I'm probably the lamest Las Vegan ever...

Or so I thought until I got to work today and found out that I was not the only one that preferred to stay in and do absolutely nothing in one of the craziest cities in the world on New Year's Eve.

Last year I did it up right. A bunch of my girlfriends and I got a hotel room at Caesar's, we hung out on the strip all night, counted down with thousands of people, watched the fireworks explode off the casinos, had an assortment of alcoholic beverages, and kissed a random boy standing next to me at midnight (no need to mention it was the worst kiss of my life -- it was midnight and I wasn't about to be picky)...

But this year.. I've just returned from eight days of vacation. Eight days that have entirely whiped me out. Eight days where I never consecutively slept in the same bed for more than two nights. And honestly, only had one really good night's sleep because I was totally exhausted from traveling the first day, bridesmaid dress shopping, and the calm of the winter blizzard that hit the second after I landed.

So I think instead of spending a lot of money at a nightclub I'm too tired to enjoy or going to the strip with some of my insane friends that plan to be there passed out on the curbs until the wee hours of the morning, I'm really excited to go with my roommate to our friend Brooke's for appetizers and then dinner with them and a few friends. Brooke is an amazing cook so even apps at her house will make me happy. And turning in early is A-ok with me.

I have such a big week ahead, and I'm already only operating on 50% steam. I don't need to go out, be out all night, and be operating at 35% for the rest of the week.

And yes, as I write this, I'm trying to convince myself that this is the right decision. Hence my having to reiterate it to my friend, my mom, my roommate, my blog readers, etc. Part of my brain is saying, "You idiot.. You live in LAS VEGAS. How can you not go to the strip?? You're not going to live here forever!!" But I'm just really trying to tell that part of my brain to go to sleep first and let me have a little R&R.

I hope everyone has an amazingly safe and wonderful New Year! And congrats to my beautiful cousin, Julia, and her now fiance' Tom, after just getting engaged a few hours ago!!! What an amazing way to end a great year :-)

Sayonara 2007!

I just returned from a great 8 day vacation back in Iowa, and I am completely exhausted. However, I wanted to get some thoughts out for my memories before I fall into my bed, avoiding unpacking for a couple more days :-)

I really do love Christmas. It's just such an appreciative time. Iowa was so so very cold, but I will admit it was pretty to have a white holiday. I of course loved spending time with my family. A few highlights were definitely hanging out with my cousin Brett's two little girls who I absolutely adore. It was also great to play games at the Monaghan Xmas and bond with my girl cousins at the Andrew Xmas. I have an awesome family, and I am always so happy to get to spend more time with them.

On another note, I rarely leave Iowa without a swollen heart after spending amazing times with my friends back there. I am so truly blessed to be able to go home and see such wonderful people and know that no matter what, they will be there to support me. The first night I stayed at Jess and Steph's place, and we looked through Jessica's photo albums from when we were little. It was hilarious looking at pictures of all of us at birthday parties when we were 5 and 6.. To realize that we've been friends for that long, remained so close despite 1500 miles between us, it just makes me feel so incredibly lucky to have these people in my life.

So all that mushiness aside, this has been a pretty incredible year.. To recap, I found this survey I did back in 2003, and figured I would just update it. Hope you all have a fantastic New Year's and that 2008 is wonderful for you!



MOST ANTICIPATED MOMENT OF 2007: My summer trips.. I was so homesick, and to get to spend time with my dad in San Francisco, my mom in Kansas City and my best friend in Phoenix, it was enough to get me through a couple more months before getting to go home.

BEST PARTY OF 2007: This is a toss-up between my dad's 60th birthday party which was a lot of fun or Shaun & Julie Moylan's wedding.. I mean, you can't really beat an Irish wedding reception :) But it was great to plan such a big surprise for my dad as well.

BEST PURCHASE OF 2007: Hmm.. thats a tough one. Probably my new cell phone. I'm still a big fan especially since it has lasted many drops :)

BEST SUPPORT GROUP OF 2007: My mom has especially been a rockstar this year through all my troubles with work, being homesick, family issues.

BEST SUMMER HOUSE GUESTS OF 2007: It wasn't really summer, but I loved Jessica and Stephanie coming to visit in April. Mostly because Steph had never been here before and we got to do lots of fun things together.

BEST SPONTANEOUS VACATION OF 2007: The trip to LA for the Notre Dame vs. UCLA game with Brad and Tiff. We literally decided at 9:30 am on Friday that we would leave at 8 pm that night. We seriously had so much fun and Notre Dame actually won!!!

BEST MOMENT OF 2007: How can you pick one moment... Getting my new job offer, working my first big event, all my crazy travels this summer and fall, my birthday celebrations, San Francisco with dad, Kansas City with mom, visiting Kelly in Phoenix, finally getting to go back to Iowa to see Devan play after being away for 6 months and battling some bad homesickness, trips to the OG with my Vegas girls, college football Saturdays... seriously -- it's been a good year.

BEST TV SHOW OF 2007: Gossip Girls.. Penn Badgley, I heart you.

BEST JOB OF 2007: Working Rock for the Cure.. It was such an insane rush to get to work such a huge event for an amazing cause. Plus the celeb sightings wasn't bad at all either ;-)

BEST THRILL OF 2007: Working the Ocean's 13 movie premiere red carpet

BEST DECISION OF 2007: Taking my new job position. I am so excited by what I'm doing every day, and I am truly very happy.

