You know when you're watching a movie and a young girl realizes she is turning into her mother and has a freak out moment? Yep, that just happened to me...
Ma - I love you and I hope you aren't reading this but if you are, I write this with a lot of love and admiration for you...
But every night before my grandparents would come to visit or we'd have a family outing, my mom was like a crack addict that just had their first taste of heroin. She was cleaning the house like a mad woman, and she always insisted we cleaned areas that no visitor, friend or even the closest family members would ever have any chance of possibly seeing. I remember one night going downstairs well after midnight and finding her in our laundry/utility room in the basement, trying to organize her old play costumes. I mean, really?? What reason would my uncle have to take a peak in there? Or why would my best girl friends over for a sleepover want to see in my brother's closet? God bless her though.. The house always looked great.
And now, the night before she arrives to visit and stay at my house, I just found myself scrubbing the death out of the bottom of my soap dispenser. I'm not really sure why, but it still had some sticker residue on it and by God, I was going to get it off.
And that's when it hit me.. I am my mother's child. For sure. No doubt. Definitely.
But I didn't freak out. All in all, she's a pretty cool broad and I'm excited to see her tomorrow and give her a safe haven from the horrible winter that Iowa has been hit with.
But Ma, I'm leaving my bathroom floors dirty. There is hair in the corners and dust, but as much as I love you, I'm not about to get on my hands and knees at 12:30 am. If anyone knows I'm not perfect, it's you, and I'm pretty ok with that :-)
Happy Friday, y'all!! It's been a long week -- enjoy!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
You're only young once... Or so I'm trying to convince my toes.
What a marathon weekend of activity.. Friday night Jax and I had to work an event at 54 and then went to hang out at our other nightclub client (reminder: I have to be careful mentioning my client's names b/c I don't necessarily need my personal blog popping up during our web media searches...) We had some good team bonding with the crew and then I met back up with Jessi + friends for some dancing at 54 again. It was a pretty late night of dancing but it was a good time to say the least. My feet were not loving me later on in the night and most of Saturday, but that's the price you pay for wearing high heels and being on your feet for 7 hours straight - yowch!
Last night I knew the group was going to head out to another nightclub and I promised my feet it would not be a late night. When we hopped in a cab at 4 am, they were not happy I lied to them. Although I will admit that having someone pay for table service (thus getting to sit for a couple hours) was a MAJOR help.
The funny thing -- even living in the capitol of nightlife -- it's VERY rare for me to go out two nights in a row. I can't even remember the last time I did it. It was fun, but I'm glad it's not every night.
This week will probably fly by like they all do, but I am so excited for Friday when my mom arrives to visit for the weekend. Last time she was in town, she came during the week so we only got to hang out at night - not leaving me much time to show her anything beyond the strip - which is an unrealistic visit to Vegas when you actually know someone that lives here.
Even better -- the cherry blossom trees are just starting to bloom so they should be perfect by the time she gets here. Plus daylight savings time will give us even more hours to explore the beautiful scenery including Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, possibly Hoover Dam, etc...
In other news.. my roommate is out of town this week for work. I don't know what happened to me as a kid - if I was permanently damaged by Nightmare on Elm Street or what.. But when I am in a house to myself, I analyze every single little noise or sound. I freak myself out -- hence why I am blogging at midnight instead of crashing to prepare for the big week ahead... I know I'm not the only one that does this, but seriously -- I'm 24. I shouldn't still be afraid of the dark on some level. Or is this normal? Does everyone do this on some level?
Ok time to turn the laptop off and crash. Have a great week!
Last night I knew the group was going to head out to another nightclub and I promised my feet it would not be a late night. When we hopped in a cab at 4 am, they were not happy I lied to them. Although I will admit that having someone pay for table service (thus getting to sit for a couple hours) was a MAJOR help.
The funny thing -- even living in the capitol of nightlife -- it's VERY rare for me to go out two nights in a row. I can't even remember the last time I did it. It was fun, but I'm glad it's not every night.
This week will probably fly by like they all do, but I am so excited for Friday when my mom arrives to visit for the weekend. Last time she was in town, she came during the week so we only got to hang out at night - not leaving me much time to show her anything beyond the strip - which is an unrealistic visit to Vegas when you actually know someone that lives here.
Even better -- the cherry blossom trees are just starting to bloom so they should be perfect by the time she gets here. Plus daylight savings time will give us even more hours to explore the beautiful scenery including Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, possibly Hoover Dam, etc...
