Posts
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Just Some Warm Water and A Morsel of Food
While in Chicago I had the distinct privilege of visiting SugarLocks National Headquarters. Many of you know that I adamantly support this venue. Jennifer Cantu, owner and designer is my dear friend and cousin in law. She occasionally calls on me for Marketing assistance and I can't tell you how much fun it is to put my creativity to use for such precious apparel and accessories.
Grandma and Papa were putting Sophia and Juliet to bed that evening so I was on my own for some girl time.
I walked into the corporate headquarters and there sat Portillo's! A grilled to perfection chicken sandwich for me complete with the thickest saltiest fries, ice cold lemonade and the world's best kept secret--a slice of chocolate heaven. Combine this with the presence of her mom and our 84 year old grandma- it was the perfect setting. 3 generations of woman settled around a welcoming wood table and ready to do what we do best. Talk. Communicate. Tell stories. Each of us of talking over the other, strongly sharing our opinions.
Jennifer finished a phone conversation and suddenly popped up. With authority she grabbed her keys and loudly demanded, "Tracy, get in the car!"
What in the world, I thought. Why are we leaving the table of news, laughs and advice?
It could only be one thing. She wanted me alone so she could share the news.
She was pregnant with her 4th child!
Feeling like a failure, I hurriedly grabbed my purse and followed her out to the car.
My God, how does she do it? 3 children under 5, a wildly successful business and now pregnant AGAIN?
We hopped into the Expedition outfitted with fancy SugarLocks.com font on the windows and sped off.
For once, I sat quietly. In self reflection, you might say. How can I do more? What is my life's passion? Should I sacrifice sleep in attempt to fit more undetermined activities into my life?
She amazes and motivates me. Her world is an ever deep pool of new product ideas, positioned grandly.
Kindly, she interrupts my feelings of self loathe and shares that we are headed to Cabela's to grab some bait for her husband-- who is taking the kids fishing in the morning.
Apparently her tone and restless exit were due to the store closing in 10 minutes. We had to get there. An empty house for a morning could mean countless orders being filled for SugarLocks.
I have her on such a high pedestal that I immediately assume anything she has to share with me involves lofty accomplishments.
Jennifer is not pregnant.
I relax and regain acceptance of my life.
We enter the store talking over each other a mile a minute. Again, not hearing a single word of the stories we are sharing, but somehow laughing and enjoying the time.
She barely takes a breathe to order her 3 dozen minnows. A quick glance at the ostentatious tank reveals that most of the fish have passed.
"Excuse me, sir. Most of your fish have passed on."
Jennifer interjects with the obvious. "Tracy, don't you know they are used as bait. It doesn't matter."
"Yes, mam. They don't eat."
Well, obviously there is a challenge to solve here and I am all over this one.
"Why don't they eat?" I snap to the gentleman.
"The water is too cold and it slows down their metabolism" states Ramsey -- shying away from eye contact.
This poor high school boy was in for it now.
Try to follow me Ramsey....I talk fast as it is, but now I am really on fire.
"Logically speaking, wouldn't cold water speed up your metabolism? Your body is working harder to keep you warm and using more energy....thus you would be hungrier."
"Well, I suppose. It doesn't really matter because we turn them over in a day."
"You are telling me that you sell this entire aquarium of fish in a single day and then replenish it in the morning."
"Well, not all of them."
"Ramsey, are you nourishing the fish?"
"I try, but they won't eat."
If only I had my sister here. The vegetarian, animal activist would have much less tolerance for this situation than I and most likely, a more attractive debate.
Jennifer stepped back with her mix of live and dead bait as Ramsey lowered his hat over his head. This all in response to my berating lecture. Of course I understand that they will die at the mouth of a fish, but don't they deserve at a minimum, a dignified death?
Ramsey, a pleasant high school boy, just earning some spending money. I turn on heel, but not before thanking him for trying to feed the fish. He is not responsible for this.
By the time we pay for our little water creatures, I am feeling better. I will continue to share my unsolicited opinions where I feel necessary with the hope of encouraging others to question our "status quo."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
When All Else Fails....Strip.
Friday afternoon I kissed the girls goodbye and took the Metra Train into the city for 29 hours of delicious ME time.
The agenda was ambitious.
Friday:
First appearance: Maggiano's on State Street for an AT&T retirement dinner.
Second viewing: Hosting Michelle's surprise baby shower at Georgia's condo in the south loop.
Third and final coming out: Vertigo Night Club
Saturday:
Wake up as expeditiously as possible so as to not miss a minute sitting at Cosi Bagels and people watching over peppermint hot chocolate and an everything bagel lightly toasted with my sister. Catch a cab to Wrigley Field for a sky box seat to watch the Cubs get pummeled by the Minnesota Twins.
