J. Fricke's Rants, Raves and Random Ramblings...

Channeling my inner Tiger...

2008-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I played golf with 12 of my co-workers. I was a little nervous as I am not a great golfer but it turned out to be a really good time! I've only been playing for about a year and have managed to take a couple lessons, pick up a couple clubs, get a super cute golf bag (thanks to my man's great taste) and of course get some cute golf outfits. My motto is if you can't golf like a pro you might as well look like one. Lucky for me, we decided to play best ball. My friend Alan and I decided to name our team the "PAAAAAAAAARRRR Two's" it made for an afternoon full of beer drinking, golfing and pirate speak! The best part of the day was that we actually beat the other teams playing best ball! We finished with an 86 and I even made some sweet shots!! Tiger better watch out! As soon as the PGA Tour opens up for "Best Ball" players I am SO there!

Ice Cream: It's not always a sweet treat....

2008-07-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

I had one of my top 10 most embarrassing moments happen to me this past Friday. That's right, I said TOP TEN. Those who have spent 5 minutes with me know I am ALWAYS doing something embarrassing. What makes this experience rate is not only the embarrassing factor but the ego blow that accompanied it.

My department and I decided to enjoy the beautiful weather and walk to get some ice cream. We all ordered the same flavor and size. The ice cream man dished out all our orders and handed them out making small talk with each of my co-workers. However, when the ice cream man handed me my ice cream he decided to yell "OH LOOK AT THE BIG ICE CREAM FOR THE BIG GIRL!!!" That's right kids. He called me a big girl while handing me a cup of ice cream (with sprinkles) in front of about 15 other patrons. I then had to endure stares from strangers with that shocked open mouth stare as if to say "Oh snap! Are you just going to take that?!". I even had a couple women say, "he meant tall honey".

I thought for a moment about firing something back at the stupid man but then though better of it. I opted to just walk away, shake my head, and of course eat my ice cream :)

Baby News!

2008-07-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

No, not me!!

My friend Allison just gave birth to her 3rd little boy at 4:05 am this morning!! Congrats!!! He weighted in at 8lbs 9ozs and little Dillon is happy and healthy! Good thing he was a week late because now he gets to share his birthday with GUY's baby girl...

Unfortunately, I am not kidding. Check out this link for the story...or you can just wait for it to hit Oprah.
http://perezhilton.com/2008-07-03-he-popped-it-out

Tick Tock, Tick Tock....

2008-07-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today won't end. Seriously. I feel like it is the last day of school and I am sitting here watching the minutes tick by....

The highlite of my day thus far was meeting John at the Sterling Grill for a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich and remembering that they have CHEAP water ice and grabbing a Blue Raspberry one for myself and a Mango one for my co-worker. So here I sit at my desk with bright blue lips, teeth and tounge counting down until 3pm.

Here is a fun website if you too are bored out of your skull: www.retrojunk.com

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses - but not for too long! Do you know how much those suckers cost?!

2008-06-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know me (not that anyone who reads this thing doesn't know me) I am getting married this November am in the midst of wedding planning. I have several bones to pick with the wedding industry in general but, I would like to focus on one particular aspect - flowers. What a freaking rip off! I had dreams of flame and mango colored Calla Lilies on all the tables. My future mother in law and I went to a wholesale flower shop and purchased the vases (at quite a bargain) and enough flowers for one center piece template. Here is what I came up with:

Personally, I think I did a pretty good job. John actually asked me who helped me (for you skeptics the answer is NO ONE - thank you very much). So what's the problem?
After we calculated the cost of this centerpiece then factored in the rise in the cost of Calla Lilies in November (this is sounding like a word problem) we discovered that those bad boys are going to cost a MINIMUM of $3.00 a stem! Highway robbery if you ask me! I am now on the search to find something to fill the vase and compliment the lilies. I was thinking of curly willow but am still in search....Any suggestions??

Broccoli vs PetSmart

2008-06-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Broccoli: 0 PetSmart: 1

Before:

After

I think he looks happy with his new summer haircut!

I think I pulled my Wii muscle...

2008-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is what Wii Fit Hula Hooping Looks like...very fun!

I am hooked. I must have one! My friend Dawn took her stimulus check and went straight to Toys R Us and purchased a Wii AND a Wii Fit. After making my "Mii" Dawn and I set off on a mini Wii adventure. Boxing, tennis, bowling, baseball, hula hooping, skiing...you name it! I am sore as hell and completely addicted. If any is looking for the perfect birthday present for me (since it is almost July 5th people) you can buy me a Wii or a Wii Fit - or both if you really love me!

If you need a job....

2008-06-18T19:05:00.001-07:00

don't interview with me! In the last 3 days I interviewed 9 people - ALL of them failed the pre-req test that we require. What are the odds?!

Special Olympics Pictures!

