Last night I became a part of history. My participation in a event will go into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Groupon Presents: Ferris Bueller at Wrigley Field. The movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was released on June 11, 1986 and this year marks it's 25th anniversary.
According to the Associated Press, via NBCSports, around 10,000 Chicagoans showed up to a screening of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Saturday night at Wrigley Field. History was broken last night when all guests (including myself and my man) at Wrigley Field when we all sang the film's memorable anthem, "Danke Scheon." Danke Schoen was first recorded by..... anyone? anyone? Bert Kaempfert but became famous when Wayne Newton recorded his version.
You know the song right? How can you not? This might help you remember.
Aside from breaking a world record last night, the Wrigley Field movie screening was the kickoff of a larger event series by Groupon, called "Groupon Presents." "Groupon Presents" which entails showcasing the coolest stuff in local culture and entertainment. From concerts with up-and-coming bands to fashion shows by emerging designers, "Groupon Presents" gives subscribers exclusive access to new talent and treasured hometown gems in unforgettable ways.
These experiences can pop up anytime, which will keep subscriber's on their toes so they can be ready to jump on unbelievable opportunities when they least expect them. Much like the exposure Groupon provides local merchants, the "Groupon Presents" event series provides artists with a platform to garner valuable attention and gives audiences a new avenue to support rising talent in their city. The Wrigley Field event is only the beginning, and I cannot wait to see what is next.
Last night's event was the unveiling of this new and fun concept. Seeing people wearing Groupon sweatbands, shirts, green glow sticks with Groupon's logo on it- I couldn't help but feel pride. Even four months after joining the Groupon family, I still find myself taken aback that I work for such an innovative, fun, creative, and driven corporation. Every day I learn something new, get to work with individuals who are doing some incredible things at their organizations, and I help give Groupon subscriber's the chance to connect to their city in a philanthropic way.
Groupon is breaking records. Groupon is creating new ways to make exploring your city or any city that much more enjoyable. Groupon is giving businesses the chance to constantly engage and create relationships with their consumers. "Groupon Presents" is just one more way we are creating unforgettable experiences. Even though I am apart of the Groupon family, I attended last night's event as a fan of the movie and a excited Chicagoan to be able to participate in such a historical/unique event.
Like the quote from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, life goes by fast, too fast, and it is important to enjoy and try new experiences. That is what I love about Groupon and why others do too. They allow people like myself the chance to explore, try, and experience things. I know people will be talking about last night's event for a long time, and I can say I was THERE.
Are you in a Guinness Book of World Records? Would you ever want to be apart of history? What do you think about Groupon Presents?
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while you could miss it." ~ Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
It is almost hard to believe that a decade has passed since the tragic day of 9/11. 10 years seems like a long time, but for me, I still remember exactly where I was and how I felt when I first heard of the news.
10 years ago yesterday, I was sitting in my 2nd period with my choir class when the announcement came on from our principal saying we needed to turn on our televisions. Minutes after my teacher turned on the TV, me and my peers watched the second plane crash into the second World Trade Center Tower. All I remember feeling at that moment was horror and pure sadness. People running in the streets, smoke pouring out of the buildings. My school kept the TV's on all day so we could watch all the occurrences unfold. When I saw the second plan crash into the second tower, it is still a moment I will never forget. I will always remember where I was and howI felt when I first found out about the attacks taking place on our Country. All I could think about was how helpless I felt. All I could do was watch what was happening and not be able to do anything.
Even today, 10 years later, I still cannot begin to fathom how much our world was turned upside down at 8:53am on September 11th. That this one day, our Country split into two different worlds- before 9/11 and after 9/11. This event changed the way our Country runs, the saying "love thy neighbor" took a whole new meaning, and safety & security went to a whole new height.
In honor and remembrance of 9/11, I spent most of my morning watching a number of 9/11 tribute TV series both about the heroes, the loss of loved ones with stories from families, and the rebuilding and engineering of the new World Trade Center and the 10th Anniversary Memorial.
