Every once in a while I get a burst of blog envy, and come crawling back here to indulge. This week I am feeling inspired on a variety of levels. I was severely suffering from a creative slump. I started looking back through my choreography from my OU Tap Cats days and forgot how truly bad ass it was. See here. Or here.
Good stuff.
Anyway. I felt like I needed somewhere where I could take class for me and challenge myself again. As fate would have it, It appears I moved (I moved, yes) in the exact neighborhood of a very prestigious tap studio where many of the greats are known to drop in and teach when in town. SO I decided to drop in and finally felt a challenge and a renewed sense of self. It would be easy to let that part of my life slide, but it is important to keep it going. A huge part of my up bringing and personal culture. I am hoping to attend as many as I can and carry over my energy to my students. I have a long way to go with them this year!
DC TapFest anyone?
After reading through the below I also find it exciting that I have actively accomplished most of what I had hoped to after my last post. I mentioned moving which I did, granted I am not sure I improved my circumstances much, as I now have an hour commute to work each morning...YIKES. At least my house is awesome and new and mice-free.Visitors?
Isaac is also attending Law School at Catholic University, hence the move, which is awesome...and awesomely challenging for both of us. That's for another post.
Meanwhile, I am working on achieving MAJOR goals in my career. One being earning my CMP as well as a few other things in the pipeline that arent ready for publication. I will be sure to update. 4 years in the city and it feels like yesterday.
Halloween in the District this weekend. Its funny how only a few years change things so drastically. Usually I am AMPED for this holiday and have several costumes and ideas ready to go. This year, I am yet again, uninspired and stressed. What are you guys dressing up as for Halloween? I have 2 days to get something together! I found these ideas to be pretty hilarious. I love when things literal.
On that note I leave you... xo
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
"March Madness" in Charlotte
Charlotte, is where I call "home" this week for our latest event taking over the Hyatt House Center City. I am quite honestly blown away. Charlotte has really stepped up their game. We are surrounded by a clean and safe downtown area full of great places to eat and hang out. Chic bowling alley (yes, that exists), Movie Dinner/Theaters and high end stores line the "center city" area. The hotel has also surpassed my expectations. What a great move for the Hyatt brand. Very sleek and modern with a purple theme (which I love obviously!) and fantastic artwork throughout. If you are having a small meeting, 80 or less, I would reccomend this in an instant. Or even for personal travel, the amenities and food are really just fantastic.
After a wonderful lunch out at VIDA Cantina, where yes, I am happy to report that it was Margarita Monday, we were able to explore the area a little and have some fun.
Heist Brewery was our next stop as we continued to eat our way through Charlotte. Ryan, a dear friend of mine from home lives in Charlotte and took us to this fun new and up and coming spot in the NODA area of Charlotte, similar to the Arts District. I must say that if you are in town you should give this restaurant a try! A great beer selection and unique menu really set this brewery apart from many I have tried. Where else can you get wasabi flavored cotton candy over a shrimp skewer and a raspberry chipotle duck quesadilla while drinking a beer? SO fantastic! A definite must try!
Tonight I am off to the Charlotte Bobcats game... I guess when in Charlotte... who knows.
Stay tuned, for more travel adventures!
After a wonderful lunch out at VIDA Cantina, where yes, I am happy to report that it was Margarita Monday, we were able to explore the area a little and have some fun.
Heist Brewery was our next stop as we continued to eat our way through Charlotte. Ryan, a dear friend of mine from home lives in Charlotte and took us to this fun new and up and coming spot in the NODA area of Charlotte, similar to the Arts District. I must say that if you are in town you should give this restaurant a try! A great beer selection and unique menu really set this brewery apart from many I have tried. Where else can you get wasabi flavored cotton candy over a shrimp skewer and a raspberry chipotle duck quesadilla while drinking a beer? SO fantastic! A definite must try!
Tonight I am off to the Charlotte Bobcats game... I guess when in Charlotte... who knows.
Stay tuned, for more travel adventures!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Bienvenido a Miami
I am declaring myself a business traveler so its only fair to share my travels. I have to say that while sitting in the airport I am overcome by the amount of people who are in the same position as I, but look stressed, annoyed, and overly entitled. I will never be burdened my my work travel, I mean after all, these are experiences I will never have on my own. How often can I stay at the FontaineBleau resort and drop 325.00 a night? Never.
Anyway, as I steer my blog towards the travel recap I want it to be perhaps I need to focus on my experience and not on the apparently passe theme of "appreciation" for travel these days.
The hotel was obviously beautiful and very very large. As soon as I got there I parked it in the hotel lobby bar hoping to run into the likes of Kim Kardashian or maybe Gaga, you know, recovering from cancelling her tour by drinking whiskey on South beach? Not so much, but it was still a worth while experience. I have never seen such high heels and outfits 100% composed of sequins, clearly, my type of town. Here is where the catch comes, I was here for a board meeting so my socializing came to an abrupt halt for the duration of the trip. I can vouch for their catering and outlets. Super tasty. But please make sure you have room on your CC because this will come at a premium.
Luckily, my last day before my flight I got to take the trek out to the beach. BEAUTIFUL. See below.
I was the first out to the beach as the sun was coming up. I can only hope to be back here someday to really soak up the sun. There are somethings you just cant pass up, so if I got a little sun burnt before It was time to head to the airport so be it. Everyone needs to come here and soak up the sun, but maybe the courtyard by Marriott down the road is more in your realm.
Many adventures await up so stay tuned!
Anyway, as I steer my blog towards the travel recap I want it to be perhaps I need to focus on my experience and not on the apparently passe theme of "appreciation" for travel these days.
The hotel was obviously beautiful and very very large. As soon as I got there I parked it in the hotel lobby bar hoping to run into the likes of Kim Kardashian or maybe Gaga, you know, recovering from cancelling her tour by drinking whiskey on South beach? Not so much, but it was still a worth while experience. I have never seen such high heels and outfits 100% composed of sequins, clearly, my type of town. Here is where the catch comes, I was here for a board meeting so my socializing came to an abrupt halt for the duration of the trip. I can vouch for their catering and outlets. Super tasty. But please make sure you have room on your CC because this will come at a premium.
I was the first out to the beach as the sun was coming up. I can only hope to be back here someday to really soak up the sun. There are somethings you just cant pass up, so if I got a little sun burnt before It was time to head to the airport so be it. Everyone needs to come here and soak up the sun, but maybe the courtyard by Marriott down the road is more in your realm.
Friday, January 4, 2013
New Year... New Post.
It's 2013? Weird. Oddly enough, I stumbled on my blog by accident today while reading up on a few others, and while reading over it, it is really interesting, to me anyway. Kind of an insight to the person I used to be. But while my life is not NEARLY interesting enough to keep up with this on a regular basis, I'll give it a shot today.
I wish I could say that there has been more change. But really 2012 provided me a lot of the same. I have been stuck in this god forsaken apartment the entire time I have lived here, which I think is my main source of resentment for this area. I can't believe this has been a three year ordeal. I have had Isaac on my side for the entire time, who saw that coming? I did not. Not to say there haven't been severe up and downs, but here we are.
I spend half my time traveling for work and looking forward to expanding my career and network every day. I spend the other half supporting and pouring my self in to Isaac's future. I pray that he gets in to Law School. Thank god for the Marine Corps and their guidance, support, development, training, and overall structure but I want him to be happy and that leaves us on pins and needles until this spring when the acceptance letters come in. Where will that put us? ::MillionDollarQuestion::
SO what does 2013 bring? After having a nostalgic Christmas vacation and trying my way back through One Tree Hill from the beginning, I think I have learned that making predictions for the year head are usually pointless, but hey. Oh, and that 2006 had FANTASTIC tunes.
- Leading a healthier life style and not cringe when I see my weight. Cliche. But no one likes Cellulite. #amen
- Continue to grow and adopt new projects at work, and rock them out.
- MOVE
xo
I wish I could say that there has been more change. But really 2012 provided me a lot of the same. I have been stuck in this god forsaken apartment the entire time I have lived here, which I think is my main source of resentment for this area. I can't believe this has been a three year ordeal. I have had Isaac on my side for the entire time, who saw that coming? I did not. Not to say there haven't been severe up and downs, but here we are.
I spend half my time traveling for work and looking forward to expanding my career and network every day. I spend the other half supporting and pouring my self in to Isaac's future. I pray that he gets in to Law School. Thank god for the Marine Corps and their guidance, support, development, training, and overall structure but I want him to be happy and that leaves us on pins and needles until this spring when the acceptance letters come in. Where will that put us? ::MillionDollarQuestion::
SO what does 2013 bring? After having a nostalgic Christmas vacation and trying my way back through One Tree Hill from the beginning, I think I have learned that making predictions for the year head are usually pointless, but hey. Oh, and that 2006 had FANTASTIC tunes.
