am keeping this intact from her list, so here goes:

 

(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
(   ) Watched someone die (far, far too many)

(   ) Been to Canada

(   ) Been to Mexico
(   ) Been to Florida
(   )  Been to Hawaii (one of these days, hopefully)

(X) Been on a plane
(   ) Been in a helicopter
(X) Been lost (Yes, coming back from Shanksville, PA one year!)
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
( )  Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only
( )  Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't (lost track of # of those too)
(X) Made prank phone calls
(   ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(   ) Danced in the rain-naked (and in many other places too)
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles (In the summer I usually get the bubbles in the plastic bottle)
(   ) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
(   )Been deep sea fishing
(   ) Driven across the United States
(   ) Been in a hot air balloon (No way! I am afraid of heights!)

(   ) Been sky diving (No way! See previous answer!)
(   ) Gone snowmobiling
(   ) Lived in more than one country
(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets (when I was little and would visit my Aunt Eva)
(   ) Seen a falling star and made a wish
(   ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(X) Seen the Statue of Liberty
(   ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
(   ) Been on a cruise
(X) Cast a spell (hasn’t every female done this?!)
(   ) Traveled by train
(X) Traveled by motorcycle

(   ) Been horse back riding

(   )  Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
(   )  Been to Disneyland
(   )  Been to Disney World
(X) Truly believe in the power of prayer (Sometimes)
(   )  Been in a rain forest(not unless Busch Gardens counts)
(   ) Seen whales in the ocean
(   ) Been to Niagara Falls
( )  Ridden on an elephant
(   )Swam with dolphins
(   ) Been to the Olympics

(   )  Walked on the Great Wall of China
(   )  Saw and heard a glacier calf
(   )  Been spinnaker flying
(   ) Been water-skiing
(   )Been snow-skiing (don’t like it, give me water, but cross-country is okay)
(X )  Been to Westminster Abbey
(X) Been to the Louvre
(   )  Swam in the Mediterranean
(X) Been to a Major League Baseball game
(X) Been to a National Football League game

(X )  Been to a cricket Test match (Way better than our Baseball!)

Yes, I am already thinking about my 2009 vacation! Yippee! I cannot wait!

I shall be returning to my favourite place! Yes, England! (doing a happy dance here!)

October cannot come soon enough. Soon enough I will be purchasing my plane fare, and gathering some new clothes for the seven days that I will be there!

Oh gosh, it cannot come soon enough! Hopefully, I will get to meet up with some FT'ers while I am there. We can eat, drink and be outrageously silly if we so choose!

Yippeee! London England here I come!

(Okay, I know I have eight months to go, but what the heck!)

As Alan Jackson's song 'Work" says, I have been working way too much all day and at six days a week. In this economy it is a good thing, but after a time, relaxation and lots of sleep is most definitely needed.

I used to be able to come on to Funtrivia and feel relaxed. However, this is no longer the case. All it does is make me feel uptight and down right angry most times.

What frustrates me is that every single time a post is made on a blog, it seems as if someone, somewhere has something to say. Cannot one post on his or her own blog without fear of retaliation posts? I guess not.

My thinking is that we are all supposed to be grown-ups (notice I use the word supposed). The thing that really gets me is that if what is posted on someone's blog bothers another, then do not read it. I am certainly not hog-tying and forcing anyone, anywhere to read or to post on my blog.

I consider this space my venting and release space. If this is too much for others to deal with or handle, well then, just do not bother to read my blog or post on it.

Sounds like a simple solution, yes? I think so.

Ta!

Okay, not so much so, but here goes....

The death of a restaurant…

It all starts out so great, the designs, the plans, the action.

Each new day grows with all the activity; order tableware, beer and spirits for the bar, a brand new copier and fax for the office.

 

Oh gosh, how we cannot wait for the succulent smells to come from the kitchen! Beef, chicken, spices, produce are ordered daily, as all things must be fresh.

Opening day arrives, and before long the place is packed! VIPs and every day folk cannot resist a peek inside.

 

Oh she is grand, yes she is, a place that is comfortable and can be considered home.

For 12 years the party lasted, for 12 years she had rave reviews, for 12 years families were supported by her, now she is no more.