I watched a moving piece by NOVA on the engineering of Ground Zero. Here is a summary of the video. The show talked about the design of these two memorial fountains and how the architect behind the design, came up with this moving and powerful memorial that would be officially dedicated in a special ceremony for victims' families.
The 9/11 Memorial is located at the site where the former World Trade Center Towers once stood. The memorial fountains occupy approximately half of the 16-acre site with beautiful trees surrounding the memorial. This landmark was designed by Michael Arad, a partner at Handel Architects. The memorial consists of a waterfall cascading into a reflecting pool. On the exterior of the cascading water, are the names of the lives that were lost on this tragic day, all grouped together based on where their lives were lost. (read more about the memorial)
In case you missed it, I highly recommend you watch both President George W. Bush's Flight 93 Memorial Speech and President Obama's 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial Speech. The words they both expressed during their speeches are not only moving but are good reminders of what acts of courage and strength were done on 9/11. Their speeches capture all emotions from this day and helped me reconnect to the events that happened and how they have changed our lives forever.
Every year I will continue to remember what happened on this day and how many lives were affected by this tragedy. I feel like our generations have a duty to keep the memories and emotions tied to this day alive. When my children learn about 9/11 in their studies, I will make sure they truly understand how affect the day had on our Country and how my life was "changed" because of it.
Where were you on September 11th, 2001? Do you remember how you felt? What did you do yesterday to remember this tragic day? How will you continue to remember and preserve this monumental event in your lifetime?
Hello faithful followers!! I am so sorry I have been so M.I.A. There is so much I want to tell you but have had no time to blog. I know I know, lame excuse. The thing I can tell you is that I have made a big change in my life recently. I followed my heart and took my life to a new direction. I closed one chapter of my life and have now started a new chapter. The change I am referring to is a career change.
After working for the same organization for almost three years, I grew tired and yearning for change. I was hungry for new challenges, experiences, environment and work dynamic so I put myself out there to see what would bite. After months of patience, determination, networking and ambition, I landed a new job. A job that I desperately wanted and can still not believe it is mine.
If there are only a few things you ever take from reading my blog, I hope you try to remember this piece of advise. Life fly's by and it is important that you try to live each moment to the fullest. For the majority of your life, you will spend it working and sleeping. Depressing I know, but it is true. If work is really a place and thing we spend a large part of our lives doing, then why not try to make sure it is something you enjoy? Something you look forward too? At the end of every day, I would like for everyone to have peace of mind knowing that they are doing and/or learning things that interest them, have meaning, or better yet, enjoy doing.
Our careers become a part of us and I hope that you never lose sight of your hopes and dreams. It is never too late to take a risk with your career and try something new. Speaking from experience, this career move and change was a hard decision to make because I do love my team and enjoyed working with them. However, I had to look out for #1 (myself) and do what is best for me.
Now, I wake up every morning with my spring back in my step, excitement in my eyes, and I love what I am doing. My new job allows me to do "good" every day. I get to work with a variety of nonprofits and individuals who are mission driven, charitable people whose careers are focused on making a difference in the world somehow. Sure there will be good days and bad days, but that is life. There will always be good days and bad days to some extent and the most important thing is to make the most of them no matter what!
I promise that once I am allowed to go into more depth about what my change is and what I am doing now with my career, I will absolutely share it. Until then, I will try to get back onto my more regular blogging schedule.
To end this post, I want to thank you readers and followers. It has been a real honor sharing my life experiences, stories and thoughts with you. I hope you will continue to follow me and hopefully learn some things along the way. I want to not only continue to inspire myself but to inspire you in some way too.
Since December, three of my best friends have been popped the big question by the loves of their lives. The four words EVERY girl dreams about and excitedly awaits to hear one day, are "will you marry me?"
Being a girl, you fantasize about how the love of your life will surprise you and make your engagement truly special. Each proposal that my girlfriends received were romantic, sweet, and unique in their own ways. Their fiances not only made sure they surprised their soon-to-be-wives but do it in a way that was perfect for them.
