2011 - A year worth remembering

Birthday parties - Holidays - Superbowl - TEN Academy Award Nominated Movies - Weight Watchers - Book Club - Cocoa Beach - Arlington Race Track - Brewers - Netflix - Rummage Sale - Milwaukee Mile - New York - "Chicago" - "Jersey Boys" - New iron; stand mixer; washer/dryer - Retirement

Christmas Eve with the family

A lovely Christmas Eve party compliments of Mike & Chris.  Photo's can be found on my Shutterfly. page.

inSINKerator

The kitchen sink project which began last Wednesday, is almost finished.  I say almost because as I was putting stuff back under the sink today, I managed to dislodge the connection to the new disposer. More photos are on my Shutterfly site - including one of the plumber.  (I love my plumber)

Practically not draining...

Why is it that just when I'm on a roll - cooking, baking and kitchen stuff, the drain acts up?  Such a pain.  Good thing we have a brand new plunger.  The drains should be good as new in a few hours - how long will it last?  Before we buy our next house, I'll be testing out all the drains!

Oops! I stood up the CEO!

The "big guy" wanted to wish me "Best Wishes" on my retirement.  His assistant suggested this past Wednesday between 10 and 10:15 a.m.  Worked well for me.  I bragged about it to all my co-workers telling them to clean up their desks because he'd be stopping by.

He was a "no-show". 

Found out later in the day that I was supposed to go to his office in the main building.

Oh Well...we did finally get together yesterday shortly before my final exit - and I got to see his fabulous office.  (Great view of the lake)

He's a really, really great guy.  Northwestern Mutual is a really, really great place.

I can't stop smiling

Back to work today, for only 3 more days before retirement. 

First:  I had to hurdle a couple of large boxes to get to my desk.  One of my fund partners had sent me some wonderful going-away gifts in huge boxes.

Second: I found out that was while I was off yesterday, management announced a re-organization.  Our department, as of January 1st will no longer exist.

Third: The dinner I was invited to had moved from a hotel restaurant to a top-notch steak house.

Fourth:  When I arrived home, I walked into the house carrying the following:

• Purse
• Computer Bag
• Left-over Rib-Eye Steak in a fancy container
• Gift Bag with a book; fancy room spray; hand wash; lotion; cookies; snacks and an official London Olympic pin
• TWO  - (2) Chairs in a bag - one over each arm.

I can't stop smiling!!!

The 2011 "Banach" brother get-together

Once upon a time, the Banach family had several get-togethers during the year.  New babies; 1st birthdays', 1st communions, wedding or baby showers, graduations and of course holidays.  It was such fun for me as I was from a very small family and really enjoyed all the interactions between a large family.  

Time of course changes things and our get-togethers are much less frequent.  Nevertheless we do an annual holiday get-together and this year co-incided with a Packer Game on TV.  It was such fun - lots to eat; cheer about and a little side betting to make the time interesting.  The photo isn't that great - I'm still learning how to use my new camera.

Nothing says "Happy Retirement" like a new coffee maker!

I've had my eye on a Keurig single cup coffee maker for awhile.  My company was kind enough to provide a cash gift based on my years of service so I used part of it today to purchase a Keurig coffee maker.

It didn't want to work when I first tried it out, but after several test runs, I can now report it appears to be working just fine.  Can't wait for tomorrow morning:)

Triple celebration with friends

An early Christmas Celebration - A belated Birthday Celebration - A Retirement Celebration

My Baird friends met recently at Cooper's Hawk Restaurant. Once again, we spent about three hours catching up.  It was a fun evening.

Successful Dinner

It all worked out as planned.  Turkey was browned, crisp and tender.  Stuffing was tasty, with just enough crunch. Gravy was rich and smooth.  Cranberries were a perfect balance of sweet and tart.  Sweet potatoes were wonderfully creamy and buttery.  Pumpkin and Banana Cream pies were the right choice for the guests.  Best of all was the time spent with family.  I really enjoy Thanksgiving - so much to be thankful for.

The night before Thanksgiving

And all through the house, nothing was stirring, except Carol's cooking throughout the house.

The cranberry sauce was simmering while the pie dough was created.

Before you knew it, the pumpkin pie and banana cream filling was ready before the gravy was finished.

What will tomorrow bring?

This and that

Turkey roasting.  I absolutely love to cook - it brings out the creative and accomplishments side of me.  This Thanksgiving I intend to break just a little bit from tradition and try a recipe for Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy from the Test Kitchen cookbook.  That cookbook hasn't failed yet so I hope the extra effort will be worth it.

Fall clean-up.  I never realized how much effort goes into getting ready for Winter.  Leaf clean-up; plant clean-up; garage clean-up; gutter clean-up...it seems to go on and on but I know by the last week of November is is over.

