Gena’s Busiest Week Ever, Part Two, Day Three (a.m.)

a.k.a. The Day I Became Super Human

15 appointments

14 coffees (not a joke)

2 glasses of wine

0 water

2 altoids

I started my day having breakfast at Loyola’s Café (268-6478), one of my all-time favorite diners. It’s probably because it reminds me of eating breakfast in Belen as a kid. My parents and I always sat in the back booth, and I gravitate towards the back booth at Loyola’s as well. I always order the chorizo and eggs and a cup of coffee. In this case, I ordered the usual, but with EIGHT refills of coffee. Don’t judge; it was about to be a long day. If you stop in, please try the posole – it is some of the best you can find in Albuquerque. Also wave to all the cops in there. Apparently it is a cop hangout and I didn’t know it. I definitely felt safe.

I have been working on the event for Saturday night feverishly while trying to keep on top of these appointments. It hasn’t been too terrible, but I am starting to mix up dates, times and countries … OK, not countries, but I did miss one appointment entirely so far. No worries though. I rescheduled. They were understanding. I sat with the planning committee for the event to discuss last-minute details. Like what color we are going to use to decorate the cookies, who will be in charge of the bagpiper and how to dispose of a 300-pound block of ice. Yes, these are all life and death event questions (he he he).

Julie Kirkpatrick from Auto Glass Services has replaced quite a few windshields for us over the last few years. It’s not so much that we are bad drivers though. We like to believe that we are great drivers with really bad luck. Back to glass – Auto Glass Services can replace vehicle glass, and they can do it at your location so that you don’t have to leave work. They have been in business in Albuquerque for more than 25 years and are owner operated.

(She was kind enough to also pass along the info for a dog trainer for my Yorkie, Buckley (picture No. 1 today), who has been having a few less than admirable moments at home.)

Christy Mae’s Restaurant on San Pedro is a great stop for lunch, but I didn’t even have time to eat today (sad face). The Albuquerque Turkey is a heap of warm turkey, grilled green chile and melted cheese on perfectly crispy buttered toasted bread. I order it without the bread and it is still amazing. They offer catering as well as dine-in. They also just started a Birthday and Loyalty Program in which you receive free yummy stuff.

Sandia Area Federal Credit Union has teamed up with the Storehouse this year to sell tickets to Albuquerque The Magazine’s Chef Knockout Round 4. Tickets are available at all of their branch locations. More on that event later in the blog …

The marketing team at Sandia Area FCU knocks my marketing socks off! Jeff Cain (who recently gave up sweets for Lent; note to anyone wanting to deliver a box of freshly-baked sugary goodness to him to butter him up) is working on a campaign right now to get the word out that they are lending money for Home Equity Loans at some seriously low rates. Isn’t it time for a remodel? I could use a bigger closet myself…

Chris’ Custom Alterations and Sewing (chriscustomalteration@yahoo.com, 268-0627) has more than 30 years of experience in the alterations world. They can work on men’s or women’s garments, and can make custom pieces. They offer express hems and same-day service. Chris and his wife are always in, always friendly, and very fair with their prices.

ABC Cake Shop has been baking up cakes and pastries in Albuquerque for just about forever. They are helping me with custom-cut cookies for the event on Saturday night. Paul is seen here with one of their beautiful wedding cakes. They have a digital design center in the store, and you can come in with an idea for a custom cake and sit with a specialist to design exactly what it will look and taste like. I didn’t try any of the cupcakes this trip, which is amazing since frosting is one of my favorite mid-day snacks. How’s that for WILLPOWER?

I’m going to let everyone in on this secret, which will completely kill the whole point of the secret, but oh well: I love to go over to Suits Unlimited just to hang out with the staff. Steve and his sister Terry are some of the coolest people I know, and I love talking about everything and nothing with them. They do have a ton of swanky suits at very affordable prices, a killer tux rental program and an on-site tailor. However, I’ve gotten in trouble with them more than once for giving my opinion to the guys who are trying on suits. I still give it though. Stop in to see them, and let me know if you need my opinion.

