The Mall

So it's noon on a Thursday and I am sitting inside Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Michigan. It was barely 11 degrees Fahrenheit when I woke up this morning, there is snow on the ground, and the roads are icy, but I had a severe case of cabin fever. Not wanting to sweat at the gym on a treadmill going nowhere, I ventured out, and drove 20 minutes to the mall to join the morning mall walkers. After a few laps, I found an empty couch in the carpeted mall center seating area on the first floor to read. It is well-designed and feels like a large public living room. The couches, chairs, end tables, and futons are movable; pleasantly arranged for small groups of people. The area is carpeted, with over-sized lamps at each of the four entrances, and surrounded by a low wall which prevents people from cutting through the space. Music is playing at a comfortable volume and guests are surrounded by the mumble of chatter from shoppers.

The mall is packed with a few hundred guests. There are those in gym shoes and headphones still walking laps. There are grandparents, childcare providers, and moms with small children in strollers. There are couples of all ages doing light shopping and chatting. There are seniors enjoying coffee and newspapers and even some doing crafts. (There is a women knitting next to me). There are store employees taking a break and mall cleaning staff looking for messes on the floor. There are moms and dads with older children shopping on perhaps special days out of school, and there are groups of middle and high school students. The amount of youth here during the day on a school day is most surprising to me. (I later found out that a very large school district close-by was on mid winter break). 

Maybe this mall is an exception to the decline of the American enclosed shopping mall. It is in the Midwest, which is affected by cold, snowy, and long winters, in an affluent suburb 30 miles from downtown Detroit. As the dominant regional mall, it serves a large population. It has nearly 200 specialty stores and restaurants and five anchor department stores, and it is surrounded by every kind of retail shopping one could possibly need. I do not know what kind of business the stores do, but I know that it is nearly impossible to find a parking space in December and is relatively packed on any given weekend.

Anyway, as I sit and people watch, I can't help but reflect on this experience and what it says about Americans and the American culture. I think we are starved for human interaction! I came to the mall because I knew that there would be people here and I needed to get out. Side note: my cabin fever is more severe this winter than usual because I just finished graduate school and am currently unemployed.

But seriously where else can we go when we have cabin fever? People go to cafe's, restaurants, public libraries, and parks to sit, read, and interact. But in the winter, when you can only be outside for a few minutes before the snot in your nose freezes and your bones start to ache from the cold, and you don't want to purchase a coffee or sandwich, where can we go? Where are the places we can people watch? We don't have to many options to satisfy our craving for social interaction.

The American dream is based on individualism and private property. We own our own land, with our own home, our own appliances, tools, and toys, our own transportation, and even our own pools. We live in little (nearly identical) boxes in sprawling suburbs and we get into our individual cars to go anywhere. Our values do not encourage us to share our individual things, to ask our neighbors for a cup of sugar, to have a conversation with a stranger, or to hang-out in public spaces. We are terrified and intimidated by density, yet our behaviors demonstrate that we crave social interaction. We go out of our way to leave our house and be surrounded by people, just because. Once we are out, we only sit where there is activity to watch, people to hear, and a scene to be part of; where the chance for social interaction is high. But we have to pay for that satisfaction. The only places to go are private businesses. 

This is not new information to planners, but our behaviors suggest that our social needs are not being fulfilled by our daily lives in suburban America.

I imagine a US where there are public places inside and outside to fulfill my need for social interaction when the cabin fever sets in. Or even better, a world where my needs are fulfilled by my daily activities. A world where I can be around people as I walk or bike to work, where I know my neighbors by their first name, where I share a plot in a community garden, swim in a public pool, and take a streetcar with strangers. A more dense urban world where I can sit in a public space to read and write. That sounds like a great community. The mall is a community. It is a place similar to a cafe in a downtown. It can't be the only answer...but then again, I am a Millennial with a thirst for urban life. Suburbia and its cul-de-sacs have cut off "diversity and the casual outdoor experience [I] feel is crucial to meaningful human sociability (p. 207). So I sit here at the mall...

Also, book review: 

I just finished The Great Inversion and the Future of the American City by Alan Ehrenhalt. It's good.