Christmas shopping.  I really, really try to not shop until at least mid-December but somehow I end up breaking that.  This week my company had a toy/book sale that I couldn't resist.  I can't wait to see the reaction when these gifts are opened.  They make me smile.

Sea Bass.  Have you ever eaten a piece of fish - very expensive fish - at a top restaurant and had an unexpected fish bone stick to your palate?  Quite uncomfortable.  Remind me to not order that again!

Too much hair.  Why did my stylist convince me to let the "locks" grow out for awhile?  I hate my hair right now.  Good thing I have another appointment next Monday.

Casey Anthony - I couldn't resist picking up the new book by Jeff Aston "Imperfect Justice".  That story is so gripping - I can't seem to shake it.

Enough already - My fingers are getting tired.  Have a good week.

Dean Hopp's rendition of Carol Banach's Top Ten List of LASTS

A colleague who sits next to me, came up with the following top 10 "LASTS" for me.  Some will not make sense unless you've worked at NM, but nevertheless they are quite entertaining.

10. Last time that I need to show my stupid badge to the NM securities guards. Not quite sure why I’ve had to show to them as I’ve been coming here for over six years and they know my kids names for crying out loud.

9.  Last time that I need to turn on my computer in the morning…….

8. Last time I need to hear that annoying market data box go off at all times of the day…..(I should have let Dean climb up there with a sledge and knock it down!)

7. Last time I have to be subject to fish for lunch 5 days in a row…..The fish is the same, it’s just been prepared differently….almost like the different varieties of shrimp on Forest Gump.

6. Last time I will get one of these computer upgrades that really doesn’t work for the first month until they put the fix in.

5. No more development, career path, operating, or BCP goals to adhere to

4. United Way

…..need I say anymore?

3. No more reply emails from Dean (shoot, those were actually entertaining)

2. No more MetaData

1. No more logging into the most ridiculous vacation scheduling system in the world! What exactly is “add a row” to my vacation….I’ve got unlimited vacation now!!!!

Unsettling

"25 More alarm clock days left."  That's what I said several times today as I've run into people at work who said..."are you excited about retiring?".  I almost wish I hadn't given so much notice.  People are now applying for my job.  In fact I had lunch with someone today who wants my job.  It is unsettling. 

Pete & Carol's Adventure

My retirement is effective the end of December, however last day at work is December 15, 2011.

A young colleague asked me a question last week.  "I can't believe you're leaving. Aren't you going to miss all the fun we have?"  I just smiled...

A new chapter in life will soon begin. Some believe before actually retiring, a plan must be in place as to how time will be spent.  I find that to be too much like "work".  Instead of having a calendar filled with activities, taking each day as it comes sounds much more adventurous.

I don't know what I'll be doing Friday, December 16th, but knowing there is a special person willing to take that adventure with me makes the future so promising.

Life is so precious; live it as if it were going to end tomorrow.

Card Carol

Today at work I made it a point to introduce myself to a new person in our Department.  I felt bad because she had transferred from another area about 6 weeks ago and I hadn't taken the time to welcome her to our floor.

Earlier this week I sent an invitation to have lunch with me.  (work is funny...we send an electronic invitation to have lunch instead of just picking up a phone, or physically walking to the other side of the floor!) Anyway, mid-morning I stopped over at her cube to finally introduce myself and let her know I might be a little late for lunch. 

Her back was to me, but when I said "Dawn, hi I'm Carol" she turned around and said "Carol - are you my Card Carol"?  As soon as I heard her voice I recognized her.  She reached over and picked up a greeting card displayed on her desk, and sure enough my writing was on the inside.

When I started at M&I - 16 years ago, I was hired for her position as she was moving to a new role.  After she trained me, I gave her a "thank-you" card and the front of it was a picture of dogs. Dawn LOVES dogs. Between M&I, and NM, she's had at least a dozen positions, but has always kept that card displayed on her desk.

Yes, I am her "Card Carol".  We had a great time catching up over lunch. 

Really Interesting Stuff

Probiotics

Why baseball managers wear uniforms - CNN.com

Why baseball managers wear uniforms - CNN.com

Happy Halloween

I love JibJab - Turn up the volume.

 

First one starring Julia, Jake, Grandpa, Shelly & Sara

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/R8ym1RPWErIb1MFk

 

Second one starring Chris, Nic, Mike, Jamie & Grandma

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/lFTGfndXCUrqjAAO

 

 

Frying Cheese

Last week when I returned from a business meeting in Chicago, my colleague who was driving asked if I would mind if we stopped at the Mars Cheese Castle.  We did, and she suggested I try "Frying Cheese".  I bought some, took it home, and prepared it.  It is FABULOUS!   I prefer to slice the cheese about 1/4" x 1 " slices, then fry them.  Because I bought the "plain" cheese I added some hot sauce before popping into my mouth and it is truly delicious.  They do sell it in other varieties like Garlic or Jalapeño which might be what I try next time I'm on I 94 South.

