#109 - Done!

Walking uphill in the snow both ways....

My dad used to come up with ridiculous stories about how his life was SO hard when I was a kid. He got "an orange for Christmas", "Walked up hill, in the snow, both ways to school" and on and on. You know everyones parents do this but I added #109 to my bucket list because of it. 

So dad...I literally walked up hill both ways in the snow. Although it wasn't to school, it was definitely in 19 degree (maybe colder) weather. Here's the coolest part of this one! I call the hotel to see how long the shuttle will take to come back and get me and the conceirge, Nelson, called my cell phone to make sure I was ok.

He sent two different busses to make sure someone came and got me. He wanted to make sure this little blonde girl was ok walking alone in the night over an icey river by herself. If thats not customer service then I don't know what is. I wrote a letter to his manager to say thank you.  The shuttle driver walked up the bridge to come find me as well.

Not only did I experience one killer random act of kindness tonight but I also had an amazing moment. More detail to come on my blog about visiting the two states. The story continues and trust me...its amazing.

Bucket List Delay!!

More bucket list items have been completed but its been a little slower on the progress the past two weeks because I'm in a boot and on crutches from a slip and fall two weeks ago.  I've realized a lot of the things I want to do require the function of my ankle.
In addition to my ankle, I also got a new job. Most people know by now but I am the new West Coast Florida Account Executive for The Knot. I will be representing the online only side of things. So in love with the company and a great group of people. Stay tuned, more to come!

Can't wait to make more progress!

WOW Moms - The Special Event

The Special Event 2012 was held in Tampa, FL. The Special Event is a conference that is geared towards professionals in the events industry from all over the world. Attending the conference is amazing but speaking...thats huge!  

I was so lucky to be included on a panel of industry WOW Moms who all shared their experiences of being a parent and juggling career.  My section of the panel was dedicated to growing up in the industry. What I learned, what I will pass on and what were my favorite memories and challenges.

Our panel was created by Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez - Exhilarate Events (who also served as the moderator), Stacie Francombe - Inspire Smart Success, Elisa Delgardio - A Flair for Affairs, Christine Logan - Logan Mania, Kelly McWilliams - Weddings by Socialites, Filomena Felix - Rentals Unlimited, Annette Babich - Annette Babich Events, Ruth Moyte - Red Dandelion Creative and Erin Schulte - Exclusive Events

These women are absolutely wonderful! They all had the most amazing perspectives on life, kids and making it all work.

#78 goes off the bucket list!  Ill post some great pictures from Kismis Ink when I get those and video from VH Video as well. 

For more information on TSE go to http://www.thespecialeventshow.com/. Here is the information on our program:

WOW Moms - Event industry mothers inspiring each other

Summary
Being a mother, whether single or married, in the event business is tough!  This industry is exhausting and can take a toll on us, especially those of us who are also matriarchs of our own families. How do mothers – from business owners to sales executives to designers, juggle a healthy family life and career all at once? We all seek the answers to healthy balance, but the answer is different for each of us.

This session will enlighten attendees as we peek behind the curtain: What drives us to continue? What keeps us from throwing in the towel, or yielding to a regular job?  How do we set the example?  What are we teaching?  What is the legacy we will leave?

We mentor our kids, our employees, our colleagues, our interns, even our spouses; we inspire each other through our everyday learning experiences. Yet, who inspires us when our energy and motivation is empty? THIS PANEL WILL !  This industry panel comprised of mothers from all facets of events and from all parts of the country will share the stage with fellow mother/ conference attendees - whether they be new moms or veterans - reflecting on their individual struggles and victories and putting emphasis on the fact that they are not alone in this struggle!

Join the conversation during this session, share experiences, laugh at our mistakes, war stories, and how your fellow event industry mothers are making it happen day to day while still being successful at their careers and family lives.

Methodology
In this 90 min session, pre-interviews of each panel members’ kids will share their perspectives on their mother’s jobs via an edited introduction video, pre-collected social media surveys among event professionals will be revealed,  real life war stories will be showcased through a slideshow of family photo memories from panel members and interested audience members who pre-register.  The questions and answers during the session will not just happen among panel speakers, but the roles will be flipped throughout, where the focus will also be shifted to the mothers in the audience, exchanging what approaches work, what routines are manageable or just getting by tactics which have proved to be successful in daily their lives.