Last Friday, I received a late night phone call from my childhood friend Sarah. I immediately grabbed my phone because I have always made a point in my friendships to always be there for my friends no matter what. As soon as I picked up my phone and said "Hi Sarah!!," the three words every best friend awaits to hear came immediately out of her mouth, " I AM ENGAGED!!" I was in shock. Shock not because I didn't know it was coming because I did. I was more in shock because I had been anticipating this day for years and years. I was in shock because her moment had finally arrived and my best friend Sarah had found the man of her dreams. Throughout our friendship, we have shed countless tears, moments of heartache, single nights out dancing, decisions to make, lengthy talks and moments of joy. No matter what she experienced, I knew her day would come when Mr. Perfect would fall into her life and he did.
Of course three minutes into the phone call I start to cry. Tears of joy, shock, excitement, happiness, and of love. I wanted to hear everything! How did he propose? What does the ring look like? As she told her story, I took in every word and placed it deep inside my memory box to never forget this moment. This was one of those moments a girl never forgets. The phone call I was envisioning receiving from the days we became best friends was actually happening.
Even now I am ECSTATIC for her and for Katlin and Karin. The men that have won their hearts and souls are the luckiest guys and I am confident they know that themselves. Sarah, Katlin and Karin are amazing, strong, loving, and independent women who deserve nothing but the best.
Love is such an amazing thing and when you are blessed to find that other half, everything becomes more beautiful and more full. Your heart and mind become forever changed in a way that is almost impossible to describe. There is nothing I want more for my girlfriends than for them to be in love and happy.
With Sarah being so far away, I have to wait to give her a big hug and kiss on the check. I can't tell her fiance how happy I am for them. How much I love him and how thrilled I am that he found Sarah. I wish I didn't have to wait to see her, to see the ring. I so desperately want to drink champagne and celebrate with her and show her how much I am happy for her. It makes me sad that I can't cuddle up next to her while she spills all the details more in depth. Even though I am far away and the scenario I had always envisioned is not possible, the fact that I received a phone call moments after the proposal, that to me means the most. I know no matter what that I am a part of this special and exciting time for her.
I feel so blessed and fortunate to have such amazing friends in my life and I am even more grateful that they love me as much as I love them. Girlfriends are a big piece in the puzzle called life and no matter how much we love our significant others, girlfriends fill those extra aspects in ways that a man never could. My girlfriends mean the world to me and I am love them with all of my heart. I cannot wait to be there for them during this time and to be a part of this next chapter of their lives.
I love you Sarah, Katlin and Karin, enjoy this exciting time in your lives and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Cheers to love, life, and happiness.
Being an older sibling, I have the privilege and opportunity to be a role model and supporter for my younger siblings. Of course I get to be a full-time Guinea pig for the most part but I also get to be so many other things. Being older I have insight, experiences, and advise to share with my siblings and during special occasions, the feeling of pride.
Friday, May 13th was a big day for the family. My immediate family and my Grandma traveled to the city of West Lafayette, IN to watch the only boy of our family walk across the stage to receive his diploma. Our Eric was becoming a graduate of Purdue University! As I was driving to Purdue, so many emotions and questions ran through me as I drove through little towns in between acres and acres of farmland. Feelings of pride, joy, happiness, excitement, worry, denial, sadness. Questions like: is he ready for the real world? Will he find a job that he truly loves? Where will he live? I know time will eventually put my worries to rest but I just can't help but be the big sister with her sisterly worries.
I had driven down these roads many times; both alone and with my family to see my brother. This drive was the final drive that I would be making to this town. That is when it really hit me. My baby brother is onto the next chapter of his life! (One of my favorite parts about the drive to West Lafayette if you take the IN-43 you will pass rows and rows of wind mills. They are unique and beautiful.)
It was almost hard to believe that five years had gone by and he would be entering into the real world. No more textbooks, late night's studying, or group projects for him to tackle. No more meals at the cafeterias, professor office hours, and college parties to attend. Instead he is journeying to the next chapter in life- adulthood. How quickly time has gone by and even though I know how fast I am growing up, I find myself forgetting at times that everyone else around me growing up too. When I think of my little brother (who is not little anymore), so many words and memories always come to mind. Even though he may be bigger and taller than me, I will always and forever be his older/big sister.
