Happy New Year

Each year is filled with changes, and 2008 had several big ones, including the marriage of a son, a large family vacation, several TECH events, a new filly, major home renovations and the birth of a grand child. Becoming a parent is an experience unlike any other, and becoming a grand parent is as close as one can get to the real thing. Newborns have a unique look, unique sound, and unique baby smell that brings smiles to every face.

2008 was a good year, filled with surprises, and 2009 will bring even more changes and surprises. Memo to self: be sure to keep weight down so as to fit into any formal outfit at any time. Have nails manicured and hair cut and styled at all times in case of a sudden party. Use credit cards only for travel so as always ready to fly to the next adventure. Continue to make soup as it fills with few calories. Keep riding the bike, enjoying the sky, watching the horses, and smelling the coffee. Use sun screen. Spend more time in Chicago at lunch with Jessica. Visit DC at least twice during the year. Hug the baby often. Appreciate and give thanks for what I have. And smile at all life has to offer. Enjoy the ride.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Surviving Thanksgiving

It's happened to all of us at some point in our lives -- we survive Thanksgiving, and that is what we really need to be thankful for. It all starts as a grand idea, have Thanksgiving, getting family together to visit, eat, play and talk. Then the work begins: plan the food, plan the table, iron the napkins, oops -- order larger tablecloth because the table is 126 inches long, just like the tablecloth. New 144 inch cloth is ordered and on the way.

Shop for food, cook food, make appetizers, get wine --- no wine needed, already have 33 bottles and these homeowners don't even drink wine. Arrange flowers, make one 15 pound turkey on the day before, along with 10 pounds of mashed potatoes, 2 large bags of stuffing (each is for an 18-20 pound turkey), 8 large sweet potatoes, 2 large boxes of raspberry jello, 2 pounds of French green beans and dinner for that evening.

On the day of, stuff the second 15 pound turkey, roast the bird, make gravy, cut pomegranate, set the table, make name cards, arrange name cards, change candles to drip less, slice lemons, pour water, change name cards again, and celebrate. Talk to guests, take two aspirin, drink San Pellegrino with pomegranate juice, nibble on brie, snaps photos, smile, chitchat, smile, enjoy the moment because soon it will be over for another year.

What am I thankful for? My husband, my three children and their spouses and girlfriend, family who could come, no fires in the kitchen, no burned turkey, no fights at the dinner table, plenty of bubbly, and watching everyone enjoy the day. Happy belated Thanksgiving to all -- I would have been here sooner but I was busy in the kitchen.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

TECH cocktail Chicago 9 Tonight

If you haven't already heard, tonight is the ninth TECH cocktail held in Chicago since the inception, in July of 2006. Five-hundred are expected at John Barleycorn-Wrigleyville from 6:30 till 9 p.m. to mix, investigate new start ups who are demoing, and network. Is it a good time? You betcha. Gotta go -- need to get down there to help set up.

TECH cocktail is brought to you by Frank Gruber and Eric Olson. Give it a look-see.

Vote Early

In an attempt to avoid long lines at the voting booth, I took the opportunity to vote early in the 2008 presidental election. Arriving at the county courthouse after lunch, traffic was heavy, and I hoped they weren't all voters. Alas, I was wrong, and discovered others had the same idea. The line was do-able. After completing the necessary paperwork, my time at the voting booth allowed me to participate in the long journey towards selecting the next president. In thirty minutes I cast my vote and was on my way.

Early voting takes place in many places across the United States; in Illinois early voting ends on Thursday. Get to it now -- avoid long lines and big crowds. Vote early.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Somewhat Forty Plus -- Happy Birthday to Me

A year ago Somewhat Forty Plus was launched after much contemplation and conversation. Wanting to blog for several months, actually doing so was the problem. A devoted reader of Somewhat Frank, deciding on a name for this blog was difficult. Who am I and what could I call myself? In the middle of one night the name was born and it was time to create a blog. A few hours later Somewhat Forty Plus was up and running. Creating it was simple, posting to it could be a challenge. Rarely at a shortage for words, this blogger has readers in New Zealand and New York, Wichita and Africa, all the Woodstocks -- Illinois, Vermont and Connecticut -- Israel, Istanbul and places in between.

