And End to my Birthday Week

I wish I could turn 25 every day! After a weekend like I just had, it makes waking up on a non-eventful Monday morning a harder-than-normal task. The weekend began with a 12:05am text message Friday morning, reminding me that for the last 5 minutes, I had been 25 years old. 25! I thought maybe it would affect me a bit more that I was no longer in my early twenties, but to be perfectly honest, I’m thrilled to be 25. I’ve made it through a quarter of a century of living. That’s pretty awesome considering about 200 years ago, I would be considered lucky if I lived to see my mid-twenties!

The rest of my Friday was followed by a number of phone calls (my favorite being the tearful conversation on my way to work), Facebook and Myspace messages, text messages, and flowers and presents at work. For lunch one of my managers treated me to Hectors, a Mexican favorite of mine, in honor of my birthday and that brought up the evening where I met my mom for a few hours of shopping at Mayfair Mall. I arrived home close to 8:00 where my dad had opened up a 25 year old bottle of wine and was waiting to toast in celebration. We toasted, sipped, and made sour faces as we realized you CAN over-age your red wine, but it was cool to be drinking a bottle of wine that was as old as me anyways! After a glass of wine, and some singing around my ice cream cake, I retreated to my room as I was exhausted after both a hard week at work, and an emotionally draining few days. I called it an early night, opting for a quiet night in and fell asleep around 10:00.

I awoke on Saturday bright and early and spent the morning hours running errands around Burlington and eagerly awaiting the arrival of 4:00 when I could begin getting ready for my birthday bash that evening. By 6:00 I was on my way to Milwaukee to meet Katie D. for some pre-party drinks at Kenadees.

My parents were the first of the guests to arrive with my friend Schiller following close behind. The five of us had a few drinks downstairs at the bar, then made our way to the upstairs loft that I had rented out for the evening. Within the next few hours the remainder of my dear friends trickled in and thanks to our private room we all had an opportunity to relax, drink outside of the crowd, and catch up.

After a few drinks us ladies got up and danced a little bit and then the party began winding down around midnight. Those still up for a little bit more headed to Buckhead Saloon for some end of the evening dancing and the night was laid to rest around 2:00 the next morning. I tucked in two very drunk Katie’s into their King sized Pfister hotel bed and drove my birthday butt home for some much needed sleep.

And that was it. Sunday brought about the end of my birthday week and I spent it hung over and tired. I don’t feel any older, but I can definitely tell that I’m getting older as my body takes much longer these days to recoup after a night of drinking.

But it was well worth it. I’d turn 25 again any day!

See the rest of the pictures HERE.

Should Have Been Spiderman FREE

Last night, brought my total number of movies I have walked out on in the theatre up to three:

1.) Magnolia
2.) Cats and Dogs

And as of last night

3.) Spiderman 3

You guys, it’s awful. So terrible in fact I couldn’t stand to sit in the movie theatre anymore. I’m not going to go into detail because I know this is one of those movies that you will see anyways, and I don’t want to ruin it for you. But know that you were warned by this blog.

Smells Are The Way to My Heart

I have a perfume obsession. I’m not sure why, but I do. It probably all stems back to my lack of commitment ability which inhibits me from even committing to a certain smell; which would explain my 34 bottles of perfume, and my 45 different boyfriends/girlfriends. Okay just kidding on that last part. On second thought, kidding on all of it. I don’t have commitment issues, I just like change…and perfume.

Last night my aunt provided me with perfume bottle number 35, Juicy Couture, to add to my already ridiculously large perfume collection. It’s a bit more floral-y than I normally wear (I’m a musk girl) but it smells clean and expensive. I like it! It’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. She also got me a really nice smelling candle (notice the trend here) and my aunt got me a nice card with my most favorite item…money =)

And why all the fuss do you ask? Why would all of these people go out of there way to get me some of my most favorite things on the planet?