I'll be home for Christmas...

When I look back on past holidays, I always remember my favorite Christmas as the year my dad got me my own little tree for my bedroom. In reality, I now know that the bank Christmas tree was too tall and they had to cut off the top. This little "Charlie Brown tree" as my mom called it, was brought to my room where I decorated it with lights and ornaments and I thought it was the most incredibly beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I loved it so much, even though now looking back on it, it was probably a pitiful little dead piece of evergreen. It's something I've never forgotten.

I love Christmas. I always have. Ever since I was ten, I took over putting the lights outside our house. I was the 'Clark Griswold' of the family. This year I decorated my own house as best I could on an extremely tight budget. I had envisioned a beautiful gorgeous tree, but that was not possible with the balance in my checking account. So as I was at the grocery store on Sunday, I saw this little two foot fake tree. It reminded me of the tree I had as a little girl, and at $3.97 it was right in my budget. I took it home, decorated it with a string of lights, and now it makes me smile every time I walk into our living room.

The holidays are tough. It's hard to be so far from my family. It's also hard to think of my parents divorced during this time of year. I went to church on Sunday, the first week of Advent. I always think churches are so incredibly beautiful during this time of year and was excited to go and hear Christmas hymns. At the beginning of the service, a young family with a beautiful little blonde girl in a red velvet dress got up to read and light the first candle of Advent. I couldn't help but fight back tears thinking back to all the years my family stood at the front of the Presbyterian Church in Guthrie Center doing this exact same thing. I'm so happy to have those memories but it almost makes the reality of our family status even harder to face during this time of year.

I keep thinking this will get easier. It has gotten easier. But it will never be 'easy.'

Either way, I'm lucky to have two wonderful parents who both love me, whether they are together or apart. They are both incredibly supportive in my life, and I love them and appreciate them more now than I probably would ever have if we hadn't gone through this together.

So this week starts the Christmas parties. Saturday is an ugly sweater party at a friend's house. Next Friday is our company party out at Lake Las Vegas. Then next Saturday is another ugly sweater party. Then the 22nd I will be heading home for a week. Hopefully this trip/holiday goes better than Thanksgiving did.

Happy Holidays!

Exhaustion never tasted so sweet...

Talk about a marathon week at work! My main client had their annual fundraiser Rock for the Cure event on Thursday and the celebs really showed up to do their part. Paris Hilton, Criss Angel, Larry King, Sylvester Stallone, Kimberly and Sean Stewart, Tommy Lee, Miss USA & Miss Universe, Howie Mandel were all there. Rod Stewart performed, and I never knew I liked him music until I recognized almost all of the songs. I also got to meet him and his son Sean (who is hot but quite a mess at the same time) which was amazing. In reality, I talked to all of them when we had to work the red carpet and then ask permission for photos for our own coverage to service the news.

Not bad for a girl from Guthrie Center, Iowa!

My boss and I worked from 9 am on Thursday until 5 am on Friday non-stop.. I finally got home, collapsed in my bed, only to get up at 7:30 am to head in to work and start tracking all the coverage. We've had a lot of great reports - mostly from celebrity blogs about the Kim Stewart + Tommy Lee romance. Either way -- it's getting my client's name out there which is especially important because they are an amazing organization that I feel incredibly lucky to have some small role within.

I hit my breaking point of exhaustion last night when I got home at 6:30 pm after delivering one last tape to Extra's offices in town. I tried to last until 9 to watch Friday Night Lights, but I was in my bed and out of it by 7:30. One of my friends called me a little after 9, which I thought I dreamt until I saw we talked for 3 minutes in my call log. I bet I made absolutely no sense to him, and to be honest, I have no idea what we talked about - haha.

But it was all worth it to wake up this morning to an email from my boss telling me I kicked butt on this. Ultimately, my goal is just to prove myself within this agency that is made up of 30+ capable and amazing young publicists. I want to show that I'm willing to put in the extra effort to see my client come out on top, and I want to continue to grow here.

I know I had a rough battle with homesickness before going back. However, the drama of my hometown last trip made me realize first and foremost that there isn't a lot of change taking place in Iowa. That is both good and bad. Mostly it reminded me that no matter how long I'm away, my friends there will always remain my friends. I fell right back into place with my girls and truly had an amazing bonding experience with all of my boys that I look to as additional brothers. I think it was eye-opening to see that it's ok for me to be so far away but still know that my love and loyalty for all of those amazing people that took part in the first 22 years of my life remains constant.

I'm hoping it will give me the boost to really dive into Las Vegas and accept the future that I know is possible here.

It's truly one of the most exciting times of my life, and I am so blessed to have amazing friends, both far and near, the best family in the entire world, and God in my life to guide me through all of this.

Damn you, country music...

I know I've said this before.. but.. country music makes me REALLY homesick. I don't know why -- it just has always reminded me of back home. Maybe because the story lines of most songs could be related to life in Iowa... I don't know.

The only problem... I am obsessed with country music right now. I can't stop listening to it. I play it every morning when I wake up, and I have been in a serious downloading frenzy with Rascal Flatts, Gary Allan, Carrie, Emerson Drive, etc right now..

