Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Finding Your Thing & A Restaurant Update

On Saturday morning I awoke to what sounded like the deck being removed outside my bedroom window.  Oh, I should mention it was 8:00.  Who does this?  My landlord that's who.  If you follow me on twitter or are a regular reader of this blog you know he is chock full of surprises that range from inconvenient to, okay, more inconvenient.  Let's all pause and remember the wet saw activity of a couple months ago.  Better yet let's not.  Anyway, there I was all dazed and confused thinking it was the middle of the week when it struck me:  it's bloody Saturday (not to be confused with Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 sorry I couldn't resist)--the one day I have to truly sleep in.  Thanks landlord!

I pulled the covers over my head and tried to drown out the noise.  No dice.  By then it was mariachi madness minus the margaritas.  They were full swing singing away outside and it was a lost cause.  As I laid there in bed trying not to light on fire with frustration and exhaustion, a ladder went up outside the window and a man went climbing by pausing to look in and give me a wave.

Oh yes he did.  'Time to exit,' I said to myself.

Hopping up I quickly went to the closet, pulled out what appeared to be the makings of an outfit and ran into the bathroom to toss cold water on my face.  Where do you go on Saturday morning when all you want to do is sleep?  The Chef's restaurant.  Okay it was the only place I could think of where I could lay down.  While there I grabbed some pictures to show you how it's coming along.  I also seriously contemplated drinking 85 bottles of wine.

Sign's up.  Looking kinda snazzy.
Yellow's gotta go.  Designer's working on an alternate plan. 
Fine in theory--too much in reality.
Design people pipe up with ideas on that wall.  He's open to suggestions.
A couple weeks ago it was this.  
Remember when it was THIS?? Holy mother of night and day or what, huh?
But now it's this!  The transformation is really pretty crazy.
And yes the picture quality is whack.  
I guess that's what you get when you're up before the early bird.
The other side of the wall is the redone bar area.  Truth:  my fave room.
Sad fact:  spotted the cream colored barstools last night on the Bachelorette. 
Ahhhhhh yes.  I found a keeper.  Prepare for greatness:
It's a sign.  There's one called The Birdman, too!! 
I'm starting to think dressing on the fly is my forte. 
10 second outfit.  Realization:  I need more flats.
ps-do you love the wood beams?  I love the wood beams!

Anyway.  That was picture onslaught 2011.  It's a pretty exciting time for The Chef.  His dream is coming true.  Sounds cheesy, but it really is true and that is a fun thing to witness.

You know something that's surfaced in this restaurant process?  Watching someone close to me fulfill a dream that meets their natural talent and ability has left me once again wondering what my thing is. If we're all born to do something, and I believe we are, what is my thing?  I'm an Executive Recruiter and I'm good at it, but is it my sole thing?  I don't think so or wouldn't I know it?  Do you ever find yourself wondering this?  It's the old what am I supposed to be when I grow up question.  Problem is what if you're technically somewhat grown up and you still don't know?  Maybe I'm not grown up (okay I'm gonna ride that wagon around for awhile).  Do you know what your something is?  

Oh, you can also check out the menu at The Corner HB -- he's hoping to be open on the 15th.  Good night Irene that's a week away!  Will keep you updated...

63 comments:

Joyti said...

Ooo, the restaurant signage does look lovely! And I do love wood beams - so gorgeous.
...and your outfit looks terrific.

this free bird said...

Thanks my dear! I am a big fan of natural elements so those two things are my faves, too. And the outfit's pretty good for essentially zero thought!

annelise said...

Wow. This place looks fantastic. The Chef must be over the moon about it. I'm a big fan of wood as well, so be it benches, bar tops, beams, whatevs, I'm all for it. Won't be long now until the place is rocking!

RosaLovesDC said...

Oh lady this looks fantastic and the menu looks great. Such a wonderful transformation on the place. Love it!

Rissy said...

Wow Carrie, you and the restaurant look great. I can't believe the amount of change that took place in one week!
I definitely need to get out to Cali so I can see this up close and personal!

Oh and those flats are fantastic!

CarissaExplainsItAll

Lori said...

It looks amazing!! I see what you mean about the yellow ~ what about red but a deep rich red.... hmm ~ it should pop but look sophisticated. What do I know ~ not much right now since I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up and I am past the point of changing course now.... People that find their passion ~ doing what they really love ~ well I love it. I was never one of those that even found a passion ~ maybe I will do something different in 20 years once I retire!! HA! Happy day Carrie ~ the sun is out finally and it looks like it's going to be a good day ~ Wednesday do not prove me wrong.

Judy C said...

I think you might find writing the blog and your current job both rewarding. I really enjoy reading your blog. And maybe you don't need to worry about what you should do when you grow up. I hear it's the journey and not the destination that's important.

