My Life on the road | Peaches Prattlings

{November 3, 2017} Vegas bound baby!

I’m off to Las Vegas this weekend. Or as some like to call it, the City of Lost Wages!

So, as you know, I travel for work and PSM does as well. One thing anyone who travels work will tell you is that we will do a lot of things to get us to that next level.

Ask that traveler you know if they have ever taken a trip just to get the points, they will tell you either they have or would. I know I have!

PSM is close to the next level on United, so… what to do? Ask ‘Where should we meet for the weekend?!’ So, a weekend in Las Vegas it is!

I went to Hilton to see what was available and found out that The Tropicana is now under the Hilton banner. Sold!

Earlier today, PSM video conferenced with me to show me the room. I had called to ask about the reservation and got upgraded, works for me and now, I see the room.

The Tropicana is the cabana feel in each room, bamboo and wicker furniture, palm tree in the bedroom, hurricane shutters on the windows and doors. Its fun.

Can’t wait to see what tomorrow and Las Vegas have in store for us!

{November 2, 2017} Bad Moms Christmas Girls Night!

What a delightful combination! Bad Moms and Girls Night!

Tonight, I had plans with co-workers. Originally it was going to be feet up, fireplace on, movies and delivery at my hotel. This turned into dinner and a movie! Almost the same!

DLP and I introduced our new team-mate, LS, to Vapiano’s, yum! And then went to one of the AMC movie theaters with the recliner seats. So…we went to a restaurant for dinner, then at the movie theater, see movie, reclined and kicked our feet up and someone delivered popcorn to our seats. Close enough!

We laughed, oh did we laugh! It was surprisingly good! Better than I expected. Let’s just say I had high hopes for Pitch Perfect 2 and was sorely disappointed, except for a few scenes. With this movie, there were some moments you thought, oh my word, but, to be honest, it kept true to the format, Amy, played by Mila Kunis is stressed out trying to be the perfect mom and give her kids the perfect Christmas. Kristin Bell plays Kiki, slightly neurotic, people pleaser, just wants everyone to be happy and get along. Kathryn Hahn is Carla, easy, literally, going, just wanting to get through the day.

They all love their kids more than anything, would do anything for them, just want them to be happy and enjoy Christmas. Then…their moms arrive! Uh oh!

Christine Baranski is Amy’s mom. A hard, controlling, condescending perfectionist, think Amy was a little stressed out?! Cheryl Hines is Kiki’s mom. Um, let’s just say a little clingy? Ok, A LOT clingy! Susan Sarandon is Carla’s mom and if you thought Carla was, well, let’s just say, foul mouthed and loose, want to guess where she gets it from!

Moms come in and drive their daughters crazy. Daughters try to have the Christmas they want and you know what happens when Amy, Kiki and Carla get together? No holds barred, throw down, drinking, smashing, grabbing, get wild girls. Do they let off steam? Yes they do! Do they wreak havoc? Yes they do. Do they have a good time? You bet your sweet bippie!

There’s love, fighting, frustration, foul language, stripping Santas, lashing out, acting out, making up, understanding, compromising, friendships, love and…a camel. Yup, I said a camel.

I give this movie two thumbs up. If you’re looking for an Oscar worthy movie, this ain’t it. If you’re looking for a movie to make you laugh, gasp, cringe, laugh and do it all over again, this is it!

Be a bad mom, today, Christmas and every day!

{October 30, 2017} JJ almost dropped the ball!

What? No!!! Say it ain’t so!

One of my favorite things about an aunt and grandmother, JJ, is, well, making the babies happy! I love getting them birthday gifts, holiday presents, treats from my travels, but one of my favorites, Halloween! With all of the nieces and grand-babies, it’s my responsibility and I wear that badge with pride!

I start asking in the summer, ‘What do you want to be for Halloween?’ and then I’m off! And every year there are new challenges. When they’re little, either mom and dad decide or I get to pick. As they get older, they know what they want and that’s what I get them. Oh yea!