The most popular topic? Not my daughter's jeans. My favorite topic? Anything Jessica, Frank or Jack. TECH cocktail stole my heart and Somewhat Frank created the urge to blog. Most commented on post? Decorating and remodeling the mudroom and bathroom. Most viewers? Anything about quarter horses, especially new born Annie.

Some days there is plenty to say and not enough time, while on others there are too many things to do and sleep takes priority over posting. Blogging is enjoyable and relaxing, allowing others to see aspects of an individual they know in a different way. After 365 days of blogging, year two begins. Will I run out of topics? I hope not. Life is filled with exciting new challenges, new jobs and new babies. Happy Birthday to me.

TECH cocktail DC3 - Thursday

TECH cocktail returns to Washington DC on Thursday, October 2 will be held at MCCXXIII from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. If you are in the area you should RSVP now, with a small donation as well to cover the ever increasing costs of taking TECH cocktail on the road. Always a good time, TECH cocktail DC3 will showcase six DC area start ups which will be demoing at the event. The six start ups are:

BrandClik.com an in-text ad network that provides content providers with a non-intrusive method for generating positive cash-flow without diluting their content. contribune.org was founded in June 0f 2007 was founded to discover, aggregate and model connections between the articles that motivate people and the causes they support. IntroIn has one straightforward purpose: to connect renters and people who have inside knowledge about rentals. After all, who knows more about any particular community than those who live there now? mingle360.com combines a single-purpose device with a powerful software application. The MingleStick is an innovative USB device using wireless technology to create connections between people. sharememe connects you with your friends simply and easily no matter how you communicate with them. With ShareMeme, you can send invites, polls, and links quickly and easily from a text message or the web through email, text message, IM, or Twitter. trooQ is the social marketplace that allows you to find what you are looking for, by giving you the ability to leverage your existing social networks to create networks of trusted people to buy and sell with.

There is still time to check it out, but do so while tickets are still available. Thanks to Frank Gruber and Eric Olson for keeping TECH cocktail alive and well in DC. Have a great time at TCDC3.

Go Cubs Go!

The Chicago Cubs are in the play offs and the first game is at 5:30 CDT today. Frank won two tickets and will be attending with brother-in-law Mike. Jessica will also be attending, but with a client. As for me, I will be attending via the leather couch in the family room. I think I have pretty good seats as well. If Mark Cuban is in attendance, and he probably will be, say "hi" to him for me Frank. Go Cubs, Go!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Gary Vaynerchuk Tickets Available Online

Tickets are now available online for the upcoming special performance of Gary Vaynerchuk, appearing at the Woodstock Opera House on Saturday, September 20, 2008 previously discussed here. Gary's appearance is a benefit for the Creative Living After Dark Series of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. Gary will be introduced by good friend and Woodstock native son, Frank Gruber of somewhatfrank and TECH cocktail. To purchase your ticket to the event, which includes a wine and cheese party with Gary and Frank, click here.

Tickets are only $50 -- which includes the wine and cheese party -- and the event begins at 8:00 p.m. on the historic Opera House stage. Only 400 tickets are available and an evening with Gary V. is work a lot more then that! Get yours asap while good seats are available. You can also call the Opera House Box Office at 815-338-5300 to order tickets. I bought my tickets last week so I'll see you there!
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Gary Vaynerchuk -- Wine Guru Appearing Soon

Gary Vaynerchuk, author of 101 Wines Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight and Bring Thunder to Your World, and star of WineLibraryTV.com, will appear at the Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, Illinois, on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Ever the kind and knowledgeable guy, Gary will talk about wines, tasting and testing wines, as well as the human experience at 8:00 p.m. on the historic Opera House stage where Paul Newman and Orson Welles got their starts.

The fun with Gary will continue after the show with a wine and cheese party, book signing and all around good time. Those who know Gary will be sure to get tickets so as not to miss this benefit event to support the Woodstock Fine Arts Association, a not-for-profit community arts council. Flying in from Las Vegas, Gary will be introduced by social media expert and friend flying in from DC, Frank Gruber of somewhatfrank and TECH cocktail.

