Viva Las Vegas

I crossed a couple things of the ol' list this weekend that I'm pretty jazzed about. The first of which, Number 90, was to head back to Vegas for the weekend, which led to Number 72, hit up a Cirque show. Unfortunately my Vegas weekend wasn't what you're picturing in your head. No trips to the club (which if you're in the market for an awesome club experience, check out Surrender at the Wynn - it's awesome). No trips to the Thunder Down Under - where I'm sure I would have met the next Channing Tatum. No hotel pool parties. No Vegas fine dining. Sadface.

So what did I do while there? Hung out with my Uncle, the 60 year old bachelor, and my mom.Oh, and I learned how to play (and totally dominated) blackjack, walking away $200 richer (technically I won $300 but my Uncle fronted me $100 to start and I had to pay him back). It definitely made me want to start playing. Now my only problem is the closest casino is roughly 3 hours away. Oh well, now I can spend that money on shoes or more Pure Barre classes.

When we found out I was going to Vegas my mom got super excited to take me to my very first Cirque show. She saw O for her birthday, Zumanity last time she was in Vegas, and was open to any other show. I did my research, watched all the trailers, read the reviews, and finally settled on Mystere. Holy amazeballs, so glad I picked this show.

I can't even tell you what the best part of the show was. The dancing, the acrobatics, the strong men, the poles, the aerial silk performance....no. It was probably the abs on every single performer. Holy wow. I also loved the familiarity of one of the songs, Égypte, which was one of my favorite dance routines I ever did (you know, a million years ago when I used to compete). It makes sense, my former dance teacher loves Vegas & Cirque shows!

After this low key trip, I'm rearing to get back there ASAP. And do all those things I named above (that I didn't do this time around). Hopefully next time Southwest won't lose my bags - how this is possible on a direct flight, who knows? And hopefully next time I win bigger!

Until next time, Vegas.

Accomplishing A Lot

Not to talk about how I loved being an advisor and all my collegiate girls (again)....but I had a thought as one of them cried about how she ran, and lost, for Panhellenic President. Welcome to my life, this happened to me - twice, love. Anyways...my thought...without sounding super corny and cliche, I think a lot of us focus on missed opportunities, not getting a job interview, times we were selected last (or not even selected) in gym class, really really really unfortunate incidents that highlight what a crappy person/athlete/employee we must be, instead of focusing on what we've accomplished and our success. So one of my "challenges" on my list is to write down 50 things I've accomplished in the 27 years of my life. Here goes nothing...

1. I got a Master's degree y'all. 
2. And a 4.0 in grad school. Plus I was the only person to never miss a day of class. Overachiever? Pssssh. Okay, maybe a little.
3. Nominated for UCF Homecoming Court, and the uber prestigious Order of Pegasus,  So what if I didn't get any of the above honors...it's the nomination that counts. Right? 
4. I won Freshman of the Year and Sister of the Year in my sorority. #glorydays 
5. Cliff jumping in Jamaica. I cut the entire line so I wouldn't chicken out, and I landed SO ungracefully in the water that I had bruises all up in my inner thighs, I still did it. Off a 30 foot cliff, no less.
6. I was accepted to every grad school I applied to. Boom.
7. Moving to ATL on blind faith and lots of support from darling friends. 
8. Choosing to attend the second largest university in the country (WOOOOOOO UCF) for a fresh start over UF/FSU with my entire high school.
9. Elected to serve on the Junior League of Atlanta's Training Council for 2013-2014 as District Advisor Chair-Elect. Keep in mind, I had transferred to JLA a little over a year before this. Was this even allowed? Probably not. 
10. I'll be on the JLA Membership Council as the 2014-2015 District Advisor Chair overseeing 50 wonderful advisors who in turn work with EVERY. SINGLE. JLA. MEMBER. 
11. I collected a ridiculous amount of money on behalf of my former company in outstanding invoices. Probably more money in 6 months than I'll make in a lifetime. Unless I start getting paid big bucks to blog/craft/internet search/social media/etc...
    
12. Having the patience and persistence to teach my too-smart-for-his-own-good Papillon lots of fun tricks. We're up to 8 right now. Sit, down, stay, bark, up, high-five, paw, spin. He's like a canine Einstein. Now if only we could teach Mr. Fred to use the toilet. 
13. Cutting Diet Coke out of my life. Granted, it only lasted 2 months...I'm pretty impressed I lasted that long. 
14. Taking the LSAT. Last minute. On my birthday. After my college boyfriend dumped me the night before. Clearly I didn't do so hot, but I'm proud of myself for following through.
15. Going to the dark side. After 9+ years of bleaching and coloring my hair, I decided to test out the theory "People take you more seriously if you're brunette". Here I am 5 years later still trying to see if that theory is accurate. But let me tell you going from bleach blonde to jet black is a major accomplishment. And a lot less money wasted on my hair each month. 
16. Working for my sorority. When you go through recruitment, get a bid, and get initiated you never actually think you'd end up working for them professionally. I know that certainly wasn't in my 10 year plan freshman year. But here I am, 9 years later. Development Coordinator for the Foundation. It's crazy. 
    
17. Speaking of that, my first weekend on the job I raised a RIDICULOUS amount of money. I guess asking people for money (and not just my parents) is in my DNA. 
18. And not to keep tooting my own horn - which may I remind you is what this post is actually about-  but I'm getting promoted after being in my position for 2 months. The #takeover has begun.
19. Taking a chance and falling in love with a 2nd business, Rodan + Fields. My skin has never looked and felt better. Plus I'm loving the extra income. No worries ladies & gents...stay tuned for a whole post devoted to the magic and wonders of R+F.
20. Trying a new kind of "dance" that involves a large, skinny, shiny metal pole. Then having the balls to perform in front of people. In class.....not at da club. Still in front of strangers though. It's energizing, empowering, and above all insanely fun. Not only do I recommend Spinarella to everyone (There's a virtual Jiggle class so you can participate near and far. Warning: Ro will make you twerk) but if you're in the Atlanta area, come with me and I'll even pay for your first class. That's how much you'll love it #satisfactionguaranteed.

Items 21-50 are locked up safe and sound. They're things that either I don't think y'all would find interesting or are kinda personal. I know, I know...everything I put out here in CyberLand is personal. Maybe if you're lucky, I'll create a follow up to this post. Keep your fingers crossed, loves.

Until next time,

L