Why because it’s my birthday week of course!!!! =) (Just in case you forgot)

The rest of the week isn’t as exciting. My mom and I are going apartment hunting tonight which I know is just going to stress me out more than anything and then we’ll possibly do dinner, which is sure to make any stress diminish almost immediately. I am very thankful that I have the ability to release stress and sadness through other therapeutic options outside of food because I feel as though I would be the “eater of my pain” if I didn’t. Food makes me feel so much better. Thankfully exercise and music makes me feel best =)

And now that this post is completely all over the place, I’m out!

It's My Birthday...Week

This week is my birthday week. Yes you heard me right, I said week. I’ll be 25!!! That’s a big deal!!! Birthdays have always been a big deal in my family, especially the milestones, and I hope it’s a tradition that I’ll carry forward on to my own kids someday! When I turned 5 I took all my friends (and my kindergarten teacher) to Showbiz pizza in Iowa for a big bash and for my 16th birthday I threw my first boy/girl party of my life (I know, I was a late bloomer). For my 18th (and my golden birthday) I rented out a hall and got a DJ for me and all of my friends. I spent my 21st in Las Vegas with my best friend Erin and my family and now the big 25 is roaring up behind me, and you better believe I plan on having a memorable quarter of a (personal) century birthday.

I am a firm believer, in the birthday week, as opposed to just birthDAY. Actually, I believe in the EVENT week. Weddings, graduations, bat mitzvah’s…whatever it is in your life that you look forward to at any particular moment, you should get a week to enjoy it…and make other people as well: a week of people being nicer to you, a week of talking about your special day as many times throughout that week as you feel is necessary, a week of presents (although we know that would never happen), but most importantly a week of celebration! Otherwise, it passes entirely too quickly if we don’t allow more time to enjoy it.

I have a number of different plans throughout the week: dinner tonight, birthday on Friday, and party on Saturday (even if I’m not exactly in the mood for such excitement). I also know for a fact that I’m annoying the ones around me as I say “Be nice, it’s my birthday week” or “I shouldn’t have to go to work because it’s my birthday week”. Yes, I am still a four year old when it comes to birthdays. No matter how much older I get, I still get super excited about turning one more year older and one more year closer to something exciting and absolutely unknown to me yet. I hope birthdays never lose their excitement and that no matter what happens in my life, I will continue to enjoy each and every moment that passes by me and appreciate, instead of dreading, the idea of turning one more year older.

Happy Birthday to me =)

A Not So Green Moment

Okay so I lied. I thought maybe I wouldn’t feel like posting for a while but the truth of the matter is, I’m a closed person the way it is. If I don’t at least blog about something, how will I release anything at all?!

I don’t have much to write about I guess.

I’m annoyed at the man this morning that I watched chuck his donut out his car window after taking one single bite out of it. I’m not kidding when I tell you that I almost got out of my car and chucked it back inside at him. But then I remembered where I work, and what neighborhood I was driving in…and who knows if he had a gun. So I quietly cursed him, gave him my “I hate you” dirty look and Tara’s imfamous “What the Fuck” hand, then drove away satisfied that I just ruined his day by making him feel aweful. But we all know none of my tactics affected him in any way. In fact, he probably went home and threw his soda can on the front lawn. But I like to think he went home and recycled.

On Hiatus

I am entirely too sad at the moment

Please don't be mad if I don't blog for a little while.

The End

Dirty Dancing, 20 Years Later

Just in case some of you weren’t aware, today is the 20th anniversary of the GREATEST movie ever made.

DIRTY DANCING!!!

In select theatres on May 1 and May 2 you can see this unforgettable movie on the big screen!! Oh yeah, you better believe a girl’s adventure to the theatre is in the works. Anyone want to go with us?

I am so flippin’ excited!!!

Reliving Chicago Through My Nose

Does anybody else find that their nose is a pathway to the past? That certain smells just flood you with memories? My nose is very sensitive and just as music, a smell can transport me any place at any time. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I sprayed myself with one of my 32 different perfumes and I was instantly brought back to my tiny little apartment on LaSalle St. in downtown Chicago. It was where I first discovered Ralph Lauren Romance, as I was browsing the fragrance section of the Marshal Field’s store, and to smell it to this day still brings me back to that first year and a half.