Kristin W said...

This is just so cool about the restaurant. I'm loving the sign. It looks awesome. How cool to watch it all come together.

I like the point you bring up at the end. Sometimes it's hard to see my husband so happy in his job while I stay frustrated and stressed.

While I'm still trying to find my niche in teaching (and I do enjoy it), it's hard to imagine a "dream job" happening. But hey, I just need someone to pay me to travel and I'll be sold :) But maybe I'm thinking too much about it. Maybe teaching is more my "thing" that makes me proud of who I am and what I do. You've really got me thinking!

Loving the flats too! I basically have to live in flats as a teacher.

Kristen said...

oh my gosh, the restaurant looks AMAZING. its so gorgeous! I already want to fly out and do a restaurant review!!! ;)

I'm no designer but I liked the yellow!! haha.

Lisa Griffin said...

I love love the wooden beams! congrats to the chef it looks fantastic, and maybe burnt red for the front? as for your thing lady let's just not be "grown ups" and keep working on it..
www.indramaticfashion.com

LyddieGal said...

Yes, that is the age old question, and the older I get, the more troublesome the non answer becomes. I wonder if life would have been better if I'd just nailed that descision down when I was 10 like my teacher asked me too.

Closet Fashionista said...

UGH! Stupid landlord!!!! But the restaurant is looking AMAZING!!
and yea... I still have no idea what my thing is... :/ But I'm still young so it's okay for now XD
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

1. I kind of lime the yellow. Seriously, I do. But I'm no designer.
2. I love when a thrown together outfit works! This one does.
3. My friend, you are a writer. A recruiter too, but also a writer.
4. I'm so excited for chef. Really wish I lived close enough to come by :(

Stephanie Shepherd said...

The restaurant is coming along so beautifully! Great details going on!

Karena said...

What a great place to hang out!! I actually love the yellow.

I am going to put a few "on the go" outfits at the ready in my closet. You look great...good example!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Be sure to come and enter my amazing Giveaway from Tracy Porter!

Anonymous said...

im sorry to hear you couldn't sleep (story of my life...i swear ohio is always under construction and it still looks like crap here). AND...if my phone wasn't a piece of garbage, i would have known this on twitter (it doesn't send me updates for days ...ridiculous).

BUT...the corner looks AMAZING. i totally just liked them on facebook even though ill never get to go since im moving :(

Erika ~TiptoeButterfly~ said...

soooo umm i totally LOVE the yellow on the outside - i know u loathe it - but i dunno i LOVE it!

and i feel ya - watching someone fulfill their dreams is AMAZING!!!!! - and i am ALWAYS wondering WHAT i should DO or BE - i still have NO CLUE what my "dream careeer" is AT ALL .. i never knew u were an executive recruiter, i always wondered what u did! - i def know i have certain missions in life - and i'm a totally believer in being here for a purpose ..

Courtney Erin said...

I can't believe your early morning mystery climber stopped to give you a wave! Now on to the important bits. First, you look super cute in that skirt and denim jacket - love it! Secondly, I want that wine. And, thirdly, that space is looking amaze balls. Seriously, wow - it looks stunning.

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Peetzi Jen said...

That menu is divine!!!!

Jamie said...

Restaurant is looking great! And no, I haven't gotten to the place where I have found "my thing" either. It's frustrating to be in that space at my age but I absolutely know how you feel!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Natalie said...

oy! i find myself thinking this all the time

Natalie said...

oy! i find myself thinking this all the time

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Oh my Carrie the restaurant looks so amazing! The neutral colors with the yellow overhead lights, the comfy chairs at the middle tables...ok well everything is just perfection! What an incredible transformation! And yes, I find myself asking that question on the regular. Still trying to find the answer....if you find a way to figure it out let me know!! Ha. xo N

Kayla said...

The restaurant looks AMAZING! Truly. And you'll find your thing - at least I keep telling myself that so I'm hoping the mantra makes it true.

Ramblings of a Small Town Girl
Fanciful Brainstorm - Tumblr

Alyssa said...

First off, I love the wood beams too! Sorry about your Saturday morning. I'd be so angry to see a man through my second story window. Also, may I recommend checking out the books 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller and Quitter by Jon Acuff. Epic!

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

this is like 27 kinds of awesome.

i personally like the yellow, but i do recognize that i am weird. my suggestions are other intense colors like "poppy orange."

also, who PEEKS into someone else's window?? creepers! that's who.

Anonymous said...

ooooh i love this! :) and i love your blog as well so im following now ;p xx have a great week :) x

Lady Grey said...

It's looking AMAZING in there!
And the menu looks unbelievably good : )
oxo

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

You're cute!!!