Baltimore: A Seaport and City of Neighborhoods

We arrived in Baltimore late Saturday afternoon and went right to our hotel, a Sleep Inn and Suites, just about 10 blocks north of Little Italy and Fells Point. Now I have to admit that I did not know a whole lot about Baltimore prior to our visit. I knew that it was home to the Ravens, I had heard of Camden Yards, I remembered listening to information about the recent riots on the news, and I figured that it was a previously industrial area.

After checking into the hotel and staying just long enough to freshen up, we left to walk towards food.

It was about this time that I started observing activity on the street. There were numerous tents erected off the street next to the highway, and quite a few people out walking around with carts and belongings. Ryan mentioned that the lot next to the hotel used to be a tent city of sorts, but when we passed, we noticed that it was now more of a park with gravel, some landscaping, and benches. Just down the street we observed a Health Care for the Homeless and after a quick Google Maps search, it is evident that numerous resources for the homeless seem to be concentrated in this area. I am not sure of the homeless situation in Baltimore but it looks like the city has numerous services to offer and I can honestly say that I never felt threatened or perceived any danger or problems staying at the hotel.

We walked through the row houses and brick industrial buildings. Personally, I love this older look for a city and was shocked to find out that over 1,500 buildings were destroyed by fire in 1904. Although the destruction allowed for a fresh start, I can't help but wish that more historic structures were spared. After walking for 30 minutes, hanger started to creep up on me. It reared its ugly head when we were told it would be a hour wait for a table at Ryan's first choice of restaurant (which also happened to be the farthest restaurant away, I might add). Luckily the short blocks are filled with restaurants and we got a table immediately at The Waterfront Hotel. We had a few beers and a delicious dinner with local friends before heading out for round two of drinks as the band was getting set up downstairs. I highly recommend the BBQ Brussels sprouts. I had a whole bowl! The best sprouts I have ever eaten!

Sunday

We enjoyed a lazy morning and late check out of our hotel. Our day began around noon with a fantastic brunch back near the Fells Point area. I enjoyed sitting in the courtyard patio under a very blue sky while dining on a seafood scramble. Then we made our way around the piers. Previously neglected abandoned warehouses, the Inner Harbor area has come a long way in redevelopment. We strolled through the somewhat gentrified area towards the Historic Ships. I must admit that I was a little turned off by the gaudy tourist attractions that can be found in so many cities (Ripley's Believe it or not, Hard Rock Cafe, etc.). But it is important to consider that I have a distaste for chains and corporate entertainment. We considered the aquarium but decided to pass after we learned of the high entrance fees and read reviews that Chicago's aquarium was better. We did however, tour two of the four historic ships (a submarine and 1800 merchant sailing ship).
Then we walked north through downtown to the nation's first cathedral: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I have visited many, many churches in Europe so it was an interesting experience to check out a historic church in the U.S. This church still hosts numerous services and one was about to start so we were quick inside. I bypassed the confession line and walked to the front to take a look at the massive pipe organ to the left. Part of me wished that we could stay just so I could hear the organ played.

By this point we were running out of time and once again we had sore feet...so we booked it back to the hotel, retrieved our luggage, and called an Uber for a quick beer and snack at The Brewers Art. Absolutely awesome place! Unique dishes and Belgian style beer in a historic building. I can't ask for more.

Side note on Uber: I really enjoyed our experiences in Baltimore. The drivers were very conversational and I feel like I got a personal experience visiting the city.

After walking around the center of Baltimore for a bit, observing activity on the street, and speaking with a few locals, I feel like I know a little more. One Uber driver highlighted the challenge of local problems making national news. The media has a way of picking up on the negative in a city and broadcasting it. It makes me wonder how different perceptions would be if we heard good stories too: uplifting and motivational stories of people changing their community, stories of successful independent businesses, stories that give hope for a community challenged with high unemployment and homelessness, stories of people breaking down barriers, etc. I would rather my perceptions of places be shaped by these stories.