I guess it's a good thing I'm going back to Iowa again this weekend. I was literally just there but I can't wait to get back. This is going to be such a fast trip though... I take the red-eye out on Friday night and get into Des Moines around 7:30 am on Saturday. My dad's *surprise* birthday is Saturday night and then I'm back to Vegas on Sunday night. I write openly about this because I had to break the news to my dad about his party since he had - OF COURSE - made plans to go out of town... He is impossible to plan a surprise for, but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve that he doesn't know about. I'm hoping it will be a really great party and a good night had by all.

After that, it's back to Vegas but only for two more weeks after that until Thanksgiving. And then I'll be back for about 8 days for Christmas.

I don't know what this homesick bug that has bitten me is all about... Maybe it's just because of fall and I love fall back home. By the time I have to deal with snow, I'm sure I'll get over it :-)

I think my best friend is planning a trip out here in January. Dad is thinking of coming for a golf tournament in February, and Mom had mentioned a trip after Valentine's Day is over. So I can't really complain.. For living so far away, I'm pretty lucky to get to touch base with the home land so often.

Some big things coming up this week at work. Hopefully it will be a good one but go quick so I can hop on that plane and be on my way!

I can't wait for this holiday to be over...

I've never been a big fan of Halloween. I think there is so much pressure to figure out a clever outfit or a funny one or a slutty one.. The girls in Vegas take slutty to a whole new level.. A friend of a friend last year actually pasted fake leaves over her nipples and vaginal region and went out as Eve (from Adam and Eve) to the nightclubs.. I guess she won a huge prize though worth like maybe $5k if not more.. So I suppose she's the smart one in the end..

Since I came up with nothing witty or slutty enough to head out, I stayed in and handled some of the trick-or-treaters that stopped by the house tonight.. They finally stopped ringing the doorbell around 9 pm. I went up to my room and opened my window to get ready for bed, and it smells like campfire, someone's burning something.. There aren't really leaves to burn so I'm not sure what it is, but it smells like heaven. A scent you never know you miss until you don't smell it enough...

Which reminds me... I think that the statement "don't know what you got until it's gone" is so true. Last weekend I was truly in awe of the amazing orange and yellow leaves back in Iowa. When I stopped in the ISU alumni office to pick up some decor for our events, I commented how great it is to see them. The woman helping me said, "Actually, they're not good at all this year.. I'm so disappointed." It took me about 30 seconds to pick my jaw up from the floor.

I can't wait to go home again. It's funny but I'm not sure what makes me more homesick, not going back forever or going, getting a taste and then having to leave. I'll be back so much in the next two months, but it makes me really happy. Hopefully the upcoming holidays will be a joyous event, everyone will get along, and everyone will have a good time.

Until then, work work work! :)

A funny thing happened on the way to McD's...

Close to the lunch hour today I was heading from a meeting back to my office when I decided to stop at McDonald's and get an ice cream cone to hold me over before I could actually eat lunch. I went through the drive-up window, handed the first girl my $1.79 (I know, right?? When did the prices skyrocket on frozen cream??) and then went to pick it up. This guy comes to the window -- he was foreign, I think maybe Russian but I'm not sure.. He smiles at me and says "So beautiful!" and I look at this great cone he's made that would make my mom proud and say "Oh yes, it is a great cone!"

At this point he looks at me funny and points at me.. "No, YOU so beautiful. Have a nice day!"

Has Vegas jaded me so much that I can't even see a compliment coming? That I immediately think the complimentor is talking about someone or something else... EVEN something as trivial as an ice cream cone???

I started to think about this on my drive home... This guy didn't want anything from me -- not my phone number, not to see me again. He just wanted to tell me that he thought I was beautiful and go on with his day. It was genuine -- again not something you see/hear of much out here -- and to be honest, it was close to the highlight of my day.

THE highlight of my day was getting to meet Lon Kruger -- head coach of men's basketball at UNLV. We're working with him on an event, and he was one of the nicest guys I think I've ever met. Again -- very genuine. When my dad asked me how the meeting went, I told him he seemed like the nicest coach I'd ever met -- even possibly nicer than Coach Callahan (UNL) who had offered to call my dad and tell him to take me to Ireland when I had to drive him around during my college internship in Kansas City -- and I don't say that about just anyone.

Today was my first day back in town from a long weekend back home. It was the first time I'd been to Iowa in 6 months, and believe me, I needed it. I'm going to be back 3 more times before the end of the year, and I'm hoping that will hold me over for a while. Hopefully no more staring out my window in bed, watching the lights of airplanes as they are on their way out of town, jealous of whoever is on that plane on their way back home to see family and friends.

I'll write more about home later -- great trip, great Iowa game.. No sleep but great times :) For now, I'm going to go catch up on that sleep though...

Whether the odds be great or small, old Notre Dame will win overall...

I could NOT be more excited right now....

I walked out of work today, and the air is so crisp. It's like the perfect fall day, and for some reason it really reminded me of leaving school the day of the big homecoming game in high school. Maybe it's because it feels like Iowa outside or maybe because it's my high school alma mater's homecoming today... I'm not sure.. But I decided this morning that I could not pass up an opportunity this weekend and now I want to share with everyone.