This year, the costume I ordered for EJS arrived and it was the wrong size, what? Ok, return, order new. I ordered the new costume on Tuesday, there was an issue with the payment, fixed it and I also added overnight shipping, great, it should get there no later than Thursday! That works!

So…guess what happened…Thursday comes and goes, no costume, it’s been delayed, should be there by Friday, ok. Then it should be there by Sunday, seriously? Then…delay…it should be there by October 30 or 31st, but no later than Wednesday. Seriously? November 1st? AFTER Halloween? Think I was cool with this? Not a chance!

So…I had a nice little chat with Amazon Prime. You know fabulous this call was, humph…The guy kept apologizing for the inconvenience and putting me on hold and hemming and hawing, nothing they could do, it would be there by Wednesday. I said that doesn’t help, it’s a Halloween costume, ‘oh, I’m sorry’, not sure there was actual understanding there.

I think four times he offered me an extra month of Prime for free, that still doesn’t help me with the costume crisis! Oooh, I could call it it CC2017! The great Costume Crisis of 2017! Such drama! Well, save the drama for your momma!

We went round and round and came up with no solutions. Well, except for me to sit there and click on the update link over and over and over. That and look up as many costume stores near GES that I could find.

FINALLY…it paid off because at 3:37pm, Amazon updated with DELIVERED! I immediately texted GES and waited… until she texted back that it was received and a photo was texted with a very happy EJS! Whew!

Let me just say this, I admittedly sometimes am late with birthday, and holiday gifts and that’s not cool, but…I always think getting a gift whenever is fabulous, not an excuse, but…you cannot be late on a Halloween costume, there is no week of Halloween or Halloween Day 2! Only one day, luckily it’s the same day every year! October 31st! And in this one area, I cannot and will not disappoint the wee tots that I love! One year I missed LB and Princess L because I didn’t see an email about costumes, but I won’t let that happen again!

So…JJ almost missed out and I REFUSE to disappoint my nieces and grand-babies when it comes to Halloween and I’m not about to start!

Oh, how I wish I could show you pictures of my loves, they all look so fabulous!

I can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow! Happy Eve of Halloween!!!

{October 23, 2017} Let’s get some cultchah on!

Nope, not a typo! Must be read with a New York accent!

I came into Chicago earlier today, I had a dinner meeting in the office at 5pm. I got settled into the hotel and since I didn’t have a lot of time, I thought a few minutes of culture and art would be nice.

I decided to go to the Art Institute of Chicago and even better…I get in for free with my work ID! A little culture for free, score!

First order of business, go in a different direction than I always do. I tend to stick to just the modern and impressionists. I ventured to the left this time.

Chagall windows, Picasso, Dubuffet and Miro sculpture models for pieces around Chicago. Then some sustenance, a fabulous bowl of sauteed brussel sprouts. Now to walk off the sprouts.

Greek and Roman statutes, different installations, architechture, book covers and sketches, I couldn’t resist the impressionists and modern.

I was there a little under two hours, admired, enjoyed, discussed and pondered. Quite enjoyable!

{October 22, 2017} Time with my girls

I don’t know if you have heard me talk about my girls, my nieces, EJS and MGS. Oh well maybe once or twice, ha ha!

This weekend, albiet short, was the chance to spend one on one time with my sister, which you know is rare and a date with just me and my girls. How happy was I?

GES and I went somewhere, more will be revealed later, some quality time at lunch then retail therapy. I’m really good at encouraging her… to spend money! She got some great stuff! For the first time, there were more shoe options for her than me! I’m an eight, she’s a five, what are the odds?

We got home and the parents went out for dinner with friends and it was me and my girls!

Turns out no kid appropriate movies were in the theater so it was mac-n- cheese for dinner and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. They both curled up with me, MGS on my lap and EJS next to me and laughed and talked about the movie.

After, no fights, just teeth brushed, jammies on, hugs and kisses and lights out. That was easy.

I am leaving early in the morning to go back to Chicago, big dinner meeting tomorrow night. Extra hugs and kisses since I won’t see them again until Thanksgiving.

{October 20, 2017} Travel too much?