A Quick Trip to the Nation's Capital

Well, I want to get back to blogging (partially as a productive use of my time that allows me to avoid thesis writing). The most significant thing that has changed since my last post is that I decided to continue my education and am currently in my last semester of graduate school at Michigan State University. I am earning a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning. So...forewarning...future posts may have an urban planning or urban planning related focus. Get excited! I sure am.

This past weekend, I visited Washington DC for the first time. Other than a big of time spent in central North Carolina, this trip was also my first East Coast experience.

Old Ebbitt Grill Bar

Old Post Office Pavilion

We arrived late Thursday evening by plane and took the Metro to Arlington, VA to stay with a friend. My impression of the Virginia Square area: very young, mobile and swanky.

- The metro stop has covered bike lockers for rent and bikes available for the bike share program. The blocks are short and pedestrian friendly.
- The immediate area is mostly high rise condos and apartments.
- I only saw young professionals on the streets.
- The Clarendon area has a full block of restaurants and clubs that are packed on a weekend evening.
- The apartment building where we stayed reminds me of a dorm or residence hall except that it is geared towards young professionals. There are common areas that look like lounges, a coffee machine and vending machine can be found in the hallways, there is a billiard and ping pong room and a video game room, and everything is stylish and modern.

Friday we went to DC proper to explore. Surprise, surprise...I had an itinerary.

1. Unfortunately we spent the first 70 minutes standing on a Metro train. The ride, which should have taken 25 minutes, kept stopping due to traffic control issues and possibly an inexperienced driver.

Union Station

2. Once downtown, we walked to the White House for a quick picture. In all honesty, the building is smaller than I thought. Only after we walked around to the other side of the park did I realize that we stopped at the north entrance first. The image that is more commonly shown is the south entrance which has more dense greenery on both sides of the house. I think the south entrance with the rounded front is a bit of an illusion because you can't see the sides of the house through the greenery, thus making it appear larger than it actually is. Not sure if this is intentional...

3. Also, there was a lot of security everywhere. Not sure if there is always this much security or if it was increased due to the date. We were in DC on September 11.

4. We stopped in the Old Ebbitt Grill for a quick peek. It was founded in 1856 and is Washington's oldest saloon. I think it is a really neat place with a lot of character. The menu is appealing and decently priced considering the location, but since we weren't ready for lunch yet we did not dine in.

5. We strolled through the South Lawn, President's Park, The Ellipse, to the Washington Monument, National WWII Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial.
While we walked I noticed the large amount of cars parked on the streets through this area. They lined both sides and it seemed impossible to be able to pass with traffic in both directions. I was pretty surprised that there was either no underground parking or not enough of it considering the amount of people in the city during the day.

6. We continued to stroll around the area. I have to say that I love the architecture in DC. The cement buildings, columns, modest building height, ornate lanterns, and facade design are very appealing. No where else in the US looks like DC.

7. I read online that visitors can get a great (free) view of the city from the Old Post Office Pavilion so we headed that way next. Unfortunately I had not done all of my research because to my dismay, the building was closed during renovations to become a Trump luxury hotel. According to a NY Times article, visitors will again be able to take an elevator up in the tower when the building reopens in 2016. (I don't want to make this political, but I was not thrilled to see Trump's giant name on the building).

8. For lunch we dined at Capitol City Brewing Company. Believe it or not, the chicken tenders were absolutely fantastic. Something about the flavorful batter and perfectly fried massive chicken tenders dipped in delicious honey mustard really hits the spot.


9. Then we continued to the Capitol Building and checked out the visitors center. It is free and as long as you don't mind going through airport level security to enter, it is worth a quick visit.

10. Finally we walked to Union Station and grabbed a Metro for our sore and tired feet. FYI, everything seems close but it is not. It is very spread out and we probably walked 6-8 miles by this point.

10. We departed the Metro at Dupont Circle to stroll around the neighborhood and historic district rowhouses and international embassies.

11. We grabbed a coffee/iced tea from Jolt n Bolt and then a rooftop beer during happy hour at Rebellion. I highly recommend both!

Notes:

- Nearly everyone in DC is well dressed. Very well dressed, perfectly altered suits and fashionable dresses. Perception is everything.

