Thankful

Being Thankful 2011

I am thankful for Switchfoot playing on my iPhone while I shower.

I am thankful for their lyrics.

I am thankful for the heat kicking in on a frost bitten November morning.

I am thankful for friends.

I am thankful for family.

I am thankful for a daytrip to Chicago with a friend and family.

I am thankful for meals that are already made.

I am thankful for mornings where I can make coffee, sit down and drink it.

I am thankful for a home.

I am thankful for Katy.

I am thankful that I can come to Dunn Bros., drink coffee, eat a muffin and blog.

I am thankful for work.

I am thankful for Mom & Dad.

I am thankful for a car that works and works well.

I am thankful for the money that I make.

I am thankful for Paul and his friendship.

I am thankful for the ability to speak, read and write.

I am thankful for entertainment.

I am thankful for the ability to work out and exercise.

I am thankful for my health, for Katy's health and the health of my family.

I am thankful for creativity.

I am thankful for Emily & Eric; Eleanor and Edith.

I am thankful for Megan & Mark; Mattingly and Myla.

I am thankful for the Sunday's I can relax and be entertained.

I am thankful for music that energizes and calms.

I am thankful for freedom.

I am thankful for God's provision.

I am thankful for Birthday Dinner's with Bob & Deb, Josh & Laura, Joe & Christen.

I am thankful for my education.

I am thankful that you don't ever have to stop learning.

I am thankful for the discipline that I've seen modeled in my dad.

I am thankful that I have a touch of it.

I am thankful that I can improve.

I am thankful for Twitter so I can read and learn and interact.

I am thankful for technology that makes my life easier.

I am thankful for the work experience I have gained.

I am thankful for change.

I am thankful for Calvary.

I am thankful for peace and quiet.

I am thankful for style.

I am thankful for the people who pray for me & Katy.

I am thankful for parents who care.

I am thankful for Emily's questions.

I am thankful for sports.

I am thankful for motivation.

I am thankful for the change of season.

I am thankful for energetic Coldplay music.

I am thankful for calming classical music.

I am thankful for that sip of coffee.

I am thankful for people who care.

I am thankful for people who motivate.

I am thankful for people who think about me.

I am thankful for extended family.

I am thankful for Aunt Naomi; Grandma & Grandpa Kletzin.

I am thankful for Jim and Karen.  Chris and Grant.  Josh and Laura.  Bob and Deb.

I am thankful for Mom & Dad, Jim & Karen that they come and visit.

I am thankful for Grandma Dischinger.  I am thankful for Grandpa Dischinger.

I am thankful for my childhood.

I am thankful for the lessons that were taught to me.

I am thankful for meaningful co-workers.

I am thankful for photography.

I am thankful for video.

I am thankful for Christmas with family at 1064 Roselawn.

Obsessed

*Materialistic Blog*

This is the most amazing shirt of all time.  Classically American because of the oxford cloth.  European style with the cutaway collar.

Perfect for me.  And a Christmas idea.

Bonobos

*Eric, you should try their pants.  Free shipping and free return shipping.  You'll have to read more to find out why.

Bonobos, an online retailer that originally got into the market to get men some pants that fit.  But really, many people can do that so how did they really get in?  If memory serves me correct their niche is pants that fit guys with big butts and thick thighs or in their words, "real" men.  It seems that they got in, made their mark and expanded to be, in my opinion, one of the better men's online retailers out there.  (In terms of products, quality, style, fashion etc.)

So, I follow them on twitter and facebook and found they had an open, casual webcast with some guy who we'll call "Sandwith Ventures LLC" and the CEO Andy Dunn.  I watched and listened to the conversation and even jumped in a little bit.

It was interesting that he actually answered my question as well.  I mean, directly, answered my question.  Used my name, reminisced a little bit about the question and answered it.  

My first question was whether there was any plan for an actual store, since last April Fool's Day they sent out an email saying they were opening tons of new stores.  He said that maybe there was a time and a place.  He said they used some google data and plugged them into google maps, which probably had you put in your zip code to find it and it located "fake" stores.  He also said he'd like to model themselves after Apple in the sense that they're "awesome" and give them the same customer service they provide.  He also went into experimenting with their FitNinja's and pop up stores and possibly selling their products in existing stores. 

Anyway, he did a great job interacting with whoever was watching this webcast.  It just seemed interesting how well he answered questions and gave out information.  Maybe I'm just used to certain leaders closer to me where it's more difficult to get information from.  He even gave sales information   

They're bringing in Moseley Tribe, Sierra fall jackets, Eastland boots.  They're making a pair of pants that go for $100 and $40 worth goes to feed two kids for a year abroad.  They're thinking of doing a Made in the USA shop.

Anyhow, that's what I'm interested in and what I do on an occasional day off.  A chat with a CEO of an online retailer.  Business.  Clothing/Fashion/Style.  Information.

Winners!

Katy and I had a great weekend off together.  One of our events included going over to Ace Hardware on the corner to visit, walk around and see their Fall Festival!  The owner, Mike, put together a Cub Scout Troop selling hot dogs, chips, soda and popcorn.  He also had a chainsaw artist making bears out of huge logs.  He had painting activities for kids pumpkins, which he was able to collect himself in the field for a low cost and early in the morning he had a petting zoo with a camel, kangaroo and well, I forgot the other animals.

So, we walked in, browsed through the aisles with numerous other people.  It looked like a good turnout for his first time event planning this Fall Festival.  Before we left, we dropped our names in the give away buckets.  A Craftsman toolbox, a Stihl leaf blower, Scotts turf builder and maybe birdseed.  I forgot.  We both tossed our names in the Stihl leaf blower thinking that would be our best shot to win something.  But we never win anything, so I wasn't overly worried.

