To exist is to change...

...to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. So says Henri Bergson.

Feeling very philosophical today and quite the mix of emotions. In effort to get back into blogging after four months, I am just going to ramble on write.

The past year, more specifically, the past few months have been nothing short of a whirlwind. I feel like things are changing all around me - personally, professionally and just about every other way possible - and time is going by so fast. By nature, I am not one to immediately embrace change, positive or negative. But as I get older, I realize how vital it is to personal growth. After all, how can we expect things or situations to change if we aren't willing to change ourselves?

The biggest change has been at home. I was traveling a ton for work at the end of 2012 and during the first half of this year. And while I LOVE to travel (it's ridic how excited I get when I get bumped into the next Medallion/frequent flyer tier), thankfully that has slowed down for the time being. However, the husband's travel schedule has just picked back up. With him being in outside sales and running demos all across the country, he is typically gone for 2-3 weeks at a time. This has been a major adjustment for us. Sure, absence makes the heart grow fonder. But it is something you have to get used to, learn to live with and simply embrace. Luckily he is home for at least two weeks in between his trips, which has been wonderful. And with us both racking up frequent flyer miles, we try to work in a fun trip or meet the other when one of us is in a fun city. Next trip: the beach in T-minus 20 days!

My role at work has certainly evolved from what it was five and a half years ago, and I have loved just about every minute of it. Having the opportunity for change and growth is of the utmost importance to me, especially where my career is concerned. And knowing that the opportunity is actually there is just as important. With the new product line I have stayed busy promoting, we talk a lot about transforming, adapting and making a difference. And I am so thankful to have been a part of it, because it has helped me realize that these are all the things I want for myself. Seriously considering pursuing my MBA...we shall see! As one of my favorite quotes reads (and I must keep reminding myself), "growth is the only evidence of life."

Different subject...as you get older, you want to surround yourself with people who lift you up and share the same values as you. The only downside is that your circle of friends gets a bit smaller. The upside? The people around you are positive and want positive things for you. This is a process and often times a struggle, and I am so thankful for that small but real circle.

My body is definitely changing, too. As in, it doesn't recover as quickly as it used to. I would like to consider myself a hardcore runner. But when you push yourself that hard for four months with minimal cross training, especially after an excruciating marathon experience, you get hurt. What should I have expected? I know better! Chiropractor today; physical therapy tomorrow. Lesson learned...again.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes says, "the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." What powerful words. Life is about embracing change and moving forward. I just have to keep telling myself that.

Marathons and Memories...Ciao! Ciao! 2012

So I totally slacked on my blog writing in 2012. It hasn't been for a lack of topics; but with sitting at a computer for close to 10 hours a day, that's the last thing I want to do when I get home. That said, it's been quite a busy, stressful and altogether wonderful few months...well, year.

Anyone who knows me knows that running is a true passion of mine, and 2012 has been quite the year running-wise. I scored a PR running the NYC Half (1:40), came in first place in my age group at two races, second in another, and third in two others. And then came the St. Jude Marathon. I've run the half every year since 2007, but decided to go for the full (my second) this year. I didn't make the decision lightly, but felt I was ready to take on 26.2 again and thought there’s no better race to do it than St. Jude – and certainly no greater cause. Well, it didn't go so well...but I crossed the finish line. And for that, I'm proud. My Dad was right; it was my "best" race yet!

It's been an INCREDIBLE year travel-wise. Brent and I flew across the pond and spent two amazing weeks in Italy last spring. Rome > Siena > Florence > Venice. Trip of a lifetime doesn't come close to describing it! Also for pleasure, I went to New York, then Hartford and Cape Cod for my cousin's wedding, Brent and I went Atlanta for Labor Day, Tampa and Clearwater Beach for a dear friend's wedding and a quick trip to Orlando, since Brent was already there for work. Speaking of which, 2012 took me to Houston, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Boston, Asheville, Charlotte, Minneapolis, San Francisco and finally, Nashville. Phew! It's been almost two months since my last flight...starting to get antsy!