I remembered the way my apartment smelled just after I would spray it and how it would still remain in the air long after I returned home from work. I was reminded of 6:00am bedtimes and walks home with Monkey at 3:00 in the morning. It reminded me of a duck shower curtain, and a bathroom so small I had to leave the door open to comb my hair. I remembered a futon for a couch and an open window that filled my tiny apartment with the sounds of sirens and taxi horns and a distant subway train in the background. I heard my very last land line phone ringing with sales calls and the noise my wrought iron bed would make as I first crawled into heaven.

I saw my tiny vintage mid-rise apartment and the doorman whose name I’ll never forget. I saw my rooftop observation deck and the way Lake Michigan looked from 14 stories in the air. I saw hardwood floors, and stark white walls, and a 3 month long roommate sleeping in the living room. I saw a year’s worth of heartache, a new best friend being made, and four walls that we’d laugh at and say “If only they could talk”.

Awww, I miss that city. Thank you Ralph Lauren!

I Will Call Him Eernie, and he Will Be Mine

I want a bulldog please. A fat, slobbery, lazy, wrinkly but cuddly and adorable in that oh so ugly way, bulldog. And I’m going to name him Eernie (I haven’t quite figured out how I’d like to spell his name yet). Oh, and I stole that name. I totally didn’t come up with it. But it’s cute right?! I mean tough, because bulldogs are tough, not cute.

But mine will be cute.

Unfortunatley Eernie is going to cost me about $3000, and my current financial situation just doesn’t leave much room for that kind of expense. BUT, my 25th birthday is coming up and that’s a pretty big milestone! So I think all of my friends and family should get together and pitch in, and buy me Eernie.

Thank you.

A Nothing Post

My gosh do I have a hard time keeping up with this stupid blog. What is one supposed to write about when absolutely NOTHING out of the ordinary happens to them? I suppose at that point I could begin analyzing the everyday mundane: wake up, go to work, eat breakfast…but I’m not good at that. The mundane in my life is just that, mundane. I don’t have that unique talent of making even the most boring of task seem interesting and funny. I suppose you could consider it the “non-writer” in me. Or that I’m just not funny. That could be it too.

Seriously though (as if I made a joke), not much has been going on. In all honesty the thing I look forward to most these days is my weekly trip to New Berlin where I get to prance around in high heels and shake my goodies to a metal chair while laughing at how not sexy I can make a stripper move look. I think it’s the lankiness of my body stature. It doesn’t fit well on a chair. I think I’m more cut out for the pole. I’ll have to try that next.

Oh yeah, and keeping with the fitness theme, I did manage to bust out a 2 mile run and a 5 mile walk last week, that was fun! I wish the 5 miles had been a run, but I’ll work on that. I figured a 5 mile walk was pretty darn good considering the only exercise I have consistently managed to participate in since the marathon in 2004 is the walk up and down the stairs to my bedroom every morning. Someday I’ll be able to run 26.2 miles again. My knee may not agree with that statement, but to that I say “shush knee, who asked you”.

This weekend I have some fun wedding stuff to attend to, and then hopefully a night in Chicago with my friend Katie, so maybe at the end of it all I’ll have something interesting to post about. If not, maybe I’ll come back anyways to let you all know what I had for breakfast and maybe turn it into some elaborate story about how my Corn Pops somehow altered my course of life! Don’t count on it though. We all know only Lucky Charms has the ability to that =)

I'm a Social Outcast

I hate coming to work the day after American Idol. In fact, I hate any social interaction anywhere the day after American Idol. Actually, I hate the day after Grays Anatomy as well. Why? Because I don’t watch these shows and as a result, I am left out of many conversations! It’s irritating when the first thing out of many people’s mouth’s when you enter the office is: “Did you watch Gray’s last night?” or “Aren’t you annoyed that Sanjaya is STILL on Idol?!” My response to both of these questions is always, “no” and I have to laugh at the looks of horror I receive when people realize what I freak I am. Yes, that’s right people, last night I chose to do some work, converse with Tara, and eat some food instead of watching American Idol…banish me now.