2008-06-17T14:35:00.001-07:00

Good Karma

2008-06-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

For the last four years John and I have volunteered at the Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games. In years past we have been just normal volunteers and have always worked as Bocce Officials (if you ever need a ruling just give me a buzz) but this year we got a promotion!

About a month ago Gary (who runs the show in Delaware) gave us a call and wanted to know if we would be in charge of communications and transportation for the games. In addition to the fancy title and power we also got snazzy dry fit shirts and radios to wear on our belts! It was a long, hot two days but as always a wonderful experience! I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fun way to give back! Pictures to come....

Moment of Truth

2008-06-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

So, here I sit in my hotel room in fabulous Langhorne, Pa watching a totally ridiculous show. Moment of Truth is a show on the Fox network. The whole idea sounds pretty harmless at first explanation - answer 13 questions honestly and win $100,000. Easy enough right? Not exactly. They pre-screen the contestant by asking them about 100 questions while hooked up to a lie detector machine. Then they select the most hurtful, damaging questions to ask them about friends, family, spouses, work, crimes they have committed etc. I have NO idea what these money hungry freaks are thinking! Is causing your husband's heart to break on television or throwing away a best friend's loyalty really worth $25,000?! It makes me sick to watch - but much like slowing down to stare at an accident on the highway I can't seem to help myself...

I'm Famous!

2008-06-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

You are looking at the voice of the new Delaware Claims Processing Facility phone system! I am so honored. I would like to start by thanking the Academy...

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

2008-06-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

My fiance John and I live in 100 year old row home in a great city neighborhood in Wilmington. The neighborhood is full of old charm, gay men and people who really care about the way the neighborhood looks. We have block parties, yard sales, progressive dinners and community meetings. All in all it is a great place to live.

This spring John and I decided to put a little extra effort into our tiny backyard and our front porch. John has spend HOURS pouring over our lawn (pictures to come). I am in charge of all things that flower. I even went out and purchased a little table and chair set for our front porch so we could enjoy the spring & summer evenings outside.

This evening I decided to take some work out onto my "new and improved" front porch to finish up. With in 1 minute I had 7 kids, ranging in age from 3 to 10 years old on my porch talking to me. Here is how the conversation went:

Them: "Do you live here?"
Jen: "Sure do."
Them:"Is that your dog? Does he bite? Does he poop on the floor?"
Jen: "Yes. No. No, he poops in the backyard."
Them: "What do you do with the poop?"
Jen: "What do you mean? I throw it away."
Them: "Oh. I go to school you know. Do you work?"
Jen: "That's good. What grade are you in? Yes, I work"
Them: "Can I go in your house?"
Jen: "No. What grade are you in?"
Them: "I want to go in your house. Why can't I go in your house?"
Jen: "Because I said so. Why don't you guys go play..."
Them: "We are playing. When are your neighbors getting home? Do you have a key to their house?"
Jen: "Oh. I have no idea and no I don't have a key."
Them: "Can we have a snack? Do you have cable? What's that candle for? Who lives here with you? Do you got kids?"

At this point my next door neighbor came out to see why I was holding kid court on my porch and rescued me. The kids left but not before telling me they would come visit me again and we could "kick it". This is going to be an interesting summer...

13.1 - Again

2008-06-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Christie has talked me into running the Philly Distance Run this Sept. This will be my second half marathon this year and although I am nervous about training in the summer heat I am really looking forward to doing another one! In light of this decision I thought I would post the following lessons learned:

13.1 things I learned while training/running for my first 1/2 marathon:

1. Long training runs are always better with a friend.
2. A pedicure after/before a long run is a really bad idea.
3. Power Bar Gel Shots are like glue and should only be consumed with water. If you choose to risk it be prepared to have that crap all over your face (the chocolate kind looks especially nasty).
4. An ice cold soak in the tub isn't as terrible as it sounds.
5. Running near geese is really scary - they will chase you and hiss.
6. Don't try any new foods the day before or on the day of your race that might make you have to poop. You do NOT want to have to poop in the woods.
7. Don't strap your chip to your wrist - it needs to be on your ankle to register your time (learned that one the hard way).
8. Always smile coming across the finish line - even if you feel like you want to puke - there will be a camara guy there and your picture will end up on the web (trust me on that one).
9. Chaffing sucks.
10. Body Glide is a wonderful product - see number 9
11. Don't trip the 11 year old who just passed you going up the hill. They will be puking at the top when you get to pass them.
12. It is better to pee in the woods than try to hold your pee while you run.
13.1 Running and drinking water out of a cup is a good way to get water up your nose.

He may not be wearing his own pants but...

2008-05-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Manny is definately doing something right!
Welcome to the 500 club! How I love those BoSox!

