how they treated their employees and victims' families. Also, less Mr. Boal forget about the reopening ceremony of the event where wreaths were placed at the store's entrance in memory of the victims. And the fact that hundreds of people made a memorial outside of the store with signs, snowflakes, cards, posters, etc. and that, once those items had to be removed, they were boxed up and placed in large plastic tubs and kept - not thrown away - shows that the support Omaha showed for the victims, the community and one another, was not taken lightly. And if he'd go to the store now he'd see a plaque hanging in the store listing the victim's names."
And finally - the stupid writer saying the Von Maur shootings have been forgotten about. Just because something is no longer in the news every single day does not mean it has been forgotten about. The country's most prolific terrorist act, 9/11, isn't in the news every day. Does that mean we forgot about what happened that September day? No. The Von Maur is the biggest incident in Nebraska in 50 years. Things like that do NOT go unforgotten.
This article disturbs me for several reasons.
First, one commenter to the article and blogger points out that in the hard copy the pages are splattered with red ink to represent blood. How distasteful Rolling Stone, seriously.
Second, I realize Hawkins had a horrible childhood. I really do. But what about the people that grow up with terrible childhoods and turn out better than fine? Those that were abused as kids that grow up to be successful? Where are the seven page stories about those individuals and their achievements? I don't understand what the writer is trying to get across in this article. Is he trying to say that Hawkins did this and is excused for doing this because his life was so shitty growing up. (Newsflash - Hawkins continued to make poor decisions throughout his life, in drugs, infidelity, etc.) Really, is that an excuse? Is he trying to place blame on the parents? Do they need to be tried on murder charges? Yes, he was a troubled man. But you didn't need to point that out Mark Boal. We knew he was troubled by what he did December 5, 2007. Thanks for writing about the obvious.
Third, the comment about Hawkins having to get a job at McDonalds because the Nebraska farming industry was so poor is just bogus.
Fourth. The description Mark Boal, who I am beginning to dislike more and more, portrayed after Von Maur's reopening is just sick. As I commented on the Heavy Soul site: "the reponening of Von Maur after the shootings was not about making up for lost profits for the holiday season. It was about helping a community move on and cope with what they dealt with. Knowing a Von Maur associate, who was at the store during the shootings and right next to one of the victims, I applaud Von Maur for how they handled this situation and how they treated their employees and victims' families. Also, less Mr. Boal forget about the reopening ceremony of the event where wreaths were placed at the store's entrance in memory of the victims. And the fact that hundreds of people made a memorial outside of the store with signs, snowflakes, cards, posters, etc. and that, once those items had to be removed, they were boxed up and placed in large plastic tubs and kept - not thrown away - shows that the support Omaha showed for the victims, the community and one another, was not taken lightly. And if he'd go to the store now he'd see a plaque hanging in the store listing the victim's names."
And finally - the stupid writer saying the Von Maur shootings have been forgotten about. Just because something is no longer in the news every single day does not mean it has been forgotten about. The country's most prolific terrorist act, 9/11, isn't in the news every day. Does that mean we forgot about what happened that September day? No. The Von Maur is the biggest incident in Nebraska in 50 years. Things like that do NOT go unforgotten.
8/10/2008
8/08/2008
8.8.08
Today marks the beginning of one of the most impressive events in the world - and I am not talking about the Olympic games. Today the 2008 Breast Cancer 3-Day Series kicked off in Chicago. This morning nearly 2,000 men and women attended Opening Ceremonies for the first of 14 three-day, 60 mile walks taking place through November.
The Chicago Breast Cancer 3-Day holds a special place in my heart as that is the event I participated in three seasons ago with Michelle, Lizzie and Shannon.
To most walkers, the Breast Cancer 3-Day is their Olympics. For months, participants have trained for the life-changing event. For many, walking 60 miles and raising $2,200 is the biggest accomplishment of their lives. And each will receive a gold medal, which is knowing they are making a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. Honestly, the only real difference between the Breast Cancer 3-Day and the Olympics is that Matt and Meredith were in Beijing this morning - not Chicago :-).
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the importance of the Olympic games starting. I got goose bumps watching "Today" this morning just hearing the Olympic games theme song and stories of Michael Phelps, Dawn Johnson and other amazing athletes preparing to set world records and achieve personal victories. Macy is really enjoying that I am walking around the house this morning singing "God Bless the USA."
8.8.08 is a day people around the world have been anticipating for years. And with that, good luck to the pink, red, white and blue.
PS: Happy 28th Josh!
8/07/2008
Today is August 7
which not only means it's Heartguard day for Macy, it also means one month 'til my birthday!