Work-wise, I certainly can't complain either. And not just for the travel, though obviously that was a nice treat. This month, I celebrate five wonderful years at Mahaffey. When I started, my position was brand new. I've had the opportunity to mold it into exactly what I want it to be and do more than I ever imagined I could in a "marketing" role. I'm so honored to not only have a job but a true career. 2012 also brought me a FABULOUS new assistant, Kristin. She has ambition, takes initiative and I can count on her to gets things done whether I'm in or out of the office. I love what I do and who I work with, which makes it a little less like work. For all that, I am so very thankful.

Other-wise, life has been pretty great as well. Brent and I both turned 30, we celebrated five years of marriage and 10 years of being together. We took our first (and certainly not last) trip to Europe. I became an aunt again. Got Medallion status back on Delta. Joined the USGBC Memphis Board. Was published in three publications. Got accepted into the 2013 NYC Half (3 years in a row, whoop!)...but unfortunately gave up my spot since I'm going to be there the following week for a conference.

Though I've always been thankful for the many blessings in life, I don't think I've ever quite felt as happy as I do at this very moment. Everything is exactly as it should be. I love my little family, Buster the Boston Terrier especially. ;) I love my job. I love being an aunt. I love my family and friends. I love the new leather pants I wore to ring in the new year (despite my almost Ross moment when they got a bit sticky after the random dance party broke out). I love to run. I love to travel. And I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for all of the above!

The craziness that has been the past month...or so

It's been well over a month since my last post. I'd like to say it's due to laziness, a lack of topics, or whatever, but honestly I just need about 50 bazillion more hours in the day.

First, I have to mention the hubby's and my AMAZING trip to Italia. Trip of a lifetime doesn't even begin to describe it! As mentioned in my couple of Italy posts, we were there for 12 days and made stops in Rome, Siena (our fave!), Florence, and Venice (my close-second fave). Being able to spend that time with B, seeing all the amazing sites we saw, and just experiencing all we did...it was truly life-changing. Timing is everything, and I'm so glad we were able to share it together. I have an entire journal of notes to post, but here are a few pics until then...

 With our tour guide, Paola, in Rome!

 Being silly :)

 Love this pic!

 Trevi Fountain

 Il Campo in Siena...our favorite spot!

Enjoying the scenery!

 Our FAVORITE day on the vineyard tour!

 On the Ponte Vecchio in Florence!

How beautiful is this view?! From atop the Pitti Palace

 Arriving in Venice!

 Chasing the pigeons in the Piazza San Marco!

 Rialto Bridge

 Just had to post...our view on the gondola ride

Ever since we got back, I've been working what seems like all day every day trying to keep my project load in a manageable place. I'm SO very thankful for my job and the fact that I love what I do. But as I'm sure one can imagine, when you're in front of a computer for close to 10 hours a day, the thought of going home and continuing to do so to work on your own blog isn't all that enticing. So there's my excuse for the lack of posts. On the bright side, I'm in the middle of hiring a new marketing assistant. Yay! The University of Memphis sure did produce some incredible candidates!

And then there's BBQ Fest. Normally I despise this event (crazy talk, I know), but I have to say this my favorite year ever! We made so many new friends, had a lot of laughs, let loose, and just had a good time...and I still made it to work every day. :) It may or may not have also helped to have a DD for most of the weekend (thank you, Marcie!!).

 My sweet, preggo friend Marcie and me on Friends & Family night

B and me

Keeping with the positivity, my running has improved tremendously...or so I thought. After taking off for about 10 days while in Italy, I came back ready to jump into training. Well, more so just getting back in shape from the past two weeks of absolutely gorging myself – and yes, it was TOTALLY worth it! Anyway, I placed first in my age group at Zoom Through the Zoo a little over a week ago (and third woman overall, whoop)! I felt great after the race and the next morning. And then it hit me. By the end of the day, my knee had swollen to the size of a grapefruit and I could hardly bend it. I finally went to my orthopedic doctor last week. Diagnosis: inflammation due to fluid build up. Treatment: anti-inflammatory meds and take it easy for the next three weeks, but low-impact exercise (bike, elliptical) is okay. Boo! But it could definitely be worse.