- There are not many bike lanes at all, even though people are on the street riding bikes. I only found one bike lane but it was done well. The lane was colored, marked, protected, and considered truck stopping and loading.

Dupont Circle Park Bench

- I love the idea of the Dupont Circle Park bench. It is a continuous circle. And people were sitting on it next to strangers. Something about the continuity breaks social awkwardness barriers.

Coming Next...Baltimore

Detroit

Imported from Detroit, Detroit Hustles Harder, One Detroit One Pride, Motown, The D, the one and only Detroit.

This city is my new home, and I want to be part of it, to understand it. Detroit has an incredible history and culture that is still very much alive. It is a city that has persevered and is still fighting through so many challenges. Arson, bankruptcy, crime, and racial tension are just a few of the struggles..

But I am optimistic that Detroit has a positive future and the Heidelberg Project is a sign of positivity here. The organization's tagline "Changing lives through art since 1986" is visible on the roads, buildings, fences, homes, and hearts of those involved. 

The best description of the Project is from the website..."The Heidelberg Project offers a forum for ideas, a seed of hope, and a bright vision for the future. It's about taking a stand to save forgotten neighborhoods. It's about helping people think outside the box and it's about offering solutions. It's about healing communities through art - and it's working!"

I first heard about this project last fall when we first moved to the Detroit area. At that time I visited the colorful street in the late evening and never got out of the car, just slowly driving with the windows rolled up and the doors securely locked. I was very new to Detroit, very much aware of the stereotypes, and informed of the activity in the news. I can't say that I wasn't afraid and my fear was a wall that prevented me from having a full understanding of the Heidelberg Project's message. I was a stereotype, a white, middle class individual from the suburbs coming to Detroit to take something, to say that I had been to the Heidelberg Project, without respecting the project for the hope that it provides for the residents of Detroit. The people that don't drive away in their nice car and leave the city to return to the comforts and luxuries of suburbia. The suburbia that wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the once grand city of Detroit. The suburbia that resulted from people abandoning the city.

This past weekend, I returned to the Heidelberg Project with a new outlook. This time, I parked on the side of Heidelberg street painted with wonderful large colorful polka dots. I got out of the car to explore this reality of Detroit. I allowed myself to absorb the artist's message and try to understand the pain, suffering, and joy in the neighborhood. 

**Art is a form of communication between an artist and the viewer, but it is a one way communication. The following opinions are my interpretations of the artistic message of the Heidelberg Project, not necessarily the message that the artist intended to convey. You have the right to your own opinions of course and my statements are not intended to offend anyone.

I parked in front of the "People's House" a.k.a. "Dotty Wotty". This house makes me smile and I love the color and vibrancy it brings to the street. There was a small child sitting on the porch with grandma that smiled, waved, and repeated hello. His presence completed the image for me of youth, energy, and fun represented by the bright colors. Various different colors and sizes, but all circles nonetheless.

The house next door is also colorful but sends a different message. This house is the "Number House", a white house painted with large colorful numbers. The news is filled with numbers about Detroit...78,000 abandoned buildings, 706,585 residents, 15,263 violent crimes annually, $18 Billion in debt. But this city is more than numbers. You can't use numbers to describe hope, a helping hand, or a smile.

Numbers don't convey pain and suffering either. I walked down the street to the next house and noticed the tree on the sidewalk first. It was black, charred, and smelled burnt. I saw the house, or the foundation that was left of it next, as I turned around and could practically feel the heat. This used to be the "OJ" or "Obstruction of Justice" house. The house first burned in a suspicious fire in May and everything but the front of the house was destroyed. You can read about how people came together to clean up the damage here. The remains became an art project, that was again set ablaze by the same young man in October. The foundation is now decorated by mostly children's toys.

The toys look recently abandoned, displayed in a way that makes the viewer think they were played with just yesterday by smiling happy children. The children whose bright futures were lost in a fire. Or maybe the children who will continue to play despite the fire.