In other news.. my roommate is out of town this week for work. I don't know what happened to me as a kid - if I was permanently damaged by Nightmare on Elm Street or what.. But when I am in a house to myself, I analyze every single little noise or sound. I freak myself out -- hence why I am blogging at midnight instead of crashing to prepare for the big week ahead... I know I'm not the only one that does this, but seriously -- I'm 24. I shouldn't still be afraid of the dark on some level. Or is this normal? Does everyone do this on some level?
Ok time to turn the laptop off and crash. Have a great week!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Just a little distraction...
I've never been able to figure out why I don't like Bridget Moynahan.. I mean, she's like the girl next door AND her last name is similar to mine. When the whole Gisele/Tom Brady thing went down, I couldn't figure out for the life of me why I wasn't pulling for Bridget.. I mean, HELLO! Girl next door should always get the QB over the supermodel.. I mean, rooting for B speaks to my own lifestyle... But I never did. I recently figured out why...
In preparation for the highly anticipated Sex and the City movie coming out in May, I've been borrowing Jenna's seasons on DVD and watching every episode from start to finish.. I recently started season 3 (ok - I'll admit, I started it two days ago and am already on episode 12...) Duh.. Why didn't I figure it out before?? BRIDGET MOYNAHAN IS NATASHA... Natasha... What a bullshit name...
That being said.. I know every S&TC fan always tries to relate with one character and in reality, almost all of us want to be Carrie... The more I watch, the more I realize how I have a bit of all of them in me... The publicist (Samantha), the friend (Carrie), the innocent one (Charlotte), but most of all, I am happy to admit that I am a Miranda. Now if I could only find my Steve...
I wonder if S&TC will ever turn into a Broadway musical.. Now that would be comedic.
In other news... I took April to the Cirque de Soleil show LOVE at The Mirage tonight. It was hands-down the best show I've seen in Vegas. Most shows I get stir crazy and I'm ready for it to be over, even if I like it, but this one, I seriously was sad when they came on for the closing number... I thought after seeing Le Reve at the Wynn that I would never really dig a Cirque show.. I need a plot, a story line, and hey - even a chorus line will make me happy. But this show was seriously amazing... The soundtrack alone gave me goosebumps and made me fall even deeper in love with The Beatles than I ever thought possible...
And you know as I ramble on and on about these meaningless thoughts I know that this post is just yet another distraction to talk about what's really been going on lately. Death is something I have never understood and will probably never understand when it happens tragically or all too quickly. I understood when it was my grandmother that was lying in a hospital, full of pain and suffering. I got that she was ready, and I didn't want her to struggle.. But when it happens to someone young, it never is an easy pill to swallow....
Not only have I been struggling with this, it is even more difficult to see your friends struggle even worse.
I have never considered myself someone to take things for granted. Most of my friends know that I love them and would walk to the ends of the earth for anything they ever needed.. But it still feels good to say it. Or type it. Just share it.
And I sleep a little easier at night just knowing they know that...
In preparation for the highly anticipated Sex and the City movie coming out in May, I've been borrowing Jenna's seasons on DVD and watching every episode from start to finish.. I recently started season 3 (ok - I'll admit, I started it two days ago and am already on episode 12...) Duh.. Why didn't I figure it out before?? BRIDGET MOYNAHAN IS NATASHA... Natasha... What a bullshit name...
That being said.. I know every S&TC fan always tries to relate with one character and in reality, almost all of us want to be Carrie... The more I watch, the more I realize how I have a bit of all of them in me... The publicist (Samantha), the friend (Carrie), the innocent one (Charlotte), but most of all, I am happy to admit that I am a Miranda. Now if I could only find my Steve...
I wonder if S&TC will ever turn into a Broadway musical.. Now that would be comedic.
In other news... I took April to the Cirque de Soleil show LOVE at The Mirage tonight. It was hands-down the best show I've seen in Vegas. Most shows I get stir crazy and I'm ready for it to be over, even if I like it, but this one, I seriously was sad when they came on for the closing number... I thought after seeing Le Reve at the Wynn that I would never really dig a Cirque show.. I need a plot, a story line, and hey - even a chorus line will make me happy. But this show was seriously amazing... The soundtrack alone gave me goosebumps and made me fall even deeper in love with The Beatles than I ever thought possible...
