Wow. I know this is a serious post, but I couldn't let this day go by without a thought to what happened 10 years ago. It was 10 years ago today that I got a second chance at life and survived the car jacking and shooting incident in NE Mpls.
There still isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about what happened. It's just one of those things that stick. But the hatred is gone, and for that I am thankful. I am also so thankful for the experience of the last 10 years - especially the people that have come into my life over the last 10 years. Tragic experiences do knock you down, but it is such a triumph to see yourself get back up again and live to your fullest potential.
Thank you to all of you who have continued to keep me in your thoughts and prayers and have occasionally been a shoulder to cry on, even 10 years later.
Love, Nikki
Monday, May 31, 2010
Book Review: May 2010
Hello dear readers!
I made it through two fabulous books this month and need to share with you.
The first book was Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts and she took a look at those women that helped shape our country. These are the mothers, wives and sisters of those men that helped form the U.S. government. While Cokie quotes from a number of different sources, it still is a great look at the amazing women that did have a voice in the late 1700's. I was surprised to see how many of these women were feminists and were heard by their fathers, husbands and brothers. Even though it took many more years to get us on an equal field, it was very eye opening to see how these women paved our way. I highly recommend this book!
The second book was Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I happened to run into the bookstore last week to get some reading material for the Memorial Day weekend. I picked up this book because the back of the book said, "We don't want to tell you what happens in this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know enough to buy it, so we will just say this: This is the story of two women. Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice, the kind of choice we hope you never have to face. Two years later, they meet again-the story starts there... Once you have read it, you'll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens. The magic is in how the story unfolds."
Enough said, since I recommend this book!
Happy Reading!
I made it through two fabulous books this month and need to share with you.
The first book was Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts and she took a look at those women that helped shape our country. These are the mothers, wives and sisters of those men that helped form the U.S. government. While Cokie quotes from a number of different sources, it still is a great look at the amazing women that did have a voice in the late 1700's. I was surprised to see how many of these women were feminists and were heard by their fathers, husbands and brothers. Even though it took many more years to get us on an equal field, it was very eye opening to see how these women paved our way. I highly recommend this book!
The second book was Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I happened to run into the bookstore last week to get some reading material for the Memorial Day weekend. I picked up this book because the back of the book said, "We don't want to tell you what happens in this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know enough to buy it, so we will just say this: This is the story of two women. Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice, the kind of choice we hope you never have to face. Two years later, they meet again-the story starts there... Once you have read it, you'll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens. The magic is in how the story unfolds."
Enough said, since I recommend this book!
Happy Reading!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Ca-razy Week
Whew, readers. It has been one crazy week. Doesn't it always seem to get like this when you kick off spring/summer?
Last Friday I was able to fly into MN and spend a great night with Renee, Armand and the girls. Renee tried out a new guacamole recipe, and I made my homemade tacos. Amazingly delicious!
Saturday found me running around the Twin Cities - meeting the new ladies that Rita has hired at Premier Planning Services and doing a photo shoot with them, celebrating my cousin's 13th birthday (a surprise visit for me!), meeting up with my mom, bowling a 160 at Elsie's for Chad's grad school graduation, and finally a lobster tail dinner with Renee and Armand. Are you tired yet? And did you catch that bowling score!?!
On Sunday, my mom and I, along with Erin, Marsha, Quinton and Sinnea participated in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. I sadly had to put another name on my race sheet for people that have been touched by breast cancer. It is a high school classmate of mine that is currently fighting stage 3 cancer. I know she's going to be a survivor, but what a difficult hurdle in life. My mom and I discussed, and over the last 9 years, we have walked in 8 of the races. We really like that tradition for Mother's Day.
I got home Sunday evening and tried to relax before a ridiculous week. Monday evening was spent celebrating a friend's new job. Tuesday night I flew out to NYC to attend an all day conference on Wednesday. I flew back to Chicago Wed night; however, my flight was delayed until midnight, which meant I wasn't in my bed until after 2am on Thursday morning. I had to get into the office on Thursday morning, as I had an 8:30am call; but then I get in and the call was cancelled. Grrrrr. Thursday night I attended a wedding industry event and then had an out of town friend stay the night. (She's moving to Chicago in June and is having a hard time finding a place to rent that will accept her large dog. Sad.)
Thankfully on Friday I was able to work from home. But I then had 3 wedding rehearsals to coordinate at my Church that evening before I drove to Indianapolis. At least my time in Indy was relaxing and I was finally feeling like my normal self by Sunday.
This week is already looking more sane. That's a good thing!
Last Friday I was able to fly into MN and spend a great night with Renee, Armand and the girls. Renee tried out a new guacamole recipe, and I made my homemade tacos. Amazingly delicious!
Saturday found me running around the Twin Cities - meeting the new ladies that Rita has hired at Premier Planning Services and doing a photo shoot with them, celebrating my cousin's 13th birthday (a surprise visit for me!), meeting up with my mom, bowling a 160 at Elsie's for Chad's grad school graduation, and finally a lobster tail dinner with Renee and Armand. Are you tired yet? And did you catch that bowling score!?!
On Sunday, my mom and I, along with Erin, Marsha, Quinton and Sinnea participated in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. I sadly had to put another name on my race sheet for people that have been touched by breast cancer. It is a high school classmate of mine that is currently fighting stage 3 cancer. I know she's going to be a survivor, but what a difficult hurdle in life. My mom and I discussed, and over the last 9 years, we have walked in 8 of the races. We really like that tradition for Mother's Day.I got home Sunday evening and tried to relax before a ridiculous week. Monday evening was spent celebrating a friend's new job. Tuesday night I flew out to NYC to attend an all day conference on Wednesday. I flew back to Chicago Wed night; however, my flight was delayed until midnight, which meant I wasn't in my bed until after 2am on Thursday morning. I had to get into the office on Thursday morning, as I had an 8:30am call; but then I get in and the call was cancelled. Grrrrr. Thursday night I attended a wedding industry event and then had an out of town friend stay the night. (She's moving to Chicago in June and is having a hard time finding a place to rent that will accept her large dog. Sad.)Thankfully on Friday I was able to work from home. But I then had 3 wedding rehearsals to coordinate at my Church that evening before I drove to Indianapolis. At least my time in Indy was relaxing and I was finally feeling like my normal self by Sunday.
This week is already looking more sane. That's a good thing!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Book Review: April 2010
I was able to get through 2 books in April and actually enjoyed both. They both revolved around family secrets and, of course, very dysfunctional families and how their secrets are revealed.
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
This book is set in Ireland and written in two contradictory narratives in an attempt to solve the mystery of a 100-year-old mental patient. That patient, Roseanne McNulty, decides to undertake an autobiography while, her psychiatrist, Dr. Grene, investigates her original commitment in preparation for her transfer to a new hospital. It is beautifully written as you're taken back in time through Roseanne's failing memory of her childhood and young adult life, and Dr. Grene's slow uncovering of the truth in present day.
I highly recommend this book!
The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
This book begins in 1964 with the birth of fraternal twins, a healthy boy and a girl with Down syndrome. Their father ends up delivering them at his orthopedic clinic when they could not make it to the hospital. Seeing his daughter's handicap, he instructs the nurse to take her to a home and later tells his wife, who was drugged during labor, that their son's twin died at birth. Instead of institutionalizing the girl, the nurse keeps her and raises her in another city. This deception is an unraveling thread to the family over the next 25 years.
I highly recommend this book!
Happy Reading!
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
This book is set in Ireland and written in two contradictory narratives in an attempt to solve the mystery of a 100-year-old mental patient. That patient, Roseanne McNulty, decides to undertake an autobiography while, her psychiatrist, Dr. Grene, investigates her original commitment in preparation for her transfer to a new hospital. It is beautifully written as you're taken back in time through Roseanne's failing memory of her childhood and young adult life, and Dr. Grene's slow uncovering of the truth in present day.
I highly recommend this book!
The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
This book begins in 1964 with the birth of fraternal twins, a healthy boy and a girl with Down syndrome. Their father ends up delivering them at his orthopedic clinic when they could not make it to the hospital. Seeing his daughter's handicap, he instructs the nurse to take her to a home and later tells his wife, who was drugged during labor, that their son's twin died at birth. Instead of institutionalizing the girl, the nurse keeps her and raises her in another city. This deception is an unraveling thread to the family over the next 25 years.
I highly recommend this book!
Happy Reading!
April MN Visit
I'm a bit late in posting about my trip to MN in mid-April. It was one of my quick Saturday-Sunday trips where I pop in and say HI to family and friends. This visit was with my crew from high school.
I was able to spend a beautiful Spring Saturday afternoon with Lorrie and Jessica on the patio of The Rail Station drinking some beers. I even got a little sun burned - crazy! That evening the entire group was together and we headed to an old haunt, The Bulldog. Since I had had a burger that afternoon, I bypassed my usual order of the Stilton Burger, and ordered The Homewrecker. This is a large hot dog with the everything and the kitchen sink. A-mazing! I think my favorite topping was crushed potato chips. Check it out!
Before I jetted out back to Chicago, we went out to brunch on Sunday at Edina Grill. Again, a favorite old haunt. And once again, I spent a rare Spring Sunday having brunch outside. Heavenly.
I have to say that there's nothing like some quality time spent with friends...especially old friends. The short visit home just warmed my heart.
May you enjoy the time spent with your friends!
I was able to spend a beautiful Spring Saturday afternoon with Lorrie and Jessica on the patio of The Rail Station drinking some beers. I even got a little sun burned - crazy! That evening the entire group was together and we headed to an old haunt, The Bulldog. Since I had had a burger that afternoon, I bypassed my usual order of the Stilton Burger, and ordered The Homewrecker. This is a large hot dog with the everything and the kitchen sink. A-mazing! I think my favorite topping was crushed potato chips. Check it out!
Before I jetted out back to Chicago, we went out to brunch on Sunday at Edina Grill. Again, a favorite old haunt. And once again, I spent a rare Spring Sunday having brunch outside. Heavenly.
I have to say that there's nothing like some quality time spent with friends...especially old friends. The short visit home just warmed my heart.
May you enjoy the time spent with your friends!
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