The organization released an official statement after the fire in October, in which they have a message for the young man responsible for the damage..."We want you to know that we understand your pain.  We realize that all you’ve grown to know is destruction and that you see no way out.  This is precisely why we are here.  Our work is not about tangible “things,” it is about the Power of the Human Spirit. We recognize that there is a fire in you and we are here not to extinguish it, but to offer you a better reason to fuel it. Though you have tried, you cannot destroy the Heidelberg Project; it’s bigger  than all of us now. Instead, we invite you to join our family in creating a better neighborhood, a better Detroit, if not for anyone else than for yourself. As Tyree has said, “If you believe, you can change it…” We believe."

These are just a few of the images from the city block of color and art. I would encourage everyone to visit the Heidelberg Project. I encourage you to park on the street, get out of your car, and walk around the homes and yards here. Be open to the concepts and images the artist is conveying. This is hope in a city that needs it! 

How you like them apples?

Today was my first trip for apples in the fall 2013 season. My sister and I stopped at Philips Orchard and Cider Mill north of Lansing, MI. We both share a passion for supporting small independent businesses. Instead of stopping at the orchard giant Uncle John's Cider Mill with a corn maze, children's play area, large gift shop, and hourly activities, we stopped at the barn across the street. And I have to say that I am very happy with our decision. We split a bag of Honeycrisp apples of course and I also purchased a bag of Jonagolds. We also purchased a pumpkin, cider, and apple donuts. I have to say that their cinnamon sugar apple donuts are probably the best that I have ever had. I hate to compare them to my once favorite orchard in Indiana but they were firmer and crisper, and more delicious!

I continued to celebrate apple season by making a batch of applesauce tonight. I have been helping my mother to make applesauce ever since I can remember so I made sure to get my very own apple-pealer-corer-slicer in college. I love my applesauce chunky with brown sugar and cinnamon!

Look out for my next post of fall and Halloween baked goods and treats.

This past weekend, I visited my sister at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. The small city with a population of 26,000 is home to the CMU chippewas, a school with 28,000 students. Mt. Pleasant is in the middle of nowhere, but is nonetheless filled with local gems. My new favorite of which is Dharma Mojo Tea Bar and Grill, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant. I personally am not a big tea drinker so I have not tried their tea but I have heard great things. The restaurant is in the same building as a yoga studio on the North end of town. They have a great menu that changes pretty frequently, with very affordable prices, and fun healthy food. I recommend the flatbreads and tofu stirfry!

On another note, I am really happy living in Northville. The city does a lot of fun activities year round. I would actually be very interested in getting on their event planning committee. Last week, Downtown Northville introduced the skeletons. There are tons of skeletons in various poses around the city. I have pictures of a few of my favorites. It is great to see such fun displays for the public, and even better to see them appreciated and undamaged.

Hard Cider Review
Another reason I love Northville is because we live within walking distance of the Northville Winery. To be honest, their wine is not that amazing. I found it to be thin and mild, but their hard cider is very good. Their Rockin' Cock Hard Cider is a wonderful crisp, clean, hard cider with a full bodied apple flavor. Very much so deserving of the awards that it has won. Their berry ciders are decent but my favorite was definitely the original. The Northville Winery also experiments with their cider making a cider with hops and a bourbon barrel aged cider. I appreciate their enthusiasm and willingness to try new fun things.

So I have worked at my current job for 60 days and at day 46 I was tasked with planning the company's End of Fiscal Year Celebration in less than two weeks. I put together an event last Friday night that included dinner in the Amnesia Room of the Motor City Casino Hotel with entertainment provided by The Murder Mystery Company. The Amnesia Room is an old lounge/club on the 16th floor of the hotel with windows from floor to ceiling that look out towards the city. From one end of the room to the other you have a perfect view of the skyscrapers downtown, the river, the bridges and the old train station. For me, the view has a profound impact on my impression of Detroit.

Overall the evening was a success! There was plenty of laughter and conversation as the company celebrated a great year with excitement to meet new goals.

Clearly we have been so busy the past few weekends that I have not been on my bike for nearly a month. I miss riding and hope that the winter cold can hold off for a few weeks so I can get back on the road. Although I do not like brisk cold rides nearly as much, I am not ready for my riding season to be over yet.

