Lesson Learned: When you get a good view, enjoy it

Lesson Learned: Always get a slice in New York

I grew up eating Giordano’s deep dish pizza in Chicago. There’s nothing better than splurging on a sausage cheese pie with a little extra parmesan on top but everyone has a different favorite and a different way of eating it.

New York prides itself on its pizzerias. “It’s the best in the world” locals will tell you but is it? I’ve had my fair share of pizza in the big apple and to this day I still believe Giordano’s beats them all. However, I’ll continue to put my favorite to the test because there’s got to be a reason New Yorkers swear by their kind, which is why I’ll always give a new place a shot.

So maybe not a lesson learned but a good reason to enjoy a slice with some of my friends, take a look at what New York had to offer us this time!

Lesson Learned: When it comes to love, listen to your rabbi

I was at a wedding in New York City this weekend. During the Rabbi’s sermon to the bride and groom he told them about six phrases every married couple should constantly say to each other. The first phrase included six words, the second five, and so on and so on. The Rabbi promised that the use of these phrases would make the coming years a whole lot more enjoyable and easier on them. I took notice:

6. I appreciate the things you do

5. You did a great job

4. What is your opinion?

3. I love you

2. Thank you

1. We

I’m not sure if anyone’s figured out an equation to a perfect marriage and probably never will but I do know when it comes to these phrases I would be happy to be on the receiving side of any of them. So I guess when it comes to love sometimes, it’s best to just listen to your rabbi and hope he's got someone above him handing down some advice…lesson learned.

 

Lesson Learned: Be careful at Starbucks, they might not be giving you what you asked for

At least three times a week I treat myself to a tall non-fat chai tea from Starbucks. I know it’s a cup of tea that costs $3.19 but I’ve been addicted for about 3 years and don’t plan on detoxing anytime soon. So I was recently shocked to find out Starbucks had changed the way they are making their chai teas.

I was picking up a chai at my go to Starbucks on Arlington Blvd. in Greenville, North Carolina when the barista asked me if I wanted it with or without water? I didn’t know what to say since I’d never been asked this before and had no idea how my chais were usually made. When I asked her about it she told me that a couple of weeks ago Starbuck’s corporate (if that’s what you call them) came in to check out that location and told them to stop making the chais with all milk and instead half water. Thinking the mega chain wouldn’t skimp on my drink since I spend more than $3 on it I decided to try it with half water and quickly learned I will never do that again. My $3.19 drink was water downed and didn’t have the kick I desperately crave. Fortunately the barista didn’t mind making me a new one my way.

If you take into account the millions of chai teas ordered around the world everyday Starbucks is making a pretty penny on that switch to agua. So because of their change, I’ve had to change my order to a tall non-fat no water chai tea. Just a warning to other Starbucks customers, be careful, because they might not be giving you what you asked for.

Lesson Learned: Being a sports reporter isn't so easy

Working at a small news station pretty much means at sometime or another you’ll have to learn how to do everything or at least get the chance to. While I usually stick to covering news, during football season the sports department needs as much help as it can get. So, a news employee like myself is recruited to shoot high school games on Friday nights. I had no idea what to expect. I grew up in downtown Chicago and my high school didn’t even have a football team so I had never experienced the world of Friday Night Lights.  But after successfully making it through my first season as a high school football cameraman, one thing is for sure, being a sports reporter isn’t so easy….lesson learned.

 To show you what I’m talking about check out this video. 

Lesson Learned: Beware, even small bobcats can leave big scratches

I had to be at the television station early this morning to get ready for a radio show. When I showed up they were doing an animal special at the bureau. A bobcat and alligator were on hand from Wilson, North Carolina. Both animals acted perfectly while on air, the drama only happened once backstage.

I was in the newsroom putting together some headlines for my radio appearance when Drew Heckney walked in with the bobcat and asked if I wanted an up close look. It had a beautiful gray spotted coat and bright blue eyes and appeared pretty harmless and small, so I thought what could happen?

After petting the cat for a couple of minutes I turned around to reach for a pen and it pounced. Yes, flew up and on, landed on my body, and clawed its nails in to hold on. I was in shock while Drew tried to detach the cat from my clothing. I was a little surprised I only walked away with a cut on my hand and three snags in my silk shirt, not too bad but still an interesting way to start my Thursday morning. 

I guess I wasn't the only one surprised by the attack because a couple of hours later I got this email from the bobcat's trainer, Drew, "The bobcat told me to tell you he was sorry for jumping on you this morning, but that the texture of your outfit looked so appealing, he just couldn't help himself.  hope it didn't scare you too badly :)  he's like his handler, not afraid to go for the glory!" 

So, just a warning, if you ever come in contact with a bobcat beware because even small ones can leave big scratches…lesson learned.   

Lesson Learned: Homemade Halloween costumes are way better than store bought

Forget the overpriced, cheaply made, itchy costumes you find in those stores that spring up in empty warehouses just on Halloween. There's nothing better than a clever homemade outfit that's got some spunk to it. 

This year I spent the full moon in Schaumburg, Illinois. Why you might ask? Well my boyfriend just got a new job in Wichita, Kansas so this was his going away/Halloween party. I was Audrey Hepburn and won first place for the most adorable costume (I had a bit of an advantage since he was judging the contest). But either way, a win's a win!

I will admit my costume was no where near as creative as some of the others in attendance but it was extremely clear every homemade costume was way better than something store bought...lesson learned.  

Lesson Learned: Do not talk on your cell phone while exiting a plane, no one else wants to listen to your conversation

As soon as Mr. Obnoxious (that's what I'm calling passenger 18C because I never caught his name) got onto US Airways flight 1624 to Chicago I knew he was trouble. I was lucky enough to be sitting in 19C right behind Mr. Obnoxious who turned out to be Mr. Farter, yes he passed gas at least six times during the two hour ride. 

Dressed in tivas, jean shorts, a t-shirt, hat, and gold watch Mr. Obnoxious held the flight up while he found an upper storage bin for his two over sized carry ons. I'm going to skip to the end of the flight because that's when Mr. O really showed his true colors, other then the fake tan he was already sporting. 

When the plane landed and the seat belt sign turned off most passengers did exactly what they usually do, jump up, grab their luggage, and start peering over the person in front of them to see when the doors would open. I remained seated or for that matter sat back down when Mr. O picked up his cell phone and started a conversation in a voice loud enough to be heard in the cockpit (remember he was in 18C).

Mr. Obnoxious, "Hey babe, the only time I hear from you now is when you need money or plane tickets."

Me thinking...this is going to be a long conversation. 

Mr. Obnoxious, "So, I still need you to do that favor for me with your grandma in Florida but you have to get there at night so you can go to the bank early the next morning."

Me thinking...poor grandma.

Mr. Obnoxious, "Am I going to see you in Vegas or California for Christmas? But there's nobody in Vegas. I had no idea I was coming to Chicago, got some business."

Me thinking...I would never want to do business with this guy and why is he sitting in coach? For the love of god aren't these types of people supposed to be in first class?

Then Mr. O exited the aircraft, of course still on the phone.

Male flight attendant, "Feel free to smack that guy when he gets off the plane, he only cares about himself."

Me thinking...It's nice to know I'm not the only one that wants to punch 18C in the face (by the way I don't usually have a violent bone in my body).

So to all my fellow travelers out there, please do not talk on your cell phones while exiting a plane because no one else wants to listen to your conversation...lesson learned.