I got to the office at 9am on Saturday, and while Aaron and I were updating staff members on a new start time, I answered the telephone as ususal: "Prodigy Staffing, this is Jessica" to a woman who was clearly upset. It was one of our staff members who was scheduled for the day who told us that she and her friend Shateese would not be at work today because Shateese passed away the night prior.
At 30, Shateese died from a terrible car accident caused by a head-on collision with a man running from the police after stealing a car and attempting an armed robbery. Shateese has gone through a culinary school and was seeking full time employment as a chef, looking to become a successful professional.
Although Shateese and I had only a professional relationship, I will miss her being a part of our staff, especially since she has worked with us for more than a year on a regular basis. In fact, when she came to pick up her paycheck last week, I had a last minute order from a client to work at the State Fair, and she took it. Aaron showed up to the event because it was a car race, and Shateese personally prepared his concession food!
How strange it felt to see her name on the schedule and to know that her last paycheck was in route. And how strange it will be to schedule her friends without her. How tragic it was for her life to end so quickly. And how sad that she did not get the opportunity to celebrate her 31st birthday this week with her family.
http://www.indy.com/posts/victim-of-crash-involving-robbery-suspect-was-from-greenwood
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
What a weekend! After a packed week of interviews, training, and general staffing, we headed out to the track to work the ridiculously expensive suites for the 500. It's always a good time, but working the race always means several long days that begin at 5am : ( And I wouldn't exactly call myself a morning person, either!
Even though working for myself is a lot of work, frustation, and fear, I wouldn't rather do anything else. I especially enjoy the office gang we have now with me, Aaron, and our salesperson, Stacy, who's totally cool! And I can't complain about the building atmosphere either! I seriously need to post some pictures of this place--it's super neat.
I got the opportunity recently to spend some time with a couple of friends who are already married, and I'm starting to collect advice. Thanks girls! We've been a bit busy with work recently to do a lot of planning, but we've done some venue shopping.
Here's what we've come up with so far (in no particular order):
1. Creation Cafe--(see earlier post) we were thinking of arriving (or leaving) the wedding on a gondola because it's right on the canal!
2. The L.S. Ayers Tea Room at the state museum. We can use the gondola idea here too
3. Oak Hill Mansion out in their wooded grounds. This is one of the companies we work with and have a really good relationship with the owners.
4. Glenns Valley Nature Park-we were thinking about having a picnicky type of wedding, sans the gingham print, plus real tables.
5. The Flower Barn in Lebanon--it's a flower farm with a small barn for hosting events. We're thinking country chic with this one
6. Avon Perrenial Gardens-this place is gorgeous, and the pavilion in which we'd host the reception is the perfect size. We're thinking the picnic thing again with this venue.
I'm excited to do more planning, and I'm sure we'll be setting a date soon. We're thinking September. And we're also planning to get engagement pictures, which will be fun!
So any opinions about the venues?
Even though working for myself is a lot of work, frustation, and fear, I wouldn't rather do anything else. I especially enjoy the office gang we have now with me, Aaron, and our salesperson, Stacy, who's totally cool! And I can't complain about the building atmosphere either! I seriously need to post some pictures of this place--it's super neat.
I got the opportunity recently to spend some time with a couple of friends who are already married, and I'm starting to collect advice. Thanks girls! We've been a bit busy with work recently to do a lot of planning, but we've done some venue shopping.
Here's what we've come up with so far (in no particular order):
1. Creation Cafe--(see earlier post) we were thinking of arriving (or leaving) the wedding on a gondola because it's right on the canal!
2. The L.S. Ayers Tea Room at the state museum. We can use the gondola idea here too
3. Oak Hill Mansion out in their wooded grounds. This is one of the companies we work with and have a really good relationship with the owners.
4. Glenns Valley Nature Park-we were thinking about having a picnicky type of wedding, sans the gingham print, plus real tables.
5. The Flower Barn in Lebanon--it's a flower farm with a small barn for hosting events. We're thinking country chic with this one
6. Avon Perrenial Gardens-this place is gorgeous, and the pavilion in which we'd host the reception is the perfect size. We're thinking the picnic thing again with this venue.