Gone but never forgotten is a restaurant that felt like home, and it was home to everyone that put their blood, sweat, tears, time, effort and most of all love into her. I’m sure you do not need to guess, she was one of the jewels in the crown of Chef Georges’ Perrier…her name was Brasserie Perrier...long may the laughter, good times and memories reign! Here's to you BP, may you live forever in our hearts!

I am writing this post in my blog with a very sad heart. When I arrived at work today, I was informed by the company's CFO, that Brasserie Perrier is no longer operational (effective January 1, 2009). My first thought was "oh my God!"; then I thought "thank God I still have a job." I know that may sound cruel, but I have to admit that I am very much relieved to still be employed.

Part of the reason for Brasserie's demise was the fact that in 1996 when they signed the lease with the first owner of the building, Chef and his partner were paying a bit higher rent than most. No problem, it would succeed. Succeed it did for 11 years! In December of 2007, the building where Brasserie rented space from was purchased by a new realtor . However, as it turns out our new landlord wanted to increase the rent (to something that the restaurant could not afford).

Needless to say, the remaining people that were/are still employeed by Brasserie Perrier/Chef Perrier will be dispersed to work in Chef Perrier's other restaurants. Those that do not wish to work elsewhere, will be laid off and able to collect unemployement compensation.

I feel like I have lost a very good friend. Everyone that I had the pleasure of working with at Brasserie Perrier, were and are exceptional people, who are a joy to be around. I have given them my best wishes for a successful future, and will always keep them in my prayers.

So long old friend of mine, it was great to have had the joy to work for you. May the countless memories of good times and laughter be remembered when someone mentions the name Brasserie Perrier.

Over the course of two months things have become very bad for all of the high-end restaurants in the City of Philadelphia. Three of the five that I work for are located in Center City Philadelphia.

Christmas Eve came very hard to three hundred employees who were laid-off, and will not be called back. New Years' Eve found another one hundred fifty people without jobs for the new year.

Over the past few years jobs in Philadelphia have become so scarce, that now, they are non-existent. I feel very bad for all of those that have lost their jobs and that will, without a doubt have a difficult time making ends met, paying mortgage and car payments. Too many, putting food on the table is more important, however, without the income to be able to maintain the other necessities, these people will probably not fair well at all.

My wishes for 2009 are that those that have been laid-off from their jobs find some type of work that they can do that will bring them some semblance of an income.

I hope that our soon to be inaugurated President, has some good plans and ideas to help this country during this difficult economic time.

This is not a normal rant, but a rant nonetheless.

I despise people that are ignorant of the fact that the United States of America is not the only country around; that other countries have been around for much longer and the original 13 colonies in, what is now, the United States of America changed our spelling, currency etc., all to be different over the course of time.

I have been to England several times, and find myself using both American spellings and UK/International spellings. I have been told by certain individuals, that I need to learn how to spell.

Methinks those that tell me I need to learn how to spell need to about other countries than just their own.

There, rant over...for now. :)

Gosh! It is so hard to believe that I am going to be 40 years old soon! Yuck!

I do so wish there was some way to turn back the clock, but I know there is not...what a shame!

I was treated to two Alan Jackson tickets from my sister as an early birthday present (Alan Jackson was in Philadelphia in October). I have seen him four times already, and he is just as great as the first time!

My mother is getting me an all-day body spa certificate from Topper's Body Salon and Spa....Yippee! cannot wait for that!. :)

I didn't have a difficult time turning 30, but for some reason soon to be turning 40 is hitting me a bit harder.

Ah, well...Life goes on! :)

Okay, so it is not news to anyone in the United States and Canada that the Philadelphia Phillies have, finally, after 28 years scored the coveted  “World Series Championship”.

While I am truly happy for the team, I am not at all pleased with the destruction caused by several hundred fans. Wednesday night the city was chaotic with fans pouring from houses, bars and whatnot and destroying private property.

A luggage store in center city (dead center of the problematic fans) had their storefront window broke and the display luggage that was set in the window was set on fire in the middle of Broad street!

What I do not care for is the craziness of the fans that like to destroy other people’s property…complete to turning parked cars over, and ripping up statues from the ground and dumping over 250 pound planter pots outside of businesses and hotels. I do not appreciate, nor do I care for  the people that urinated and defecated in the streets, up alley-ways, on parked cars, and on residential steps! For crying out loud…that is what toilets are for!