Favorite Things Friday

We’re ready ready ready for the weekend, and lucky for us, so is Albuquerque!  Check out a few of the many great events going on this weekend!

Based around the theme, “Alegria” or jubilation in Spanish, Cirque du Soleil Alegria focuses on power and the transfer of power, ancient monarchies moving to modern democracies, old age and youth.  The Santa Ana Star Center welcomes a unique troupe of acrobats, dancers and performers sure to entertain and amaze. Times and tickets are available on the Center’s website http://www.santaanastarcenter.com/

We’re terribly excited for Chef Knockout on Sunday. We’d really love it if you’d stop by.  And, well, you’d really love it too.  Round 3 of the knockout brings eight chefs who will compete head to head, the cities best bartenders mixing and fixing their best drinks, kids racing to make the fastest PB and J, top caterers making their best dishes to bribe you for your vote and TV, radio and print personalities competing to make the best guacamole.  Tickets are $20 and the event takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Convention Center.

If you’re looking for a perfect way to enjoy three of your favorite things: food, music and beautiful weather, you’ll definitely want to head to Seasons Rotisserie and Grill to hear Brazilian ensemble Saudade.  Saudade will play the popular music of Brazil, sambas, bossas and tangos at 7:30 on Saturday. Go sit on the beautiful rooftop patio, order some delicious Seared Yellowfin Ahi Tuna, and enjoy the sounds of Brazil!

There’s nothing better than a nice Sunday afternoon event, and if there is, it’s art, live music, dance and crafts in a pretty local park.  Arts in the Park takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Arroyo Del Oso Park.  Local groups Bad Katz Blues, No Holds Bard, Little Sister and Soul Kitchen, as well as Albuquerque Unidos Youth Poetry Slam Team are all on the schedule for Sunday afternoon.

What are you up to?

Guacamole, Vodka and Knockouts, OH MY!

If you’re anything like us, you love food.  And if there’s anything we love as much as food, it’s heated competition.

Enter: Chef Knockout Round 3, which will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, at the Albuquerque Convention Center. This is not just a showcase of Albuquerque’s best restaurants and chefs, it’s a chance to have fun for a great cause!  Chef Knockout Round 3 benefits The Storehouse food bank in Albuquerque.

The main event, the Chef Knockout involves area chefs competing head to head in 40-minute battles.  Chefs from The Grove Café, McGrath’s, Savoy Bar and Grill, The Corn Maiden, Doubletrees, Casa Vieja, Flying Star and Nob Hill Bar and Grill are all participating.

Surrounding the Knockout are four other palate-pleasing events you won’t want to miss:

The Absolut Vodka Cocktail Challenge: Local bartenders put their mixology and speed skills to the test against one another.  Includes free tasting samples of the very best concoctions and tips from the mixologists on how to shake up your home bar.

Guac-A-Media: A contest among area television, radio, and print reporters and anchors to see who’s the best of the best when it comes to everyone’s favorite green mush. Event goers decide the winner.

Top Caterers of ABQ: A special event to determine the tastiest food from local caterers. Winners are chosen by attendees, who will be bribed with delicious food.

Fastest PB&J in the West: A just-for-kids contest to see who can turn peanut butter, jelly and bread into everyone’s favorite, simple treat. The fastest sandwich makers in each age group will receive a prize!

Ringside seats are $50, general admission tickets are $20, kids 12 and under are $10, and 5 and under are free! The VIP area can be accessed for an additional $20, where more samples, tasting of premium liquors, and private viewing of the competition is available.

Oh, and did we mention that 40 Albuquerque restaurants will be handing out free samples of their best dishes?

We’re getting really excited, so keep watching for additional, mouth-watering information!

Which CK Round 3 event are you most excited about?

Favorite Things Friday (Memorial Day Edition)

School’s out, the pools are open, and what were windy, temperate spring days are emerging into the still, hot days of a New Mexico summer.  As always, the Albuquerque area has a plethora of exciting events to celebrate the last weekend in May.  We’ve compiled a list of events to check out over your three-day weekend.

1. We’re still looking for Albuquerque’s Hottest Singles. As part of our tireless search, we’ll be at Casa Esencia in Hotel Albuquerque from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. tonight.  So, if you’re hot, single and 25 or over, come out and apply.  Not hot? Not single? Only 24?  Bring one of your eligible friends and peer pressure him or her into applying!  If you can’t make it, be sure to submit applications and nominations online before June 4th.

2. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” opening Friday at Albuquerque Little Theatre, is the perfect excuse to pull out those cowboy boots and Texas it up for a few hours.  The play “recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas.” The show runs at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays through June 20. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $18 for students and can be purchased online.

3. What better way to welcome the blazing hot days of summer than with some local wine and live music?  The 2010 Albuquerque Wine Festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. May 29 to 31, at Balloon Fiesta Park.  The $15 entrance fee includes a souvenir wine glass. Not looking forward to monster entrance lines? Jump ahead by purchasing your tickets online beforehand.

4. Handmade craft items, fresh, local produce, wearable art, yard art and treats of all kinds make up the Idalia Road Marketplace in Rio Rancho.  The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through November 29. If local, local, local is what you crave, make sure to stop by the market sometime during the long weekend.

5. We’ve voted it “Best Place to Hear Classical Music Outdoors,” for two years in a row, and, well, we don’t hand out those titles for nothing. Symphony Under the Stars continues this weekend with “Stars, Stripes and the 1812 Overture,” featuring great American favorites as a tribute to the Armed Forces. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at the Rio Grande Zoo. Tickets range in price from $15 to $50.

6.There’s no better way to feel connected to your food like buying it from the person who grew it!  Support local farmers by stopping by the Corrales Grower’s Market on Sunday.  The market’s “homegrown only” policy brings fresh produce, local honey, farm fresh eggs, plants and crafts. Tie it all together with live music by The Bleeker Street Boys, and there’s no better way to spend a Sunday morning.

7. To so many, Memorial Day is a much-needed 3-day weekend, but let’s not forget what the holiday is all about. Rio Rancho’s annual Memorial Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Country Club Drive and ends at the Rio Rancho Veterans Monument Park, next to the Esther Bone Memorial Library. Following the parade is a remembrance ceremony celebrating the lives of those who served.

That’s what we’ll be doing this weekend.  What are your plans?

Still Searching for those Hot, Hot, Hot Singles

It’s one of the hardest parts of our jobs—tracking down Albuquerque’s most gorgeous, eligible ladies and gentlemen for our August Hot Singles Issue.  Really, it’s exhausting looking through nominations and pictures and going out to search for the hotties ourselves.  But just for you, our loyal readers, we’re willing to continue.

We found some of Albuquerque’s finest Friday night outside Nob Hill Bar and Grill.  We’re excited to get to know them better and then choose the coolest, friendliest and most interesting to interview, photograph and publish!

If you missed us last weekend, come out to Casa Esencia near Hotel Albuquerque, where we’ll be from 7 to 9 p.m., taking more applications and photos.

If you can’t make it, nominate a friend or yourself online at www.abqthemag.com/HOTSingles.php. We’re looking forward to choosing Albuquerque’s hottest eligible bachelors and bachelorettes!

One of our favorite questions for our singles is, “If your date were a New Mexican dish, what would he/she be?”  What do you think we should ask all of our Hot Singles this year?

Gena’s Busiest Week Ever: Day Five

Gena’s busiest week is just about over—after a jam-packed Friday. Check it out:

Thursday, February 4:
8 meetings
1 lunch
1 beer in the Gutter
94 miles driven

Appointment #1: Dry Heat Photography collectively has 25 years of wedding photography experience. Rick and DeAnna have the cool factor and the experience to make any bride shine on her wedding day. These two have a studio and art gallery in Corrales and represent 7 photographers. They shoot about 50 weddings a year, but also do non-bridal photography. They met me for breakfast, but I was the only one eating (a sesame bagel at Flying Star Corrales.) It was the first time I’ve had a chance to sit with them and talk about how they are doing. They’re appearing this year at ATM’s Wedding Showcase, so make sure you visit them at the event!

Appointment #2: Las Mananitas Luxury Apartment Community is located on the Westside, directly west of Riverside Plaza. Brian Sanchez is the community manager there. He is the dashingly handsome guy posing on the fountain next to the pool. Brian and I went to school together in Belen, so I’ve known him for quite awhile. He just moved back from NY, and we’re lucky: he’s one of the best in his field, and skilled at finding the right fit for anyone looking for a temporary residence.

Appointment #3: Kimberly Mendoza moved her Lee Taylor Real Estate Group to the Westside not too long ago. You might have seen the sign up near Coors and Sevilla NW. That’s why we met at the Starbucks just up the street. Kimberly and her family have been long time friends of the magazine, but this week gave us a reason to catch up on business. She’s working hard to keep her agents happy, and as of now they’re weathering the real estate storm well. Kimberly is always willing to help anyone with real estate questions… seriously, I’m always calling her!

Appointment #4: Kelli Cooper and Randy Royster are part of the team that makes Albuquerque Community Foundation rock! Kelli and her team organize one of my favorite Albuquerque events in the fall, Concours de Soleil. It showcases an incredible collection of high end cars. I call it mastery in transportation. She is just a delightful person to work with, so this year ATM decided to sponsor the event again. On my way out, I asked Randy for a photo, and even though he resisted, I got one anyway. (I think I’m earning my paparazzo card!)

Appointment #5: Jeff Baillio is a popular dude around town. I don’t think he can get away without being recognized—he’s been the face of Baillio’s, the family business, on TV for awhile. He came by to bug me about an apple pie recipe that I keep forgetting to give him… that’s what I get for giving him a homemade pie as a gift last year. Baillio’s just reacquired family ownership, and after visiting the store this month, it’s extremely evident. I love shopping local!

Appointment #6: I had lunch with Adam Greenhood from Esparza Advertising. I was supposed to take Adam out for his birthday. He tried to cancel on me. I forced him to go anyway. Plus, he didn’t want to miss out on this incredible photo op. That’s him, trying to hitch a ride on Fifth Street in front of the Esparza offices. We met for lunch at the Asian Noodle Bar. I realized at lunch that I always, always, no matter what, order fried rice at Asian restaurants. I tried to pay attention to Adam, but the whole time I was fixated on the fried rice obsession. We didn’t discuss business anyway. It was just a good time to hang out with a friend. Happy birthday, Adam!

Appointment #7: Ambitions Consulting Group contacted me right away about participating in my busiest week ever. Erin Muffoletto, Lucas M. Rael, and J.R. Rael make up this incredibly dynamic organization. You might recognize Erin from our most recent Hot Singles Issue. She and her two partners are starting to take over the world, one business at a time. They are moving forward on consulting projects with Erin’s focus on the political side of things. I see these guys going far. Better get to know them while you can, before they go big time.

Appointment #8: Tony Lynn from Big I 107.9 is one of those guys who really loves dogs, so much so that he and his wife opened up Tony Lynn’s Caring Paws Doggie Daycare in midtown. They became advertisers at the end of last year. ATM loves these little start-up stories and theirs is one of our favorites! They are a kind-hearted couple with tons of extra love for the furry guys.  Their day care prices are reasonable, and the love and attention are priceless!

Appointment #9: Janice Lujan from the Phoenix Agency and Melanie Burns from Achievement Gallery stopped in at ATM just to say hi. I think they heard about the blog, and I should have called to get an appointment with them, but these ladies are so busy, I had no idea I’d get to see them at all.

Last, but not least: Beer in the Gutter with the guys from 3. ATM’s offices are upstairs from REI and we share the entire sec9nd floor with the ad agency known as 3. They are 3. Just 3. Not 3M. Not 3 guys. Just 3. (They like to make that clear.) About once a month, we gather in the Gutter, our kitchen/bar/movie theater. We have a beer keg in the Gutter. So our monthly gatherings are always on a Friday, at the end of the day. It’s a good time to relax, catch up, and talk about the advertising world beyond our doors. It’s nice to end a week with good neighbors.

It may be Friday, but the week’s not up yet! Check out the grand finale on Saturday night.

Gena’s Busiest Week Ever: Day Four

Last week, ATM’s sales director, Gena, set out to have the busiest week she’d ever had. Check out the fourth-and-almost-final day of her quest.

Thursday, February 4:
4 meetings
1 lunch
1 drink
1 dinner
157 miles driven

Appointment #1: I started my day in the best possible place: a spa. I met with Melissa Hernandez at Full Circle Wellness Center, who just moved into a new location on north Fourth Street. It’s definitely the most tranquil spa in Los Ranchos. Melissa’s menu of services is almost too long to list—suffice it to say, she’s got something for everyone. She renovated the building to add a magnificent eastern view from the salon room. I learned about her organic product line, the “green” nail polish, and their private exercise room. Wish I could’ve gotten a massage before I left—I’m gonna need one by Sunday.

Appointment #2: I met with the lovely sales and marketing ladies of Hotel Albuquerque for lunch in their café. If you haven’t been on a tour of the newest venue in the city, I encourage you to schedule one. Casa Esencia is the old Maria Theresa restaurant on Rio Grande. The hotel purchased the building, renovated it, and redesigned it into a post private event center. This place is soon going to be the must-go place to see and be seen.

Appointment #3: When I first walked into ABQ PetCare, I felt like I’d forgotten something. I’ve never been to a vet clinic without a pet! Turns out it’s a more relaxing experience without a sick puppy—and it’s a great mood-maker. See this puppy? I played with her for 15 minutes before my appointment with the docs. She’s a Yorkie, just like mine (shout out to Buckley!), and now, I believe I know what I’m asking for my next birthday. Dr. Tim and Dr. Kerry are a father-daughter veterinarian team. Dr. Kerry opened the practice last September. They’re open seven days a week. She gave me some great advice for my little Yorkie and also mentioned that she has a call-in radio show every other Sunday at 1 p.m. on 770 KKOB.

Appointment #4: Derrick Lente and I met for coffee at Starbucks (I’ve got a ginormous to-go cup collection in my car from all my coffee dates this week). Derrick owns Spherion in ABQ. I could plug his business, but I’d rather tell you about how much of a great guy he is. He has a staff of four, and every time I see them they are the happiest people around. He’s not only a good boss, but an all around fun guy. He sponsored a team in ATM’s Corporate Roll last year, and even though they didn’t win (he disagrees with my scoring system) he was a good sport. Look for some cool stuff between ATM and Spherion. We’ve got a lot of big ideas.

Appointment #5: Zea Rotisserie and Grill is, for me, the best happy hour on Montgomery. It’s close to work, its got a great drink menu, and they have specials such as $2 off appetizers. You can get their incredible Mediterranean hummus and a glass of wine for $10. General manager Chuck Lindsay was there to greet us, and reminded me that I’ve got to try their desserts… not til dinner though. And that’s another appointment all together.

Appointment #6: Page Fullerton, advertising manager at ATM, is as busy as I am this week. Then again, she’s always busy. We found time to have drinks with our good friend over at Rick Johnson & Company. Page and I couldn’t convince Laura Cowan to drink Jack Daniels with us (and, for the record, she didn’t drink at all until after 5 p.m.). Whenever we get together, it’s normally down to business, but this time I made Laura email me after the meeting because we were having too much fun catching up. Here is some of our plan to take over the world (or at least part of Albuquerque):

• Enchantment Pet Resort in Rio Rancho was featured in our February issue, and they’re coming on board for our new Pet Section in 2010.
• Papa John’s is already an annual advertiser with ATM. They had a killer Super Bowl deal, but check the ATM Facebook page for secret specials.
• Garcia Automotive: I bought an Infiniti last year, and I love it. We’re hoping to get them in for a bigger presence this year.

Appointment #7: Over an excellent dinner at Artichoke Café, I learned that Dr. Julian Rowe and Dr. Judy Lei of Integrative Med Spa have finally found a permanent home at 3846 Masthead St. NE, over by Journal Center. They just celebrated their grand opening last month and are still enjoying the newness of their beautiful space. They offer the latest in anti-aging, coupled with integrative Chinese Medicine and supplements. Dr. Rowe is an OB/GYN and Dr. Lei is a pediatrician as well as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Together, they make an incredible couple and great business partners. They just put up their first outdoor billboard on I-25 North, near the ATM offices and are planning on unveiling a new treatment in March (watch the pages of ATM for more info!).

Gena’s week is almost up—be sure to check in for some special guest stars!

Gena’s Busiest Week Ever: Day Two

ATM’s sales director set out to book as many appointments as she could in a week. Here’s how day two shook loose.

Tuesday, February 2:

9 meetings
1 lunch
1 dinner
57 miles driven

Appointment #1: I met with the staff of Stribling Chiropractic, which is always fun. Dr. Stribling is a great chiropractor, but he’s also a Kinesio taping expert—which means he’s been setting the city straight (get it?) for more than 27 years. And he’s been in the same location the whole time! He and wife also own and run a fun retail shop in the East Mountains, Just Too Cute. It’s a fun boutique filled with interesting items and great gifts.

Appointment #2: Ben E. Keith came on board as ATM’s Chef Knockout sponsor two years ago. Todd and Kathy came by the ATM offices to chat about this year’s event in June. We’re already into the heavy planning stages to make this year’s event bigger, better, and—of course—more fattening! Chef Knockout is our answer to “Iron Chef”: eight chefs compete in four head-to-head battles. We host the event at the Convention Center and attract more than 1500 foodies to watch the battle, taste the food, and vote on cocktail concoctions. Last year we even had a Gauc-a-media challenge, putting the spotlight on local personalities and their guacamole-making abilities.

Appointment #3: Kelly Koepke and I chat on Facebook quite often. I, of course, am mostly wasting time while I’m at work (oops—is this the wrong place to admit that?). She, on the other hand, is actually working. As a matter of fact, she spends a lot of her time posting on Facebook, tweeting on Twitter, and blogging as part of her job. For those of you who really just don’t get how posts, tweets, and blogs work, Kelly is a light in the digital darkness. Kelly manages social networking and integrates all elements of online life into your business. She’s also a great writer! I say this from personal experience. She wrote my “Forty Under 40” for the New Mexico Business Weekly last year.  She managed to make me sound cool. So now I’m her biggest fan.

Between-appointments meeting: I met with ATM’s publisher, Larryl, and marketing director, Kelly, for a quick, top-secret confab. (Insert devious chuckle here!) It’s not at all unusual for me to meet with them—we meet up regularly to talk about magazine business—so the meeting didn’t add a lot more busy-ness to my day. But how fabulous is this picture? I just had to post it.

Appointment #4: Erica Swan wanted to meet for coffee at one of her favorite locally-owned coffee spots in town. Napoli Coffee is on Carlisle, just north of Menaul. It’s quiet and comfortable… like Albuquerque’s own version of Central Perk (hello, “Friends” reference for all of you ‘90s sitcom fans!). Erica sells outdoor advertising for Clear Channel Outdoor. We have some similar qualities as sales chicks, so getting together is always entertaining. She’s going to be embarrassed by this, but I do believe she has the most beautiful eyes… just look at her picture!

Appointment #5: Webster University is one of Albuquerque’s success stories. I met with Caroline Lwali, the communications relations coordinator. She and her husband moved to Albuquerque two years ago, after she had graduated from Webster University’s main campus in St. Louis. She got in touch with Webster’s career services program about getting a job in ABQ and met with the local director. They loved her so much, they placed her right away—with the university!

Appointment #6: I met Norm Ruth for lunch. Norm’s with Deluxe Design in Rio Rancho, which helped ATM with our last Corporate Roll Bowling Tournament. His team of graphic gods helped us create a bowing theme (and won the “Most Creative Team Tee Shirts Award” last year). Not only are they fantastic bowlers, they can create a mean marketing campaign. He showed me the limited edition posters he’s printing for Eric Clapton’s next concert tour. Norm can help small businesses with signage, shirts, graphics, and vehicle wraps. But don’t limit him to the small stuff. I’m sure he would wrap the Hyatt downtown if someone would let him!

Appointment #7: Chow’s Chinese Bistro in Cottonwood Mall is a nice change of pace for lunch or dinner. Jason Zeng, who runs the restaurant with his father, travels to China all the time to get inspiration for new dishes, and to bring back plates, teapots, and other eclectic items to make the dining experience more authentic. Chow’s now has a quick lunch menu that is not only a great escape from the hustle of business lunches, but also easy on the wallet. I had the Cashew Chicken lunch combo that included soup, a salad, and hot tea for less than $11.

Appointment #8: Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce has been a partner of ATM since the very beginning of our magazine—almost six years ago! Jeffrey Candelaria is (and I told him I would say this) one of the most intriguing individuals in the city. He’s passionate about small business and has been helping the chamber members thrive in our community. The chamber is in full-on event mode, getting ready La Noche Encantada this weekend. Tickets are sold out and they are expecting 2,000 people to attend. It’s where I’ll end my Busiest Week Ever—with a drink in my hand and glitter in my hair.

Appointment #9: Raine Klover and Fenton Ayres are the two photographers who opened Wooden Cow Gallery in Mossman Center to help out local artists and to have an excuse to spend all day working on their craft. Thanks to you readers, the gallery won “Best Art Gallery” in our 2009 Best of the City Issue. They attended the Best of the City Party and have since been enjoying the publicity. Their gallery rotates about 50 artists and their work. Right now, they’re featuring the artists of Trader Joe’s; employees who are encouraged to follow their artistic talents, and the show truly brings out their abilities. You’ve got to stop in just to see the great paintings that the employees have done.

Appointment #10: My good friend Cassandra Costley works at UNM in Career Services. The department does everything in its power to help students with their career paths, guide them in finding jobs, and even start them out with a great resumé. Once a year they host an “etiquette dinner” in the SUB Ballroom to get the students in front of potential employers while honing dining and social networking skills. I participated as an employer. We mingled with the students for a cocktail hour and then had a seated dinner. Cassandra led the table with an etiquette presentation (no elbows on the table please!) while we enjoyed our Chicken Cordon Bleu. I met seven students who were willing to listen to my crazy advice on life for an hour. Thanks to UNM for including me. And thanks, Cassandra, now I know where to place my used sugar packets…

Stay tuned for the rest of Gena’s week!

Gena’s Busiest Week Ever: Day One

ATM’s sales director, Gena, set out to book as many appointments as she could in one week. Here’s a look at the first day of her quest.

Monday, February 1:

7 meetings
1 dinner
62 miles driven

Appointment #1: I met with Lauren Pickens and Paula West, registered dietitians, at the Southwest Dietetic Group. Lauren and Paula, who opened the practice in November and are currently seeking new patients, work on a referral basis from doctors, but anyone can make an appointment. Which is good, because these two are absolute experts when it comes to nutrition. They schooled me on the ins and outs of artificial sweeteners, fad diets, and the way the body works best. Wow, there’s a lot of false information out there about healthy eating! These two can steer anyone in the right direction (and away from the dessert buffet!).

Appointment #2: Next, I met with Jennifer Carlson, the owner/operator of Nestle Toll House Café at ABQ Uptown and Cottonwood Mall. We met at the ABQ Uptown location—across from Williams-Sonoma and next to Ann Taylor Loft. The place smells amazing—I dare anyone to step in and not crave a warm, chocolatey cookie. (Note to above-mentioned dietitians: I only ate one cookie… um, but it had fluffy frosting and sprinkles.) Nestle Toll House is a quick one-stop for a bag of goodies, an ice cream cone, or a personalized decorated cookie. They even have a ginormous Super Bowl cookie with dueling helmets! (P.S.: Go Colts!).

Appointment #3: Family-owned and –operated, Suits Unlimited has long been a men’s clothing go-to in Albuquerque. It is family owned and run. Any guy in the city—no matter how fashion-challenged—can be set straight with a helpful touch in this place. Steve Garcia and his sister, Terri, are the kind of people that you want to stop in to see even if you don’t need to buy a tie. (Note to self: go back this week to pick up a tie.)

Appointment #4: I love discovering all of the great small businesses that Albuquerque can keep hidden away. Bridal Elegance by Darlene is one of those little shops in town that keeps up with trends in the most unassuming way. I’ve shopped with Darlene for years, and I love being able to try on any dress for ay occasion. That’s right: this store ain’t just for brides. She carries cocktail dresses, special occasion dresses, and, this year, she has the hottest prom dresses ever (they didn’t have dresses like this back in my day!). Animal print sequins and fairy tale tulle line the racks. She’s altering a dress for me to wear to La Noche Encantada this weekend. Two other beautiful ladies were there getting fitted for the same event. It was fun to see what they’ll be wearing.

Appointment #5: I stopped in at Lucky Boyz Limousine to say hi to Steve Garcia and his team. The company is a successful one; lots of visiting celebs call on Lucky Boyz when they want a touch of Hollywood. Hey, you might have even got a short limo ride from them at one of our Best of the City Parties—they’re the official limousine provider at all ATM events). Steve has a Hummer H2 limo that can seat up to 20 and a party bus (that the ATM staff has enjoyed many times) that can comfortably handle 25… and, sure, a couple of coolers.

Appointment #6: I met Karen Grandinetti, owner of Pure Profit Fundraising, for an early afternoon coffee—thank goodness, because I was in need of a caffeine blast. Karen’s company helps local charities and schools raise much needed funds with fun fundraisers. She might win the title of “ABQ Fundraising Queen,” because she has helped raise more money for local organizations than I can even mention. And she managed to look glamorous in an iPhone photo.

Appointment #7: Gene Chavez of Chavez Law Offices came in to create the artwork for his next ad. We concepted a photo shoot with mountain roads as a backdrop and a cool pic of him on his Harley V-Rod. One of the best parts of my job is getting to help small business owners create a display ad that makes them look amazing, so I’m excited to see how well this one turns out. (It’ll be on the back cover of our April 2010 issue!) Chavez Law Offices is our first new back cover advertiser in more than three years.

Appointment #8: I met Shane Francis and Jay Henry at Seasons Rotisserie and Grill. We had a blast. Shane and I commiserated over sales in the down market and how the “good old days” used to be, Jay and I talked about “American Idol” and Pink’s amazing outfit at the Grammys. Shane works for Cinemedia; he sells those commercial spots you see before the movie starts. He just got promoted to sell throughout New Mexico. Jay Henry is a loyal employee of the A Store, which has been a Nob Hill staple for more than 25 years now. He let me in on a secret: apparently, the store sells an amazing secret weapon in acne warfare. Who knew? Great company and a lovely glass of red wine… a fab ending to my first day of the busiest week ever.

Stay tuned… the week’s only just begun!

Enter Our First Annual Short Story Contest

Calling all fiction writers! We’re seeking submissions to our first-ever short story contest. All entries will be judged by well-regarded local authors.

NEW EXTENDED! Deadline: January 25, 2010

Guidelines: The winning author will have his or her work published in Albuquerque The Magazine in late spring 2010. Stories should not exceed 4,000 words and must be previously unpublished. Manuscripts should be submitted with a cover note listing the author’s name, address, phone number, and email address; names should not appear on the stories themselves. Simultaneous submissions are not eligible. Submissions must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2010. Manuscripts will not be returned. The winner will be announced in April 2010.

Mail submissions to:

Short Story Contest
Albuquerque The Magazine
1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87107

You may also email submissions to:

shortstories@abqthemag.com