Tickets just went on sale, but will sell fast for this extraordinary event. Get yours from the Opera House box office today at 815-338-5300 or buy it at www.woodstockoperahouse.com when online sales are available. Tickets are $50 and include the wine and cheese party after the show. Will this be fun? Is a blue bird blue? Save the date and plan your party!
Photoattribution: garyvaynerchuk

A Whole Lot of Somewhat's Going On

Things got somewhat interesting recently in Washington DC with a whole of somewhat's going on. At a recent AOL book signing event for Sarah Lacy, BusinessWeek writer and author of Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good: The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0, SOMEWHAT FRANK'S Frank Gruber and DC Tech TV's Michael Tolosa were Sarah's escorts. The AOL Web 2.0 start-up's meeting at the Dulles Campus and an after party hosted somewhat by iStrategyLabs, SOMEWHAT FRANK, and TECH cocktail kept Sarah, Mike and Frank somewhat busy. Sarah talks about her whirlwind trip to DC in her post, Somewhat Frank and Somewhat Michael Are Somewhat Awesome. Watch video of the event here, at Episode 34 of SOMEWHAT FRANK TV. I was somewhat interested in this and I hope you are as well.

NOTE: For those who wonder, somewhatfortyplus adopted the name from the ever successful blog, www.somewhatfrank.com written by social media and tech expert, Frank Gruber.

Photo attribution: Jen Consalvo

Best Wrinkle Creams

In constant pursuit of the best in wrinkle creams, moisturizers, eye creams and face serums, several products have been tried and tested by this somewhatfortyplus face. Some work and most don't, but what has worked the best for me to reduce facial wrinkles are: Bioelements Skin Diffusing Protector SPF 15 Moisturizing Sunscreen and IQ Derma Essentials Skintensive xCel High Potency Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Both of these products are fabulous and will honestly reduce fine lines as well as deeper lines on your face and neck. Honest.

IQ Derma boosts a completely age-less face as a result of using their products, and I have to agree. None of you would guess I'm really 178 years old, would you? Since a lady never reveals her age I certainly won't post it here, but I will say IQ Derma targets deep wrinkles and darkened age spots, as well as boosting collagen to make look great at any age. A quick click here and you will be able to try the product free, with $3.95 for shipping and handling. Do it. Try it yourself and see results in as little as 20 minutes. Once you try it you'll be back to order the Life Without Wrinkles Intensive Wrinkle Decreaser.

Give these a try and let me know how they work for you.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

American Airlines Kudos

Traveling can be a wonderful experience if all goes as planned, but if an accident occurs, traveling can be a nightmare. On a recent return trip from Captiva Island to Chicagoland an accident required special services from American Airlines. One of the travelers, who was riding in a wheelchair from a previous back injury, was catapult out of the chair and into the street where he lay spread-eagle on the road. In front of an oncoming bus. The wheelchair came to an unscheduled sudden stop when the road was a smidgen higher than the curb ramp. When the wheelchair stopped, the passenger kept on going. The wheelchair then hit and dislocated the right kneecap of this somewhatfortyplus traveler who stood nauseatingly pushing the kneecap back into place, while staring at the victim in the roadway.

Passengers traveling with us ran to the aid of the victim in the road and fortunately the bus screeched to a halt before squishing the victim. Security and police officers suddenly appeared, and according to airport rules, EMT's were called. The victim was quickly examined but refused treatment so the flight, in less then one hour, could be boarded. The victim agreed to seek medical treatment upon landing at O'Hare Airport.

American Airlines stepped up and quickly checked us in, took our luggage, and escorted us through security, with an employee pushing the wheelchair herself. Getting to the boarding gate, the AA employee moved our seats to an ideal location in the aircraft so flight attendants could continually treat the victim's injuries with ice bags, drinks, and kind words. In the rush to get to the boarding gate the name of the wonderful employee was never learned, but she deserves thanks. American Airlines made a terrible situation workable with their personal aid. Once on board, the injured traveler sat with his broken wrist supported by blankets and ice. A medication was administered to ease pain. As for me, the kneecap eventually stopped throbbing, though the wrist pain didn't ease for several days. A cast on the injured limb will remain for several weeks.