Happy Fall!

I miss making my post titles in German...

I am an official volunteer at the Maybury Farm in Northville. I get the exciting job for a few hours on the weekends of collecting tickets, passing out corn maze "passports" and loading families onto the trailer. The farm has a 12 acre corn maze where families run around collecting animal stamps on their passport. Last week was my first time volunteering and if it stops raining I may be volunteering again today. The farm has a few farm animals, activities for kids, a gift shop and the corn maze. If nothing else, I am getting to know some great high school students and senior citizens in the Northville community.

Beer Review

After a slightly irritating day at work, I came home for a very fall dinner with a delicious very fall beer. For dinner I made butternut squash ravioli from Trader Joe's with a homemade brown butter sauce with sage, chopped and toasted walnuts, and craisins. It was delicious! I paired the not-so-nutritious dish with The Bruery's Autumn Maple beer. The beer is a Belgian style brown ale brewed with yams, molasses, maple syrup and spices. It is different than a pumpkin beer but equally fall and full in flavor. I might need to get another one to pair with Thanksgiving dinner. 

Drinks in Northville

I spent an evening in Northville with my wonderful mother-in-law and we did a food and drink tour down Main Street. We started by walking down the street to Bricks but they had a small kitchen fire so they were not making any food for another hour, then we tried Garage but they had a 45 minute wait for a table, so we headed back East to Le George, a Mediterranean bistro where we sat outside and enjoyed dinner and wine. I had been craving some baba ghanoush! We ordered an appetizer with hummus, baba g, falafel, and salad and then split a bean burger. I have to say that I was dissapointed in the bean burger and the two little tiny pieces of falafel, but overall it was a great meal. They need to increase the falafel volume and dress up the bean burger on their new menu.

After dinner we headed to Buckministers, the local pub on the corner for a beer. The family owned place is very eclectic with unique art on the walls. Then we went back to Bricks for more beer. It is a good thing that we did not stay there earlier to wait the "hour" before they were supposed to be able to make food, because the kitchen did not open for three hours and was just opening as we were enjoying beer number two at the bar. I would have been very hungry.

After a great evening of conversation and laughter, we began the two or three block walk home. We came to the corner of Main and the street was completely flooded. Water was gushing from the sewers and cracks in the road. I felt like I was back in Venice, when the water floods the plaza at night. So a pick-up truck drives up and stops in the middle of water, I go "Do you see this? This is not normal. Are you going to call someone?" and he goes "Yeah I work for the village, a water main broke." I said "Thank you." and we continue to walk home, way out of our way to avoid the flooded street. 

Detroit

We got a true taste of Detroit at the Eastern Market on a Saturday. We drove down to the city and tried to find parking at the super crowded market. I had been warned by a woman at work that the market was "very crowded, noisy, and smelly" and no matter how early you get there there are always 100 people there before you. She went once and that was enough. I actually enjoyed the market. We were able to find parking in a $5 lot near Shed 1. For me it was worth the $5 to find parking easily with a relatively short walk to the market. The owners of the lot were trying hard to jam as many cars as possible in their lot but they were also standing near the cars directing drivers. We walked through the food and restaurant sheds, the nick-knacks and stuff sheds, the interesting stores, and through the booths on the street. There would be a significant savings to buy produce from the Market because the prices are much lower there than at the local grocery stores. But when you take the gas to drive there and the time to shop into consideration, the savings are not as significant. We did pick up some gorgeous flowers and enjoyed the sights and sounds (but not the smells) of the market. And when we were leaving, we found a great hidden street with plenty of parking. Next time we go, I know exactly where to park for free. 

Only at the Eastern Market does a policeman ride around on a horse checking with the shop owners and vendors. He was very friendly making his way down the street saying "hey, you guys ok". He spent most of his time posing for pictures, talking to people, and letting adults and children pet his horse.

We really tasted Detroit at Slows. We had no problem enjoying a beer while we sat outside on their new patio waiting 30 minutes for our table. Nothing like pulled pork and brisket, accompanied by green beans, baked mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans. The sauces include apple, sweet, spicy, and NC vinegar style. Delicious!