Speaking of running, today is National Running Day! I had an intense bike ride this morning, but did get in a quick gimp-jog in around the neighborhood. :)

Lots more going on...but that's all I’ve got to say for now. Happy Hump Day, y'all!

Off to NYC!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and greetings from a very bumpy 35,000 feet!

Although I had a bit of bad news yesterday, with my dermatologist letting me know my biopsy came back as skin cancer, I'm in a super fab mood today. At least the spot is not melanoma and is 100% treatable. They scheduled Moh's surgery, which is very common and the most effective treatment, for April 3...which just so happens to be my sister's due date!! Ugh. But we're all I'm secretly hoping Ava Jane is an April Fool's baby. Fingers crossed!

Today I'm heading to New York for the NYC Half Marathon and a search engine marketing conference. I couldn't be more excited about this trip!

First, I get to spend the weekend AND run tomorrow's race with my awesome cousin, Missy. We were both selected for the lottery entry 2 years in a row, whoop. Not only are we close because we're family, but she is honestly one of the most amazing women I've ever met. Family is of the utmost importance to her, she is one of the most hardworking people I know, she loves to run and travel, so obviously we have a ton in common. And she's getting married to a wonderful man this summer (who was supposed to join us this weekend, but sadly injured his knee). So excited to see you, Miss!

The marketing conference I'm attending this week is hands-down my favorite. It was the most educational of all the conferences I attended last year, and just about every seminar on the agenda relates to what I do on a daily basis. SO thankful for the opportunity to continue growing professionally!

And finally, I get to spend time with my fabulous friend, Anna! We met back in 2004 when Brent and I were participating in the Disney College Program, and we've kept in touch ever since. I was fortunate to be able to visit her twice while she lived in Arizona, and this will be my third time seeing her since she and her husband moved to NYC...thank you, business trips! Oh yeah, and we're going to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday night!! Soooo pumped to see him live! Set your DVRs to record NBC on Tuesday. If you know me, you know I'll be doing everything possible to be seen in the audience. :)

Don't forget to wear your green! Here's a St. Patty's Day toast for you:

Here's to a long life and a merry one.

A quick death and an easy one.

A handsome man and an honest one.

A cold beer – and another one!

Home {family} is where the heart is!

It's a cliché phrase, no doubt, but one that has really struck a cord with me recently, having been in and out of town so much. While I feel extremely lucky to have been given these wonderful opportunities, I am positively spent.

This past week, I was in Las Vegas attending two different conferences. One I spoke at; the other my company was exhibiting at. Vegas is in my top five favorite places for sure, thanks to amazing shopping, incredible food, and Cirque du Soleil. But this trip really took it out of me. The panel presentation went really well (despite my PowerPoint being altered slightly), and I was even asked to come back and speak next year! The tradeshow we were exhibiting at was a success as well.

Angela and me at the tradeshow reception

While there was so much positive that came from the trip, after being on my feet for 7+ hours and walking down the strip in heels, four nights of tossing and turning, and a couple uncomfortable situations...let's just say I was MORE than ready to get home. I don't think I've ever missed my hubby and Buster so much and actually being in the office. My assistant has been a life saver these past few weeks, taking care of just about everything while I've been out. But there are still those projects I feel better about completing myself, and it makes things much easier when you're in the office for more than just a day.

I got home late Thursday afternoon, ran errands, washed clothes, and passed out. The next day, we had to be at work around 6am (which felt like 4am, still being on West Coast time) for a company safety meeting. Got a crisp $50 bill out of it, so I'd have to say it was worth it! Almost 11 hours later, I headed to the hospital to pick up my Dad from his cardiac ablation procedure. Fast forward 24 hours, we're still there due to him unfortunately going back into atrial fibrillation. He remained in good spirits and had a few visitors, and I was finally able to take him home late Saturday. SO very thankful for my aunts and uncles for all they did for him. Family truly is the most important thing in life.