Latte People

2008-05-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

I visit the Sugarfoot (an over priced little bistro) in my building every morning. I love that as soon as I walk in they are pouring my large cup of turbo coffee. They know my name, my order, and that before I have my cup of joe in hand I am not ready to indulge them in long conversations about what's on the TV, the weather or anything else for that matter. This is usually a pleasant, fast process - UNLESS I am stuck behind "Latte People". Nothing irks me more than having 10 minutes to get to a meeting while itching, like a true addict, for my caffeine fix while being stuck behind a couple of people ordering "fat free, mocha, raspberry, mint, double shots with whipped cream". Who needs coffee's version of an ice cream sundae at 8 am?!

Memorial Day - An Annual Reminder to Wear Sunscreen

2008-05-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

I could not have asked for better weather this Memorial Day weekend!! We had a crazy busy but really fun weekend. Here is how it all went down:

Sat: John and I decided to have another "Date Day". We woke up around 10 am (which was glorious) and headed over to ihop for breakfast. That's right, we started our date at ihop because really, what's a date with out a "fresh and fruity" start?! After ihop we headed back, did some yard work and took the Broccoli Dog for a swim and run. We hit up the new Indy movie (which was awesome) and followed it with a slamming dinner at Moro. Meg had given us a gift certificate when we got engaged and still had yet to use it! Thanks Meg for a great dinner :)

Sun: We did a little running around but the high lite of the day was hitting up the Blue Rocks Baseball game with Dan, Lucy, Joe, Shannon and Bella. The Blue Rocks won by a landslide and they followed the game with fireworks! What's better than baseball, beer, a corn dog and fireworks?!

Mon: We bought a grill! A Webber Q 200 with the stand and cover etc. It is a small but great little gas grill. Perfect for row home city living. After putting the grill together (and not blowing myself up - which I am quite proud of) I plopped myself in a chair with some US Weekly and People magazines and proceeded to remind myself of why Irish people should wear sunscreen. We wrapped up the evening with burgers, corn on the cob, hot dogs etc. All in all a great long weekend!

Hilarious!

2008-05-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Time Wasted...

2008-05-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

I hate waiting on late people. It's no secret. My friends, family and co-workers all know about this major pet peeve. I go so far as to tell the chronically late that our meeting times are 30 minutes earlier than they really are just to make sure they are on time. Am I a tad too anal about this? Perhaps. But can anyone honestly say they don't mind having their time wasted? Not this girl! Today is a perfect example. I am a corporate trainer in a fast paced and some what insane claims processing facility. I am the only trainer for our 350 plus staff and we work in a world of policy changes, new hires and memos - all of which require training. This was an off week for me. That means no new hire training. This is usually an awesome thing for me. I get a week to do some random training and develop some new policy stuff. Don't get me wrong, I love training new hire classes but having a new hire class practically every week since early March has become a little boring. So, this week I had a whole bunch of meetings and trainings jammed into my schedule and all was going smoothly...until today. I won't bore you with all the details but it involved 5 meetings where people were late, the rooms were double booked, my webinar that I was running that was scheduled on my calendar at 10am was really 10am CHICAGO time...it was like that all day.

Once I left the office things got better - had a great workout, got pedicures and sushi with the girls and came home to a completely vacuumed house (thanks hon!!). Life doesn't get much better than that!

Wedding Weekend!

2008-05-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my Dad married his long time girlfriend Terry. They have been together for about 12 or 13 years at this point. The wedding was up in Hartford so on Thursday John and I hopped in the "Trusty Honda" and off we went!

Thursday evening was spend eating at this awesome spot in the south end of Hartford called "The First and Last". Fabulous food, great wine and a slamming bread pudding for dessert. All in all a great meal with family! What made the evening even better was the fact we were back to the hotel in time to catch Lost...

Friday was wedding day! Kim and I headed out got all dolled up. We hit up this nice salon that came highly recommended. They did a great job but when we got up to pay they looked at my funny when I handed them my Visa. "Cash or personal checks only". WHAT?!?! What high end salon is cash only?! Thank god I had my checkbook or Kim and I would have been giving perms and sweeping up hair until we worked off our updos. We met the boys and my Dad back at the hotel so we could follow my Dad to Elizabeth Park in Hartford - that was quite a ride. Mental note - when my Dad is amped do not try to follow him through rush hour traffic. The man was bobbing and weaving and even went up on the shoulder. It was a wild ride. The wedding was lots of fun! Kim and I gave a kick ass toast - jokes, a little sap and some embarrassing stories about our Dad made for a nice start to the party. Much drinking, eating and dancing followed!

Saturday was a follow up party - this is how my family rolls. My Dad's frat brothers from 40 years ago were there in full force. Yet another evening of drinking, eating and walks down memory lane. All in all a great night!

Enjoy some pictures from the weekend...

Let's get this party started!

2008-05-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone I know has a blog these days so I have decided to hop on the party train and see what happens! I am full of stupid stories, random thoughts and a little quirky madness that just might be pure entertainment to someone else....hope I don't put anyone to sleep.