I'd love to see no paint. As a designer I'd prefer a stained wood...
Too much going on. Yellow is a great color but remember being close to the beach it's going to have to be touched up a lot.
I need more flats too! Wanna go shopping?

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

I should add that I'm weird and love mixing woods.
But if he wants to do paint I think he's on the right track!
I love the look! What if he mustards it up so it's not so "BAM"
...

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

Okay. One more thing. This post really got to me
I miss acting like crazy! Sometimes it actually hurts...
Especially when I see the amazing things my husband does every day! I have to put my children's needs above my own.
I want a thing too. This last year I've felt like such a loser. But

But. Buttttttttttt
My family is healthy and alive. I've almost lost a kid. So I'll take that over my crap any day!

A Crimson Kiss said...

You might hate me for saying this, but I'm so glad another landlord nightmare got you out of bed and snapping these photos-I've been dying for a restaurant update, and I'm totally floored! It looks AMAZING, even with the Bachelorette bar stools, and the menu is incredible. The cocktails? I'm in love.

So now the question is, what are you wearing on the 15th?!

Anonymous said...

I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. There's not a time limit on figuring that out is there? Better not be.

Anonymous said...

Short Rib Pot Roast please!

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

First, the Corner is looking AWESOME!!! I am loving it!!! I wish I were in the area so that I could attend the opening :)

Second, I am always thinking that to myself! There has got to be something I am good at that is my calling.. but what is it???

kimbirdy said...

Carrie!!! i am so excited for you and the chef. the restaurant looks amazing and the menu, delicious! i am definitely coming to visit when it opens, so save a seat for me.

i so know what you mean about the whole life/career question. i'm on my third career and still not sure if i've found "the one." i'm actually considering the notion that my true joy will only be found in having a couple different projects going at once - maybe doing therapy part time and some sort of creative/performance gig part time. i mean, do i really have to choose just one if i can stay sane juggling everything?

i'm also sort of annoyed at the way society does things these days {uh-oh, rant coming...}. what did i know at 18 when i was expected to pick a major in college? it's crazy we're expected to spend so much time and money choosing one direction for the rest of our lives at such a young age. now that i'm ridiculously deep in school debt, i feel like i have to make one of my degrees work, even though i think i've outgrown them. it definitely makes me long for the days of apprenticeships. those didn't require thousands of dollars a semester and you got to have real world experience. anyway, good luck to all of us in our searching and a great big HOORAY for chef having his dream come true.

fshnonmymind said...

I love the yellow, but then I have an affinity towards really bright and sometimes loud front doors. I can see how it might be too much for some though, so maybe it would work in a more toned down version.
I love those wood beams and would hope that I can come check it out in person because that place looks fabulous.

You know, we both are in the same boat with what do we want to be when we grow up. I work in the field that I received my degree in, but I feel like I should be doing something else that I truly enjoy (probably something fashion related). It's just a scary thought to start over.

I think you need to go find a job with Free People!!! Or work for Anthro and come up with the names of the items. You'll get an employee discount for all of those furniture items you end up coveting. :)

allergic to vanilla said...

how exciting for both of you, congrats! the outside decor is my favorite, I would def show up to this joint just to eat at this cool looking local!
xo Carlina
AllergicToVanilla.com

Annie said...

Carrie, it looks so awesome so far!!! I don't even mind the yellow in the front that much, but I'm curious to see what he changes it to.. Congrats to the Chef!! It's really coming together :) Can't believe how soon the opening will be! The website looks awesome and the menu is making my mouth water.

and I know what you mean... but I'm sure you have your thoughts on what you could see yourself doing other than your current 9 to 5 (yes?) If so, then I think you can start taking baby (or big girl) steps to make one of those thoughts a reality! I'm sure this blog is a huge start in one of your dream directions :)

Unknown said...

First of all.. I am coming up to eat there just as soon as it is open. The menu looks amazing! I am so excited. But it will probably be bad if I love it (which I will) because then I will have to drive the hour and half to eat there all the time!!

Second of all... We should just collaborate on some amazing creative project. I think that is our calling no?

Tiffany Kadani said...

The restaurant looks amazing! Oh my goodness that sign is also so gorgeous. And your shoes? Super cute!

Catita said...

great place to eat, I love that type! I could so spend my days just reading about food and places to eat, all over the world!
And that skirt of yours is soooo soooo gorgeous! You look like a doll with it and the ponytail!
xoxo
Catta

Claire Kiefer said...

The restaurant looks pretty incredible and gotta say, I'm a fan of the yellow. But then again, I'm often a fan of things other people deem "too much," ha. I also love your daytime ballerina look! And as for the "what's your thing" question . . . kinda gives me a headache. I know my genre but haven't written my swan song, if that makes sense. Who knows what's next? It's exciting when you're a spring chicken and a little intimidating as you get older. :|

Unknown said...

Yes, I like the wood beams. Love the yellow and the name of the restaurant, too.

Josie said...

Oh, my goodness -- it looks absolutely AMAZING. I love the name. And the inside looks out-of-control gorgeous. And Carrie, you're so much more than just your job! You inspire us every day, to start, and you genuinely care about people -- even those you've never met.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Gosh, I love your blog! I want that bottle of wine...and I want to visit the chic restaurant when it opens...what a fabulous look :)

Colleen said...

I'm not a designer by any means, but although the yellow wall is fun and funky, I think it would be better suited in a black, charcoal grey or chocolate brown color. I think that would follow the vibe I get from the website, too. The food sounds delish! I like that he has roasted beets on there. I had them for the first time last weekend and discovered a new love. Who knew beets could be so tasty?? Cute outfit, and I'm with you - I need to find my passion... and a new pair of flats! =)

this free bird said...

Josie-I sent you an email and a big fat virtual hug.
Lizzy-Thank you!! come to California :)
Colleen-you are in my head about that wall. I'm thinking some variation of the same + wood? Tough to describe/envision. oy

My Heart Blogged said...

First off congrats to chef. My boyfriend is a cook and it is his all time dream to have his on restaurant. I really love the design. I feel like everyone doesn't need to have one thing. I feel like I could be happy doing a lot of things to be honest. I have a few passions and I hope I am able to pursue at least one with all my heart in my lifetime.

Nisa al - Haq said...

I've been planning to have a restaurant or maybe a small cafe. but definitely take a long time. you're great! and for that outfi ! u still look nice .. :D

Bonnie said...

First, your outfit is lovely. Sometimes, I think dressing on the fly is my forte, as well. I seem to get the cutest outfits that way.
Second, you seriously have a gift for design. I've seen that with the decor of your apartment.
Third, that restaurant is looking amazing. Kudos to both of you!

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Lila said...

Call me crazy but I like the yellow. Definitely jumps out at you and with the simple clean sign I think its a hit....

Just took a look at the menu and YUM! All of it sounds amazing especially the calamari steaks. So exciting for the Chef, I wish I knew what my something is. From wife to mother to .....

Kara Endres said...

Yes, 10 second outfits surely are your forte! The restaurant is coming together so well.. congrats to him on making his dream come true.

I like the idea of the yellow, but you're right.. it's a bit much. Maybe a royal blue? I don't know what the budget is, but a wood finish, hammered metal, or some kind of old cast iron detailing (around those cool square details) could look really cool. Something with texture.

Just went to the website.. looks good! If I ever go to cali.. this is a must visit.

Olivia.Dee said...

I'm kind of liking the yellow.

I'm one of those people sans thing. which is all kinds of frustrating and irritating. because im stuck in a job that i strongly dislike, going to school for a field I most likely wont pursue... and i'm bitching about money. adulthood blows sometimes.

Lily said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for the feedback !! Love your blog and I am now a follower :)

xxLily
goldandgray.com

Hillary said...

Wow! I think the restaurant looks great, and I actually like the yellow. I found you through Corks and Caftans, and I really enjoy your blog!

From one Long Beach girl to another,
Thoreau's Daughter

http://thoreausdaughter.blogspot.com/

k said...

the restaurant is looking SO SO SO amazing!!!

Anonymous said...

So very exciting about the restaurant!! Congrats to you guys....it is looking beautiful.

Marie a la Mode said...

Wow, the restaurant is coming together! Looking good! I think your "thing" is writing. Not sure what my thing is! Still trying to figure it out.

torrie said...

Wow. Truly amazing. And I like the yellow!!

I know exactly what you mean about your 'thing.'

I can't say that I've found it, but I'm getting closer... I can feel it.

You? You have a way with words, girl. =)

Emmett Katherine said...

OK, so not only am I a fellow Canuck, but my boyfriend is a trained chef as well! He no longer works as a chef, but still in the food industry. His family owns a restaurant so I have a rough idea of all the things you guys are going through, this is so exciting! The restaurant looks great :) Can't wait to hear about the opening and all that jazz.

still trying to find out waht my thing is, in the same boat as you. Oh and man staring in your window? totally creepy. creepers, yuck.

~Em K

oh, I checked out the ottawa club monaco a few weeks back and the vest wasn't there so I figured it was from a different season. Good to know it's not, I'll look for it online.

Dave Snowden said...

Looking good!!!!

Corrine said...

This is amazing! I actually work out at the Gold's Gym next door - I grew up in HB... and have been to the restaurant when it was the asian food place. I am so excited for something fresh and exciting to open up there!!! Woohoo!!!

best,
Corrine

http://myheartisherelove.blogspot.com/

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