Bailey and me taking care of Dad/Papa :)

My Saturday night: eye mask, ice on the foot, heating blanket, and Buster
= PERFECTION! :)

Sunday, I was able to sleep in and then went on a 10-mile run. I took off Friday and Saturday, with so much stuff going on and my feet absolutely worn out from the week. My left foot has also been giving me some problems, so I'm trying to take it easy. Lord, just get me through the NYC Half, and then I PROMISE to take a break...well, cut down on mileage at least. :)

My aunts and I threw my sister a baby shower yesterday afternoon, and it was absolutely beautiful. My Aunt Kathy was thrilled to fill her house with pink, having all boys. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with family, laughter, and sweet wishes for Laura's baby girl. We're so excited to meet you, Ava Jane!!

The food spread

"A" for Ava. Aunt Kathy is so talented!

Homemade strawberry cupcakes...SO good!

The invitation matted onto a fabulous pink/rustic frame from Happi Stores!

That night, I went to my friend's surprise bridal/bachelorette dinner. She and her fiancé left this morning for their destination wedding, so we wanted to have a quick "we love you" celebration for her. Kudos to her friend Kimberly for putting it together!

After the craziness that has been the past month, I have to say that home (and family) is truly where the heart is. So thankful for the real, honest people in my life, especially my family.

P.S. I've got some EXCITING news to share...but that will have to wait until tomorrow! And no, I'm not pregnant. :)

Finally at peace...

It's been a roller coaster of a year...well, two years really.

I've been traveling more, we've attended and/or been in more friends and family members' weddings (mostly out of town) than I can even count, the whole kidney stone ordeal of 2011, fertility issues and the ups and downs of thinking "this is the month!", training for the marathon and my current half marathon/PR training, being insanely busy at work, and trying to fit in time with family and friends as often as I can. Even with all that, I finally feel like I'm in a good, happy place in all aspects of life.

Professionally, things couldn't be better. We're in the middle of redesigning a new niche website, we're moving along with the video marketing plan (finally), I'm doing a bit more business development (so exciting!), feeling more productive than ever, and being held more accountable, too, which I'm extremely thankful for. I'm also about to start traveling quite a bit...Houston next week for a committee meeting, St. Louis the following week to meet with customers, Las Vegas a few weeks later for a few different tradeshows (one of which I'm speaking at), then NYC for a marketing conference and the #NYChalf (round 2, whoop!), and Chicago after that for another conference. Phew...but I can't really complain with those locations. :) All I have to say is thank goodness for my assistant (a fabulous one at that)!!

Personally, I finally feel at peace with just about everything. My running has improved, I feel great, and I'm just in a good mood. As far as the baby issue goes, maybe it's because I'm busier than ever at work, the fact that I'm starting a new medication next month, or Brent and I finally being on the same page about {almost} everything, but I have never felt more sure that things are just as it should be.

With all that said, I have to send a quick shout out to a few peeps. My hubby, who supports me working long hours, Saturdays, traveling, and a rigorous running schedule. My parents, who are there for me no matter what. My running buddy, who is there for me more than she'll ever know. My best friend, Erika, who even though we don't get to see or talk to each other as often as we'd like, after 16 years, we know we're always there for each other and are only a phone call away. A couple co-workers, who provide a calming and positive influence, which I am utterly grateful for. And of course, Buster the Boston Terrier. He rules at life.

Happy weekend everyone!

Happy 2012!

I hope everyone had a fun, safe, and happy New Year! Although I was sick as a dog over the long weekend, we made the most of it having family in town, attending a great friend's wedding, and of course ringing in another year!

I've always been a "resolution" type person, or I guess goal-oriented would be a better way to put it. So I'm excited to have an excuse to be more accountable.

Being the type-A that I am, I categorized my 2011 resolutions as either personal or professional. It seemed to work (at least I checked off one of each), so doing it again...here's hoping!

Personal:

• Run at least four half marathons. Thankfully I'm already registered for two!
• Travel somewhere new (preferably on another continent!).
• Stop gossiping.
• Make more time for family and friends.
• Be happy!