I realize I could probably invest in some Ti-Vo, record these beloved shows, and watch them when I have absolutely nothing better to do with my time, but then I would just be succumbing to peer pressure, and my 5th grade science teacher told me that was bad…and that I would die. Crazy nuns!

Plus, if any of you remember the episode where Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. takes up smoking simply so she can join in company gossip…nothing good comes from it. At least, I don’t think anything does, so I vow to stick to my guns, and not watch these shows. Maybe they should just bring back Pop Up Video and we can all watch that instead.

Lap Dancing - Class Number One

Let’s talk a little bit about lap dancing:

IT’S HARD!

Hmmm…okay let me go back and explain a little bit, before the play on words get a bit out of control here. On Thursday evening, my two good friends and I signed up for what we thought would be a fun excuse to get together and catch up once a week. It turned out to be one of the hardest workouts I’ve experienced in a very long time. In fact, as I’m typing this out…I’m STILL sore, and it’s four days after the fact!

When the idea of taking a lap dancing class was brought up, my thoughts instantly returned to the belly dancing classes I took about a year ago. Although the workout wasn’t exactly mind blowing, I did learn a few cool hip moves out of the deal, so all in all it wasn’t a total bust! I figured a lap dancing class would offer me much the same experience: not an amazing workout, but something to talk about none-the-less.

Fast forward to Thursday.

Jayne and I arrived to the Miss Pole studio in New Berlin within minutes of each other and soon after, a slightly flustered Erin arrived just as the class was about to begin. We quickly got our “good to see you” hugs in and took our place on the carpeted floor of the studio amidst 6 other soon to be strippers…and a few metal poles (for the pole dancing classes). Our instructor started us off with a few stretches and then the workout began: floor pulses, chair squats, leg lifts, stomach rolls! I have to admit it’s a little uncomfortable to perform sexy moves in front of a group of complete strangers, and it took us all a little while to get over our shyness with each other as we pulsed on the ground. For the first few minutes of the class there was a lot more giggling than actual working out. We warmed up to each other pretty quickly though and soon we were straddling our chairs like we’d been doing this for years. We learned a few routines on our chairs, practiced our “sexy walk” and by the end of the class we were feeling both unbelievably sore, yet pretty damn sexy.

I am so excited for next week’s class. It’s both awesome girl bonding and fat burning all combined into a perfect one hour session. I highly recommend this class. It’s a unique alternative to the typical workout routine, and what girl couldn’t use a few new sexy moves to spice things up every once in a while!

Spring Has Sprung

Today, officially marked the first day of spring...in the book of Christi anyways. The sun was shining brightly, and the warm breeze begged southeastern Wisconsin to come out and play. Along the roads, convertables flew by with their tops pulled down (including my own) and motorcycles rumbled by each other giving nods and waves of recognition at the comodarie that a motorcyle represents on the open road. On the sidewalks, children pedaled by dressed in their bathing suits while dog owners happily walked their "best friend" amidst the sound of what can only described as, the sound of Spring.

I think we're really lucky here in Wisconsin, although during the winter months, we may not be able to see that luck manifest itself. But without those cold, grueling winter months, we wouldn't enjoy these warm spring days as much as we would. They would become just one more thing in the world that gets completely taken for granted of: like walking, or blinking!

While I can't say I would complain if I suddenly were forced to move to San Diego and enjoy 75 degree days while sipping fruity drinks on the beach, I can say that for the time being I truly enjoy living where I do. With the seasons constantly changing, we constantly have something to look forward to. And thanks to the snow and the freezing cold we've endured lately, I couldn't be more excited for what this 80 degree Sunday has brought us.

I Actually Liked This Chick Flick

Okay, so I lied. I really thought that my next post was going to be about the Justin Timberlake concert but then I realized there’s really nothing to say. He’s hot. That’s it. Instead, I wanted to make note of the fantastic movie that I saw last night – The Holiday.