Then came nap time, followed by a long walk around Northville looking at houses. 

Book Review
Sadly it has been a few months since I have read a book. I am now reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.(Thanks Mom!) Although I am only a quarter of the way in, I am enjoying her book about women in the workplace. A few of the topics have hit close to home now that I am back in the male dominated professional office environment. Earlier this week I came home from work upset because there are a few things that I am struggling with adapting my behavior to be "work/office appropriate". I had a meeting with the Director of Finance and General Manager to discuss process changes. In the heat of discussion and debate, I interrupted the General Manager while he was speaking. I stopped myself and apologized so he could continue. I was embarrassed and felt bad, getting angry at myself for not being professional. As I drove home, I was overly critical of myself, making it a promise that I will work on being a better employee.

And then I started Sandberg's book...in which she tells a story of one of her presentations to her employees. At the end of the presentation on gender stereotyping, she told the attendees that she only had time for two more questions. She called on two people, answered their questions and then said she was finished. The women in the room put down their hands following directions, numerous men in the room continued waving and shouting to have their questions answered. Sandberg stayed at the podium to answer their questions. When she returned to her office there was a woman waiting for her who said that she learned a valuable lesson today. Sandberg asked "what?" thinking it was going to be something she said during her presentation. Instead the woman said, "I learned to keep my hand in the air."

My husband told me that the men in his office interrupt each other all the time. I remember the men in my previous professional job interrupting each other during sales meeting and conversations. My mostly male customers would interrupt me all the time on the phone and in person. I consider myself a kind, considerate, and respectful person, who waits patiently for a turn to speak. Is this personality trait going to affect me negatively in a male dominated work place? Is it okay to interrupt? Can I be successful as a leader without interrupting? Or will I go unheard?

All questions that will be answered with time in the workplace. The difference is that I am now consciously aware of these things. I look forward to finishing her book.

Cooking German in the US
While listening to our German music playlist, I cooked German cuisine from my Dr. Oetker German Cooking Today. The dish was Cabbage Roulade with boiled potatoes and brown gravy. Let me just say that it was much easier in the comfort of my very well stocked American kitchen than it was in our partially stocked basement apartment in Germany. And I was able to find cooking string in the stores here so the rolls were much easier to make.

Here is what I made in Germany:

And here is what I made tonight:

I used regular white cabbage today instead of Savoy and just made boiled potatoes. The rolls were bigger and the gravy darker brown tonight. Both delicious!

I can't believe that it is almost October already. Our weekends have filled up quickly since we have been back in the US and I am very excited for a busy fall.

Happy Fall!

After a long relatively uneventful week at work (but let me say again that I am absolutely delighted to be back at work), the busy weekend began. My weekend started with dinner, a concert, and drinks on Friday with some great ladies, one of which was also in Germany this year with us.

CONCERT
We had dinner at Imperial in Ferndale. Let me try and describe the restaurant and bar...all of the tables and benches/chairs are beautiful wood, it's community seating so you seat near strangers, they have fantastic tequila drinks on the menu, the employees do not have uniforms and many of them have fun crazy colored hair, they serve gourmet tacos, hotdogs, and sides served individually. We ordered chips with guacamole and salsas for the table. I was definitely not able to eat two of the salsas without choking and sweating, but I am a wimp and really enjoyed the roasted red pepper salsa. I also ordered their taco of the week for $2.50 which had grilled zucchini, goat cheese, and an assortment of other complimentary ingredients. I paired my taco with a bacon wrapped hot dog in a bun with chorizo chili, cheese, and other things delicious for $4. I definitely recommend the restaurant! And if you go, you have to try an Uno Mas tequila drink with cucumber and a little bit of spice.

After dinner we headed over to the Royal Oak Music Theatre to see the Local Natives. The opening band was decent and played a few quick songs, but the headliner was great. I have a place close to my heart for live music, and sometimes my favorite moments are when I can literally feel the music. There is something about being surrounded by the sound of a great full-sounding talented band that makes me so happy. Even though I was not fully familiar with all of the band's music, I recognized a handfull of songs and truly enjoyed the concert.