Professional:

• Start arriving 10 minutes earlier to work. I'm ALWAYS running late, so this would be a huge accomplishment.
• Follow through with all goals listed in 2012 marketing plan and have a measurable ROI for each.
• Focus more on networking and business development, which will enable the company to close a new project because of that relationship.

Cheers to 2012! I have a feeling it's going to be an excellent year. :)

Love what you do and be thankful for where you are...

It's a rare thing to actually love what you do and enjoy going to work every day. I feel extremely blessed that both of those are true for me.

Being the marketing manager for a company that is so complex (as far as the markets we serve and products we carry) certainly keeps me on my toes. Not to mention the fact that I get to work with my beautiful sister-in-law, Taylor, have a fabulous assistant, Leslie, and get to work with several other incredible people. Of course there are the occasional "Office Space" type folks and situations (without the humor), but I'm really trying to look past and stop sweating the small stuff. :) I've been fortunate to have built this position from the ground up and really make it my own - something I don't take lightly.

Aside from work, I couldn't be happier with where my life is at this very moment. Sure, if I had it my way, we would've had kids two years ago. But after a roller coaster of a year with kidney stone episodes, hormone imbalances, trying to get certain conditions under control, being busier than ever on the work front, and Brent and I being in more weddings (two of which that were out of town) than ever before, I believe now more than ever that everything happens for a reason.

Brent and I have had over four years (actually close to 10 if you count the 5+ years we dated) to really get to know each other, grow as friends and real partners in life, travel all over the U.S. and Caribbean, run marathons (well, just me and just one...so far!), and have been able to establish our careers. We are happy, still very much in love, and have the most amazing Boston Terrier, whom we rightfully claim as our child. I truly believe, knowing all the problems we've had trying to conceive, that Buster was a Godsend for us. Life is good, and God is great!

Of course there are things that aren't perfect in our lives, but what in life is? I'm so grateful for the many blessings we've been given and feel there are many more in store for 2012. Personally, Brent and I are going to celebrate 10 years of being together, five years of marriage, both of our thirtieth birthdays, and hopefully a trip across the pond to commemorate a year of such big events {fingers crossed}! I start a new medication in February to hopefully speed up the fertility process...but only time will tell. Either way, I can't let something I have no control over continue to control my life. We're also blessed to be able to hang out with and spoil our SUPER PRECIOUS niece, Bailey, anytime we want (so blessed!). And we have a new nephew, Wilson Cash Conroy, whom we're so anxious to meet in a little over a month, as well as our niece, Ava Jane Cheston, on the way! Professionally, I'm going to be doing a bit more traveling, taking on more of a business development role, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

No matter what stage of life you're in - focusing on the personal or professional aspect - it's important to love what you do and be thankful for where you are. It's a goal of mine to always remember that.

In Transition...

It's been an INSANE few weeks to say the least, but I finally feel like things are starting to get back to normal. Hopefully I can get back on track with my posts...at least I'm going to try to get better at it...

Transition. Transforming. These are two words I've been using a lot over the past few weeks. Whether at work or in my personal life, transition can be a great thing. And so can transforming your attitude to see it that way. :)

Transition at work
I'm so excited to announce that I have hired a new member to my marketing team. I absolutely loved working with my previous intern; however, with her crazy busy schedule, there wasn't really much time for her to be physically in the office, so it didn't work out. On the up side, I have transitioned this intern position into more of a part-/full-time marketing coordinator, and I couldn't be more thrilled about having more help! We've also been talking a lot about transition with the types of projects I'm getting more involved with. It's all very exciting!

Transition in my running/exercise routine
For so long I've been holding back with my running routine and cross training, because I kept thinking and wondering if I was pregnant, when I would be getting another kidney stone (recent episode was just over a month ago), and just stressed about EVERYTHING. I've finally started letting it go, and I couldn't be happier about the progress. I'm cross training more, increasing my mileage, and I have so many upcoming races to look forward to!