Well, Sunday afternooon Katy got a call from Mike and we/she won the Stihl leaf blower!  It was great news and she went to pick it up that afternoon.

It is pretty similar to this one here.  It's simple and occasional use but it's a two cycle gas blower!  It's not even a cheap electric one!  I love it and I have yet to even use it!  And better yet it matches my chainsaw!

Thanks Mike!  Thanks Ace Hardware!

(They do a great job in the community.  On our block party night they donated four $10 gift cards and Scotts Turf Builder and I think something else, birdseed?  But they're great!)

Merrell Boots-Emily, Megan, Katy?

I need to buy these boots for one of you this winter.  I think they are fantastic. 

Merrell Natalya Waterproof

Herberger's has them which is how I noticed them. 

E4 Drive Through

Last Friday, on their way to Verndale, E4 stopped in Minnetonka for the night at Eric's aunt and uncle's.

Only alot of niece fun and sibling bonding occurred.

Ellie, check these pictures out!

Also, Eric dunked!

But we enjoyed some chinese food, talked about jobs, our house, their new house and saw some of the impressive demolition they have done.  We taught Eric how to tie a bow tie, heard a very very (very) long story about a customer yelling at me for 20-25 minutes at work, looked for a snowblower on Craig's List and more.  It was a great evening and I was glad to drive down to them to say hello and enjoy some food.

As always, it makes me happy that Ellie gets to excited to see me and Katy.  It was also great to have Edie, however tired, walk over to me and calmly sit on my lap for a few minutes before bed.

Okay, okay...

I did have a couple of opportunities here too. 

Our Assistant Store Manager is heading to be a Store Manager in Blaine, MN and Justin is heading to our new store opening in November in Edina. 

That means there's an Assistant Store Manager position open and there was a sales manager position open.  However, our other Assistant Area Sales Manager got Justin's job.  I will now move upstairs and get back into fashion, which is awesome, but it's still disappointing that I wasn't successful getting the sales manager job. 

But it looks like there may be a sales manager job open at the Stillwater store.  It seems that job opened up because that manager is going to Edina as well. 

And on a completely different note, Bethel's Sports Information Director job is open again.  I would love that job.  It'll be a ton ton ton of hours and work but I stopped by Nick's office the other day and hung out with him for a little bit before we went to lunch on a whim.  The job, the office, the atmosphere, the duties, all seemed like something challenging and exciting.  I get nervous/apprehensive about the hours and how that'll change life but it may be a step in the right direction.

So, if you want to give a few prayers to my cause that would be appreciated.  A clarity of what I'm supposed to do, a person who will be positive and encouraging that I can be successful and a feeling that they actually want me to do the job is probably all that I need since I doubt myself so much and don't have the confidence first hand.

Get to know me. 

Ralph Lauren Rugby Job

This job would be amazing!  An opportunity like this gets me thinking.  I'd get to move home, be close to NYC, get to know all kinds of rich people, stay in fashion and work for a powerhouse company in Ralph Lauren. 

I'm just day dreaming.  Sorry.  But this would be phenomenal.  Get to know me.

	ASSISTANT MANAGER, RUGBY BY RALPH LAUREN - GREENWICH, CT - 10513			Greenwich, CT
	Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 40 years, Polo’s reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. Purpose and Scope – The Assistant Manager will ensure a consistent memorable customer shopping experience, while generating meaningful revenue and positive operating profit for the store. Responsibilities: Responsible for sales and profit performance in store. Responsible for achieving store shrinkage goals and for the establishment and implementation of both new and existing loss prevention procedures. Works with the General Manager and Department Manager to establishes and achieve sales and margin goals, develop operating budgets and monitor performance. Partner with Visual Presentation team in regard to merchandise presentation. Responsible for training and supervision of store staff to maximize sales and profit performance. Directs the execution of Rugby’s promotional strategies and programs, assuring that they support Rugby Ralph Lauren's Retail sales, marketing, and profit objectives. Regularly visits relevant competition to maintain an awareness of store performance issues and market trends. Responsible for “Special Order” business, with ability to pay high attention to detail, multi-task, and provide a high level of Customer Service. Job Requirements: College Degree or equivalent experience. 3 years of Retail Management experience. Strong business acumen and skill-set which enables the management and development of staff. Strong communication and inter-personal skills. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Polo Ralph Lauren is an equal opportunity employer. We offer dynamic career opportunities with growth potential and a generous company discount.

 

Deconstructing Calvin Klein's

My old dress shoes had multiple cracks in the soles.  If I wore them on a rainy day or a day with damp ground my feet would always get cold and wet.  I dealt with it a couple of times but put them away for months.  I returned to them this summer as I was looking for a slimmer dress shoe to go with my slimmer pants.  So I brought them back out this summer and wore them some more but as the months rolled on I found them to make my back sore and tire sooner.

I learned how many different pieces come together in a pair of shoes, even a pair of $100 shoes made in China.  I found how the semi-transparent sole is glued on and after enough use will easily come apart.  I pretty much just tore it out with my hands once I got a piece I could rip at.  The stitching is cheap and much of it is a faux stitch that is glued behind it.  Even in the padding on the inside the stitching is faux and the whole bottom piece is glued to the bottom of the shoe.  It was fun to find out that most if not all shoes have a steel plank in them; I'd guess to help support your foot and keep the shape of the shoe.

So I came home from work one day, grabbed a box cutter, pliers and shears.  Here's what I came up with.  It was an interesting process!

Eric

Do you like...

I was just looking through some new fall/winter shoes and always think of mentioning things to you but finally just sat down for a few minutes to do it.  If I remember correctly, Emily, had be on a chase for some winter waterproof boots for you.  


Merrell Eagle Origins

Skymra Mid SL GTX





Tretorn Hilander Boot Vinter





Walden Boot Leather