The ambiance of Wrigley Field still leaves me in awe. You truly cannot tell if the Cubs have been defeated or have been deemed victors for the day---the crowd is always happy, energetic and full of support. It was impossible to catch a cab after the game so I spent about an hour just walking South with the crowds. A cool, but sunny day. Buses zooming past with exhaust fumes. Patrons hanging out of bars, crowding the streets. I walked past our old apartment on Belmont and Racine and thought back to our "DINK" days. I had about 1 hour before my train back to New Lenox. I enjoyed this time at the Old Town Art Fair with Amy and her friends. A table full of relaxation, laughter and ease. A large jug of "jungle juice" made the perfect center piece.
At one point Amy's friend said "On the count of three, we will all interact." Everyone had been heads down fully engrossed on their Iphones.
FaceBooking.
Texting.
There's always someplace better to be, isn't there?
The cab pulled up to Maggiano's early evening on Friday. I exited one long leg and again admired the fantastic heels adorning my feet. A fitted silk dress and clutch purse completed my presentation.
After receiving a promise to drive safely I paid the cabbie and took a moment to just stand on the corner and take it all in.
Sweet Home Chicago.
Living in quiet suburbia you easily forget the blaring horns, packed streets and luminescent lights of big city.
It makes you feel alive.
My dear AT&T friend (and old boss), John did not announce my trip into The Windy City.
I was to be the surprise guest!
We were honoring Kim and Chris in their retirement and I haven't seen them in about 6 years.
The floor was mine.
All eyes were on me and everyone wanted to know how Jason and I were doing in The Land of Texas.
I proceeded with my standard explanation of the pride Jason takes in his HR work with the company, but is currently working torturous hours as union negotiations continue. I was curious as to why my fact filled explanation of the plights was met with peculiar looks. I continued on. And on. Healthcare is an issue. Etc....Etc....Etc.
It finally occurred to me that everyone in that room was an AT&T employee.
I stopped, laughed and said, but you guys probably already know all this SINCE YOU WORK THERE.
KNOW. YOUR. AUDIENCE. TRACY.
Nice.
I moved to another social circle. I had to redeem the intellect that I previously took for granted!
My Iphone was being passed around the room. Everyone wanted to see pictures of Sophia and Juliet.
Suddenly I heard a shout, "Oh my gosh, Tracy, you look great!"
I responded with "You are sweet, Rosa, thank you" while wondering how a picture of me got on my iphone. I would certainly never turn the phone around and point the camera at me.
It came to me.
The room was in slow motion as my body heated up in horror.
I would certainly need a reapplication of my Soft n Dry before the next evening event.
I engulfed on the group as they viewed not 1, but 2 pictures of me in a bikini.
65 year old men I worked with, former bosses, ridiculously intelligent colleagues, all executives.
Nope, I don't usually have SOPHIA take photos of me. In fact, with this one time exception, she is not even allowed to touch my phone.
However, since bearing 2 babies I am paralyzed in making any fashion decisions without the aid of my sister. I had to email these photos to her immediately!
The Victoria Secret package arrived at my parents house and when I tried on the bikini I was wildly disappointed that I looked nothing like the picture in the catalog.
Wasn't I supposed to look just like the intoxicatingly beautiful girl wearing that ensemble on the beach?
Yes, the intention was to redeem myself as the formidable, undaunted, intelligent manager they knew years ago.
As my cab pulled out, I could only assume the shock and awe strategy worked.
The agenda was ambitious.
Friday:
First appearance: Maggiano's on State Street for an AT&T retirement dinner.
Second viewing: Hosting Michelle's surprise baby shower at Georgia's condo in the south loop.
Third and final coming out: Vertigo Night Club
Saturday:
Wake up as expeditiously as possible so as to not miss a minute sitting at Cosi Bagels and people watching over peppermint hot chocolate and an everything bagel lightly toasted with my sister. Catch a cab to Wrigley Field for a sky box seat to watch the Cubs get pummeled by the Minnesota Twins.
The ambiance of Wrigley Field still leaves me in awe. You truly cannot tell if the Cubs have been defeated or have been deemed victors for the day---the crowd is always happy, energetic and full of support. It was impossible to catch a cab after the game so I spent about an hour just walking South with the crowds. A cool, but sunny day. Buses zooming past with exhaust fumes. Patrons hanging out of bars, crowding the streets. I walked past our old apartment on Belmont and Racine and thought back to our "DINK" days. I had about 1 hour before my train back to New Lenox. I enjoyed this time at the Old Town Art Fair with Amy and her friends. A table full of relaxation, laughter and ease. A large jug of "jungle juice" made the perfect center piece.
At one point Amy's friend said "On the count of three, we will all interact." Everyone had been heads down fully engrossed on their Iphones.
FaceBooking.
Texting.
There's always someplace better to be, isn't there?
The cab pulled up to Maggiano's early evening on Friday. I exited one long leg and again admired the fantastic heels adorning my feet. A fitted silk dress and clutch purse completed my presentation.
After receiving a promise to drive safely I paid the cabbie and took a moment to just stand on the corner and take it all in.
Sweet Home Chicago.
Living in quiet suburbia you easily forget the blaring horns, packed streets and luminescent lights of big city.
It makes you feel alive.
My dear AT&T friend (and old boss), John did not announce my trip into The Windy City.
I was to be the surprise guest!
We were honoring Kim and Chris in their retirement and I haven't seen them in about 6 years.
The floor was mine.
All eyes were on me and everyone wanted to know how Jason and I were doing in The Land of Texas.
I proceeded with my standard explanation of the pride Jason takes in his HR work with the company, but is currently working torturous hours as union negotiations continue. I was curious as to why my fact filled explanation of the plights was met with peculiar looks. I continued on. And on. Healthcare is an issue. Etc....Etc....Etc.
It finally occurred to me that everyone in that room was an AT&T employee.
I stopped, laughed and said, but you guys probably already know all this SINCE YOU WORK THERE.
KNOW. YOUR. AUDIENCE. TRACY.
Nice.
I moved to another social circle. I had to redeem the intellect that I previously took for granted!
My Iphone was being passed around the room. Everyone wanted to see pictures of Sophia and Juliet.
Suddenly I heard a shout, "Oh my gosh, Tracy, you look great!"
I responded with "You are sweet, Rosa, thank you" while wondering how a picture of me got on my iphone. I would certainly never turn the phone around and point the camera at me.
It came to me.
The room was in slow motion as my body heated up in horror.
I would certainly need a reapplication of my Soft n Dry before the next evening event.
I engulfed on the group as they viewed not 1, but 2 pictures of me in a bikini.
65 year old men I worked with, former bosses, ridiculously intelligent colleagues, all executives.
Nope, I don't usually have SOPHIA take photos of me. In fact, with this one time exception, she is not even allowed to touch my phone.
However, since bearing 2 babies I am paralyzed in making any fashion decisions without the aid of my sister. I had to email these photos to her immediately!
The Victoria Secret package arrived at my parents house and when I tried on the bikini I was wildly disappointed that I looked nothing like the picture in the catalog.
Wasn't I supposed to look just like the intoxicatingly beautiful girl wearing that ensemble on the beach?
Yes, the intention was to redeem myself as the formidable, undaunted, intelligent manager they knew years ago.
As my cab pulled out, I could only assume the shock and awe strategy worked.
Monday, May 25, 2009
It Only Takes A Spark....To Get A Fire Going
A few months ago a girl was walking into Sophia's school carrying a Trader Joe's Recyclable Bag. I quickly approached her and over excitedly asked her where Trader Joe's was in the Dallas area.
"There are none. I'm from California and I miss it so much!"
When we first moved to San Antonio and discovered the absence of the organic reasonably priced best ever branded food, I immediately researched franchising information. Planting one of these great novelties in Austin would very quickly allow for the early retirement Jason dreams of.
What pleasure it would be to send this email:
We've Moved (Yes, Again!)
The Parrott Family
1234 Ocean Avenue A
Maui, HI 84512
I grew up celebrating Earth Day every April.
My sister and I would run screaming down the big open hill. Long, skinny legs with stringy hair to match working as fast as it could to catch the over sized striped ball that tumbled in front of us. Environmental exhibits and carnival type food at every turn.
We looked forward to it.
We are growing up with our Dad, after all. Nicknamed Mocassin Mike by his friends.
An avid environmentalist, canoeist and outdoors man who embraced the green concept long before it was en vogue.
He enjoys retirement now and bikes most places for exercise. I sit typing in his office looking at a calendar full of volunteer activities, article submission deadlines, botany classes, etc. I am surrounded by fossils, awards and a lamp shade full of bugs.
I never could muster the courage to trap a half dead scorpion in vinegar for my Dad's collection. Tiffany doesn't live in San Antonio anymore either. She's the only one I know who might do this for me.
I am not sure he'll ever get one. Maybe I'll FB Courtney. She's brave.
Last week Trader Joe's installed a bike rack.
Trader Joe's ---smack dab in the middle of bustling suburbia surrounded by malls, movie theatres, restaurants and main roads.
They told my Dad he was their inspiration.
We don't need to gather the masses. We don't need an outcry. We don't even need words.
We can make this world a better place by living out our passion. And then sit back and watch it all fall into place around us.
"There are none. I'm from California and I miss it so much!"
When we first moved to San Antonio and discovered the absence of the organic reasonably priced best ever branded food, I immediately researched franchising information. Planting one of these great novelties in Austin would very quickly allow for the early retirement Jason dreams of.
What pleasure it would be to send this email:
We've Moved (Yes, Again!)
The Parrott Family
1234 Ocean Avenue A
Maui, HI 84512
I grew up celebrating Earth Day every April.
My sister and I would run screaming down the big open hill. Long, skinny legs with stringy hair to match working as fast as it could to catch the over sized striped ball that tumbled in front of us. Environmental exhibits and carnival type food at every turn.
We looked forward to it.
We are growing up with our Dad, after all. Nicknamed Mocassin Mike by his friends.
An avid environmentalist, canoeist and outdoors man who embraced the green concept long before it was en vogue.
He enjoys retirement now and bikes most places for exercise. I sit typing in his office looking at a calendar full of volunteer activities, article submission deadlines, botany classes, etc. I am surrounded by fossils, awards and a lamp shade full of bugs.
I never could muster the courage to trap a half dead scorpion in vinegar for my Dad's collection. Tiffany doesn't live in San Antonio anymore either. She's the only one I know who might do this for me.
I am not sure he'll ever get one. Maybe I'll FB Courtney. She's brave.
Last week Trader Joe's installed a bike rack.
Trader Joe's ---smack dab in the middle of bustling suburbia surrounded by malls, movie theatres, restaurants and main roads.
They told my Dad he was their inspiration.
We don't need to gather the masses. We don't need an outcry. We don't even need words.
We can make this world a better place by living out our passion. And then sit back and watch it all fall into place around us.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
It's Probably Time To Start Making Your Resolutions for 2010
My Exposures package just arrived! All 100 imprinted holiday cards, complete with bows, gold foiled envelopes and stickers to attach our yet to be taken family photo.
You do know that by Memorial Day all the holiday cards are in their final phase of markdown.
Why not send the very best for 80% off?
Third Time Is A Charm
The Parrott Girls are boarding the plane come hell or high water this time around!
Ok, the only way we are not the boarding the plane this time is if I am the one with a 103 degree fever!
The planning continues....we've got multiple Cubs Games, baby showers, 2 First Birthday Parties for Juliet, sushi dates, palm reading parties, Lincoln Park Zoo, photo shoots for SugarLocks and meeting tons of old friends for coffee, drinks and or barbequing-- thanks to FB.
It shocks me how 5 weeks fills up!
Can't wait to see ya'll!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Kicking Off Summer 2009
A freshly mowed lawn, the setting sun, dozens upon dozens of families, pets, friends and young lovers all coziest up on blankets made for a picture perfect opening night!
Our town hosts Summer Sounds every Monday evening with alternating local musicians.
If last night was any indication of the level of entertainment we will have in Summer 2009, then I am over the moon excited! The activities for kids left little to be desired. Games, bubbles and extra large balls could be seen eminating from the 4 year old mosh pit as one friend so accurately described it. I took great pleasure in watching Sophia dance as hard as she could to cover songs from Counting Crows, John Mayer, U2 and yes, even Jakob Dylan (a.k.a. my pretend boyfriend).
Most of our friends have babies getting ready to walk or just newly tapping their feet to the ground so the majority of our conversations went unfinished as we "protected" our little adventurers from the oversized canine on the blanket next to us, choking hazard upon choking hazard or from pulling strollers down on themselves.
This stage goes so fast and by next opening season my little dolly will be down in the mosh pit.
I fully expect a bright display of her second born child strength and stamina.
As Juliet and I walked through the crowds I sang along with the band. I honestly knew the word to every song. They are all hits from my last two years of college that we played over and over again in the Pub II over drafts, darts and good company. Enjoying the moment while simultaneously contemplating our future.
Sophia continued to dance and I to sing. The warm, fresh air was intoxicating.
My little bambino and I admired all the young couples sipping wine and slowly eating tasty delicacies from Market Street.
We admired the blankets full of kids and every Gerber snack on the market. Puffs, Lil Crunchies, Fruit Bars, etc.
We stopped to pet a gorgeous 120 lb. midnight black Great Dane with the longest legs and tallest ears you've ever seen.
She picked and ingested more freshly mowed grass than a usual day.
I walked her back to our own pool of assorted Gerber delights and exclaimed to my friend that I was having the best time ever!
She looked at her watch and said, "Yes, but it's 8:00 already and we have to get going now."
I can easily forgive her for knocking me off my love fest for my new town.
She showed up with a bag full of chocolate covered caramel popcorn with pecans and marshmallows drizzled in white chocolate.
That's a decent friend.
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