8/05/2008
My eyes are watering a bit
I was in college, living at 616 N. 16th Street (aka the Kappa house in Lincoln), when the Anthrax scare was going on. Our house mom Carol really wanted us all to wear gloves and masks when we got the mail - which was kind of funny. Anyway, I just watched this video and it freaked me out a bit.
Countdown 'til Baby Seger Arrives
Brian and Michelle will be welcoming a little one at the end of September. Over the weekend Annie, Shannon, Emilie, Megan, Denise and I hosted a shower at Roja to prepare them for baby Seger. It was a great shower. The venue was perfect and complemented the brightly-colored theme we had going on, and the margs (regular and non-alcoholic) were refreshing on the 100+ degree day! We played a few fun games and, most importantly, Brian and Michelle received great gifts. They should be very prepared for him (that's my guess) :-) to arrive.
More photos from the shower can be found HERE. Enjoy!
8/04/2008
Random observations from class
There are three girls in my current class that drive me bonkers. The first two come exTREMELY dolled up and flirt with the professor the entire time. It's gross. And annoying. Today they chatted with him so long I wanted to say, "take it outside and pass out the damn tests!" (Which I think I did well on, BTW.) Next to the annoying brown-nosers is a girl who listens to her iPod the entire class. Only one headphone though. Lectures, today's TEST - you name it. How the professor let's her get away with it is beyond me. It's not like he doesn't see her. She sits in the front row right next to the suck-ups. What song (besides anything from the Mama Mia! or Wicked soundtracks) is that good that you have to listen to it during class? It's just rude.
Finally, as I turned the hallway leaving class I about ran into a woman carrying a green parakeet on her hand. Maybe it was a parrot. I don't know. What I do know is I hate birds and and I hated that it was loose, indoors, so close to me. Fine then - if she's bringing her bird for show and tell, I'm bringing Macy.
Finally, as I turned the hallway leaving class I about ran into a woman carrying a green parakeet on her hand. Maybe it was a parrot. I don't know. What I do know is I hate birds and and I hated that it was loose, indoors, so close to me. Fine then - if she's bringing her bird for show and tell, I'm bringing Macy.
8/03/2008
An Apple a Day
Keeps Wendy at Play.
We bought a MacBook this weekend. We have been wanting to get a computer and went to look at Nebraska Furniture Mart. We were thinking of a Mac and we walked out of NFM with one about an hour later. You can't argue with No Interest Financing! The guy at the Apple store in NFM really sold us on a Mac vs. PC and I think we'll really like it. We've spent the past two days playing around with it. The only problem is we should have bought two because neither of us really want to share :-)
7/31/2008
I'm such a sucker for the animal stories
Teared up on this one, too. Seriously with the kittens purring. And with Lily rescuing the cat from the water bowl. And with the tiger taking in the little baboon (mean of him to kill its mom though). Thanks to my friend Julie for sharing this tear-jerker.
Goosebumps
The boy scouts that were at the Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp when a deadly twister hit in June were recognized for their bravery with a visit to Washington D.C. and a meeting with President Bush.
This photo just gave me goosebumps. The stories told about how the scouts remained calm and executed their disaster readiness plan after the tornado hit are honorable. They deserve this recognition.
7/29/2008
Sarah McLachlan Asks You to Help Animals
Click HERE to watch a commercial that aired while I was upstairs making lunch today. I immediately teared up; so much that I had to grab Macy and snuggle with her while I finished watching the spot. It'll break your heart. $.60 a day sure doesn't seem like a lot to help these poor little animals and is something I'll definitely consider.
Nicely done, ASPCA. You pulled at the heartstrings and will likely win.
Nicely done, ASPCA. You pulled at the heartstrings and will likely win.
7/28/2008
...until the hound pukes three times in the Jeep.
7/27/2008
Eat this, Tiger
Congrats to Michelle who not only got a hole-in-one, she got a hole-in-one seven months pregnant! That's something I sure haven't seen Tiger Woods do.
Proof from the Omaha World Herald
Published Sunday July 27, 2008
Hole in one, double eagle
Hole in One • Elkhorn Ridge: Michelle Seger, 117-yard, No. 8, with a 5-iron. Witnesses: Emile Shannon, Callie Smith, Sarah Head.
Hole in one, double eagle
Hole in One • Elkhorn Ridge: Michelle Seger, 117-yard, No. 8, with a 5-iron. Witnesses: Emile Shannon, Callie Smith, Sarah Head.