My brother and I are very close. Growing up and being only two years apart, we were each others playmates and at times turn into troublemakers. We were busy bodies together- always doing something and/or going somewhere. Being the big sister, I would entertain my little brother and spend countless hours by his side. From the day he was born, I was obsessed with him and knew he was someone special. I will never forget the hours we would spend playing and building with his LEGOS. Hours spent coloring on top of his bunk bed, laying on the couch watching our favorite Disney movies, building our legendary forts, and playing outside until dark. The memories with him are endless.
Looking back on those times, really makes me realize how lucky I am. I am a part of my brother's upbringing and contributed to him becoming the man he is in addition to watching him find his passion in life. His interest in building things was evident from the beginning and here he is, the little boy who would escape to his "work room" to build/fix anything and everything; that little boy is now a grown adult with a degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University under his belt. I could not be more happy and proud of him.
To my little brother, Eric: I am so incredibly proud of you in every way. It has been such a joy watching you grow up and become the man you are today. You have so much to look forward too in this next chapter of your life. I cannot wait to watch you flourish in the real world and see what amazing things you will do. No matter what bad times and good times that will come, know that you will always have your family by your side. Congratulations little brother, I am so proud of you.
I love you always and forever, Your Big Sister- Jeekaka. xoxo
Remember the days when you would sign onto AOL and you would get the modem sound. The sound you probably still have memorized and would still recognize it if you heard it today. You know the sound..... when your dial-connection goes through and the words, "You've Got Mail" come from a male's voice. Those were the days huh? Well the days back in the 90's but not anymore! Now technology has no dial-up sounds, instead we have notification sounds or images to alert us when our social media platforms have a new message. We don't have to wait for our connection to go through every time with sign on and off., instead we can stay signed-in for as long as we want. We can access and be in communication with people anytime, in any place, through multiple platforms all at the same time! How is that for system overload?
So what if I told you that social media changes people's lives? Changes lives in a way that you may not think possible? In a place, a community where you can engage, share information, and learn from people you have possibly never met face-to-face. Would you believe me or think I have a screw lose? In truth, this world/place/community happens to be called Twitterand it is forever changing the way we interact, engage and share information in today's society. So where am I going with this? Let me try to explain and show you what I mean.
Twittamentary:
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to go see a documentary that exemplifies how Twitter is changing the world and lives of others. The film is called Twittamentary; filmed and produced by Tan Siok Siok from Singapore, China. Brilliant, talented woman who too is infatuated by the power of Twitter and wanted to capture its power through film. (Most of the stories filmed were submitted to Siok Siok via Twitter).
Director- Tan Siok Siok
So what is Twittamentary and what does that word even mean?Twittamentary is a documentary about the popular micro-blogging service, Twitter, that is crowdsourced by social medians world wide. This film shares real-life stories of how Twitter works and is intertwined in our daily lives. Twitter accelerates serendipity. Bonds are forged as a result of unexpected encounters between strangers as they share moments of their lives in real time through the social media platform of Twitter.
Have you ever heard someone say, that they have been changed? Changed by an experience, interaction, or a moment? May be you have even told someone this before. I can honestly say that I had an experience, last Wednesday that "changed" me inside. The moment that really struck me deep inside my heart was when AnnMarie Walsh, one of the main featured stories throughout the film spoke at our screening in Chicago.
The Inspiring Story:
Her story is incredibly moving and made me fully see the real impact and influence Twitter has on others. AnnMarie was homeless in Chicago for over five+ years and was determined to find a way to get herself out of poverty. She began visiting the Chicago Public Library (since it is free) to use the internet and stay abreast of news and society. After seeing articles about Twitter in the newspaper day after day, AnnMarie wanted to see what it was for herself. She created a Twitter handle called @PadsChicago and began writing tweets about her thoughts and after time, people began to follow her. She began to receive tweets from followers asking her what they could do to help her. People wanted to send her items like clothes, blankets, food. Suddenly she found herself in a world where people were identifying her as someone in need of assistance. As a result, AnnMarie created a blog that is her "wish list" of items that she was in need of so people who wanted to help her could pick from her list. (hence creating her own micro-blogging service) (Even if you are not on Twitter, I highly recommend you see herTwitter profile and read her blog).