Transition between seasons
Fall is my FAVORITE time of year (the month of September in particular...my birthday, our anniversary, football, trips), and I couldn't be more excited that it's finally here! I just got back from my best friend Kelly's bachelorette party in Vegas (one of my top 10 trips for sure!), and that kicked off our crazy month of travel. We're doing quite a bit of traveling for friends' weddings this month, on top of my business trip to Las Vegas (which we're also using as an excuse to celebrate our four-year anniversary there). I can't wait!! Not to mention the anticipation of cooler temps for running, decorating for Halloween, the holiday season...bring it on!

Anyone else feel like they're in a transition period? Hopefully it's a good one for you, too!

I can, so I will!

I like to think of myself as a positive, happy person, so I try to surround myself with positive people as often as I can. Positivity is infectious, and you'd be surprised how quickly your day can turn around when you put a smile on your face. As one of my favorite sayings goes, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

With that said, instead of focusing on the negatives, something I'm tired of, or isn't happening because of health reasons, I want to take a moment to express how thankful I am for all the things I CAN do right now. :)

I CAN travel when I want to (provided my boss approves my time off). We don't have children yet, and there's still so much we want to do. In just three weeks, I'll be in NOLA for one of my best friend's bachelorette party. After that, we'll head to Seaside, FL for a wedding, NOLA again the next weekend for another wedding, Vegas the next week for a conference/our 4th wedding anniversary, and then I go to Colorado the following weekend to visit with my mom's side of the family.

Next year, Brent and I will have been together for 10 years; not to mention we're both turning 30. We've always talked about going to Italy, and I think 2012 is the perfect time! Oh yeah, there's also a half marathon at Disney World, I'm speaking at a conference in Vegas, possible races in NYC and Boston, and a wedding in Tampa...we have to fit in all those trips as well.

I LOVE Vegas!

Can't wait for her wedding next month!!

I CAN treat Buster the Boston Terrier like my child and spoil him as often as I want. :)

LOVE him!

I CAN go for a 10+ mile run (or sign up for another race) anytime I feel like it!

My first marathon! :)

I CAN sleep in on a Saturday...and go for a run after that.

I CAN stop being friends with people who only breed negativity or don't reciprocate that friendship. I'm nice to a fault sometimes...and keep people in my life who should no longer have a place.

I CAN continue focusing on my career. I love what I do, and I'm having a blast traveling, learning more about this industry, and building my resume. As a marketing professional, I get to express myself creatively every day, whether by writing, designing a website, or being asked to speak at a conference, and I am BEYOND thankful for that!

I CAN have fun with my hubby...and we sure do!

I can do all these things...so I will. :)

It's time to disconnect!

Being in the marketing field, it's really hard to totally disconnect when I'm not at the office. I (with the help of my fabulous intern, Raquel) manage all of our social media, I'm constantly getting work-related emails, and of course, I'm obsessed with Facebook...and Twitter...and now Google+ (great, just what I needed: another social network). And it just so happens that I have a super awesome smart phone, so the entire social world is literally at the palm of my hand.

My husband, on the other hand, barely knows how to log on to Facebook. He has the oldest phone known to man, checks his email every other day, and...well, no need to bore you with any more. His job doesn't require him to be "connected" like mine. Sure he's on the phone 24/7, but rarely does that involve anything more than a verbal conversation.

Lately, my addiction to social media has become more than just a mild annoyance. The medication I'm on (combined with what I'm hoping aren't chronic kidney stones) already makes me oh so pleasant to be around, so adding my complete lack of attention to the equation is...let's just say it hasn't been so great for married life. The hubby actually brought this to my attention before realizing it on my own, and that upset me a great deal.

No more! Starting now After this post, I'm going to put away my laptop, plug in my phone, and just be me when I get home. We get so wrapped up in the new "normal" form of communication that we forget to talk and actually communicate...or at least that's how it's been for me. So I'm looking forward to disconnecting a little more often! :)

Anyone else feel this way?

Fabulous Las Vegas with some fabulous co-workers!

What a wonderful job I have! Not only was I able to travel to fabulous Las Vegas for an exciting conference for our industry, but I was finally on a trip with some of my FAVORITE co-workers!

I arrived late Sunday afternoon and headed straight to my resort: the stunning Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas! Luckily the majority of the conference took place here, otherwise I probably would have been stuck somewhere like the Luxor (sorry, work peeps). My room wasn't ready upon check-in, so I decided to pick up all of our conference materials. The front desk then called to let me know it would be at least another 2 hours before I got into my room, so I made my way down the strip to the fabulous Fashion Show Mall...what's a trip to Vegas without shopping?! I did minimal damage, at least in my opinion (Brent begs to differ, I'm sure), ate a wonderful sushi lunch at hot spot Ra, and headed back to the hotel.

View from my terrace!

That night, I met up with my friends and co-workers, Cherie and Clint, who had been attending a different conference all day. We watched the spectacular Sirens of TI show in front of Treasure Island, then headed inside for a delicious meal at Isla Mexican Kitchen. If you've never been, it is a MUST. Their margaritas and guacamole selection are to die for!! After that, we waddled our way back to Cosmo for a few drinks at the exquisite Chandelier Bar. It was just after 11pm when I turned in...though it was after 1am my time!

Chandelier Bar at Cosmo

Monday kicked off with a run down the Las Vegas Strip. This is always a favorite to-do while in Vegas. Not only for the exercise, but for the excellent people-watching. If you go early enough (before 8am), you get the pleasure of seeing at least a dozen women doing their walk-of-shame back to a hotel, car, or wherever. It's quite awesome. Around 10am, I started manning our promo booth. That afternoon, a consultant and friend of mine and I had lunch at Blue Ribbon Sushi...the food was just okay, but the service was excellent! I would plan on going back, however, the prices were somewhat ridiculous. The rest of the afternoon was spent promoting our booth...

The whole premise of this conference was for Mahaffey to move into more of a marketing partner role vs. being an average vendor. In order to do that, I came up with an idea to host a video booth, where attendees and exhibitors could come and film a 1-2 minute video promoting their business and telling viewers what strategies they learned and were excited to bring back and implement within their own business. Mahaffey's name is attached to each video, which we called a Mahaffey EventCast (on a Mahaffey-branded YouTube channel), and our name was the talk of the tradeshow floor!

Monday night, the ladies attended the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards, which we were named a finalist for Rental Company of the Year. Though we didn't walk away with the top prize, we were happy for a rental partner of ours. The event itself was mediocre at best...we paid something like $150 per person and didn't even get so much as a light hors d'oeuvres selection!? We made up for it, though, with good company and a trip to the Cheesecake Factory!

Cherie, me, and Angela

Tuesday was a great day, kicked off with another nice run down the strip! It was a long day at the tradeshow, filming company after company, hearing what makes them stand out and their top takeaways from the conference. Mahaffey's Catersource Video Booth a great success!

As soon as the show ended, my super fun co-workers invited me to join them on "The Roller Coaster" at New York New York, which luckily happened to be directly in between both of our hotels. If you haven't ridden this coaster, it is a MUST do! SOOO much fun!

We loved it!!

After that, we all got ready and headed over to Lavo at the Palazzo...another Vegas to-do! I have eaten here twice before, though none of my friends had. Once again, it did not disappoint! Everything from the calamari to the flatbread pizza to the salmon to the incredible wine selection and more is just heavenly! Once we finished our amazing meal, the five of us (Cherie, Clint, Angela, Josh, and myself) made our way over by limo (the said cheaper mode of transportation) to MGM Grand, where we attended KA by Cirque du Soleil. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe this show! It was hands down the most acrobatic, entertaining show I've ever seen. What a treat to go to something so fun with such fun people! The night quickly faded into a blur...but what an exciting blur it was!! ;)

Love me some Angela! :)


The Mahaffey crew! :)


hahaha!

Wednesday was another long conference day...especially after only three hours sleep (so worth it, though!). A big thank you goes out to my friend coffee. Most of the group headed back to Memphis that afternoon, with the exception of Angela and myself. Once I wrapped up our booth and even filmed a marketing promo (more info on that to come soon!), I met up with Angela at Caesar's Palace for more shopping. Once again, I claim only minimal damage to my bank account. :) That night, we ordered some scrumptious room service and turned in early. It was back to Memphis on Thursday!

I sure do love Vegas, but it's always nice to return home. And this time, I was coming home with a new found respect and admiration for both my amazing co-workers and my job, which allows for incredible opportunities like this!

Thankful Thursday: I'm thankful for...opportunities!

I woke up this morning quite humbled at all the things to be thankful for right now. The relationships with my family and friends, my job, being healthy enough to train for a marathon...going to Mexico in just a few days!!

I could write posts for several things today. But for the sake of keeping it short and sweet, I am so very thankful for the opportunities in my life right now.

This weekend, I'll be heading to Cabo San Lucas with my aunt and a few of her girlfriends. I am SO excited about this trip!! We originally planned it around the Cabo Half Marathon, which was supposed to take place this Sunday. The race has since been canceled, but we're still planning to run while we're there. Well...that and lay on the beach, eat at some amazing restaurants, drink fruity cocktails, visit the spa, and hopefully shop a bit. What an incredible vacation opportunity!

As far as work goes, I have been given the amazing opportunity to pick a few marketing conferences to attend this year. My first stop will be in Austin the first week of February. It's a three-day digital marketing forum, and I'm so excited bring back some new initiatives to implement within my own marketing plan. That just so happens to be another one of my New Year's resolutions! In mid-March, I'll be attending a search marketing conference in New York...my FAVORITE city in the world! And then in June, I'm heading back to Boston for another fabulous conference. I am so happy in my professional life right now, which I know isn't an easy thing to come by. I get to do what I love, work with some incredible people, and I get to express myself creatively every day. I feel so lucky to be where I am, and I'm doing everything I can not to take it for granted.

In my personal life, there are so many opportunities in front of us...Brent and I have a chance to hang out in NYC together for the first time, we're both in our good friends' weddings later this year, and most importantly, we are making strides to grow in our faith together. I recently found out I was accepted into the NYC Half Marathon on March 20 (exactly two months from today!), and also found out today that one of my heroes, Kara Goucher, will be running it as well. How awesome would it be if I got to meet her?!?! My cousin Missy is also running it, and so is my friend Anna. I can't wait!! And then, as most of you know, I'm running the Country Music Marathon in April. Furthermore, my best friend Erika is living here for good, and we've had the opportunity to hang out a lot more...AND I get to help Kelly plan her wedding this year! :) So many wonderful, positive things to look forward to!!

Though I kept it sweet, it definitely wasn't short...as always. What opportunities are you looking forward to this year?

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2011 New Year's Resolutions

I'd like to say I never make New Year's resolutions, because (1) I don't believe in making resolutions just because it's a new year, (2) I want it to be a lifestyle change, or (3) you're just setting yourself up for failure (as my husband would say). But that's totally not me.

I make resolutions each and every year. And though I don't always make it a point to keep them, I still think it's a fun tradition. So here goes...

2011 New Year's Resolutions


Professional:

• Finish a project completely before moving on to the next one. I have a bad habit of spreading myself too thin and not doing important projects to the best of my potential...because I start too quickly on the next "to do."
• Complete a 30-day blog challenge. I've done a better job updating our company blog as of late, but I'm nowhere near where I want to be in terms of posts. My plan is to do this the entire month of February...or maybe Feb 15-March 15. We'll see...
• Take away at least two innovative (and new) strategies or tactics at each marketing conference I attend this year, and begin implementing them in my own marketing plan.

Personal:

• Run a marathon
• Complete a 30-day blog challenge for myself as well. This will be tough. Doing something in your spare time that you do for work often takes the fun out of things. But hopefully that won't be the case here...and hopefully I'll have topics of interest to write about. :)
  
• Get pregnant...or not (this is out of my control, obviously)
• Be happy with the life I've been given. I have no control over others or other situations, but I do have control over myself.

Happy New Year, friends!