There are two things to make mention of here first.

Number one, I never write reviews. I unfortunately am just not that opinionated of a person and even deeper than that, it’s really hard for me to delve into something and figure out WHY I liked something, or didn’t for that matter. I’m probably just lazy though. I’m sure I could come up with a few reasons if I really sat down and thought about it, but I don’t care enough to. It’s kind of like the question “What’s your favorite band”. A question that some can answer at the drop of a hat, or a coin, or whatever phrase you choose to describe a quick thought, but one that requires a bit of thought on my part. But that annoys me. So I’ll usually just give the cop-out answer of John Mayer or something...whoever is most popular at the time…and that will usually merit a smug comment from those that are above pop-culture and feel mainstream music is something to look down upon (since it’s those people that always seem to ask the “favorite band” question in the first place) and then I find myself in an argument trying to stand up for the over-played artists that I love. It’s exhausting. I’m tired just thinking about it.

Second, I LOATHE chick flicks. For whatever reason, I was not born with the girl gene that loves sappy movies. Actually since we’re on the topic, I didn’t develop a lot of the other girl genes: I’ve never pre-planned my family life (including the names of my future children), I don’t eat chocolate…not even when I’m PMS’ing, and I personally would be much more satisfied with life if Celine Dion would just stop singing…forever. She’s great don’t get me wrong, and I’m sure she’s a fabulous person, but when I hear her sing I want to put a pencil through my eye. Actually come to think about it, (No I didn’t put a pencil through my eye) I once lost a really great hat because of Celine Dion. Yes on I-94 actually, right here in Milwaukee. My best friend had begun blaring one of Celine’s intolerable songs and I over-dramatized my dissatisfaction towards her, sticking my head out the window to block out the sound and WHOOSH, off went my hat. I blame Celine. I loved that hat. Now I’m sad…and off topic.

Back to the movie.

As I said, I’m not a huge fan of chick flicks. I actually find myself really bored most of the time, and partially annoyed at how self-indulgent and whiney the girls in those movies can become. I put out enough self-pity into the universe; I don’t need to see it on the big screen as well! However, for whatever reason The Holiday really truly made an impression on me and as the closing credits appeared on the screen, I found myself unable to hold back the massive smile that was beaming from my face, nor could I hold back the ridiculous number of tears that were falling from my eyes. I was just warmed, in every place of my body. Warmed in that girlie sort of way that makes you love the thought of being in love and makes you appreciate all of it that you have in your life. Sure the movie isn’t an Academy Award winner, and there’s really no artistic depth to it, but sometimes it’s nice to see a movie that is put out there for the sole purpose of entertaining.

It absolutely succeeded in doing that.

A Post, Not Necessarily About Daytona

The part I hate most about sitting down to write a blog post, is figuring out how to start it. The second thing I hate most about sitting down to write a blog post, is figuring out how to combine two weeks worth of experiences into a post that won’t bore the pants off of anyone reading it. So this is where I sit right now. No idea how to begin describing my two weeks in Daytona Beach, and no desire really to recap two weeks worth of happenings!

A friend of mine once wrote about how irritating her blog can become as it forces her to sit down and recap the experience she just had. At the time, I couldn’t understand how she wouldn’t be able to find joy in informing the world of her life, but as I sit here today – irritated – I am beginning to understand exactly what she was talking about.

I just don’t feel like doing it.

It’s easier to list off things that I loved about it: the ocean, the diversity, the really cool motorcycles, the free drinks all week; and it’s fun to recap the things that sucked about it: the rain, not seeing Katie, the male comments…but what good are random lists to someone who doesn’t know the story behind any of them.

So alas, my two weeks at Daytona Beach Bike Week will go undocumented, at least on this Weblog. I’ll post some pictures as soon as I have those all compiled and at that point, you can create your own story for my time there.

I’ll be back in a bit with a post about something a bit closer to home, and a bit more interesting to MOST people reading this blog…the Justin Timberlake concert. Now that is something I wouldn’t mind recapping over and over again.

I must go daydream now.