On my way to work I was checking my email on my phone (I know, I know.. but it was at a stoplight, I swear!) and an email came through from someone in the Las Vegas Notre Dame club that was trying desparately to get rid of his tickets in LA for the UCLA game this weekend. He had an emergency and had dropped the tickets a total of $125 in price for three. I couldn't possible pass up going to see ND play for $40, especially when I knew tickets were going for $300 in LA... Even if the team is playing terrible, I have to have hope that maybe this game will be their turning around point... I mean, isn't that the point of being a fan? Remaining constantly optimistic?

Either way.. I'll be at an ND game. It can't ever be a horrible experience (or so I hope).

So my friends Brad and Tiffany and I are taking off in about an hour. We're staying with one of Brad's friends at Hermosa Beach, and we are all so excited to just have planned the most sporatic spontaneous roadtrip in the last 7 hours!

The kicker... I get to see my dad. I haven't seen him since July, and that seems soooo long ago. I know I'll get to see him more times than normal in the next three months, but when you're this far away, you take every shot you can get. And since he didn't spoil me and buy me a ticket on my own, I'll make it work myself!

Ok I MUST go pack and get ready.

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random thoughts for a random day...

I really hate going to the post office. Even now that I know how to use the little electronic machine that is open 24/7 - I still can't bring myself to remember to stop and mail my cousin's baby presents after work... I avoid that place more than the doctor.

I go home in 22 days... And I COULDN'T be more excited. Is it weird that I'm actually thrilled at the idea of driving 2 hours to go watch Guthrie Center play Bedford in football? All these kids that are the stars of the team are the same kids I taught how to float in swim team so many years ago... I can't wait to just drive through town and look it over, see how it's doing. I can't wait to run into random people at the grocery store or the bank and catch up. I love home. I feel so safe there. I hope I'm not building myself up for disappointment, but at this point, I miss it so much, I think I'll just be elated to be back in a place where my life was so simple.

I would be interested to see if people that have careers in public relations agencies die at a younger age... This has been a hellacious week and it's only Wednesday. I feel like my mind is being pulled in 1000 directions.

Vegas has been a creepy place lately.. As if it wasn't creepy enough that we have this psycho pedophile on the loose, I just heard today that there is some repeat rapist running around town and sneaking in through open windows. All things I'm aware happen everywhere, but still... It doesn't make me feel any safer at night.

My dad is going to LA this weekend.. To see Notre Dame play... Without me! The nerve, right??

I get to see this comedian who I politically admire soooo much perform on Saturday. For free. Just another reason I LOVE my job.

Watching tonight's Newport Harbor episode reminded me of the morning I left for college.. That brings back some old memories I haven't thought about in a while.. And it made me miss Rhoda - my old Alero that was so small and cute and sporty (No offense, Eileen (my new SUV). I love you too).

The new Dashboard Confessional cd came out yesterday and by the time the third NOTE had played, I was in love... I'm bummed I will miss seeing them next Friday at HOB but I've got a house party to host :-)

I love that when people back home see Vegas on tv they think of me and send me a text. My cousin Julia text me when The Hills was in Vegas the other night and it seriously made me smile that she thought of me! Although its funny... now when I see all that stuff, like them sitting at Pure nightclub, I think of my friends at work who had to staff the club that night and handle all press and couldn't go out with us instead of thinking how cool it is that the tv show happened to be in the same town haha.. Oh how the job changes you!

And to end this most random of thoughts post... I have finally found a place in Vegas where I could probably be happy going every single night.. Stoney's is the new country bar that opened up when The Frontier which housed Gilley's closed down. It is an amazing good time.

Just because it's Monday...

Love: This amazing fall weather that has come over Las Vegas
Hate: That the fall weather is not accompanied by beautiful rolling hills of changing leaves

Love: The new fall line-up of tv shows, including all new teeny-bopper shows on The CW
Hate: That I'm so busy that I usually forget when they're on
Love: That my DVR remembers for me and allows me to watch when I'm bored
Hate: That my roommate hasn't hooked up the tv in her room (after 9 months, I doubt she plans to at this point) so I feel guilty hogging the living room tv just to watch the finale of Rock of Love... yes, I DVR that show and I'm not afraid to admit it! :-)

Love: Hearing from Devan after watching him play football
Hate: Watching Devan get hurt and knowing there's nothing I can do 1500 miles away

Love: Getting text messages
Hate: Getting text messages from stupid boys

Love: My girl friends in Las Vegas, Des Moines, DC, St. Louis.. everywhere.
Hate: That our lives are so busy we barely have time to call/email and catch up

Love: That I will be back in Iowa in 30 days
Hate: That I have to wait 30 days to get back there

Love: Theme parties!!!
Hate: Cleaning

Love: Pedicures
Hate: Paying $30 to have someone paint my toenails because I'm not coordinated enough to do it on my own

Love: Surprises
Hate: Planning surprises

Love: Fresh cut flowers
Hate: Slimy leaves at the bottom of a vase

Love: A healthy glass of red wine
Hate: The soap film our dishwasher leaves on the bottom of my beautiful wine glasses

Love: Down comforters
Hate: Making the bed

Love: Notre Dame football
Hate: Everyone likes to kick an Irishman when we're down


Well that killed a few minutes :-) Off to clean the room.

Things that make you go 'Hmm??'

It's been a weird couple of weeks... So many moments where I was wondering who the heck I was or how the heck I got here...