I'm excited to do more planning, and I'm sure we'll be setting a date soon. We're thinking September. And we're also planning to get engagement pictures, which will be fun!
So any opinions about the venues?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Crazy changes!
Two things that have dramatically changed in my life over the past few weeks:
1. Graduation from college and working full time for my company
2. Getting engaged!
Since starting work last week, I have been up to my eyeballs in work. This past week, we worked 12 hours most days, and I had trouble finding time to even go to the bathroom from 9-5. And then came Friday! Aaron and I worked in the office until 5am on Thursday/Friday, and then we had to back at work at 8am. I thought the day would end at 5:30pm after checking in my employees at the last event, but I ended up working an event because of bad attendance and didn't get home until 1am. I slept until 3 on Sunday...and then took a nap.....
I'm glad that business is going so well, but it was killing me last week! But I guess I do have a wedding that I need to pay for!
So the engagement! Aaron surprised me the day after graduation, and now we're trying to find time to enjoy our engagement! Aaron's engagement consisted of taking me to the place where we first kissed and where he asked me to prom and then knowing how important having my family and friends are, he had an engagement party waiting for me after he proposed. By the time I realized what was happening, I felt breathless, and I was afraid that I couldn't speak. I know that I want the wedding to be really small and intimate, because after working dozens of weddings through my company, I just prefer a more personal feel.
I am really looking forward to begin wedding plans, but I really want to keep in mind that this is just the first and probably largest party that we will plan as a couple to celebrate the fact that we are commiting our lives to one another. So if you see me and I'm entirely too wrapped up in probably meanial wedding details, tell me to snap out of it ; )
1. Graduation from college and working full time for my company
2. Getting engaged!
Since starting work last week, I have been up to my eyeballs in work. This past week, we worked 12 hours most days, and I had trouble finding time to even go to the bathroom from 9-5. And then came Friday! Aaron and I worked in the office until 5am on Thursday/Friday, and then we had to back at work at 8am. I thought the day would end at 5:30pm after checking in my employees at the last event, but I ended up working an event because of bad attendance and didn't get home until 1am. I slept until 3 on Sunday...and then took a nap.....
I'm glad that business is going so well, but it was killing me last week! But I guess I do have a wedding that I need to pay for!
So the engagement! Aaron surprised me the day after graduation, and now we're trying to find time to enjoy our engagement! Aaron's engagement consisted of taking me to the place where we first kissed and where he asked me to prom and then knowing how important having my family and friends are, he had an engagement party waiting for me after he proposed. By the time I realized what was happening, I felt breathless, and I was afraid that I couldn't speak. I know that I want the wedding to be really small and intimate, because after working dozens of weddings through my company, I just prefer a more personal feel.
I am really looking forward to begin wedding plans, but I really want to keep in mind that this is just the first and probably largest party that we will plan as a couple to celebrate the fact that we are commiting our lives to one another. So if you see me and I'm entirely too wrapped up in probably meanial wedding details, tell me to snap out of it ; )
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Do you know about Creation Cafe?
As Aaron and I have moved into the office, we've been checking out the surroundings to see what's nearby. One of our recent discoveries is a really cool restaurant located within walking distance (about 3 minutes) from our office off the canal. It's at the very end of the canal in a really neat looking building that is called Buggs Temple. As a historic building, this place has a lot of charm.
Walking in, we were greated by the happy, airy feel of the restaurant with funky decorations. Normally, as I sit down for a meal, I'm busy looking at the menu, but this place had hand-painted tables that were each unique. All of the decorations were original and fun. For example, there were parasols hanging from the celing, piece of silverware artwork on the wall, and old table used as the hostess station, and fun lammps.
As I browsed the menu, I was elated to see several vegetarian and vegan options. I ordered the Black bean burger with a ceasar salad, while Aaron ordered the Veg Head sandwich--neither disappointed. One thing I liked about the restaurant was that the menu changed as the seasons did. This tells me that ingredients are fresh, and options are always new. Prices ranged from about $7-$12 per person.