Las Vegas, Round 5

In a city such as Vegas, it’s no wonder that it becomes a highly frequented city, considering all that there is to do there. In the five times that I have stayed in Las Vegas, I have managed to leave with a very different experience each and every time, and each time I find myself loving it more and more. I have had trips dedicated solely to drinking and partying in which I was given a thorough look at some of the fabulous nightlife that Vegas has to offer, while other trips were dedicated to the sole purpose of relaxing by the fabulous pool, to which I must say Mandalay Bay remains one of my favorites. I have seen shows, and eaten at amazing restaurants. I have shopped at one-of-a-kind stores, gambled in a number of different casinos, and walked down the strip with a beer in my hand. I’ve seen live music, I’ve ridden a number of rides, and I’ve spent countless hours relaxing in a number of different spas. Yes, Vegas is probably my most frequented vacation spot, and I can’t say that I’ve ever had more fun than I have when I go there.

This weekend I went back, this time in celebration of my brother’s 21st birthday and like every other time, it failed to disappoint me. We stayed at the Mirage (a first for me), where we spent a combined total of about 10 hours sleeping and about 60 hours partying and gambling. We partied like rock stars that’s for sure (my parents included), taking stretch limos to clubs, renting out VIP rooms, and drinking Grey Goose by the bottle. Who cares if we couldn’t technically afford it…we were in VEGAS! Some of us partied a little too hard. In fact, I ended up leaving early and carrying one of my brother’s friends home from RAIN one night because he was puking in our VIP room and was too intoxicated to walk on his own. I have to say that it was my first time ever being escorted out of a club by security guards.

When we weren’t clubbing, we were gambling, and the majority of us were winning! Hundred dollar Blackjack hands could be seen throughout our group of 13 and that came with both very big wins, as well as very big losses. My winnings were spent in the Forum Shops of Caesars palace where I treated myself to my first Kate Spade purse (and matching wallet/clutch) and a fabulous pair of Betsey Johnson stiletto shoes. Yes, I am a designer whore. I love buying myself something I couldn’t normally afford when I win money I wouldn’t have normally had.

Although we did party hard, the trip didn’t consist of a total drunken stupor. We managed to have a number of really good meals and I squeezed in a few naps as well as some down time at the hotel hot tub (it was too cold to go swimming). Overall I think it was a great trip, and I think my brother had a really great time! I wish the trip had been a bit more relaxing than it was considering I leave for Daytona on Wednesday for two weeks, but I suppose you can’t really expect that when heading to Las Vegas.

I didn't go to Grammar School

In doing research today for a few work projects, I came across a number of articles written on the subject of grammar, and our declining English language. Some of them made me laugh at how annoyed people get when people don’t properly use their words, and some made me want to grab my Webster and study up immediately. They all got me thinking though, and they sparked the need inside of me to explain a few things about us non-English majored members of the English speaking world. Although I speak for nobody else but myself.

I have terrible grammar, and probably even worse spelling (which doesn’t say too much). I’m sure that anyone who has every read this blog knows that little fact about me, and I am grateful that regardless of my occasional misuse of the English language, many of you continue to frequent my ramblings; even though you may cringe inside when I throw in a few too many run on sentences, or make a word plural that isn’t exactly supposed to be. (speaking of…was that last sentence a run-on?)

However, the great thing about the Weblog world is that I don’t HAVE to be a great speller or have fantastic English to do what some people had to go through many years of schooling to do, and that is to write. Sure I don’t get paid to update people on my life, and my words aren’t as pretty to read as some, but it’s an opportunity for me to do something that up until recently, was only reserved for personal diaries. People actually READ what I write, and some actually enjoy it!