Um…I don’t think so, others might.

I’ve told you, at least I think I have, that if I’m not on a plane every week or every other week, I get a bit antsy. I like my lifestyle and now I’m spoiled. I admit it!

Well, things just got real! I am currently Platinum status on Delta, that’s the third tier and Gold status on United. I was wondering when I was going to catch up to PSM on United and promote to Gold, this was a few months ago when I was traveling back and forth to Hawaii more often then he was and then one day, wow, Gold!

Now I’m Platinum on Delta and Gold on United for this year and working towards Platinum for both for next year. Platinum gets you some nice perks. More upgrade opportunities to first class, better seat options, more free checked bags, boarding earlier, first on, first off, more legroom and some other nice perks.

Well, all of a sudden, I go to check into my flight and bam! Platinum on United! For this year and next! What? When did that happen? Who cares, I’ll take it! Now, all I need is Platinum on Delta for next year and I’m golden! Ha ha!

So… tonight I was upgraded to first class from Chicago to Boston. They serve dinner on these flights, but since I was upgraded, no vegan for me. The flight attendant told me to pick something from the snacks for sale and I got hummus and chips. She was very sweet and took this box and put it on a tray with a placemat, napkin roll with real silver and added a roll for me and the wine glass. Not necessary, off course, I would have been happy just to have the snack, but she made it more special, thank you!

Let the spoiling commence and continue!

{October 19, 2017} I’m bummed… last official hokey…

And pokey. Sigh…

Today was my last official End User training class with the client before we go- live on Tuesday. That meant my last official song and dance.

Let me explain…

If I haven’t already told you, one of the things I do and I’m known for in the world of training, is singing and sometimes dancing every day at 2pm I’m my class. It started when I got on this project.

Picture it… you’re teaching a class, these are all adults, and you look out and see yawning , eyelids drooping and fidgeting. You may not be bored, just tired, hopefully not bored! I can guarantee that people don’t get bored in my classes! I don’t let them! I have my methods.

I call on people to read, answer questions, cal them out when they yawn! I do the last one with humor, never embarrass anyone, doesn’t accomplish anything. I also tell a lot of bad dad jokes! I also know what I’m like as a student and this would work on me!

So… we get back from lunch at 1pm and by 2pm, fidgeting…I tell them to get on their feet and then I have them sing and add dancing and even hand gestures. We go back to pre-k and kindergarten! The Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Wheels on the Bus, Take Me Out To The Ballgame, You Are My Sunshine, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, in a round!

I go to one site and when I get there…”what are you going to sing today?!” How much do you think I love that!

Lately, with one day classes…The Hokey and Pokey! Oh, it’s awesome! A bunch of grown men and women all singing and putting their right hand in, taking their right hand out, putting their right hand in and shaking it about. They do the hokey pokey and turn themselves about and that’s what it’s all about! Right hand! Left hand! Right foot! Left foot! Finally… whole self! Wahoo!

So, today, being the last official End User class, the last song and dance. Sigh…

Can’t wait for the next training project!

{October 19, 2017} Oh my yum!

Today, I went to two and very different places for great meals.

The first was Ritz’s, a small, very casual place open for breakfast and lunch. A very locals place as I found out listening to the conversions going on around me as I sat at the counter.

It is wide open, a bunch of square tables and a small counter that could seat maybe six people. The kitchen is open, then menus are paper and an old Pepsi signboard shows their specials, which around here are the horseshoes. The horseshoe is an open-faced sandwich originating in Springfield, Illinois, United States. It consists of thick-sliced toasted bread, a hamburger patty, French fries, and a “secret” cheese sauce. And that is as far as I go with that, we know I’m not eating it, as much as people rave about it! Make it vegan, I’ll give it a shot!

I ordered an egg sandwich and looked at my surroundings. I loved the menu ideas in the napkin holders. The atmosphere is relaxed, the kitchen had AC/DC playing, the cooks were having a good time and when one of them saw me taking pictures, started posing for me!

This was a good neighborhood joint, I’ll be going back!

For dinner, a different experience. Augie’s Front Burner in downtown Springfield.