Moment #1: I am and have always been a small purse person. If I can get by with a clutch, I will gladly do it because I hate having room to keep your whole life in a purse and then you can't find a single piece of gum or a business card or the tiniest easy thing when you need it. But a few weeks ago I noticed this beautiful red bag at Target.. It's almost like a cardinal red, fake leather tiny suitcase in a way. It could fit a laptop, but I discovered it was the perfect size for my leather binder that I take to all client meetings. So I splurged and now I am a big purse person. (Ok, this will only make sense to girls... but for me, it was a big deal.)

Moment #2: I came down with a horrible virus this past week to the point where I couldn't even swallow my own saliva. When I reached that point, I finally went to the clinic and after waiting two hours got to see a doctor for about 2 minutes, he told me my tonisls were huge and he would give me some steroids to bring down the swelling. He also offered to write a note to excuse me from work at which point I said, "Don't even offer it.. I'm too busy to even think of accepting." Whatttt?? Who is this girl?? Two years ago I would've wanted a doctor's note for a paper cut if it excused me from Astronomy class.. But I suppose that's part of growing up and having responsibilities.

Moment #3: A few minutes ago.. I was driving home from the Iowa gamewatch downtown where I was wearing my official Devan Moylan jersey and cheering my little heart out for him.. I decided I needed a diet coke before bed so I hopped out at the gas station near my house and I had a flashback of all the times running into Sparky's after high school games were over in between cruising the streets of Guthrie Center.. I don't know if it's because I was wearing a black and gold jersey or if it was #14 (the same as my hs boyfriend), but I can't believe that stage of my life is over.. And college is over.. And now I'm here, in Las Vegas?? Who the heck LIVES in Las Vegas???

I don't know if I'll ever accept that I'm a grown up... But lately I've been a lot more nostalgic than usual. I've been thinking about people I used to be really close to and life just made things grow apart.

In fact, my dad randomly ran into one of those people tonight, one of my very best friends when I was a senior in high school and into my freshman year of college. Someone I haven't talked to probably in two years and before that it was a year or two more.. He went his way, I went mine, but every time I think about that it makes me sad. I wonder if he ever thinks about that too... Does growing up mean growing apart?

The homesickness has been off and on lately.. Just when I have myself falling back in love with Vegas, something will prick me right in the heart like all of my friends watching the ISU vs Iowa game together or a long talk with my mom about absolutely nothing at all.. Just girl talk. I'll be back in Iowa soil in a month and then the next month and again the month after that for Xmas. Hopefully I will get my fill to hold me over for a while.

The places you have come to fear the most...

The last two weeks have been like a roller coaster. We've been so busy at work, but I've felt really good about it all. I've really tried to step up and own a couple of projects and really put forth my best effort. Plus staying busy at work distracts me from other stuff going so that's always good...

My cousin Brett and his wife Sadie had their second little girl this morning. Dad woke me up in a daze with an early phone call to tell me the news. I have always considered Brett to be more of a brother than a cousin, and we've always been close. I am so happy for him and Sadie, but at the same time, it just reminds me of yet another thing I'm missing out on by being here... When Vada, their first girl was born, I was able to get to the hospital and meet her that first day. Now over a year and a half later, I've only got to hang out with her a few times... And now her little sister, I won't even get to meet until she's two months old. My dreams of turning them into little cheerleaders are quickly dwindling...

But I know that there is no one out there that understands what I'm doing more than Brett does. We've both always had big dreams, and I know he knows that's why I'm here. But that doesn't make NOT being there much easier...

I went back to Kansas City for a weekend away with Mom and just had an amazing time. I was so convinced that in a year or two I would be ready to move back there. But as I get more and more involved with work, I am really falling in love with my clients. I love to see the positive work coming out of the cancer institute, the level of creativity I get to be around with those blue guys, and the seriously kindest hearts you'll find with our PBS station...

I keep thinking about the life I left back there, and I've finally been reminded that there is a whole new life, right here, right in front of me, that I'll miss just as much if/when I leave.

Maybe the grass is always greener... Who knows.

Playing dress-up...

Every now and then, on a rare occasion, I have to wear the full-on business suit to work.. Usually only during really big events, but today was one of those days.

I was off-site all day, helping at the Latin Chamber luncheon where Vegas PBS was announcing the launch of their new Spanish channel, V Me, then delivering passes for front desk staff at a few casinos for the Springs Preserve, and then back to the convention center for Vegas PBS to get training to escort media at the shooting of Antiques Roadshow tomorrow.. Needless to say, it was a crazy day, and the entire reason I'm at home at 11 pm on a Friday night and not seeing The Dan Band at The Joint with my friends.

But I digress... Today as I put on my business suit and took one last look in the mirror, an odd flashback came through my mind.. Sixth grade.. Dress like your hero day for Red Ribbon Week, and I chose my mother's blazer so I could look like her. I can't remember if it was hot pink or just red, but hey - it was the 90's - so in my head it's hot pink.

I can't help but wonder where the time has gone.. Am I really a grown up? With a professional job? Am I really doing all these important things and going to these important meetings where (at least I hope) my opinion is respected and needed?? What happened to the little girl who put on her mom's suit jacket that spilled over her arms and had bulky shoulder blades so it looked ridiculously out of place?

I guess sometimes I still can't believe the position I have, the city I'm living in, the role that I play. I still feel like a kid playing dress up.. Like someday I'll wake up and none of this will have ever really happened.