But Christi, you speak English, you live in the United States, you SHOULD know how to speak proper English, or at least spell correctly! I couldn’t agree more. However, aside from my poor spelling (which I attribute to my reliance on spell check), my only knowledge of proper grammar use is what I learned in Grade School. GRADE SCHOOL. Outside of my 6th grade English I have never once had to learn anything even remotely close to grammar “right and wrongs”. So blame the educational system, not me =)

I guess the excuse I’m trying to make is aside from the simple “their, they’re, and there” we learned in our earlier years, my knowledge base of the matter simply isn’t there. And since I don’t do this professionally, why delve into it so deeply? Now don’t get me wrong, I do believe it’s important to remain educated on the English language, after all, we use it every single day! But to think of all the possible mistakes that are out there to make when using all of these fabulous words of ours is exhausting! I’ll let the professionals deal with all of them.

To sum it up: I didn’t go to school to learn every grammatical error that is possible to make, so I’m going to make mistakes sometimes. I’ll continue to try to grow as a literary human being, but in the mean time, you may just have to tough out some “pet-peevy” type mistakes. I apologize to those that this bothers. But know, that while I’m aggravating you with my words, I’m having a great time sharing my thoughts with all of you =)

Too many thoughts to combine into an actual post

My end of week thoughts:

Is it that far fetched of an idea to think that we as humans have had a drastically devastating effect on the earth and the environment? And why does this have to be such a political debate. Shouldn’t we all want to do something good, to keep the place we live clean and healthy?

I could never, in a million years, work in a warehouse for 40 hours a week. Mad props to those that can!

Friendships need nurturing, and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

So do relationships for that matter. ALL relationships I guess.

Am I supposed to feel MORE sad about Anna Nicole Smith dying than I am say of the small child that was recently killed in my hometown, simply because she’s well recognized?

Getting paid for 25 hours of overtime that you spent in Orlando, Florida isn’t that bad of a deal.

I think it should be mandatory that every human being partake in some sort of Yoga exercise or meditation in the morning before they head to work. People on their morning commutes are entirely too stressed out to be driving…and sometimes they’re just mean. It hurts my feelings.

GWEN STEFANI is coming to the Bradley Center!! Who’s coming with me?!

And for that matter…what ever happened to that Justin Timberlake concert Jayne?

I spend way too much money, on too many unnecessary things.

I miss living next door to Jimmy Johns.

It’s funny how 12 degrees can feel so warm when you compare it to 15 below. Ah, the wonder of relative comparisons.

I love cinnamon, especially in the morning.

I enjoy getting up at 6:00 in the morning. I just wish my body felt the same way.

Winter Dealer Meeting 2007

After a week of traveling, I have finally had the opportunity to sit down at my computer, and spit out an update into the life of a jet-set working girl =) I must admit that after a week away from home, my life is feeling a bit disorderly, and chaotic and I have a feeling it's going to take me a few days to re-enter some sort of routine and organization. But alas, chaos of life aside, I am long over-due for a blog update (as is usually the case) so I have set aside a few minutes here to stop unpacking, sit down on the chair, and hammer away on my little keyboard.

My trip to Orlando, FL this past week was both exciting and exhausting, with a range of emotions thrown somewhere in between that spectrum. As I departed General Mitchel International Airport early Friday morning, destined for my first event far away from home, I had much anticipation for what lay ahead of me in those coming 6 days and I hoped that at the end of it all, I would be able to leave with a reaffirmation that I was truly destined to be in the events industry.

It was tough at first to grasp what I was supposed to be doing with myself, but I think most of that stemmed from my insecurity of wandering around a strange city by myself, representing a company I had only been employed by for three weeks. But the independent girl in me took over eventually and after getting my bags, finding the hotel shuttle, and checking into the hotel I was ready to begin my assignment.

I arrived to a convention hall bustling with union workers and a few of my fellow employees who had arrived earlier in the day, working hard to get the events center ready for the coming show. I found my boss, and after a quick chat, I was put right to work. The rest of the marketing employees trickled in throughout the rest of the day and at 6:00 we all decided to call it a night, and I hit up the closest seafood/sushi bar with a few of my female co-workers to put a cap on the hard day of setup.

The remaining couple of days went pretty much the same way, minus the air travel of course. Get up, grab coffee, set-up, go home. By the time Monday came I was so exhausted from the 10 hour work days, that I found myself happily in bed by 8:00 each night.