Preheat a nonstick frying pan or a lightly oiled skillet.  Slice the cheese into 1/2" to 1" cubes.  Drop the cubes on the heated pan and fry about one minute on both sides until golden brown.  Cool slightly and serve warm.

Mistaken Identity

It sounded like maybe our next door neighbor started up his lawn mower.  We're not sure because this neighbor hasn't cut his grass for 2 months, so we hadn't heard that particular sound for awhile, but we were pretty sure.  Ended up to be much louder than a lawnmower...it was the Goodyear Blimp going from Timmerman Airport to Miller Park to cover tonight's Brewer Game.  "Go Brewers!"

Why do these men wear uniforms?

Ron Roenicke
Tony La Russa
Kirk Gibson
Charilie Manuel
Fredi Gonzalez

Brewers - Bobbleheads - SOLD for $50

Back in 2006-2007 I went to a lot of Brewer Games and collected a lot of bobbleheads.  They've been displayed on a shelf at work for awhile, but for the past 2-3 years have been in a box under my desk.  I brought them out today to see what I had and took this picture.  Seeing as the Brewers are likely to be in the play-offs, I decided to sell them - how much would you pay for them?  Never mind - I sold them to a lady who has children who wanted to play with them.  That makes me smile :)

Mad Men

Rachel, the gal who did my Shellac pedicure and manicures this summer told me about Mad Men, an AMC TV series. 

I decided to get the first season through Netflix and I love it!  I'm now downloading them instead of waiting for the next DVD to arrive in the mail.  I've started the 3rd season.

"Mad Men is set in the 1960s, initially at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency on Madison Avenue in New York City, and later at the newly created firm of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. The focal point of the series is Don Draper (Jon Hamm), creative director at Sterling Cooper and a founding partner at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, as well as those in his life, both in and out of the office. As such, it regularly depicts the changing moods and social mores of 1960s America. "

I'm remembering so many of the events that occurred during the time period and am amazed how accurately they depict the dress, hair styles, and culture. Looking back at those times, I'm amazed how things have changed so much.  What were we thinking!  Well, not me as I was about 12 or 13 years old during the start of the series, but still!

If you haven't seen it, give it a try and let me know what you think.

Chewy Brownies

Last Christmas I received a "Test Kitchen" cookbook.  I've held off on many of the "baking" items - not sure why, but anyway I'm having fun with them now.  I made the 2011 Season's "Best Chewy Brownie" recipe today and without a doubt they are absolutely wonderful as the pictures will show.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame - like you've never seen it!

More fun with my co-workers!  We're planning a visit from our mutual fund partners soon and will be taking them to a Brewer baseball game.  I used a recent photo from  a team outing to creat this video.  I giggle everytime I see it.  It will be a surprise - I hope it doesn't get me fired!

It Bloomed Finally

It's been three years since our Passion Plant flowered.  It waited until the last weekend of summer but it was worth the wait.

Me Paint?

I've never taken an art class yet was able to reproduce this POPPY photo.  Shelly treated me to an evening at Sips & Strokes.  We both started with a white canvas then painted it entirely black.  Grass followed.  Then red blobs that turned into the Poppy's.  Last is my signature.

POPPY's by Carol

I thing my birth season has finally ended!

I thought my birthseason had ended last Monday when Shelly & I went to Sips & Strokes, but I forgot about a couple of things.
1.  Imelda, my friend from Baird treated me to lunch on Wednesday at Swig - located in the 3rd Ward.  It was really nice, we sat outside under an umbrella and had Caesar Salads and Ice Tea.  We walked there and back to our offices so felt less guilty about our lunch!
2.  Today I sent myself home from work early - just because - and went to Kohl's to spend the $75 free money I had received as a result of my original birthday shopping with sweetie.  I bought some baking pans, and everyday wine glasses because I keep breaking them! 
I'll probably look for new ways to use my new birthday stuff...Kitchen Aid Mixer; cookie sheets, baking pans, and I can't forget about my new toy...an IPod.  I did load some music on it but I want to do alot more. 
So much to do - so little time!  At least this will be a long weekend to play.

Coffee Lord

I've been chosen to take over the Seventh Floor Office Coffee Club. I'm not the person responsible for making the coffee - just collecting the monthly coffee dues and ordering a new supply. We have one of those fancy machines that all you do is put a fresh filter and coffee grounds in the top portion, then press a button and a pot of coffee is ready in 5 minutes or less. 