In spite of all the trouble airlines are having, it is important to praise employees who step up and help travellers in need. The personnel at the Fort Myers, Florida American Airlines counter were fabulous and we are grateful. Thank you American Airlines for making this wonderful vacation, with the sudden downward twist, end well. American Airlines rocks!
Photo attribution: American Airlines

Fourth of July Greetings

July is a hot month in Chicagoland -- yet this July is different as the air is cooler, the temperature is in the 80's and the humidity is up and down. The Fourth of July is a family celebration, complete with sunscreen, swimming and bug spray. As busy as you all are, take a moment to smell the flowers, watch the birds, and reflect on what a wonderful life you have. Here's hoping your Fourth is fun, memorable and safe.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

TECH cocktail CONFERENCE: Huge Success

After months of planning, the first TECH cocktail CONFERENCE came off without a hitch last week at the Loyola University Water Tower Campus, in Chicago. Announced last spring by co-founders Frank Gruber of Somewhat Frank, and Eric Olson of Olson's Observations, the CONFERENCE was as an additional way for the continuously growing TECH cocktail community to meet and learn what the rock star speakers had to share. Almost 300 guests attended the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. extravaganza! TECH cocktail bags in the photo were a big hit!

As the Event Planner for all things TECH cocktail, the day was thought out in advance, complete with itineraries for all the "players" to avoid any "situations" and the event came off without a hitch. At the 8 a.m. opening, there was extra food if needed, including fresh fruit plates with whole grain muffins and rolls, which were continually replenished, along with various unlimited beverages. No one went hungry. The box lunch was delicious and plentiful -- feeding 300 people in 30 minutes requires complete organization and an outstanding set-up, thanks to Dana Adams of Loyola University Catering. The afternoon snack of lemon bars, brownies, and blondies, with additional fresh fruit and berry trays, kept the audience full and alert until the 5:30 p.m. closing. As a fan of lemon bars, these were the best I've tasted -- lemony and tart.

Nine volunteers kept the registration line moving so guests could check in, get their TECH cocktail tee-shirts and bags, along with their programs, AOL pens and name badges. Co-founders Frank Gruber and Eric Olson were pleased with the first TECH cocktail CONFERENCE and look forward to next year's version. (Frank Gruber, Evan Brown and Eric Olson watch a panel speaking at the conference in the photo.) Event planning ideas will be highlighted this week as I share how to hold an event without a hitch. Stay tuned. TECH cocktail has not only opened my eyes to all things technical, but also allowed me to meet the fabulous technology community from Chicago and beyond. Thanks, TECH cocktail.

TECH cocktail CONFERENCE - Event Planning

Planning an event can be a daunting task, from finding the venue to ordering tablecloths, signs, souvenir bags, and of course, food for the entire day. For the past several months planning has been underway for the first TECH cocktail CONFERENCE, to be held Thursday, May 29, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Loyola University Water Tower Campus, 25 East Pearson, Chicago. The count-down has begun, and in 12 days TECH cocktail will proudly sponsor it's first conference.

The CONFERENCE focus takes a "no nonsense" approach to running a successful business leveraging technology and the Web. Experienced top-notch speakers include Mike Domek of TicketsNow, Dick Costolo, former CEO of Feedburner, acquired by Google in June, 2007, Jason Fried of 37 Signals, Adrian Holovaty of ChicagoCrime.org (now Everyblock) and Geneive Thiers, founder of SitterCity.com, as well as many more. Keynote and panel discussions allow attendees to select the path that best suits their interests and needs. A complete schedule of speakers and panels can be seen at http://www.techcocktailconference.com

The brainchild of Frank Gruber and Eric Olson, TECH cocktail received the Illinois Technology Association's Chicago cityLIGHTS Award for having the most influence on technology in the state of Illinois the past year. And it continues. The CONFERENCE runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and culminates with the popular TECH cocktail mixer event, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at John Barleycorn -- Wrigleyville. Registration is still available -- hurry! Hope to see you there.
Photo Attribution: somewhatfrank

Happy Birthday Jessica

The celebration of life continues in this Chicagoland home as Jessica regains her title of eldest sibling, again being two full years older then her younger bro, FJ. Frank turned 30 on Friday, and today, May 11, Jessica is 32. Proud to be an older sister, and very good at it, Jess plans a day at Wrigley Field, a birthday tradition.

A Cubs Suite, drinks, dinner, and of course birthday cake and presents were in order the past few days for both FJ and Jess. From this somewhatforty plus mom of three, on Mother's Day, happy birthday dear children. Being your mother has been an adventure without need of GPS navigation; I am proud of you and thankful I am your mom. Hokey -- somewhat. Sincere -- absolutely.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Birthday Wishes

Children are a gift that make a parent's life complete and three such gifts have been bestowed upon me. My three children are a blessing to me; they are all independent adults who I am proud to mother.