The parade that was held on Friday to honour the Philadelphia Phillies winning was just as bad if not worse! The same sort of stuff, and people that went to work had a difficult time getting below Broad street to go home…the people that came out to celebrate caused nothing but a mess and marred what, otherwise is a fun thing to have happen in Philadelphia.

I wish the Philadelphia Phillies nothing but the best of luck, but I hope and pray that a Philadelphia team never ever wins another championship title, as the destruction to private property is never worth the price of a championship. Heaven help us if the Philadelphia Eagles should ever win the Super Bowl...everyone living in Philadelphia should lock their doors and stay inside as the destruction would be 20 times worse that what happened when the Philadelphia Phillies won the "World Series Championship"!

Thanks to everyone who commented and gave me support on the rude, rude and grrrr blog post, I appreciate it very much!

Have some good news to share:

Salesman "J" has been fired. Yipppeeee!!

The very next day after the salesman "J" incident, the owner of business "X"'s son showed up at my office, and spoke to Chef Perrier, myself and my controller, and advised me that due to a morals clause in salesman "J"'s contract, which neither he nor his mother realised that their lawyer had put in place, salesman "J" is no longer employed with business "X".

I was so happy that my controller said he never seen me smile so much, but Chef Perrier said unfortunately, sorry is not enough, and while he understands that salesman "J" is gone, he is still more than a bit upset that business "X" would hire someone like that, especially since they were given information pertaining to how salesman "J" really was/is.

The owner of business "X"'s sone assured Chef Perrier, that nothing like that will ever happen again, and to prove it business "X" has decided to give Chef Perrier's Le Bec Fin a ten thousand dollar credit, and to give me anything that I want within reason. I really do not want anything, just knowing that he is gone is good enough for  me. :)

Ah, how sweet it is. :)

Thanks everyone for the support...you all are the best!

By now most members know that I work for world renowned French chef Georges’ Perrier, as his Accounts Payable Manager for his four restaurants and his bakery, well yesterday, and today was a day from hell, and nothing to do with any of my bosses!

Chef’s mother restaurant, Le Bec Fin, purchases some of their seafood protein from a company whom I’ll call “X”, which is a very small family owned business. The owner of business “X” is very nice, as is her son.

When we are overdue on our invoices, business “X” usually as a certain salesman whom I’ll call “B” call and ask when they can expect a check (sometimes the owner herself will call.). Salesman “B” and I usually shoot the crap on the phone, and within two days, business “X” has a check in the amount they were asking about. No problem there and everyone have gotten on well…thank goodness.

So, in August, business “X” hires another sales person, no problem just means that business must be picking up for them, which in this economy is good. Well, the new salesman they hired, whom I’ll call “J” (and not just for his name either), has worked at other purveyors that Chef Perrier’s restaurants purchased things from, and each and every time I have dealt with salesman “J”, he starts off nice, and then within two months forget it, the nutso attitude comes out.

Well, yesterday, was one of those days! After gathering all the facts, this is what happened, and trust me it is not pretty:

When Chef Perrier came into the office yesterday at 9am, he asked me to cut a check for business “X”, as the salesman called Chef Pierre at Le Bec Fin asking for August payment. No problem, I processed the payment and Chef Perrier signed the check.

I had meant to call the owner of business “X” to let her know that I can either have the check at the Le Bec Fin’s kitchen for her driver to pick-up, since they were delivering to us today or I could drop it in the mail, but I got too busy and forgot.

The girls in the office and I went to lunch at 12:30pm and we returned at 1:30pm, and that is when all hell broke loose!

I received a call from salesman “J” at business “X”, demanding that I put my controller on the phone; my controller was Monday and Tuesday as he took his daughter to Boston to look at colleges. Well, salesman “J”, went off on me and called me names that I cannot use here because this is a family website. I felt my blood pressure rising, and when that happens I start to cry! (Grrrr!) I told salesman “J”, that the check was in my hand, and I have no idea as to why he was hollering and cussing, but if he wanted I could hold the check another week or so and may be that would calm him down some. Of course, he went even further with his vulgarities. Finally, I hung the phone up and called the owner of business “X”. She immediately assured me that she did not tell him to call me about money, and she would never do that knowing the history I have with this particular salesman.