- Leading a healthier life style and not cringe when I see my weight. Cliche. But no one likes Cellulite. #amen
- Continue to grow and adopt new projects at work, and rock them out.
- MOVE
xo
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Its been awhile.
Sighing as I hit this two year mark that signifies so many things. Leaving college, Ohio, life as I knew it. Moving to DC, starting my first "real" job at the Hotel (insert guttural sound here), meeting my boyfriend. Moving in to my apartment, killing pests on my own, and trying to make new friends. I am extremely overwhelmed by everything that I have been through in these short 24 months. It was a whirlwind that's for sure. Three jobs later, 100 friend transitions later, and an infinite amount of mistakes, I write to you from a changed mind.
I'm not going to regale you with lessons learned and acquired wisdom. More so just lay it all out there for anyone who is interested in a few minutes of witty rhetoric. One thing that does strike me as ironic is that I had to lay this blog to rest for sometime as it was "frowned upon" by my last employer and oddly enough due to my current employer that I bring it back to life. So here it goes.
I guess you could say that I have done what I'd set out to do. I wanted to be an "event planner". I wanted to be the woman walking down the busy city street carrying a coffee and an expensive bag. I wanted the hussle and bussle, the honking, and the in your face sink or swim mentality. Well I've got all of that covered and it is what it is. It takes it's toll on you. I've hardened and I've learned. Now the focus is on finding myself underneath it all again.
Luckily, my new position is a breath of fresh air. I am doing what I want to do and beginning to settle in to a more comfortable life style. I am experiencing more of a life balance, while traveling and meeting new people. I am able to start incorporating old friends back in to my life and work on my relationships that took a hit along the way. I have learned that no matter how many things are on your plate, you have to take things ONE item at a time and slowly check off down the list and always remember to take a deep breath and wait 5 minutes before sending an email. So take that for what it's worth and go on with you day.
I'm excited to share more elements of my world with you--so check back and see whats going on in my neck of the woods?
xo
I'm not going to regale you with lessons learned and acquired wisdom. More so just lay it all out there for anyone who is interested in a few minutes of witty rhetoric. One thing that does strike me as ironic is that I had to lay this blog to rest for sometime as it was "frowned upon" by my last employer and oddly enough due to my current employer that I bring it back to life. So here it goes.
I guess you could say that I have done what I'd set out to do. I wanted to be an "event planner". I wanted to be the woman walking down the busy city street carrying a coffee and an expensive bag. I wanted the hussle and bussle, the honking, and the in your face sink or swim mentality. Well I've got all of that covered and it is what it is. It takes it's toll on you. I've hardened and I've learned. Now the focus is on finding myself underneath it all again.
Luckily, my new position is a breath of fresh air. I am doing what I want to do and beginning to settle in to a more comfortable life style. I am experiencing more of a life balance, while traveling and meeting new people. I am able to start incorporating old friends back in to my life and work on my relationships that took a hit along the way. I have learned that no matter how many things are on your plate, you have to take things ONE item at a time and slowly check off down the list and always remember to take a deep breath and wait 5 minutes before sending an email. So take that for what it's worth and go on with you day.
I'm excited to share more elements of my world with you--so check back and see whats going on in my neck of the woods?
xo
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Lessons: Part 1.
I just need say that I have been having quite a few laughs at work this week with one of our groups. First of all, I was introduced into my new favorite blog, I suggest you all spend your free time readying... http://www.27bslash6.com/matthewsparty.html so great.
I learned several things this week already. First, it is never necessary to pull over in front of a Taco Bell when you think you may have a potential propane tank leak, run in to the Taco Bell to evacuate the poor families feeding their children, all just to realize you have not securely tightened the tank. I swear. That was not me. Second, going to the grocery store at night (like 9:30) around here is a poor choice. There are a lot of scary characters hanging out in the parking lot at this time. And when was the last time YOU saw 9 police cars in a store parking lot on a regular basis just in case? That is probably to ensure my safety, but really it just draws to my attention that I am probably going to be attacked some day. Third, I am still not completely happy with the parking situation at work. I find that parking my car is actually the most stressful part of my entire day. That seems a bit ridiculous for my heart and blood pressure. But it takes a lot of thought and strategy to get my car in the right place so I wont (a) be blocked in by 3 cars that I have to move, thus setting off the alarm in the garage, when I try to leave or (b) hit a pillar as I back into a space. Stress.