And you know as I ramble on and on about these meaningless thoughts I know that this post is just yet another distraction to talk about what's really been going on lately. Death is something I have never understood and will probably never understand when it happens tragically or all too quickly. I understood when it was my grandmother that was lying in a hospital, full of pain and suffering. I got that she was ready, and I didn't want her to struggle.. But when it happens to someone young, it never is an easy pill to swallow....
Not only have I been struggling with this, it is even more difficult to see your friends struggle even worse.
I have never considered myself someone to take things for granted. Most of my friends know that I love them and would walk to the ends of the earth for anything they ever needed.. But it still feels good to say it. Or type it. Just share it.
And I sleep a little easier at night just knowing they know that...
Thursday, January 3, 2008
One of the many perks of being an Iowan...
Is the invasion of politicians every four years for the Iowa Caucus. Funny how when I was back, everyone there was totally over it though... The ads, the events, the speeches, etc.. They've been flooded with info the last few months because of tonight's caucuses.
However, I would love to be there right now. I would love to have been in Des Moines to hear this speech.
When I ask people if they are caucusing in Nevada and they look at me like I'm crazy, I'm never really sure what my reaction should be. I don't understand how people can not be "in" to politics. It effects you every single day... And with the way things have gone the past 8 years, how can you not being breaking down any doors stopping you making a CHANGE?
Four years ago, I was studying political science at Iowa State University. My favorite professor, Jim Hutter, had a course every two years to discuss political elections. Throughout the course you also had to volunteer on a campaign 50+ hours or so... This was one of my favorite courses throughout my 4.5 years as a college student. It changed my whole perspective on the political process and truly inspired me to be a part of the elections and absorb all of the knowledge around me.
I worked on the Kerry campaign. I caucused for Kerry in the beginning - when everyone said Howard Dean would win - and this was before the infamous squeal. I truly believed in the Kerry/Edwards campaign. I almost got run over while knocking on doors for him (crazy conservatives...) And when he lost, I cried. I felt so defeated.
When Kerry gave his concession speech, I remember crying even harder. I looked up what he said to find what moved me... It was this: I think of the brigades of students and people, young and old, who took time to travel, time off from work, their own vacation time, to work in states far and wide. They braved the hot days of summer and the cold days of the fall and the winter to knock on door because they were determined to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans.
They worked their hearts out. And I wish, you don't know how much, that I could have brought this race home for you, for them. And I say to them now: Don't lose faith. What you did made a difference. And building on itself, we go on to make a difference another day.
Whether you liked him or not, he knew we needed change. We all knew we needed change. And I hope so much that is upon us now.
I find inspiration in Barrack Obama, and I am excited to caucus for him in the great state of Nevada on January 19th. I need to know there is more out there than what I've seen our country struggled through the past eight years.
However, I would love to be there right now. I would love to have been in Des Moines to hear this speech.
When I ask people if they are caucusing in Nevada and they look at me like I'm crazy, I'm never really sure what my reaction should be. I don't understand how people can not be "in" to politics. It effects you every single day... And with the way things have gone the past 8 years, how can you not being breaking down any doors stopping you making a CHANGE?
Four years ago, I was studying political science at Iowa State University. My favorite professor, Jim Hutter, had a course every two years to discuss political elections. Throughout the course you also had to volunteer on a campaign 50+ hours or so... This was one of my favorite courses throughout my 4.5 years as a college student. It changed my whole perspective on the political process and truly inspired me to be a part of the elections and absorb all of the knowledge around me.
I worked on the Kerry campaign. I caucused for Kerry in the beginning - when everyone said Howard Dean would win - and this was before the infamous squeal. I truly believed in the Kerry/Edwards campaign. I almost got run over while knocking on doors for him (crazy conservatives...) And when he lost, I cried. I felt so defeated.
When Kerry gave his concession speech, I remember crying even harder. I looked up what he said to find what moved me... It was this: I think of the brigades of students and people, young and old, who took time to travel, time off from work, their own vacation time, to work in states far and wide. They braved the hot days of summer and the cold days of the fall and the winter to knock on door because they were determined to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans.
They worked their hearts out. And I wish, you don't know how much, that I could have brought this race home for you, for them. And I say to them now: Don't lose faith. What you did made a difference. And building on itself, we go on to make a difference another day.
Whether you liked him or not, he knew we needed change. We all knew we needed change. And I hope so much that is upon us now.
I find inspiration in Barrack Obama, and I am excited to caucus for him in the great state of Nevada on January 19th. I need to know there is more out there than what I've seen our country struggled through the past eight years.
Monday, December 31, 2007
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 :-)
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 :-)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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 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.
