The Faces Of Brooke

Morning Laugh

Mistaken Identity

On the way home from Chicago I was reading a magazine that had been left in the seat back pocket in front of me. Brooke was sitting next to me and noticed the picture in the magazine and then we had the following exchange:

Brooke: (Excited voice and pointing) There's Aunt Grace
Me: Brooke, that's not Aunt Grace
Brooke: You're Right, it's Pocahontas.

How's Your Food?

Every night at the dinner table the following conversation plays out no less than 5 times:

Conflicting Signage At Union and Fair Oaks

There are multiple signs in this parking structure that state you have to pay before returning to your car. I always wait in line to pay before going back to the car, the last time I was there I noticed the second sign in the corner......really. I paid on the way out and it was faster.

Day Four Chicago-Millennium Park

We loved Millennium Park! Lots of Fountains, the Bean was super cool and they had a family fun center that had ladybugs, bean tosses and building blocks-the kids loved it. I was really worried we wouldn't make it there (because of the weather) but we did and it was awesome! On the way out we stopped at Pizano's for some thin crust pizza and then headed to the airport. Overall, great visit to Chicago!

Day Three Chicago-Navy Pier

After the River Cruise we decided to go back to the Science Museum but that was kind of a bust since it was super crowded.

Following this we attempted to go to Lou Malnati's for pizza but at 2:00 it was packed and we decided it was best to just walk back to the hotel and grab something along the way. We stumbled by Al's Beef which was actually on my Chicago food list as an -if we have time- so we decided to eat there. The Italian beef is a Chicago specialty and Al's Italian Beef has been voted the Number 1 sandwich in America-I promise you, it wasn't that good. It was a decent sandwich but I didn't think it lived up to all the awards it has received (Food Network, Esquire Magazine, Travel and Leisure and Zagat's). 

After lunch we went back to the hotel for awhile and then went on to Navy Pier. Navy Pier was fine but we didn't find it super special. The girls rode the Carousel and a little train and that was about it. I suppose it would have been pretty fun if we didn't live at Disneyland or have an ocean near us. We decided to pass on Harey's Carey's dinner (even though David and I would have preferred this) for the Rainforest Cafe. We had great seating (right next to the Gorilla's) and the girls had an awesome time. Overall, another great Chicago day!

Day Three Chicago-The Morning

Seems like it was a long time ago that we were in Chicago so I better finish the Chicago blogging up. On Saturday we took a 1/2 architectural river cruise and 1/2 Lake Michigan cruise. It was awesome-we wanted the full river cruise but the 1/2 was more fitting for the kids so we ended up with that one. We all enjoyed it.

Artwork At The Yogurt Place

We went to an opening of a new yogurt place by Becca's house and as part of the opening they were doing body painting. Brooke was brave and she went first, followed by Elizabeth and Joshua. Sydney was timid and unsure of the entire thing and stated she wasn't going to do it but after everyone had gone she decided she would do it her own way. Nobody was going to touch her face but she surrendered her arm and was so proud of herself.. I was so proud of Sydney-it's all on her terms!

Not All Ice Cream Is Enjoyed The Same

Back in June we went for ice cream on vacation in Jackson Hole-it was fantastic. As I have pointed out before I say bring on the Huckleberry-talk about out of this world. Still, if you judge based on the pictures below I would say Elizabeth's had to be the best!

This Shirt Is Now At The Goodwill

First Day (Sort of) At Dignity Health

Today I started a new job as the Director of Field Services at Dignity Health! 

My first day was eerily familiar as I drove to the same building, parked in the same spot, got off at the same floor, walked into the same office, read the same email account and saw all the same people. 

The big exit from Dell was an exit for my very same job but working directly for Dignity Health. Since I have been serving Dignity Health in one capacity or another since 1994 it is a homecoming of sorts. 

I am thrilled to continue to be a part of this fantastic organization and I am fortunate enough to bring to Dignity Health all of the things I have learned during my time at Dell. As I said in my post yesterday, timing is everything and it was definitely the right time for me to join the Dignity Health team.

I am Dignity Health!

Last Day Working For Dell

Today was officially my last day working for Dell-it feels weird. I have sat here reflecting on the things I will miss about Dell and I can assure you it's not a short list. Here is a subset of the thoughts running through my mind: 

• I have had the pleasure of working with great people at Dell and have built strong relationships with many of my colleagues and leaders 
• I love that Dell is consistently recognized as one of the top employers for working moms
• I will miss being a Certified Social Media professional at Dell (I specifically love my KimAtDell Twitter account)
• The internal Dell blogs are awesome and the recently discovered Dellisms blog is my favorite
• The internal "Because of you" video makes me proud to work for Dell every time I watch it
• I wish I had gotten more involved in the Dell WISE program (Women in Search of Excellence)
• Timing is everything.
• I like my Dell swag
• I am so grateful for the many opportunities afforded me during the last 11+ years at Dell (and Perot Systems)

I will forever cherish the time I have spent at Dell! I am the brand!

My First Chicago Dog

I had my first Chicago dog at Wrigley Field. I am not generally a fan of relish (at least sweet pickle relish) so I was a little bit leery of it but I wanted the full experience so I ordered the Chicago dog as is. The bright green pickle relish was better than usual relish and I thought the Chicago Dog was awesome! 

The Wrigley version was as follows:

1 All-beef hot Dog

Poppy seed bun

Mustard

Grilled Onions (I don't think this is traditional)

Bright Green Pickle relish

Tomato wedges

Sport Peppers

Celery salt

It was missing the traditional dill pickle spear but I thought the Hot Dog was out of this world!