BEER
After the concert, we went for drinks and I ordered a Short's Autumn Ale that was on tap. It's a little different than other fall beers because it wasn't as spicey, definitely more malty and bitter. I was happily drinking it until someone at the bar ran into me and dumped it all over me. It was not as delicious on my jacket and dress as it was in my cup. Luckily the bar was not well lit because the dark beer left an awesome strain running down the front of my body.

OKTOBERFEST
Saturday afternoon, we drove the quick hour and a half to Frankenmuth, MI for Oktoberfest. We were dressed in our lederhosen and dirndl, ready to pretend like we were back in Germany. Now don't get me wrong, Frankenmuth is a great little town with family oriented activities, cute houses and shops, and great restaurants, but it is no Germany. It is "Michigan's little Bavaria", just check out the commercial.

*Now the Pure Michigan Commercials on the radio do get sometimes annoying when you hear them repeatedly, but I do enjoy the message they are sending. And then someones makes a depressing parody of the video that sends a very different but real message. Sadly, this is reality. Check it out here.

So back to Oktoberfest, Ryan and I get out of the car and we immediately draw attention to ourselves because of our outfits. Everyone stares and we were 2 of maybe 25 people in a crowd of 400 plus that were dressed appropriately. One woman looked at us and then said to her husband "Yeah I did see some people in costumes." A man took pictures of us. We met a couple who came to their first Oktoberfest and made dirndl and lederhosen. They also asked to take pictures of us.

FRUHLINGSFEST in GERMANY versus OKTOBERFEST in FRANKENMUTH

-Dinner includes a roasted chicken             -Dinner is a buffet of German-American food
-Beer from 1 Liter mugs                             -Beer from disposable cups
-Real plates and silverware                         -Disposable everything
-Delicious giant pretzels                              -American style doughy pretzels (not as good)
-Stage with live music                                 -Stage with live music
-Nearly everyone in lederhosen and dirndl  -Barely anyone in lederhosen and dirndl
-Carnival rides and games                          -A few inflatable bounce houses
-No children in the Beer Tent                     -Children everywher
-Median age in the Beer Tent - 30             -Median age in the Beer Tent - 55
-Everyone dancing on the table benches     -A few people dancing on the dance floor
-Drunk people                                           -Drunk people
-Policemen patrolling the grounds              -Policemen eating the buffet
-Nice happy people                                  -Nice happy people

*At Oktoberfest, I did see a whole table of people playing Ellen's Heads Up Game. I have recently become an Ellen fan. The show is not just for the wonderful middle-aged woman. And the app game looks fun!

After spending some time in the beer tent, we also walked around the downtown area, through a craft fair quickly and around the shops on the river. I wouldn't have minded spending more time at the craft fair. In the shops on the river, I tried beer popcorn. The sign outside the window of a popcorn shop encouraged me to come in and try beer popcorn. It was pretty nasty and just made me want a beer to wash it down. I will not be trying that again.

After our buffet dinner in the beer tent, we went to Frankenmuth Brewery. Ryan enjoyed an IPA after trying their Hefeweizen. I enjoyed good old water since I was driving home. The place was packed so we sat at the bar, people watched, checked out their menu, and chatted. I noticed that they make their own rootbeer so I got a case as we were leaving. Their rootbeer is pretty good, not a "rooty" as others but still delicious. And check out how they spell bier on the label.

I still wonder why one of the events at the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest is Wiener Dog Races, but it must be sponsored by Frankenmuth Brewery because I think they have a thing for Weiner dogs. Interesting.

I would like to return to Frankenmuth sometime to check out Bronners, the world's largest Christmas store and maybe do some other fun activities. We also talked about maybe coming back with some friends and staying in a hotel there to party at the beer tent. Either way, we are living here now and Frankenmuth is close so we will probably be back. It is a very different attitude when you are living somewhere for a longer period of time. We are settling here and making it home so I don'd have to hurry up and do everything I can because we are not leaving soon. It will take a bit of getting used to.