Photo by Paul Saini- AnnMarie Walsh
I don't want to spoil her story too much, but in short, she has used Twitter as a way to journal her journey from homelessness to being taken into Deborah's Place here in Chicago. Today, AnnMarie has been on Twitter for almost two years now and continuing to use Twitter to help not only herself but other homeless people throughout the country. AnnMarie came up with the Twitter handlePads Chicago, because homeless people really don't have a word, name, or term in common and she wanted it to be something homeless people could relate too. Eventually AnnMarie decided to use the word "Pads" because majority of homeless people sleep on a Pad. A Pad that they call their own. Pads Chicago- because AnnMarie lives in Chicago on a Pad ( before Deborah's Place). This is where it really struck me and even as I type now my heart drops..... Moving isn't it?
Today, AnnMarie's blog and Twitter handle, Pads Chicago, has become a site intended to serve as a tool to the homeless community, run by a homeless person (the one and only- AnnMarie Walsh herself). Homelessness is a fast growing problem facing our country in light of the current economic crisis. Pads Chicago contains resourceful information, downloads, links, and chat, including positive and negative feedback by members regarding their experiences. AnnMarie's outlook is to let people know about these issues and encourage everyone to work in a team effort to combat the homelessness problems and related issues our society faces. By AnnMarie sharing her story in this film, she is continuing to make an impact not only on the causes she addresses but how remarkable Twitter truly is.
Photo by Paul Saini at MorningStar Chicago
Photo by Paul Saini at MorningStar Chicago
Have I motivated you to want to see the film? Imagine how I felt after seeing this film. In two words- awe struck. For those of you who know me...... ILOVE Twitter. Seriously. I have what some Tweeters call a #TwitterCrush on Twitter. This film enhanced my love obsession with Twitter to a whole new level and I am perfectly okay with it. Even my boyfriend jokingly says I am dating Twitter because I spend more time engaged on Twitter than I do with him on a daily basis. I would love to see how many people grow more infatuated after seeing this documentary and/or how many people are motivated to join Twitter themselves after wards.
One of the biggest take-away points I received from watching this film is this. "Twitter has changed the way we do story-telling. It breaks the 4th wall. It shapes our identity."- Siok Siok.
"Twitter is not going to kill journalism it is just going to be part of it!" ~ quote from film- this was another aspect of Twitter that the film touches on. They featured the man, Janis Kruns who was on the scene when a plane crashed into the Hudson River. His photo and tweet was retweeted over a hundred times within an hour before the news went live on TV and radio. Crazy isn't it? Or may be you found out like most people about Bin Laden's death on Twitter before on TV?
This is turning into a REALLY long post and I apologize. As you can see I am clearly moved, passionate, and infatuated with the film #Twittamentary and the power of Twitter.
Final Thoughts and Comment:
The other cool thing about this film is that every person who was featured in the movie, Siok Siok had their Twitter handle on the film, so people watching the film were tweeting in real-time AT the person they were watching. I actually am following everyone in the film, some of who I have been following/engaging with prior to the screening. During the film, attendees were following the #Twittamentary hashtag (hence the # in front of Twittamentary in my post) and all tweeting during the screening using the hashtag. It was SO COOL. I was having conversations with people in the screening room at MorningStar Chicago with people I have never met face-to-face or followed on Twitter before the screening. Oh the power of Twitter.
Siok Siok has talked about the documentary being shown in upcoming film festivals and should you have the opportunity to see this film- PLEASE DO! I mean it. It will change your views and opinion of social media and Twitter. I promise you- if not I will send you a Starbucks gift card for a coffee on me.
My Questions To You:
With all of this being said, I would love to know your thoughts and comments about the documentary, the power of Twitter, etc. How do you view Twitter? Have you had a moment where you were awe struck by the impact Twitter has on today's society? Do you use Twitter? If so, what is your reasons for using this social platform? What's Your Twitter Story? I would love to hear from you....