This growing up stuff... it sneaks up on you.

Snap back to reality...

I thought I would be so much better about posting on here.. And the funny thing is, all throughout my day I find myself thinking, "This would be a great post on the blog..." and then I leave work and go out with friends or need to do laundry and end up not posting anything.. But here goes.

I had quite the reality shock today that I'm not in Iowa anymore. I was wrapping up what seemed like my 100th conference call of the day and getting ready to get some lunch. I scrolled through my email quick to see that our office manager had sent out a note to everyone to be careful because the police were in our staff parking lot as someone had just tried to carjack the dentist from the office below us' car. Great... As I leave the office, I see the police start to pull away, and I go about my business. I pull in front of our building only to see four more cop cars standing at the jewelry store next door. Caution taped wrapped all around it, and the owner standing outside screaming about how he just got robbed... Whether one had anything to do with the other, I have no idea..

Now this may seem like a typical Las Vegas moment to outsiders.. But my office is in a really nice part of town. It's very safe, and there are million dollar houses lining the back of our office park that when we get bored we look out and watch kids swimming or the dogs running around in the back yards.. It's not like this is the ghetto, but we're certainly not in Guthrie Center, Iowa, anymore either.

Anyways... in other news... I've been quite the jetsetter lately. Two weekends ago I traveled down to Phoenix to visit my best friend Kelly. She had just relocated their from Des Moines and needed a little help getting settled and reassured leaving everyone back home was the right deicison. I nominated myself for the job :)

We had a great time, and believe it or not, I actually believe Phoenix is hotter than Las Vegas. I should have brought stronger sunscreen with me!

The next weekend (this past weekend) I flew up to San Francisco to meet Dad for the Moylan wedding. I was so excited to see some more familiar faces, get time to spend with Devan, and also get to run around one of my favorite cities with Dad.

The wedding was a gorgeous outdoor wedding, and I think it's safe to say that everyone had a pretty awesome time that day/night. Congrats to the groom, Shaun, and his beautiful bride, Julie! After spending years stuffing bank statements with Shaun (or should I say FOR Shaun while he played computer games), I know that he is such a lucky guy to get a great girl like Julie!

Dad and I spent most of Sunday running around the city doing our favorite things: watching street performers at Fisherman's Wharf, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge, and getting lost in Sausalito. It was such a great trip, and I will admit I got a little teary eyed when my plane took off. That always seems to happen when I have to say goodbye to my dad...


So this weekend I'm FINALLY in town for once, and I plan on doing NOTHING. Just having a relaxing weekend with not a lot of plans... Next weekend - the 10th - I'm back on a plane and heading to Kansas City for a girls' weekend with my Mom so it will be great to see her as well, and I'm so excited to get back around my old (and hopefully someday future) stomping grounds.

I can't believe it's already August... I guess time really does fly when you're having the time of your life :)

You say it's your birthday...

Birthday celebrations all around, I tell ya!

Last weekend I drove 3 hours with a bunch of pals to celebrate my friend Melissa's birthday. She wanted to go camping for her special day so we drove to the town of 700 people - Pioche, Nevada - to stay in their Inn (with an attached Saloon) on Friday night and then camping in the state park on Saturday night. It was so much fun, and I felt like I was back in a town like Guthrie Center. The locals had no idea what had hit them!

So yesterday was my big 2-4. It was probably one of the best birthdays ever.

Tuesday night was kicked off with a 51's game - our local minor league baseball team. It was a fun time (although hot hot hot outside), but the fireworks at the end were fantastic and worth the wait.

After the game, Jessi and I took advantage of the fact that we didn't have to work the next day and went out to a 'saloon' downtown called Hogs & Heiffers. If you've ever seen the movie Coyote Ugly, this is what the bar is exactly like... Within twenty minutes, Jessi had told the bartenders it was my birthday at midnight, and we were up on the countertop dancing like it was our home away from home. We had so much fun and just danced to our country roots. It was a great kickoff to the birthday.

On the actual 4th, yesterday, I knew I was going over to my friend April's house to cookout and lay by the pool. I knew a couple friends were going to be there but was totally shocked when I got there and friends that had told me they had plans (you little liar, Jessi) and coworkers that April had never even met and friends I didn't even know knew about it all showed up. It was such a surprise. We played water volleyball all day and just enjoyed the holiday. They even made me a cake and the whole deal.

The birthday party planner - April - and I

Not to be outdone by the entire Andrew family singing Happy Birthday over my mom's cell phone (in harmony, mind you...), it was all a pretty awesome day.

I am dragging today though.. What a bad idea to have a holiday mid-week. That's like having two Mondays... But thankfully tomorrow is Friday, and I plan on taking it easy.

Saturday will be the end of my birthday festivities (doesn't everyone celebrate for three days??). A bunch of my friends and I are going out dancing, and I am really excited.

Not a lot else to report... Busy at work. Really looking forward to my upcoming trips to Phoenix, San Francisco, and Kansas City. I really miss my family - like always - but am really excited to get to spend some time with them in the next month.

Thanks again to all who wished me a happy birthday! It was definitely one of the happiest...

On with the show...

I thought I would be posting a lot more frequently, but do to the business with work and my social life lately, I've been away a lot longer than I'd like.