The challenge for me, is that as of September 1st we have only 3 members, including me.  The previous coffee lord, and a few other members are moving to another building.  He was very economical and kept the monthly cost down by ordering a supply of so-so coffee and only charging what it took to cover that cost. His cost per cup for non members was $0.75 a cup.

I noticed all of the other floors were charging members $10 a month for unlimited coffee or $0.50 a cup for non members.  So my first decision was to do the same.

I started a campaign to get more members by offering "FREE" coffee from August 15th to September 1st for anyone who will join the club.

I'm also trying to encourage coffee consumption with homemade fresh baked items I call "Coffee Cravings" which I place right next to the coffee machine.  Last Monday it was fresh baked Banana Bread.  So far only one more person has committed to join.

But tomorrow I'll tempt them with homemade fresh baked Sour Cream Coffee Cake.

It's not like no one drinks coffee on our floor - it's just they prefer the Alterra brand and are willing to walk next door or down to the cafeteria and pay about $2 a cup for it. If successful by raising more cash, I'll order a higher quality of coffee like Dunkin Donuts or maybe even the Alterra brand. 

If I'm not successful then I guess there will be one less member, and someone else can take over being the Coffee Lord.

Oh What A Night

The Jersey Boys!  Last evening, Shelly & I attended the musical show at Milwaukee's Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and was blown away!  A year ago we saw Wicked, the musical; and last June while in NY we saw Chicago, the musical; but I honestly believe neither compared to what we experienced last evening.

Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It is a documentary-style musical, based on the lives of one of the most successful 1960s rock 'n roll groups, the Four Seasons.

The story dramatizes the forming, rise and eventual break-up of the original four members of The Four Seasons. The musical is separated into four Acts, each narrated by a different member of the band: Spring (Tommy DeVito), Summer (Bob Gaudio), Fall (Nick Massi) and Winter (Frankie Valli); each member has a different perspective on the band and their contribution to it.

It could have gone on for four more hours and I wouldn't have complained!  We bought the CD and I listened to it at work today about 3 times at least!  Oh What A Night!

Taking time to be with friends

I have a few friends, met through a former employer that continue to be an important part of my life. This evening three of us met for dinner and conversation.  John Hawks pub was tonight's destination and while the food selection wasn't great; the location was lovely, and the time we spent together very satisfying. I kind of smile when the waitress stops at our table to see if we ready to order, we say "not yet"; over and over again. Most of the time we don't even open the menu - just ask for a recommendation and go with it.  I hope to always have friends like these in my life and the time to spend with them.

Arlington Race Track

Our day at the races was worth it - well maybe not monitarily; but at least it was better than a day at work. We picked up Chris & Ray about 9:30 a.m. and headed down to Arlington, IL. Traffic was not an issue at all. Thursday's is "senior citizen" day - we were probably some of the youngest there.  We arrived when the track opened, at 11:15 a.m.  We got programs, and the "green sheet" which are tips for which horse to bet one for each race. There are 10 races, the first one starting at 1 p.m. and the last one staring about 5:30 - 6 p.m. There is about 1/2 hour between races which gives us time to visit the Paddock where they parade the horses and jockeys around, then place a bet, then go to the grandstands and watch the race.  The grounds are absolutely beautiful and very clean.  They have a food court with the typical food items and beverages. We stayed until the end and bet on all.  No one came out ahead, but when a typical bet is $2 a race, it is an inexpensive way to spend a summer afternoon.  Check out the photos on my Shutterfly Site - 2011 Arlington Race Track.

Off to the races!

It's been a long time since we went to a horse race, but we've decided to try it again. We'll be visiting Arlington Park, IL tomorrow with friends. Tonight we're studying up on Win, Show, Place and all the other terms we'll need to know. Sweetie has printed out lots of stuff so I'll be burning the midnight oil reading up on all the horses and betting protocol I'll need to know. I think the last time we were at Arlington was about 25 years ago - I bet it will come back to me, just like riding a bike. Wish there were a "wager" on that one :)

What a day for a picnic!

We had a picnic lunch today instead of eating in the NM cafeteria. Jimmie John's subs; chips and cookies at the Lakefront with co-workers to celebrate with our summer intern who's heading back to Howard University. It was a hot, humid day, but surprisingly not too uncomfortable with a breeze off the lake. It was a very nice celebration...but I ate stuff I usually don't and am feeling very guilty. I guess I'll get over it.

Carol Banach: Now What?

Carol Banach: Now What?: "I enjoyed blogging on the Shutterfly site but I think it might be difficult to access due to their sign-in process. I'm hoping this is eaise..."