* Special thanks to Paul Saini for allowing me to use your photos and for Siok Siok for creating this amazing film.
The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and I'm definitely going to be watching as well as dressing up! The Alyssa Pagano Foundation is hosting their 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser in memory of Alyssa. Alyssa was passionate about animals and children, so tomorrow all proceeds raised will be donated to the Children's Memorial Hospital and the Humane Society.
I have my outfit all picked out and I cannot WAIT to attend my first real Kentucky Derby party. It will be a fun day with friends all celebrating and commemorating Alyssa at her favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. I think this is a great way to be charitable and enjoy a special event! (Stay tuned for pictures!)
To get you into the Kentucky Derby spirit, I thought I would share some Derby Traditions.
Derby Hats and the Fashion: Beginning in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, affluent women arrived at the race wearing fashionable hats, gloves, and stylish dresses. Throughout the years, the tradition of Derby hats and feminine couture has endured, and perhaps, grown more colorful and expensive with each new season. This is really the main reason why I watch the Derby. To see the celebrities in their outfits. It is like a mini-fashion show and I have a feeling a lot of hats will be based off of the hats worn by the Royal Wedding attendees!
Today, women wear many styles of glamorous hats, along with a wide variety of dresses and suits. The feminine pageantry surrounding the race has become nearly as iconic as the horses on the field.
The Mint Julep: The Bourbon-charged “Mint Julep” is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and is composed of sugar syrup, fresh mint, crushed ice, and Kentucky bourbon. On race day, vendors weave through the crowds with fresh “Mint Juleps,” served in the commemorative annual Kentucky Derby glass. Want to learn how to make mint juleps at home- here's the recipe!
The Traditional Song: “My Old Kentucky Home.” As the Derby contenders are paraded before the crowd prior to the race, “My Old Kentucky Home” is played by the University of Louisville Marching Band
The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark.
Will you be watching the Kentucky Derby tomorrow? If so, what are your plans? Are you planning on dressing up? I would love to see pictures and hear your plans!
What girl doesn't imagine what their life would be like as a princess? Living the fabulous life of royalty and being with your loving, dreamy prince. I know I certainly did. Princesses were a HUGE part of my childhood. I would play dress-up in my princess clothes, idolize over the Disney princesses and play my favorite game- Pretty Pretty Princess with my friends. I would fantasize about my life being Princess Ariel (in case you didn't know, she is my favorite Disney princess) and what it would be like being with (imaginary) Prince Eric.
Even though those fantasy days are long gone and I am now an adult, I feel like my fairy-tale dream has come true in some ways. The crown, royalty and finances may not be there, but I do feel like I have found my prince Eric. I have even joked with my boyfriend saying he looks like Prince Eric. (He has dark hair and strong features like Prince Eric.) He adores me, loves me, and cares for me. He knows how to make me feel like a princess and treats me with love, respect, and devotion. All things that demonstrate my idea of what a real prince is really like.
Even now as we are in the final hours up to the Royal Wedding, my princess dreams remain somewhat intact and I am thrilled to be alive to see a real royalty wedding. Kate Middleton and Prince William have won the hearts of others around the world with their love, class, dedication, and fun-loving personalities. They have taken on the responsibilities of royalty and show no signs of slowing down. Friday marks an important day for not only Britain but for woman everywhere. We get to watch and fantasize as Kate Middleton walks down to the aisle to her future husband and become what every girl dreams about being, a princess.
Weddings are such a special day and I cannot WAIT to see all of the details of the royal wedding. The flowers, Kate's dress, the cake, the guests, the music and of course their first kiss as Prince and Princess. There are so many details that everyone is waiting for and I plan on watching the entire ceremony and cherishing this moment. Friday will be a day that everyone will remember, especially woman no matter what the age, living vicariously through soon-to-be Princess Kate.
I wish Kate and Prince William all the best and to never forget that love, honesty and devotion are three important ingredients in making a marriage/relationship last a lifetime. Cheers to them and their lives together.