This is a farm to table restaurant that featured good hearty food, definitely farm to table, lots of steak, lamb, salmon, good dairy like goat cheese, not the first choice for a vegan, but I loved looking at the creations they offered.

When I got there, one of my co- workers I was meeting had already told our server that there was a vegan coming, thank you, I so appreciate the people I work with! The server told me the chef was working on something for me and checked with me on s few things, thank you again!

The food came and oh my! I started with a beet and carrot salad with a cranberry relish. It was fabulous! I bet it would have been amazing with the lemon ricotta or some goat cheese, sigh.

My next course was so pretty. It looked like a flower of vegetables! Each was some sort of baby or small vegetable, seasoned and sauteed, laid out around rice with something sweet in it, like cherries, no idea, but yum! And it was topped with a few sweet potato chips and greens. This was fabulous!

A place I would go again, if I could have this, or something equally fabulous!

{October 12, 2017} Happy FIRST birthday CDL!

My baby had a baby.. and now he’s one! What?! I remember when I became a mom, a little different than “the normal channels” so to speak. The wasband had two kids, a girl, TYL, ne TYH, and a boy, WCH, we called him by CH, which is what he’s known as. She was seven and he had just turned eight. I remember when they started spending the night, I had new mom syndrome and loved it! By that I mean when I couldn’t sleep, and at the time, I could sleep! I was constantly checking on them, watching them sleep, and when I did sleep, it was a very light sleep because I would hear them turn over in their sleep! Forgot about hearing them cough or sniffle! The time we weren’t in each other’s lives was the hardest for me, but when we reconnected, wow! Ok, I could talk about them for days, but I need to tell you why we’re here! My baby, TYL, is a mom of a ONE year old! What! One minute he’s there, growing inside her and the next minute…a wonder! I met him when he was a few weeks old and like all my grandbabies, the second we met, I was in love! Well, from the sonogram, but seeing him, holding him, the sweet new baby smell, wrapping his little fingers around my hand and my heart. He didn’t do much at that stage, they don’t, except capture your heart and mind, watching him look at everything with wonder and curiosity. Seeing TYL as cool and collected mom, thinking she was a mess, but she was beautiful, that day and everyday, but this is a new kind of beauty. She is the mother of an amazing little person! CDL is a smart, precocious, precious, funny, silly, goofy, smart, curious, inquisitive, cautious, fearless, fabulous, little person. He embodies the best of his parents, I even see his uncle, CH, in there. He loves his mommy and daddy, he loves to laugh, play, snuggle, explore, learn, try. He’s a wonder and today, October 11th, he’s one! Happy, happy first birthday CDL, I love you and I can’t wait to watch you grow and smile and celebrate so many birthdays together!

{October 11, 2017} Three new vegan meals in two days? Yum!

I’ll take it!

One of my favorite vegan restaurants in Chicago, Native Foods has launched its new menu and I have tried a few things between yesterday and today.

I couldn’t believe it, vegan bagels, lox and cream cheese? What?! Yup! A bagel, unfortunately plain, but wait! The cream cheese was made from cashews, it was creamy and light and tasty. The lox was thin sliced carrots, but it’s the way they marinated it smells and tastes like lox, wow! They offer it just like a ‘real’ lox platter with capers, lemon and onions. Doesn’t it look fabulous?!

Last night, I ordered from True Foods, we’ve talked about it before, I hope you remember! I ordered a pizza with butternut squash, onions, spinach, cranberries and almond ricotta! Wow!

I also ordered guacamole with chips and Winter Squash toast, this had brussel sprouts and toasted hazelnuts. Yum! Think I was able to come close to finishing? Not a chance, guess what was for lunch!

Tonight, I went back to Native Foods, with LJ this time. I ordered plantains with two different dipping sauces and for dinner, chicken and waffles! The syrup was maple siracha, a little too spicy for me, but the ‘chicken’ and waffles, tasty!

Dessert was our favorite oatmeal cream cookie, which we shared, so rich!

Don’t the pictures make you hungry!

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