A few highlights of the past couple weeks: opening the Las Vegas Springs Preserve - a client of my team, that received excellent feedback from the community and media, working the amazing VEGAS Magazine annual party, and lots and lots of free tickets to shows.

The VEGAS Magazine party was something unreal.. It was on a Saturday night at Mandalay Beach (a pool area but with sand bordering it at Mandalay Bay), and I must admit it was insane. They had a dj and Katherin McPhee perform on this stage over the water, people of every sort running around for free drinks and food, people getting to paint graffitti on a wall, motorcyclists driving around in this sphere cage, go go dancers all over the place, and over 3000 invited guests. The newbies and I worked check-in so checking names and putting wrist bands on those 3000 people took up most of the 4 hours we were working, but we got to go in for the last hour. Once we left at 1, we all decided to go out to Tangerine which is a club that's also a client of our company's so we got into VIP free with no problems with the help of a coworker. It ended up being a true "Vegas night" where we stayed out dancing until the sun was coming up over the mountains. I hadn't done that in a long time, but it was so much fun to get to know the girls I'm working with and meet new friends.

This last week the American Theatre Critics were in town for a convention so of course - all of the shows that we do PR for wanted to fill their audiences to show how well they're doing. This equaled free tickets to Stomp Out Loud on Monday, Blue Man Group on Tuesday, and Phantom of the Opera on Thursday. I had seen BMG and Phantom before, but Stomp Out Loud was seriously amazing. I had an idea of what I was getting based on clips I'd seen from the Stomp tour but this was so much different and seriously insanely creative. BMG, I of course love because they are a client I get to work on, and going with my coworker and friend, Tiffany, was a lot of fun b/c she hadn't seen it and laughed the whole way through. Phantom was amazing b/c we were in the second row.. The Venetian just really did that show right - the theater is impeccable.

I was supposed to see Ragtime tonight with my roommate, but she took off for a last minute vaca to Phoenix, and I was ready for a night off. Tomorrow I think I am going to a show at Golden Nugget with my friends Ashley and Matt. It's non-stop out here right now, and I guess that's a good thing :)

Last night I went to the Rock 'n Roll Wine event with Rusty. I was supposed to interview with them for a job back in March, but by the time they were ready to set it up, I had already gotten my job offer from Kirvin Doak. I met one of the partners last weekend at the VEGAS mag party, introduced myself since I had only spoken with him on the phone/via email, and he asked me to come as his guest. If there's one thing my dad taught me - it's to always keep your contacts in check - so I, of course, went and had a decent time.

My boss had her last day on Thursday b/c she will be gone for three months for her maternity leave. This is going to be interesting, but I'm definitely hoping to rise to the occassion. I have an account that is my own now - Nevada Cancer Institute - with help from one of the partners. I feel that this is a huge responsibilty and I definitely want to go above and beyond. It's weird to think that once my boss returns - I will have worked there longer with her gone than with her there though.

The other girls on my team kept implying next week would be insane so I thought it wise to stay in one night this weekend and just get some R&R after last weekends minimal amount of sleep.

Nothing much else to report. Mom is all moved into her new house and ecstatic. My uncle came through his heart surgery - so far, so good. And Dad is busy bouncing from visiting him to baseball games to golf outings to everywhere it seems.

My birthday is quickly approaching, and I can't help but think this time last year, my roommates in San Diego were trying to talk me out of this move. I still sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I'd waited to see if I got the offer at PRA and stayed there. But I know, once again, in the end, I'm where I'm supposed to be right now. I just can't believe I'm coming up on a year of living in Las Vegas.. It has seriously flown by.

Paparazzi all up in my business...

Yesterday was a surreal moment in my life. There I stood on the red carpet outside of The Palms casino, in my dress and heels, with credentials around my neck, watching George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Jerry Weintraub walk right past me, stopping inches away from me to sign autographs for screaming 10 year old girls and even louder 50 year old women. (Mom, I can imagine how you would act in that situation...) :-)

After we all put in our hours and made sure the event went well, I just kind of reflected on my life. I called my dad who wanted to know all about it, and he kept telling me, "Enjoy this, Alison.. This is your moment."

His words have never sunk in more than there... Working at large events like this was a dream, not something I realistically thought would be a reality. And now here I am, just about to turn 24, and on one of the largest red carpet events in Vegas history. I don't know whether to laugh, cry, scream, or just sit and reflect.

The Kirvin Doak Communications girls on the red carpet.

I've been going through some difficult situations this past week. All turning me more and more homesick and feeling that itch to move on from Vegas. But I refuse to let anyone or anything take this moment from me.

I remember my first night in Kansas City before starting my internship.. I looked out of my apartment window at this big glowing gold church steeple that is a centerpoint of downtown. I looked at the skyscrapers right outside my window, and I thought "Alison... you are living out one of your dreams. Right now. You're here, in this city, about to start a major internship and about to start your life."

I couldn't have felt more like that last night. I am so blessed to have come so far and to have had amazing family and friends to support me and encourage me to keep believing in my goals and my future. It's been a long road, but I made it this far, and I have no plans of turning back now.

Now to the juicy stuff... All of the celebrities are so much smaller in person. I know you hear that a lot, but they really are. George Clooney is sooo skinny and wasn't much taller than me with my stilettos on. Brad Pitt - skinny skinny - seriously! Matt Damon was the only one that looked like he was what I would consider a regular sized guy. And I noticed he had a little grey hair growing in the back... How old is he??