Monday was the first day of the show and from what I hear it went really well. I spent the first day doing mindless tasks like handing out promotional t-shirts and assisting my boss with seminars. The next few days of the show I wandered around the show floor feeling pretty useless. It's hard to find your place occasionally in such a large company, especially when you're so new and your skill sets haven't exactly been determined yet. My boss tried to keep me as busy as possible, but for the most part I just stood around and smiled, trying to make myself look busy =)

The show wrapped up on Wednesday, and a few of us celebrated with an outing to Downtown Disney for some yummy Cuban food, plenty of Mojitos, and some dancing at the local Irish pub. It was the perfect end to a long hard week.

And with that, my week ended. I boarded my flight back home early Thursday morning and I was back to work today. As I look back at the week I have to say that it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned it to be, but I can't say that I'm dissapointed either. I think for my first show it went as well as it could have. I learned a lot, met a lot of great people, and familiarized myself with yet another gorgeous US city =)

In getting back to my previous inquiry: Am I cut out for the events industry? I think it's still too soon to say, but I'm optimistic for what lies ahead. My next stop is Daytona Beach, FL at the end of this month. It'll be one more event closer to figuring out my true professional calling in life, or if nothing else a fabulous excuse to hang out away from the bitter cold of Wisconsin for two weeks.

Looking back on 2006

I'm not one to make resolutions. Yes there are things I'd like to change, and do differently but come February and into the rest of the year those resolutions begin to take a backseat to the rest of life and suddenly I'm spending less and less time at the gym and less and less time volunteering as much as I said I was going to. And then I'm mad at myself for not sticking to them. So instead, each year I just vow to do better. To learn from the past, and not carry the same mistakes into the new year. And with that, instead of a resolution list, I have looked back on 2006 and taken into account all that I have learned and experienced in the past year. Last year, as with every year, I made mistakes...and I learned from them. It's all about growing.

Here's what I've learned in 2006:

Don’t leave empty water glasses next to the couch

Camping after a huge rainstorm is NEVER a good idea

A smile during a big fight is one of the most comforting things ever!

Sometimes a simple hug can make everything okay.

I miss Milwaukee.

I miss Chicago even more.

Don’t live your own life according to other people’s paths.

Finding a new job SUCKS!

But landing a new job is a fantastic feeling!

NEVER be the overly-drunk bridesmaid

Pink boas will always make for a great night.

I know nothing about motorcycles.

Shooting a gun isn’t as terrifying as I once thought.

Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t make anything any better.

Always lock your front door.

Girls night out is a much needed adventure every couple of months.

Some people never change

Choosing between a career and love is one of the hardest decisions I’ve been faced with.

Follow your heart

I missed AIM.

Facebook is a million times more addicting than Myspace.

Nicky makes the best martinis on the planet!

Ex’s will always cause drama…at some point.

Don’t start drinking hours before a concert, 45 minutes away…you’ll never make it there.

Flippy Cup is the best drinking game EVER!

Phase 10 and Cranium run a close second and third.

Game nights should happen much more than they do.

BUDGET!

Stop at all red lights.

Flavor Blasted Goldfish crackers are NOT a substitute for a complete meal.

Let guys buy you drinks in Vegas...unless they are 45 with bleached blonde hair and are wearing their sunglasses in the club.

Be honest about money up front…not after the tickets have been purchased. =)

Get pissed and then get over it.

Open and honest communication lines solve everything.

Book clubs are a good idea, but the wine and gossip part is an even better one!

Don’t go off the gift registry unless you’re SURE nobody else is going to buy what you did.

Everybody at the bar does not need you to buy them a drink.

I still hate Oshkosh.

Don’t learn how to snowboard on an intermediate hill.

Being interviewed on TV is a really cool feeling.

A fashion show cannot be planned in a few days.

Belly dancing is not all it’s cracked up to be.

The princess of Iceland is pretty!

Bite your tongue.

Fasting sucks!

I don’t blog nearly enough.

Some of the best friends that I have, I see only every few months.