What is your favorite Disney Princess? Have you found your Prince? Are you planning on watching the Royal Wedding? What are you looking forward to the most about the Royal Wedding?
Last Wednesday (April 13th) was an exciting day for my organization as well for early childhood education. U.S. Secretary, Arne Duncan drew a crowd on behalf of Ounce of Prevention Fund to talk about the need for more funding and attention to early-childhood education, the focus of the Ounce of Prevention Fund.
After months and months of long grueling/stressful days at the office, a venue change, and 800+ RSVPs and donations, the long anticipated event had finally arrived. This is my favorite part about planning events. The anticipation, the heightened stress and final touches, that in the end all play a role in the day-of aspect of an event. This was my third luncheon, which one would think would be easy breezy, but to the contrary it was nothing but. Instead it was new, exciting, nerve-racking, and so much more. This was our largest annual luncheon to date and was at a brand new venue, in addition to having the worry that attendees could go to the original venue and miss the event!
International Ballroom at the Hilton
My day-of role at the luncheon was to take last minute RSVP changes in the early morning, assist volunteers, and any other last minute needs until the strike of 10:30am when the photographer would arrive. From the moment the photographer arrived, I was on babysitter duty. One of the biggest stressors of an event of this caliber is to of course give attendees the best experience but to capture photos of the people that are there. Photos are key because they are displayed in publications, event recap webpages, new articles, and so much more. My job was to get photos of the "key/ top priority" people. No big deal right? What can be so hard about that? Let me tell you- it is EXTREMELY stressful and exhausting.
Think Devil Wears Prada. You know the scene where Andrea and Emily have to tell Miranda Priestly who is who before they come up to shake her hand. This scene. Well in a nutshell, that was me but with a nonprofit twist. Into the late hours the night before the luncheon, I was rushing to make my quick version of my "Look Book." Photos of the key people I did not know what they looked like so I could be ready the next day. I wouldn't have a moment to lose because from the second guests start arriving to the end of the event program, I would be on photo duty.
This was my third year working with this photographer at this event, so overtime my strategy has improved but this particular event rose the photo stakes to a WHOLE new level. More people, new venue, and one photographer. So picture me running through crowds upon crowds, looking for the key people (based on memory), carrying a $1,000 camera lens on one shoulder, clipboard with a notepad and pen in the other hand, wearing an ear-piece like I am from the CIA in one ear all the while smiling in between camera flashes. In addition to capturing the names from guests after each photo while trying to direct the photographer to the next photo.
After an hour of intense photography, I wanted to keep getting photos before the program was about to start (and my ambitious self wanted to get just ONE MORE PHOTO). I decided to pull my photographer over to a group of people talking near a table. I quickly asked them for a photo, putting the tall slender man in the middle. I knew one of the woman right away (thanks to my look book, the other woman I did not know, and the tall slender man in the middle looked familiar.) After the shot I wanted to make sure I received everyone's names (even though I definitely knew one of the women, so I asked anyway, even the gentleman). To my surprise, it was our President's husband. My one slip-up. My Emily moment without an Andrea at my side to be there to help me before I dared to ask. The one woman I recognized said a comment which immediately made me embarrassed! How could I have not known that? I have met him countless times!! I didn't have a response to the woman's comment. I simply smiled and eventually joked saying "Of course I know who you are Mr. Spouse (name to be kept private)." I put on my best smile and pointed in the direction of his table.
I wish I had a mirror so I could have seen my face when the woman called me out. All I recall is me freezing in place, with I am sure, a look of sheer horror. The moment you know you have been busted/caught in the act of doing something bad. That is a moment I will never forget........ a reminder to myself that I always need to be prepared! Prepared for anything.
The funny thing is, I LOVE it (despite my hiccup). I love the intensity, the stress, the race against time and having the opportunity to meet the people who are there because of my organization and the work we do. I get to hear what people think, meet the main speakers (which meant meeting Honorable Duncan). What is there not to love? Aside from TheDevil Wears Prada being one of my all-time favorite movies, I enjoy and relish in having my own Devil Wears Pradamoments from time to time. They come with the territory and somebody has to do the risky jobs right?
Now back to the event. U.S. Secretary, Arne Duncan drew a crowd of 800 to the annual Ounce of Prevention Fund luncheon — an event planned for the Hyatt but moved to the Hilton on Michigan Avenue, because there were so many attendees.
Honorable Duncan, dressed in a dark blue suit and speaking in his quick but casual style, gave a shout-out to his mom, brother and sister and numerous friends from his hometown. He spoke personally about what education has meant to him and returned repeatedly to the goals of the administration "not to be satisfied with the status quo." Before Honorable Duncan spoke, my organization showed a video we produced on teacher quality. Teacher quality was one of our key talking points for this years luncheon and it was a huge success.
The room was beautiful and the decor was perfect. Here are some photos from the decor of the event.
Centerpieces
Wall Banners
Reception Drink Station
Reception Room
What do you like about planning an event? Do you appreciate the little aspects more of an event after helping put one together? Have you ever had a Devil Wears Prada moment? I would love to hear a story/stories from you. Email me, post a comment, tweet me- I'd love to hear!
"A million girls would kill for this job." ~ Emily Charlton, Devil Wears Prada
A baby girl will soon be entering this world. Pink, little elephants, and baby supplies fill the room of the soon to be baby Niehaus' nursery. A couple will soon become a family in March and I could not be more excited.
My boyfriend's sister is expecting her first child and since I think of her as being the older sister I never had, I wanted to do something special for her. So to help her prepare for Baby Plum's arrival, I wanted to help plan her baby shower. This was my first shower and I was eager to take on the challenge.
The name of the baby is not plum just in case you were wondering. We call her plum because Mama Niehaus won't tell anyone the baby name until she is delivered. So you are probably where the name came from. Well, throughout Mama Niehaus's pregnancy, every week she would tell me how big her baby was inside her womb. She uses The Bumps', pregnancy tool, How Big is Baby?. One week she was the size of a bean so we called her bean, another week she was an avocado, etc. By the time she was in week 12 of her pregnancy, her baby was the size of the plum, and we have called her Baby Plum since. (FYI- I love this pregnancy tool and think it is so clever.)
Okay, back to the baby shower. The shower was held at the Magnificent Mile Marriott Hotel in Downtown Chicago in their Club Lounge. It is a beautiful venue space and the catering staff was incredible. From the delicious food, to the catering manager's attention to detail and responsive wait staff during the shower, the event was flawless.
Marriott Club Lounge Photos
For the baby shower party favor we gave the guests oreo's hand-dipped in chocolate and topped with a baby girl sugar decoration on the center. They were delicious and were a big success. The party favors were made by Graham's Fine Chocolate located in Geneva, Illinois. I highly recommend this place for party and event favors. I especially like their wedding chocolate favors, some of them are really unique.
For the main desert, we ordered a personalized cake through Tipsy Cakes. While the cake looked beautiful, they unfortunately made the cake the wrong flavor and were not very accommodating in allowing us to design our own cake. I would not recommend them if you want to design your own- they prefer to do the designing themselves.
For the baby shower activity, we had onesies available for guests to decorate for Baby Plum. Thanks to an ironing board, an iron and Hobby Lobby, we had all the necessary materials to get crafty! We decorated with Crayola Fabric Pens and Baby Epoxy Stickers- people got really creative and made some amazing onesies. After Mama Niehaus opened all of her gifts, she chose her top four onesies to give them a prize- a great way to get guests motivated to decorate. :)
This was my first baby shower I have ever planned and I had a blast. Events are my passion and it was so fun planning a different kind of event, especially for someone I care about. I cannot WAIT to meet Baby Plum and her grand entrance is weeks away. I truly am ecstatic for Mama Niehaus and I know that she is going to be an amazing mom. Plum is about to enter a world of people who already love her and are eager to be apart of her life.
Have you ever planned a baby shower before? What is a fun activity you have done at a shower? What party favors have you received from a baby shower? I would love to hear your thoughts....
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." ~ Eda J. Le Shan
"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for." ~ Author Unknown