May has always been a busy month for family events, in this case birthdays. May 11th is the day the eldest child, Jessica, entered the world, kicking and screaming all the way. May 9th is the birthday of child two, son one, FJ, also known as Frank -- a middle child who is a supportive mediator in all things controversial. A "driven" person who stays up longer then he should to get the most from each day, he rises early to get a move on. As in all "big" birthdays, the celebration begins and continues for days -- this 30th birthday is no different. After a big celebratory breakfast, a Cubs game in one's personal box with other party goers, and then drinks at a Wrigleyville hotspot, hosted by older sister Jessica, the party moves north. Drinks, dinner, and birthday cake are essentials at all birthday celebrations and this one is no different. FJ - you are a delightfully happy person who is kind and caring. Enjoy your day -- er weekend. Happy big Birthday FJ.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus.com

TC DC 2

Congratulations to Frank Gruber and Eric Olson for yet another successful TECH cocktail production in DC! In May of 2007 TECH cocktail answered the call and held the first TC DC and had such a good turn out, another one was due. Over 400 guests made their way to TC DC2 and watched the demos, met new friends, and chatted about anything TECH -- or not.

TC DC 2 rocked without me Thursday night as I stayed behind in Chicagoland after three days of fever, sore throat, and hunky cough, way too sick to board a plane or even make it through O'Hare. Never one to miss a party, this time was way different. When one is too ill to take a shower, unable to speak three consecutive words without coughing fits, and doesn't eat anything that is not frozen or on a wooden stick, one is far too ill to leave the 'hood. But the boys carried on, had a wonderful time and even twittered me with the good turnout. I've said it before many times, and here it comes again: Frank and Eric, your mothers would be proud. Congratulations on yet another "TECH cocktail takes the nation" and thank you to all those who stepped up and helped out. I'll be at the next TECH cocktail Chicago May 29th at John Barleycorn-Wrigleyville, after the day long TECH cocktail CONFERENCE at Loyola University, Water Tower Campus, Chicago. Not registered yet? What's the matter with you?

Salon Buzz -- Good Choice

If you're looking for a hip place in Chicagoland to get your hair cut or styled, give Erin at Salon Buzz at 1 East Delaware a call. My previously thick and extremely heavy head of curly hair has been somewhat tamed by pretty and perky Erin. What did she do? She only cut 1/4 inch off the length, but she did magic with the style -- oh wait, I didn't have a style, only a huge head of healthy out of control hair.

Erin and I talked and she went in and added multiple long layers to provide "swing." Then she added some short top layers to provide "height." Every hair on my head was changed in a good way before Erin added Bumble and Bumble Thickener (only to the roots on top) and magic potent for what would be called the "pony-tail" hair in the back. A few flicks of her wrist with heat from the hair dryer and poof: better hair, younger hair, and certainly more "with it" hair, a lot like Jessica's hair in the photo. No longer is this somewhatfortyplus gal a curly out of control gob of hair. Thanks Erin -- I'll see you again in a few weeks.

Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Acceptance Speeches

When one is up for a major award, one often prepares a speech one would give, just in case all the stars are in alignment and one actually wins the coveted prize. But not always. At the recent Illinois Technology Association's cityLIGHTS Awards Gala, winners were spontaneous and genuine, not prepared or rehearsed. When Frank Gruber and Eric Olson won the big one, the cityLIGHTS Award for TECH cocktail, all seated at their table were stunned, especially Frank and Eric. Making their way to the stage to receive the prize was probably a long and thought provoking journey. Arriving on stage, photos were taken and Frank stepped up to the plate, er, microphone.

"All my life I'd been hoping to stand in front of a crowd like this for winning an award as a Chicago Cub, but that didn't work out so well. This is a pretty good substitute, however," and he went on to thank the organization, the crowd, Eric, and especially the Chicago technology community for attending all of the TECH cocktail mixer events. Clever guy -- who doesn't love the Cubs? A video of the acceptance speech can be seen at the popular somewhat frank TV, or at somewhatfrank.com

Frank and Eric were genuine in their gratitude and graciousness at the event and in all things they do. Congratulations on the win --- next time do what the nominees for the Oscar's appear to do: jot down a few notes, just in case.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank