Meet Michelle “Jazz Hands” Rodriguez

NAME:

Michelle Rodriguez

POSITION:

Administrative Assistant

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BLOG?

Treehugger.com. I am a bit of a hippie. With all the things happening in the world this is a positive source of inspiration for me. It shines light on the good happening in the world, tips on how to help others, how be more eco-friendly, self-improvement articles, beautiful photos of nature and more.

IT’S 5:30 PM – WHAT’S YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE?

Beer or tequila, neat. Don Julio is my favorite (I had a lot of training on Tequila/Mescal in previous jobs).

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK?

Cooking. I am a chef and own my catering business on top of my position here at OUW. I go from one job to another, but I love it. When I’m not cooking for my own clients, I am cooking for my family or learning about food or nutrition. I love to garden as well and spend a lot of time outdoors with my 2 year old daughter Rosie. I want to teach her all about food, where it comes from, how to grow it, how to cook it, and why we should appreciate it. Rosie is my heart and soul outside of my body. I enjoy spending time with my incredible husband Gabe, and our dog (Black Lab) named Holly Berry (who, in my opinion, is THE coolest dog in the world). My life pretty much revolves around food and family.

YOUR FAVORITE SPOTIFY STATION?

Hmm. This is a tough one. Lately, at work I’ve been listening to a station called brain food. Its hypnotic electronic music. There are no words so it helps me zone in and focus on my task at hand.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET GUILTY PLEASURE?

I’m completely obsessed with Broadway musicals. Some of my favorites are Funny Girl (Barbra Streisand is a GODDESS), Sound of music, Chicago. I went to a lot of shows as a kid, and was in theatre. I always loved being on stage (which is why I love being involved in any production here at OUW!)

WHAT MAKES TRAVERSE CITY APPEALING?

The community itself makes Traverse City so special to me. I grew up in metro Detroit, moved to Kalamazoo to attend college, and then I lived in Atlanta, Austin, and Chicago. I’ve always lived in big cities so when I moved to Traverse City I loved that everyone was so friendly. I am a social butterfly and am very involved in various groups in TC very so I know a lot of people in this community which gives me a great sense of belonging. I love it here!

FAVORITE BOOK/MOVIE/ALBUM/TV SHOW/ETC…?

Book: “Blood Bones and Butter” by Gabrielle Hamilton. She is the chef of Prune in NYC, and I really look up to her.

Movie: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” circa 1971 starring the incredible Gene Wilder. I grew up reading Roald Dahl, and always had a big imagination so his books were my favorite.  Fun fact: I love the movie so much I walked down the aisle on my wedding day to the theme song “Imagination” being played on Spanish guitar.

Album: “Lady Sings the Blues” By Billie Holliday.

TV Show: “Friends.” I can quote any episode (and often do).

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 TO 5 WORDS.

Passionate, Loving, Energetic, Humorous, Spontaneous.

WHAT’S ONE OF LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES?

Hearing my daughter sing to me….or hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, or her sweet hugs and kisses. She can always brighten my day.