Curious about the rest of the facility, we looked around a bit more. There is a really neat seating area with comfy couches placed next to small end tables with funky lamps and a bookcase filled with books and board games. A bonus: I know that I've talked about how eclectic it is already, but there is even a massaging chair among the mix of furniture!
There is also outdoor seating for those who want a great view of the city and of the canal. Another bonus: dogs are allowed! There were at least 3 people with their pooches there with them, enjoying lunch as well. I'm guessing that furry friends have to sit on the patio, but I was still so pleased that canal walkers and others who wanted to bring their dogs could come and visit. I'm thinking I might take Bella with me there soon : )
Check it out if you're visiting downtown, and especially if you're walking around the canal hungry. The food and the atmosphere is unbeatable, and you can also enjoy a nice cup of coffee with your little furry friend.
Here's the contact information and a picture:
Buggs Temple
337 West 11th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-955-2389
Walking in, we were greated by the happy, airy feel of the restaurant with funky decorations. Normally, as I sit down for a meal, I'm busy looking at the menu, but this place had hand-painted tables that were each unique. All of the decorations were original and fun. For example, there were parasols hanging from the celing, piece of silverware artwork on the wall, and old table used as the hostess station, and fun lammps.
As I browsed the menu, I was elated to see several vegetarian and vegan options. I ordered the Black bean burger with a ceasar salad, while Aaron ordered the Veg Head sandwich--neither disappointed. One thing I liked about the restaurant was that the menu changed as the seasons did. This tells me that ingredients are fresh, and options are always new. Prices ranged from about $7-$12 per person.
Curious about the rest of the facility, we looked around a bit more. There is a really neat seating area with comfy couches placed next to small end tables with funky lamps and a bookcase filled with books and board games. A bonus: I know that I've talked about how eclectic it is already, but there is even a massaging chair among the mix of furniture!
There is also outdoor seating for those who want a great view of the city and of the canal. Another bonus: dogs are allowed! There were at least 3 people with their pooches there with them, enjoying lunch as well. I'm guessing that furry friends have to sit on the patio, but I was still so pleased that canal walkers and others who wanted to bring their dogs could come and visit. I'm thinking I might take Bella with me there soon : )
Check it out if you're visiting downtown, and especially if you're walking around the canal hungry. The food and the atmosphere is unbeatable, and you can also enjoy a nice cup of coffee with your little furry friend.
Here's the contact information and a picture:
Buggs Temple
337 West 11th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-955-2389
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hapkido, learning poker, and Aaron is awesome
Greetings! I'm doing a bit better since my last post, so this will be a happier one.
Some of my older postings involved telling you about my new love for Hapkido, which is a Korean Martial (haha, almost wrote martian!) based largely on self-defense. I just took a beginning class, not expecting to like it, and loved it! This past weekend, those testing for their black belts from the hapkido club did so on Sunday. If you've never seen a black belt test, I highly recommend attending one because it is so powerful! These guys look like frickin ninjas and make it look easy! Another cool thing for me was knowing 5 out of the 8 people who tested. Congratulations guys (and girls)! Kudos to you for all of your hard work!
In a completely unrelated topic, I learned how to play poker this week! Albeit, I am not a huge card player, but it was for a good cause : ) The animal welfare club on IU's campus was hosting the tournament in order to raise money for a non-profit in Bloomington that rehabilitates wild animals who have been injured. I also learned to deal, just in case we had enough people. I was really scared to deal, but I wish that we had recruited so many people that we didn't even have enough dealers. Anyway, last night was the poker tournament, and I won fourth place! I would say this happened in part (ok, maybe largely) because Aaron was my "consultant," but it still felt good! And the best part of all, the organization was helped, if even by just a little bit. Go Wildcare! http://www.wildcareinc.org/ (check out the site, you'll see some seriously adorable baby deer!)
To conclude, I'd like to include a mini ode to Aaron. As I've become more interested in improving the lives of animals (always been an animal lover, but just recently discovered the severity of animal cruelty and ways that I can help), he's been there every step of the way. I mean, seriously, for the past month since I've made my own transition to vegetarianism, he's eaten tofu and other meat substitutes gladly, and he's willing to try anything that I cook.
Another reason that I am so grateful for his support is because he has participated in any kind of activity or fundraising event for which I asked his help. He was there when I learned poker, and he helped me along the way. He then came to the poker tournament with me.
In addition, he encouraged me to adopt Bella, he's supported me when I've spent time researching products and companies that don't test on animals, he's hung up the animal welfare flyers that I've created to educate others on topics that I'm passionate about, he's told others about what I'm doing with regards to specific projects, he's decided to avoid all leather, and we now go to Burger King, BW3's, and have changed other restaurants that we frequent to access vegetarian options.
In short, he's awesome because he really cares about animals too and because he suppports me in everything that I do. I love him so much, and I am wise enough to realize how lucky I am!
Some of my older postings involved telling you about my new love for Hapkido, which is a Korean Martial (haha, almost wrote martian!) based largely on self-defense. I just took a beginning class, not expecting to like it, and loved it! This past weekend, those testing for their black belts from the hapkido club did so on Sunday. If you've never seen a black belt test, I highly recommend attending one because it is so powerful! These guys look like frickin ninjas and make it look easy! Another cool thing for me was knowing 5 out of the 8 people who tested. Congratulations guys (and girls)! Kudos to you for all of your hard work!
In a completely unrelated topic, I learned how to play poker this week! Albeit, I am not a huge card player, but it was for a good cause : ) The animal welfare club on IU's campus was hosting the tournament in order to raise money for a non-profit in Bloomington that rehabilitates wild animals who have been injured. I also learned to deal, just in case we had enough people. I was really scared to deal, but I wish that we had recruited so many people that we didn't even have enough dealers. Anyway, last night was the poker tournament, and I won fourth place! I would say this happened in part (ok, maybe largely) because Aaron was my "consultant," but it still felt good! And the best part of all, the organization was helped, if even by just a little bit. Go Wildcare! http://www.wildcareinc.org/ (check out the site, you'll see some seriously adorable baby deer!)
To conclude, I'd like to include a mini ode to Aaron. As I've become more interested in improving the lives of animals (always been an animal lover, but just recently discovered the severity of animal cruelty and ways that I can help), he's been there every step of the way. I mean, seriously, for the past month since I've made my own transition to vegetarianism, he's eaten tofu and other meat substitutes gladly, and he's willing to try anything that I cook.
Another reason that I am so grateful for his support is because he has participated in any kind of activity or fundraising event for which I asked his help. He was there when I learned poker, and he helped me along the way. He then came to the poker tournament with me.
In addition, he encouraged me to adopt Bella, he's supported me when I've spent time researching products and companies that don't test on animals, he's hung up the animal welfare flyers that I've created to educate others on topics that I'm passionate about, he's told others about what I'm doing with regards to specific projects, he's decided to avoid all leather, and we now go to Burger King, BW3's, and have changed other restaurants that we frequent to access vegetarian options.
In short, he's awesome because he really cares about animals too and because he suppports me in everything that I do. I love him so much, and I am wise enough to realize how lucky I am!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
New office update, graduating soon, and a little bummed out
After working like mad every weekend since spring break (and during spring break), we are nearing the end of working on making our new office a new home for the company. We've done the following:
*moved in
*drywalled
*painted
*installed doors and trim (both a pain in the neck)
*hung up pictures and clocks
*wired a really cool street lamp in the office
*installed speakers and video cameras
*bought three new desks, two new desks chairs, two more stackable chairs
*organized, and more!
If I haven't mentioned it, we've relocated to the Stutz Business Center in downtown Indianapolis. I LOVE the building. It was a car manufacturing facility that was turned into an offices. There are concrete floors, hallways that are the width of a car, and exposed pipes in the ceiling. There is a car museum on our floor, it is home to about 30 artists, and the halls are decorated accordingly. As soon as the project concludes, I will post pictures!
In other news, I will graduating on May 9, and my first day of work is May 12th! Woohoo!
Lastly, I've been pretty bummed out lately. It's like I feel as though I'm carrying some heavy burden.
My grandfather has had problems with alcoholism for as long as I can remember, and although we were really hopeful after his last treatment, he's already relapsed. The last time he was in there, I wrote him a letter, and I spilled my guts to him regarding how I felt about his drinking and how much he meant to his family. He said that it really touched him, and naively, I thought I thought it effect would change
Another hard subject for me comes from my affection for animals. The woman from whom I adopted Bella emailed me recently to see if my parents would be interested in adopting a new dog that was at the rescue, and then I received another email from her about me adopting another dog. I know that I don't possess the power to save every animal, but the guilt that accompanies turning her and the dog down is so gut-wrenching for me.
Also I often lay (lie?) in bed at night thinking about the animals who are living in puppy mills, shelters, factory farms, fur and leather farms, constantly chained dogs with no affection consider and how lonely they must be. Just those thoughts bring tears almost instantly. I would give anything to just hold them all so they would know how much they are loved. I wish someone would make them feel worthwhile and loved. If you have a dog, cat, hamster, rabbit, or just live near an animal, please show them that you love them today. They long for your affection and will be more loyal than you can imagine.
*moved in
*drywalled
*painted
*installed doors and trim (both a pain in the neck)
*hung up pictures and clocks
*wired a really cool street lamp in the office
*installed speakers and video cameras
*bought three new desks, two new desks chairs, two more stackable chairs
*organized, and more!
If I haven't mentioned it, we've relocated to the Stutz Business Center in downtown Indianapolis. I LOVE the building. It was a car manufacturing facility that was turned into an offices. There are concrete floors, hallways that are the width of a car, and exposed pipes in the ceiling. There is a car museum on our floor, it is home to about 30 artists, and the halls are decorated accordingly. As soon as the project concludes, I will post pictures!
In other news, I will graduating on May 9, and my first day of work is May 12th! Woohoo!
Lastly, I've been pretty bummed out lately. It's like I feel as though I'm carrying some heavy burden.
My grandfather has had problems with alcoholism for as long as I can remember, and although we were really hopeful after his last treatment, he's already relapsed. The last time he was in there, I wrote him a letter, and I spilled my guts to him regarding how I felt about his drinking and how much he meant to his family. He said that it really touched him, and naively, I thought I thought it effect would change
Another hard subject for me comes from my affection for animals. The woman from whom I adopted Bella emailed me recently to see if my parents would be interested in adopting a new dog that was at the rescue, and then I received another email from her about me adopting another dog. I know that I don't possess the power to save every animal, but the guilt that accompanies turning her and the dog down is so gut-wrenching for me.
Also I often lay (lie?) in bed at night thinking about the animals who are living in puppy mills, shelters, factory farms, fur and leather farms, constantly chained dogs with no affection consider and how lonely they must be. Just those thoughts bring tears almost instantly. I would give anything to just hold them all so they would know how much they are loved. I wish someone would make them feel worthwhile and loved. If you have a dog, cat, hamster, rabbit, or just live near an animal, please show them that you love them today. They long for your affection and will be more loyal than you can imagine.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Product review-some great cruelty-free products!
As you may have read, I am passionate about animal welfare. I love it! I've done a lot of homework regarding companies that do testing on animals, and I have found substitutes for nearly all of the products that I used previously. I thought I would pass some of this information along and provide a few reviews for some products for your use.
Just to introduce the idea of animal testing, this type of test is not required by the FDA prior to a product being launched. Rabbits and rats are force-fed products like hairspray or foundation. This is done to see what concentration of the product will kill the animal. These products are also rubbed into their eyes and of course, they cannot try to relieve the irriation. Their skin is burned, and the live in small cages for the duration of their painful lives. Interested in learning how you can help? Read on!
If you'd like to check out specific products or brands are tested on animals, check out caringconsumer.com. Some of the main companies to look out for: Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Melaluca, Schering-Plough, and others. These companies market many products like covergirl, ivory soap, colgate, crest, and others.
Cruel Cosmetics: Covergirl, L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Rimmel
Alternatives: Revlon, Avon, Almay, Bonne Belle, NYC, Clinique, Jane, Wet n' Wild, Elizabeth Arden, and others.
Cruelty-free cosmetics that I have tried:
Mascaras: Revlon mascara: Revlon Fabulash--I've been using this mascara for a couple of days now, and I love it! I tried Almay's one-coat mascara, and I was NOT very pleased. Whenever I took the mascara off, I felt like my eyelashes were gummy. I used to use Covergirl mascaras, and I loved them, so I was a little nervous about finding a great alternative. The Revlon Fabulash mascara (I don't use waterproof) is great if you like to curl your eyelashes, and my lashes look so thick!
Foundation: I really like the Almay clear complexion foundation. It covers really well, stays on all-day, and it helps fight acne. I also use NYC (New York Color) which is sooo cheap, and I think it has better staying power than the Maybelline foundations that I have used. Jane (found at Walgreens) is also a great foundation. It has sunscreen, juniper, aloe, and some other great things for your skin.
Eyeshadows: Revlon's and Jane's have great staying power, but for a cheap thrill, try Wet n' Wild. I previously used Covergirl
Eyeliner: Although I haven't run out of my covergirl eyeliner yet, I'm planning to try Revlon or Wet n' Wild
For hygiene products like shampoo, hair styling products, deodorants, conditioners, fragrances, try Avon. It is really cheap, and if an Avon representative delivers the products to you (at your door!), you do not pay any shipping.
For cleaning products, try a brand called Bio-Kleen. It can be found at Kroger.
Just switching products can do so much to help improve animals' lives and is so easy.
Just to introduce the idea of animal testing, this type of test is not required by the FDA prior to a product being launched. Rabbits and rats are force-fed products like hairspray or foundation. This is done to see what concentration of the product will kill the animal. These products are also rubbed into their eyes and of course, they cannot try to relieve the irriation. Their skin is burned, and the live in small cages for the duration of their painful lives. Interested in learning how you can help? Read on!
If you'd like to check out specific products or brands are tested on animals, check out caringconsumer.com. Some of the main companies to look out for: Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Melaluca, Schering-Plough, and others. These companies market many products like covergirl, ivory soap, colgate, crest, and others.
Cruel Cosmetics: Covergirl, L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Rimmel
Alternatives: Revlon, Avon, Almay, Bonne Belle, NYC, Clinique, Jane, Wet n' Wild, Elizabeth Arden, and others.
Cruelty-free cosmetics that I have tried:
Mascaras: Revlon mascara: Revlon Fabulash--I've been using this mascara for a couple of days now, and I love it! I tried Almay's one-coat mascara, and I was NOT very pleased. Whenever I took the mascara off, I felt like my eyelashes were gummy. I used to use Covergirl mascaras, and I loved them, so I was a little nervous about finding a great alternative. The Revlon Fabulash mascara (I don't use waterproof) is great if you like to curl your eyelashes, and my lashes look so thick!
Foundation: I really like the Almay clear complexion foundation. It covers really well, stays on all-day, and it helps fight acne. I also use NYC (New York Color) which is sooo cheap, and I think it has better staying power than the Maybelline foundations that I have used. Jane (found at Walgreens) is also a great foundation. It has sunscreen, juniper, aloe, and some other great things for your skin.
Eyeshadows: Revlon's and Jane's have great staying power, but for a cheap thrill, try Wet n' Wild. I previously used Covergirl
Eyeliner: Although I haven't run out of my covergirl eyeliner yet, I'm planning to try Revlon or Wet n' Wild
For hygiene products like shampoo, hair styling products, deodorants, conditioners, fragrances, try Avon. It is really cheap, and if an Avon representative delivers the products to you (at your door!), you do not pay any shipping.
For cleaning products, try a brand called Bio-Kleen. It can be found at Kroger.
Just switching products can do so much to help improve animals' lives and is so easy.
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