As all this was going on, Chef Perrier and his business partner came in and Chef Perrier seen me upset and wanted to know what was what. I told him everything and he was shocked! His business partner called the other restaurant, Brasserie Perrier, and asked Chef Perry not to purchase anything from business “X”, and Chef Perry advised him that he has not purchased anything from them for months, as he does not like their products. So there was nothing else that could be done, as far as I knew, but Chef Perrier, called Chef Pierre back at Le Bec Fin and told him to stop buying from business “X”.

I thought that would be the end of right? Wrong!

Salesman “J”, called Chef Pierre at Le Bec Fin today looking for his daily order, and Chef Pierre advised him that due to his treatment of the accounts payable manager, that Chef Pierrer no longer wants to purchase seafood from business “X”.

Naturally, salesman “X” was ticked off as he just lost himself over ten thousand dollars in monthly sales (he gets commission on this), due to his treatment of me. Around 10am this morning, the phone rings and it is the owner of business “X”, it seems as though salesman “X” told her he as no idea as to why Le Bec Fin has decided not to purchase any seafood products from them. She knew he was lying, as I spoke to her yesterday about what happened.

She is very upset that she lost a customer because of salesman “X”, and is trying to get the account back. She called me thinking I could help her, but I told her it is not my call as to where Le Bec Fin or any of Chef Perrier’s restaurants purchase from, and that it was Chef Perrier himself that determined that Le Bec Fin and the other restaurants will not be buying from business “X”.

I so detest when I am treated like this, as I do my best to get along with all of our restaurants’ purveyors and vendors, and they all know that I am fair and I totally understand their situation as well, and I do my best to make sure they get paid sooner, rather than later. It is such a shame that one rotten apple has to spoil everything for a nice lady that is trying to keep a family business afloat in tough economic times. However, I did warn her when she mentioned to me back in July that she was considering hiring salesman “J”, as I told her how he was at other purveyors that I had contact with him when he worked there. Guess she didn’t believe me, but now she does. Ah, well a bit too late all around I say.

Since I have put on so much weight, I have been having a hard time walking, my feet and legs swell at the blink of an eye. Just depresses me so.

Clothes that I would like to be wearing do not fit, and I am forced to wear fat clothes...oh the horror of it!

I feel like a blow-fish! Egads! It is even worse during that unwanted time of the month!

Not to mention the fact that I am going through the change of life, so highly hormonal at times. Along with high blood pressure, a thyroid problem, Type II diabetes...Shall I go on? I just do not feel like doing anything.

There rant over...for now.

My sister and I gave our mother a surprise 61st birthday dinner, at one of my Chef's restaurants. We had 13 guests, besides ourselves, and it was such a lovely night!

My mom was so surprised, you could have knocked her over with a feather!

The food was out of this world! Fifteen of us had the filet mignon with potato leek gratin and forest mushrooms in a merlot sauce. My Aunt Helen, just had to be different, she ordered the Organic free-range chicken breast with crispy leeks, in jus.

Everyone had a few drinks and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Even though mom sometimes gets on my nerves, like I do her's, it was well worth it just to see the shocked look on her face! Her face was even redder when the birthday cake came out and everyone at our tables, plus regular guests at the bar and other tables started to sing "Happy Birthday" with us.

One word to describe everything: Super!

Wish every night could be as fun.

Noticed that there are just some days you wake up so disgusted and you have no idea why?

 

Unforuntately, I know why I feel this way, between FT and things happening at work, my head is spinning, and yet I tell myself I really do not care, but in fact I think I care too much....if that makes any sense!

 

Why is it that some can just get on your nerves so fast, and then it just tumbles all down from there? I wish it wouldn't happen, but it does.

 

Between my medical issues, plus that fact that my doctor told me I am starting the process of changing life...at 39?! Yikes! He told me it is a ten year process, so by the time I am 52 years old, the change will be total.

 

I have a fly off the handle type temper, and this is definitely not something that I need...at least not right now!

 

Then my fortieth birthday is a few months away, and that does not make feel any better, but I have resigned myself to the fact that I will soon be forty, and whomever thinks that I am too old, well tough luck for them!

 

I really, really do not like the fact that all this weird stuff is happening to me, but ah, well nothing I can do about it.

 

Life goes on....