Anyways.. It was fantastic. It was great to bond with the girls I work with, and just to experience something on that large of a scale.

AND in other great news, my very very dear friend Devan just found out he was approved for another year of eligibility playing football with the Iowa Hawkeyes. After getting injured last year during his senior year, he was forced to sit out most of the season. I am soooo excited that he will get to come back and hopefully end his last year the way he wants to and enjoy all of those moments on the field one last time. I could not be more proud of him.

Up next for me - the next four days will be consumed with the Las Vegas Springs Preserve grand opening followed by Jewel performing in concert at their outside amphitheater on Saturday night.


Someone pinch me.

One thing I don't miss about Iowa...

Tornadoes in Eastern Iowa -- from The Des Moines Register.












My black eye and forehead wound about 5 days after being hit in the face with a tree branch while a tornado touched down on the ISU campus - fall 2005.

Welcome to the blogging world...

I have been "blogging" since high school, on different sites here or there, but I finally decided I should put my thoughts and stories in one place. This of course will be a PG-13 rated version as I'll be sending the link to my friends AND family. I guess I just got tired of hearing "So and so asked about you again.." from my dad. Now he'll have a place to direct them as most of his stories get a little fuzzy since I usually interrupt his Dancing with the Stars viewing when I call on my way home from work.

Me: Dad.. did you hear what I said?
Dad: Of course... Oh, you should see this number that Joey's partner is wearing.. Whoo!
Me: (sigh...)

Just kidding, Dad :)

I chose the heading of this blog (Is this heaven?) because as any Iowan knows, the correct answer to that question is "No, it's Iowa." from the film Field of Dreams... However, if you ask just about any single 20-something where heaven is, they'd probably say Vegas. I'm just a girl trying to combine those two lives and figure out how to survive and excel is this big, bright city.


So this will be the longest, most general post since I really don't know who has any interest in my life out here. Let's put it into categories:


EMPLOYMENT
The new job.. I love it. I don't have a single doubt that I made the right decision. I'm working on this on my lunch break, and sometimes I just sit and listen to the people around me talk about all the cool things are office is working on. I feel so blessed to be living out my dream.


The clients I work on are Nevada Cancer Institute, The Blue Man Group, Las Vegas Springs Preserve, BODIES The Exhibition, Vegas PBS, and El Cortez Hotel.

Coolest things I've been asked to do so far... On Wednesday, I am scheduled to work the Ocean's 13 premiere at The Palms. That's right, me and Clooney rubbing elbows... Well, ok, probably not THAT cool, but definitely an experience. That is only to be followed up by a Jewel concert on Saturday for the Grand Opening of the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.


I'm just excited for all the opportunities at this job, and I actually get excited to come to work. Now THAT'S a good feeling!



FRIENDS
I was worried when I left Iowa that I would never find friends anywhere that compared to my friends from home. While I miss my friends back there every day, I have been so lucky to find a great group out here as well. We keep pretty entertained with a good mix of things to do, either dancing at a club, singing karaoke, laying poolside, going to movies, watching sporting events a Buffalo Wild Wings, or my favorite activity - 'Clark family rules' water volleyball.



I've been lucky to have quite a few friends stop into town as well which cuts down on the homesickness. Kelly has been out here twice, and with her upcoming move to Phoenix, I know we will see a lot more of each other. Jessica and Stephanie came to visit in March, and we all had so much fun together. I'm trying to convince my brother and the boys to make it out in November, but only time will tell.



FAMILY
Speaking of the brother, my reports tell me he is doing well. He has a job with something to do with printing so I know the whole family was excited about that. He is living in Des Moines, near Drake, which I was very jealous of around the time of the Relays. I wish we talked more, but I don't really know what we'd talk about. He is currently upset with me for not placing a bet on the Mayweather boxing match for him, but hopefully he'll get over it by the time Notre Dame football starts :)

Mom just bought a new house in Ames that she is in love with. I think she is so excited to have a place to call her own and put her decorating hobby to the test. The backyard is nice and spacious with a fenced in yard for the puppies to run free. We are trying to plan a trip to Kansas City this summer in August. She claims any time she pays to fly me home, she never gets to see me, so she wanted a destination weekend.

Dad is busy with work, golf, and announcing the baseball games this summer. He keeps me updated on all the happenings in GC, and I am excited to see him again in July when we fly up to San Francisco for Shaun Moylan's wedding.


LIFE... THE GENERAL STUFF.
People always want to check in on the love life... Dating in this town is impossible. That's all I'll say for now! :)


This week has been a hard one as far as the homesickness goes. I think there have just been so many things going on back home that I haven't gotten to participate in so it's been hard... And you know, it's the little things I miss. Going to baseball games with my dad, Jess & Steph's housewarming party, seeing them tear up the high school track where I spent four years cheering my heart out on, seeing Britni graduate high school, etc etc etc...


At the end of the day, I am proud of myself for taking this leap. But I can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if I was still in Des Moines. I know I'm a better person because of this journey, but it doesn't make being away from all I knew for 22 years any easier or make me miss it any less.

I'm where I'm supposed to be right now. But I don't know how long that will last.

But as always - this too shall pass. These are good times, and I'm going to enjoy them.

Look for more fun news soon!

I took this picture looking out on The Strip from the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay.