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  • Chris’ Great Ideas – #651

    I said, “How about we do an African theme for the reception? I saw an African artifact the other day.”

    This was actually really well received… by some people in the room. Elephants and some other animal I can’t remember right now were suggested. I was informed most women in Africa are topless. Maybe not in the cities … I don’t know as I’ve never been. But that certainly would make for a good wedding.

    I guess we’ll stick with the “TC Theme”! Go Blue!!

  • Social Uncertainty

    I am not good at remembering names, and I’m only slightly better at remembering faces. Even in a world where I’ve got social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn to help refresh my memory, I often find myself feeling somewhat awkward in group social situations because, while I may have met some of the participants before (multiple times), many of their names escape me. The result of this is a shyness in approaching a familiar face whose name I forget. Or, although more seldom, the resulting embarrassment of introducing myself to someone who knows my name (and whose name I “should” know).

    There are any number of tricks to help remember names such as selecting a distinctive feature of the acquaintance and associating his/her name with it in some way. Or using his/her name frequently in conversation in hopes that it will improve your memory in the future. However, tricks only carry you so far.

    The downside to being uncertain of names and faces is the resulting shyness in social situations. However, the solution is not necessarily a better memory, but, instead, increasing my risk tolerance. It’s freeing to realize that it’s impossible to go through life being certain of everything. Getting a name wrong is far better than not talking at all, hanging out by the wall, and feeling awkward.

    So. Forget a name. Forget an occupation. But do it by acting.

  • Funny Slim Fast Ads

    I found these online the other day. I will say there was one about a guy needing to lose weight… but only one. Shame on you, America! Personally, my main motivation to workout is for health and stress relief … and I keep meaning to get back to the gym now that the busy days of summer are long gone. The upcoming wedding does provided some additional motivation to hit the gym to ensure I look as sharp and dashing as possible in my Tux!





  • Chris’ Great Ideas – # 482

    I ask, “What if we give all of the guests a Petoskey stone?”

    After a short pause, Lindsey says, “Keep thinking.” and smiles.

  • Pumpkin Carving

    Jen and Brent had Lindsey, me and Karla over to carve pumpkins in their garage tonight. Upon arrival, the tables were set with paper – the pumpkin bread was sliced, yet still warm – and Stella the pup was fully charged and ready to devour every last pumpkin seed that slipped through our hands and onto the cement floor.

    L to R: Brent, Chris (Me), Karla, Jen, Lindsey … and Stella below. | More pictures here.

    I really like Lindsey’s pumpkin, which displays a “C & L” crest… pretty cool with the golf clubs and ball and tee. I thought about doing something equally meaningful, but opted for the demented weirdo pumpkin scheme instead.

  • Video on Marriage from Pop!Tech 2010

    Stephanie Coontz: PopTech 2010 from PopTech on Vimeo.

    Renowned expert on the past and future of marriage, and the author of ‘Marriage, A History’

  • Me encanta mi vestido! (I love my dress!)

    Hola!

    Our trip to Chicago was a huge success! My mom and I found exactly what I was dreaming of at Macy’s. It was such a great experience! By shear luck, the designer of the dress was at Macy’s on Saturday having his first ever trunk show. I had never heard of him before, but I am sure glad he was there! The first dress I tried on was fantastic, a solid 9.5 out of 10, but dress numero dos…..WOWZA! I love it! I hope everyone else loves it as much as I do. The designer is originally from Cuba, but lives in Texas and LA and works in New York. He has designed for demitrios in the past, but this was his first collection, and let me just say, all of his designs were awesome. Each was completely different and stunning at the same time. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will say that it is white, strapless, and has a sweetheart neckline. I can not wait to go back to Chicago in a few months for a fitting!

    For anyone who is in the market for a wedding gown, I would definitely recommend at least checking out Macy’s! I would also recommend going to Lou Mitchell’s for breakfast and Adobo in Old Town. The food was fantastic and they made guacamole at your table – very fun place!

    Chicago is great, but I am glad to be back home! Next up….finding bridesmaid dresses!