7/24/2008
When Fergie wrote the song “Glamorous” she wasn’t talking about air travel
Because, really. What is glamorous about air travel? Taking your shoes off and standing barefoot on a nasty tile floor where millions of others have stood barefoot before you? (And according to a quick, very scientific Google search, 20 percent of people have onychomycosis – also known as toenail fungus. I’m gagging as I type.) Nope, I’ve got it. The glamorous thing about air travel is exposing the others in the security line to the kind of toothpaste, hairspray, shampoo and other 3.4-ounce or less beauty products you use via your one quart plastic bag. Oh no. Wait. The glamorous thing about air travel is hauling ass in high heels to a gate halfway across the airport to attempt to catch an early flight only to see a “standby for this flight is closed” sign on the counter. More glamorous than that? Riding the monorail thing back to your original gate and having a bitchy American Airlines flight attendant basically push you out of the way and say “are you going?” in an attempt to exit the monorail. (What WOULD be glamorous is saying “listen bizo, I’m in a bad mood because of your damn company so I’d suggest being polite!) But I’ve got it. The most glamorous thing about air travel is, as I am currently doing, sitting in DFW airport since 3:30 p.m. waiting for my 5:50 flight that is now departing at 8:30.
When I started my job I remember being so excited to travel. Now, I can say from experience, many bad experiences, it ain’t so G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S.
When I started my job I remember being so excited to travel. Now, I can say from experience, many bad experiences, it ain’t so G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S.
7/23/2008
Just a quick little post
I'm sitting in my hotel room in Dallas, Texas, getting ready for two days of pretty big meetings. But before I'm immersed in results, planning and budgets, I thought I'd give a quick update.
Saturday we went boating with five other couples. It was such a fun time! It was one of those days that reminded me how grateful I am for such good friends and the great times we have together. Thanks to Josh, Shannon, Denise, Mike, Annie, Sam, Emilie, Eric, Scott and Meghan for a wonderful day on the Muddy Mo.
Last night we went to the DMB concert. Honestly, I didn't think it was one of his best. He started out with some very new stuff that I didn't know. And he ended up playing classics, which was great, but overall I wasn't crazy about it. Maybe it was the fact I only had a few beers vs. the million I normally have at concerts (early morning plane trip today!). Maybe it was the fact that he played until 11 and it was a school night. (At one point we were all sitting down and it might have made us seem like the oldest people in the Qwest.) Anyhoo, all in all I'd give it a 5 out of 10. But, DMB is still pretty amazing.
Saturday we went boating with five other couples. It was such a fun time! It was one of those days that reminded me how grateful I am for such good friends and the great times we have together. Thanks to Josh, Shannon, Denise, Mike, Annie, Sam, Emilie, Eric, Scott and Meghan for a wonderful day on the Muddy Mo.
Last night we went to the DMB concert. Honestly, I didn't think it was one of his best. He started out with some very new stuff that I didn't know. And he ended up playing classics, which was great, but overall I wasn't crazy about it. Maybe it was the fact I only had a few beers vs. the million I normally have at concerts (early morning plane trip today!). Maybe it was the fact that he played until 11 and it was a school night. (At one point we were all sitting down and it might have made us seem like the oldest people in the Qwest.) Anyhoo, all in all I'd give it a 5 out of 10. But, DMB is still pretty amazing.
7/19/2008
The reviews are in
Three thumbs up for Mama Mia. I've always thought if I wasn't in PR I'd star in the Broadway production of Mama Mia (might need to learn to sing and dance before that happens) but now I might opt for being in the movie instead. It was fun, colorful, and all around great. The music was right on and, most importantly, Pierce Brosnan is a HOTTIE!
7/13/2008
I've been a little down in the dumps this week, primarily because the vacation we were looking forward to so much is over, and we really don't have anything all that exciting coming up anytime soon. The next vaca day I'll take will be in August for Kristi's wedding and that just seems like an eternity away. Just a whole lot of work, business trips and nothing between now and the next 45+ days.
But just tonight, I had an epiphany. I DO have something to look forward to, and it's coming this Friday to a theater near you. I just can't wait!
But just tonight, I had an epiphany. I DO have something to look forward to, and it's coming this Friday to a theater near you. I just can't wait!
7/09/2008
Give Credit Where Credit is Due
I wrote to United Customer Service about the frustration with the cancelled flight, lost luggage and unexpected hotel charge in Toronto. (I also eluded to the fact I am very perturbed by their checked baggage policy.) Anyway, I thought I would let you know United has given us $200 in travel vouchers, which is nice. (Of course we spent $129+ tax on our hotel room so really they are only giving us $50 or so.) Regardless, my "you treat customers like dirt" line must have gotten through to them.
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