Tonight, I am cooking my first real meal since I have been here. I have a guest for this occasion... so that should be interesting. I am not doubting my abilities as a cook, or a host... just saying. I am making stromboli, with homemade bread. I feel as though that deserves points right there, coming home to my kitchen after work and seeing a beautiful pile of dough rising really made me feel domestic and somewhat like Martha Stewart. Some may think that is a bad thing, but dough really does something for the aroma in your apartment. Anyway, I have had a lot of trouble with this oven. It has burned everything I have put in it so far. Muffins, cookies, etc. So I think i am going to cook at 200 because that seems to be about the only temperature it can handle. Wish me luck-
Heading home this weekend for Missy's Wedding that should be a grand time. When I return however I hear I may be going to Virginia Beach, that would be very lovely... Ill keep you posted
until then
I learned several things this week already. First, it is never necessary to pull over in front of a Taco Bell when you think you may have a potential propane tank leak, run in to the Taco Bell to evacuate the poor families feeding their children, all just to realize you have not securely tightened the tank. I swear. That was not me. Second, going to the grocery store at night (like 9:30) around here is a poor choice. There are a lot of scary characters hanging out in the parking lot at this time. And when was the last time YOU saw 9 police cars in a store parking lot on a regular basis just in case? That is probably to ensure my safety, but really it just draws to my attention that I am probably going to be attacked some day. Third, I am still not completely happy with the parking situation at work. I find that parking my car is actually the most stressful part of my entire day. That seems a bit ridiculous for my heart and blood pressure. But it takes a lot of thought and strategy to get my car in the right place so I wont (a) be blocked in by 3 cars that I have to move, thus setting off the alarm in the garage, when I try to leave or (b) hit a pillar as I back into a space. Stress.
Tonight, I am cooking my first real meal since I have been here. I have a guest for this occasion... so that should be interesting. I am not doubting my abilities as a cook, or a host... just saying. I am making stromboli, with homemade bread. I feel as though that deserves points right there, coming home to my kitchen after work and seeing a beautiful pile of dough rising really made me feel domestic and somewhat like Martha Stewart. Some may think that is a bad thing, but dough really does something for the aroma in your apartment. Anyway, I have had a lot of trouble with this oven. It has burned everything I have put in it so far. Muffins, cookies, etc. So I think i am going to cook at 200 because that seems to be about the only temperature it can handle. Wish me luck-
Heading home this weekend for Missy's Wedding that should be a grand time. When I return however I hear I may be going to Virginia Beach, that would be very lovely... Ill keep you posted
until then
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Homeless in DC
Sweet baby jesus. I am stressed out! I have now been living in the hotel for a week and am still trying to figure out my moving arrangements. No matter what I do nothing seems to work out. I only have until Tuesday to figure something out. This whole situation is a catch 22. I need my car to be able to leave the hotel... but I cant have my car until I have somewhere to live. Do you see the problem here? Things were almost solved when I was sitting moments away fro signing a lease until my credit check came back and showed that I have no credit built up. I am 22!!!! Then they wouldn't allow me to have a co signer. AWESOME. So scratch that plan. The girl I was planning to sub lease from is on a vacation until wednesday... so there is still potential but not soon enough to meet my Tuesday deadline. Ah I literally have not had any peace since coming here. I cant wait until I can sit down in something that I am paying for and finally start to adapt to my surroundings.
On another note, I am really liking my job! The people I work with are so great, young, and fun! I can tell that the entire hotel staff really is a close family! I have been welcomed in so openly and everyone makes it a point to talk with me even when I am here as just a customer! If it wasn't for the seemingly great future with this company I would scrap all of this apartment searching nonsense and high tail it back to the 419. Liking my job is what matters though, and I am happy to report that it is PERFECT!
Next, I know you have all been wondering. I finally had my first night out on the town last night. Phew. I made it back alive...i am so proud. I went out with an old friend from Athens and I think he was literally trying to kill me. It was a lot of fun though and it really helped to get out of the hotel for a night! I don't think that it has really sunk in that I live in here now. I feel like I am just on a weird vacation. It's rather comical to me that I am living in the hotel. When I leave work everyday I just get on the elevator and go up a few floors. When I get dinner, the people I work with are the ones bringing it to my door. All very strange. I really just cant wait for next weekend because that will mean that I have survived and am actually living somewhere! And as luck would have it, the hotel is closing all of the following week for renovations and I have a week off work to explore my new city!
So I am just going to say. I need 2 weeks to adjust and then I neeeeeeddd everyone to start booking when they would like to come visit me :) I cant be alone here forever!
Cheers to a good week and a prosperous apartment search...
Louella
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