The Same, Yet Different

The largest challenge of two professionals getting married most certainly centers around duplicates. Beds, couches, washing mashines, rugs, sheets, towels and our favorite, mortgages. It seemed almost cute at the beginning. We decided we would move into Tad's home for several reasons. Mostly because of the space and the view, but also because it is closer to work for both of us and there were more bathrooms - an essential for both of us getting ready for work in the morning. We started to refer to my home as "the country home". It is a whopping 3 miles from our current residence. When I called to change the insurance on it and the agent queried what we were going to do with the "country home", my retort was "weekends" with a stifled giggle. That was all good until now, 7 mortgage payments later we have nothing to show for it other than a very expensive storage facility that says "Janin" throughout.

Enter my friend Sally. She is a spitfire of epic proportion. We are very similar in many respects. She has a smile that doesn't stop. She is kind, generous, sharing, and easy to talk to. She is just FUN to be around. SO, last week when we came over to Tad and my condo and she asked "when are you going to put YOUR mark on this condo?", I jumped into action. Before we knew it, furniture was being moved. Chandeliers elevated (when you pay for a view, it may as well be un-obstructed), decisions of what would stay and what would have to go were being made. Tad was at work. I was safe. Until he came home.

Tad walked in, got a grin on his face and said "what have you done?!". I explained. The dining room table took up too much space. I had to move the wine cabinet to open up what would now be my sitting room. Oh, and the dining room table? Gone. Just because of the shape. We will still have a table but the new one will have to be angular in shape. Forutnately, we just bought a storage facility. The old table will not be disposed of, just put away for later use. When he looked at me and said "you seriously raised the chandellier all by yourself?" and my retort was "no, Sally helped", he immediately said she couldn't come over to play any more. Then he called her (he introduced us) and said this was what we both needed and thanked her.

SO, Saturday morning, we went up to see the decorator that did the condo initially. We found the perfect chairs for the sitting area. They need to be upholstered. The rest will come. It will be perfect before the summer and entertaining season. The end result: more open space. More seating.

Last night, I couldn't help myself. I moved the chairs from the living room window seating to the new sitting area. Check it out. And, be sure to thank Sally.

A now vacant dining room - my antique elephant marks where a small table (for my wine) will sit.

Second View

The new space - once we get the correct chairs and a new table and some new lighting, it will be beautiful!!!

Stay tuned.

Honey, Is There Bowling Here?

I can get obsessive. When in the middle of planning for our trip to Singapore, Tad came home and announced "Guess what?! We get to go to the Super Bowl!". My immediate response "Awesome. Is that where there are 9 innings or 9 frames?". It really didn't matter since the game was held in South Florida and I was assured some time in the sun.

In all seriousness, it was an amazing experience. We were guests of the Atlanta Falcons, who treated us like gold. Since we had been in Asia for a week, followed by a stop in Orlando, we arrived in Miami Saturday afternoon just in time for all the buzz.

Saturday night, Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons hosted their guests on a yacht that toured the Miami area. It was the best. time. ever. The food was great, there was plenty of wine and we got to hang out with some wonderful people. It was a real treat when they indulged us with some pictures, too! Check us out!

Tad with Warrick Dunn, former Running Back for the Atlanta

Falcons.

Tad and Janin, ready to cruise the harbor

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The Hutcheson's with Matt Ryan, who may be the nicest 20 something ever. For real.

Sunday morning after a wonderful brunch, we boarded a coach bus bound for the stadium. We were told to board bus #3 and then given tickets to the Official Tailgate Party. Tickets = Heaven. Wow. Vendors galore. Food everywhere we turned. Bars with no line. Everything was complimentary. We had a blast. Live music played. I was in my element. They gave me a great hat as a souvenir. Wow.

Enjoying the Tailgate Party. Cupcake anyone?

When we made it to the stadium, I was amazed by our seats. This was my second Super Bowl. If last year was amazing, this year topped it. Our seats were incredible. We were surrounded by people whose name you might know, like Kim Kardashian, Sam Donaldson, Ivander Holyfield, Harry Connick Junior, Spike Lee. No one got my attention more than the yellow lab who wore vest that said "Patriots for Independence".

I knew I liked this guy for a reason

The concert at half time (I mean the entertainment) from The Who was awesome. I proved that I could not "activate my cell phone and perform these moves", so I apologize to everyone who was looking for the blonde with a big smile. She was feeding her new yellow lab friend popcorn.

The Who!!!

Which inning are we in?

Well hello, seat mate! Nice eyebrows!

Dude. Are you making a movie?

WHO DAT?!

We had an incredible weekend, even if I never figured out what inning it was. Tad brought along plenty of sunblock and we were surrounded by awesome friends.

Check out all of our pictures on the sidebar!

Jet Lag and Chey Chey

After 30 hours of travel, we landed in Singapore! I had done TONS of research on what we should see and do while in this pristine country, so I was prepared to hit the ground running. We were fortunate enough to fly on Singapore Airlines to get there on one of their all-business class Airbus 340's. That airplane only holds 100 passengers, yet has 14 flight attendants and 4 pilots - well 5, if you include the one sleeping in 18F (yours truly). Our excitement rose every time we mentioned that we were flying on Singapore Airlines. People would say things like "ooh!", "lucky", "amazing service!". The airline did not disappoint. We boarded the airplane, were promptly given champagne then told about the length of the flight. 18.5 hours. Without stopping. Oy. Fortunately, there were power outlets, movies, video games, seats that laid flat and incredible food. I had also discovered that the integrated phone allowed me to dial my husband so we could talk on the phone (though sitting right next to each other) to simulate me being on the road. We were also able to prank call the guy in 11A who always won the on-board trivia.

I convinced Tad this was a real Flight Attendant.

It may have been since they are all about this big. Or rather small.

Our route of flight 18.5 hours after departing Newark, New Jersey we would find ourselves in Changi, Singapore

I had grand plans for us, but in dealing with the 13 hour time change, first things first, we needed a nap.

View of the harbor from our room

We did force ourselves to get out and walk for the afternoon though so jet-lagged we were nauseous. We had lots to check off our list. First, a ride on the Singapore Flyer. It is the worlds largest observation wheel. The views of the city are incredible.

We decided that we would do a tour of the city, which was an amazing experience. Singapore is a county of immigrants, with the population's majority being primarily Chinese, Indian and Malay. Our tour happened to be the day in which the Hindu's celebrate Thanksgiving. The men fast, meditate and prepare to give themselves to the God's in Thanksgiving. They pierce themselves through both cheeks and their tongues (they look as though they are carrying a bone in their mouths) and then HOOK large structures through their skin and carry them for 2.5 kilometers to the temple. They have a grand parade and we got to see it up close and personal! Wow. Ouch.

Hindu man carrying his structure in Thanksgiving

We were very fortunate with our accommodations (though there aren't any by the hour or roach coach-ish hotels in Singapore) and we got to stay at The Ritz Carlton Millenia. It was an amazing hotel with exceptional service and bellmen who liked to pull my leg. And tease Tad.

Asking directions to the Singapore Flyer turns into a laugh fest.

Singapore Flyer. For my husband, who is afraid of heights.

We shopped in China town, as they were getting ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year -

"change" it's everywhere.

dragon puppet. Scary.

Roasted pork that was heaven in the mouth. A delicacy for The New Year.

Dinner. Well, for one of us.

Finally, the whole reason we made the journey. Tad won a prestigious award from AirTransport World from AirTransport World for Market Leadership. I was so proud to be there as he accepted his award. CONGRATULATIONS, TAD! xoxoxoxo

Cervesa y Bano

I am proud of my family. At times, boastful. My dear husband, Tad, was recently notified that he would be receiving an award in recognition of all of his accomplishments in the field of Marketing. No one could be more happy than me, wifey. That might qualify for an "emergency" run to Nordstrom to find a little something pretty to wear as his arm candy when he receives said award. Visions of grandeur float through my mind. Red carpet? Photographers? Oh boy, I am going to have to hope for air-brushing. And that I don't pull a Janet Jackson with a "wardrobe malfunction". I am picturing something long and purple.

I am hoping this award will be bestowed upon him somewhere NICE. Like New York City. Maybe we can stay at the Plaza. I can have tea where Eloise did. Ohhh! The Waldorf! A siting of a Hilton may happen! I should look to see what is showing on Broadway. While I am asking him where the award is being handed out, he lays it on me. Singapore. SINGAPORE!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!! Even better than baby had expected. Until she had a flashback to the woman who was caned for chewing gum in public. Singapore. Right at the equator. Singapore. 2 days worth of travel to get there. Singapore. HOT. MUGGY. Summer clothes on a hibernating body. SINGAPORE! Language issue!

In most of the world, our language is widely accepted. In lots of other parts, you can squeeze by with Spanish. I can order a MEAN beer and find adequate facilities to dump said beverage in many parts of the world (Mr. Russell, you would be proud). I don't think that we will get by with either in Singapore.

Never mind. There is SHOPPING to be done. And Singapore Slings to be consumed. And tan's to be had. And SHOPPING!!! I am picturing running my hands through the most exotic gems that cost pennies on the dollar. Can't you see a great big emerald hanging on my neck? Apparently, the shopping isn't that great a deal. Never mind. I have been advised of plenty of things to do once we get there. Nocturnal Zoo. Singapore Sling. Singapore Flyer. Sling. Botanic Garden. Singapore Sling. Aquarium. Sling. First stop will be for a Singapore Sling.

I wonder if I can get one with an umbrella.....

and a bano.

New Year New YOU!!!

Santa paid close attention to the wish list of the Atlanta based Hutcheson's. There was one gift under the tree labeled for both Tad and Janin and it was a Wii Fit Plus! We have gone so far as to get it out of the box. This weekend, we hope to figure out how to work out to it. Watch out, Jenny Craig! There is a new program on the 21st floor of the Tower! Wii Fit. I will eat to that!

Whew! That Was Fast!

The month of December seems to be a blur. I blinked and there it went. It was filled with parties, cocktails, dinners, decorating and figuring out what to do about Christmas. In the end, we decided we would meet up with my parents who would be in Seattle with my grandmother visiting my brother and sister-in-law. I have to admit, it was a little strange for me to grasp the idea of not having Santa find his way down the chimney at my parents house. Fortunately, he read the memo and delivered loads of loot to Washington!


Growing up, my mom and I used to get up really early in the morning and storm Neiman Marcus' doors the day after Christmas for their deep discounts on fabulous decorations to be used the following year. Being that Tad enjoys shopping and we could really use some decorations ourselves, we decided to look up the closest N.M. and do some shopping. All in the name of tradition, of course!

Tad justifies a giant lolipop to Grandma. Like she needs persuasion for sweets.

We had a jam packed trip with lots of eating, drinking, driving, shopping and a tour of the Boeing factory for those of us who dig airplanes in the family. A trip to Seattle just wouldn't be complete without a quick stop at the Pike Place Market and having a calorie splurge with some Beecher's cheese curds. Yummmmmm

The gang moving closer to curds.

A full day at the market.

Merry Christmas from Seattle from the Petrick's and the Hutcheson's!

It's OFFICIAL!

I am a timely, mostly prompt person. I am held accountable to the second with my occupation. When Tad and I went to The Fulton County Probate Court to apply for our Marriage License, we were told by the lovely lady that we would have the official certificate within 4 weeks of our wedding.

I don't like being lied to. SO, after the 28th day with no official certificate in the mail, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Part of the reason I had taken so much time off from work in November was to tie up loose ends after the wedding. I would be in charge of most of the combining of the two homes, returning duplicate wedding gifts and of course, changing my name. 4 weeks. I can't accomplish the last task without the official wedding certificate. I begin by calling. After a bit of governmental run around, I get my grimy hands on the phone number to the probate clerk. She won't answer her phone. She doesn't return calls as promised on her voicemail. Her sheer will to ignore is impressive. She had no idea what was in store for her. I was on a mission. I had to get to the bottom of this as I couldn't bear to hear my hubby ask every day "Did anything from Fulton County come in the mail" with anticipation and disappointment growing each day.

On day 31, I hopped in the car and decided to get to the bottom of things at The Fulton County Probate Court. This is what I encountered:






The woman behind the desk was clearly not impressed with my mission. She spoke in a tongue that only an ewok could understand. She was so large that moving from the desk would be an undertaking in itself. She truly didn't give a darn that it had been 31 days and we still didn't have our official certificate. She suggested that I "call back". I asked if 404.730.4685 was the proper number to call. She looked mortified that I had it memorized. It was the correct number. I asked if Bonnie had an ability to call out i.e. return calls. She did. I was told they were "backed up". They would get to me when they got to me. Then she said it. "We didn't get no license in the mail." Oh, the dreaded double negative. Had I taken the time to explain grammatically what she had just said I knew we would never get our certificate. I went home and decided to wait it out.

I called our wedding coordinator from the church, who assured me that she mailed the signed certificate herself from the post office. She also assured me that Fulton County is notoriously slow and that she knew getting the certificate could take over 6 weeks. Ugh. The probate court lady told us no more than 4!

I am dropping it. Combining 2 homes isn't supposed to be this hard. It gets to be when Fulton County is sooooooo slow.

Then it happened. On the 42nd day, 6 weeks to the day after our wedding our Official Certificate arrived in the mail. We are officially recorded. Now I get to go speak with the lovely people at Social Security. I will have my ewok thesaurus in hand.

We'll Take That One!

Tad and I are both shoppers. We see what we like, we make a quick decision and we hope to not have regret when we get the item home. We decided that we would purchase our Christmas tree Thanksgiving weekend as my time at home the month of December will be somewhat limited. I found a coupon on-line and we set off to a local tree farm to find the perfect fir.





It only took about 5 minutes of looking at about 4 trees and we saw the one that was destined to come home with us. A beautiful 8.5' Fraiser Fir that had perfect symmetry and was grown in Northern California. That was all I needed to hear. Sold. Can we have 2?




After sweet talking the tree lot guy (me, not Tad) we convinced him to put it in the stand for us. I could only imagine what it would have been like trying to do that ourselves. Tad has a keen eye for all things perfect and can spot a fleck of dust a mile away. Not having a straight tree in our home between our pillars was simply not an option. I thank the tree lot man (Jimbo) for keeping my marriage in tact.

Off To The 'Noo 'Noo

Tad is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. That is about an hour and a half from Atlanta, so this year we decided to go there for the weekend to spend Thanksgiving with his mom, sister and her family. Whenever we talk about that city, a great debate inspires. I call it "The 'Noo 'Noo". Tad calls it "ChattaVegas". Whatever you call it, we climbed in the car Thanksgiving morning and headed northwest.

We had a great time and began our weekend with Thanksgiving dinner at a great place his mom found right on the river.

Content with full bellies after dinner.

After a great Thanksgiving meal, we headed back to Judy's home for some stomach recovery before concentrating on what we were going to eat next. After a little coercion, we got Brock (13) and Emma (10) to bust out their Baritone Saxophone and Clarinet for a private concert in the family room.

Easily mistaken as The VonTrapps, they are The Steeles!

The day after Thanksgiving, Judy had arranged a nature tour of the Tennessee River. It was a great tour and very exciting for us all to be on a boat that traveled at speeds of up to 50mph!!

With my friend Sam (5), trying to stay warm!

Sam got his hands on a pair of binoculars and was captivated.

Emma and I look a little different than we did the month before!

After our river tour, we grabbed Emma and took her for a much deserved treat. Clumpies Ice Cream! Clumpies is a Chattanooga creamery that no one in this family can pass up. We so enjoyed our afternoon with Ms. Bean and Tad and I can't wait for our next ice cream date with her!

Though the debate of what to call the city we were visiting continued, Tad bought me a t-shirt that said "Chattaboogie" across the front. It appears we were both wrong. No matter, a great time was had by all.

Happy Birthday To ME!

I LOVE birthdays! Everybody's birthday. I think that is the one day per year you should be entitled to do what you want, say what you want and eat what you want without penalty! This year's birthday allowed me to do all of that and more! Being that it was the day before Thanksgiving, I got to kick the holidays off with a bang!

Tad woke me up early in the morning and made me a delightful breakfast of gluten free chocolate chip pancakes and perfectly cooked crispy bacon! Yumm! He then bestowed me with incredible gifts. He is SO very thoughtful and pays attention when I am generally convinced of just the opposite.




My dear friend Laura took the day off from work and she and I had a wonderful girls day. We both had been dying to try the restaurant at Le Cordon Bleu's Culinary Academy in Atlanta so she made lunch reservations and made sure that my food limitations were accommodated. We had an incredible 5 course lunch (splurge!) and lots of laughs along the way.

Creme Brule for lunch!

After eating a million calories, we decided we should probably do something to burn off the calories - what a better place to do that?! The mall. I had a couple of coupons that were burning holes in my pocket so we went to the mall to indulge a little more. It is not often that I can introduce Laura to something, so I got tremendous joy of showing her the valet at Lenox Mall. Something she had never done but will probably never pass up again, especially when knowing that she will be hauling serious loot!

It's not often that Tad makes it home from work before I am done doing all things girly. This day was an exception and as soon as I walked in the door he was ushering me out to our awaiting dinner reservations. He surprised me by taking me to BLT Steak, which is in our neighborhood and we have been looking for a special occasion to try. We had an incredible meal for what shaped up to be THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!!!