5/24/08: VBar at the Venetian

We had a great dinner at Liz’s place, played “pin the Macho on the Man”, had fun with cut out man diddles, then ended up getting stranded in the outskirts of Vegas due to uncontrollable circumstances. It being the Memorial holiday, it was impossible to get a taxi cab, so we just waited for Liz to get back and we headed back to the strip around 11:30ish, battled the horrendous traffic, found a parking lot, walked the long hallway of shops into the Hard Rock and thought we were one step closer to starting the night. After being confronted by a ridiculous line and cover charge ($80/pp) at Prive at the Hard Rock, the girls and I trekked back to home base to VBar a small little venue at the Venetian, but free, nonetheless with minimal lines but the same booze that is served up everywhere else! At 1 a.m., we were finally able to start our night off – initially we were bitchy and tired but Trish and I claimed prime real estate front and center at the bar and posted up there, our drink cups runneth over, and we made the best of it.

Sushi and a flick

Last night Har took me on a date night-we ate sushi, drank saki, had coconut sorbet and apple crisp for dessert, and watched the new Indiana Jones movie, which, by the way was semi-dissapointing. Then we got our locks coiffed by Zohan on our way out of the theatre. :)
Sent via her BlackBerry

Scenes from the Cathouse

The bachelorette crew (plus 2 guest appearance chicks) on our first night in Vegas.
Sent via her BlackBerry

Day 1 and part 1 of Day 2: Bachelorette party

Last night we had dinner at Cathouse, then all of us hung out there for a while. Food was delish and the place reminiscent of moulin rouge.

After we left, some of the girls gambled, others got their pimp on due to alcohol goggle vision issues, then there was the bride to be and I, hanging out at the Liquidity bar playing the table video gambling games, having a few drinks, laughing, and talking about anything and everything that our tired minds could muster.

The two of us made our exit at around 4 a.m. back to the hotel to call it a night, while the rest of our crew stayed out galavanting all night until the next day when they came trailing in around 11 a.m. the next day.

Trish and I, bright and early decided to go relax in the jaquzzi at Tao Beach downstairs from our suite. It was nice and warm which was good because the weather was chilly and overcast; we enjoyed Sangria's then the rain came pouring down which was our cue to head back to the room. Now I can say that I walked in the rain in a bikini; haha! Only in Vegas.

Thankfully Kat managed to decorate the room in bachelorette decor to surprise Trish when we got back.

We got ready, dragged the rockstars out of bed to do the same, and got to our Erotic 101 class just in the nick of time. We learned lapdance and pole dance basics, the latter being a struggle for most of us, resulting in pole burns and bruises, but it was a fun time nonetheless. Now we can show our men some newfound skills!

Trish gave all of us a sweet gift-a photobook comprised of pictures of all of us good friends from high school to today. It made us all tear up in sentimental gratitude for a thoughtful gift.

Sent via her BlackBerry

All aboard

Okay, so a little bit of a delay, but we're not too late! The weather sucks but hopefully the forecast is wrong or it clears up! I'm hungry..good thing I packed food! Haha
Sent via her BlackBerry

I love Burbank airport!

It's only by a miracle of God that we zipped through minimal lines at check in and the security gate in under 30 minutes! That's what's great about the Burbank airport and, newly discovered, Jet Blue! Southwest was packed-glad we're not flying with them!

So we're here about an hour and a half early-better early than late!

My poor babe is probably on the road in horrific traffic right now :(
Sent via her BlackBerry

Battle wounds

My baby is back from the vet-this is his 2nd brawl and surgery. Thank God I have an Uncle and cousin run a vet clinic!

Ten had a large abcess that developed from a bite from Kali. He has small dog syndrome and kind of instigated the fight but she was wrong to man handle him, therefore they are both to blame.

He's got stiches and drains; he's eating and seems good and is just resting now.

He's such a boy, scars and all. Gotta love him, though-he's my baby no matter what.

Get well soon Ten! Xoxo, Mommy
Sent via her BlackBerry

Office sweet office

So I survived ICSC-my flight home was delayed due to high winds, so it was a bumpy ride! I sat next to the nicest most energetic 82 year old man.
Glad to be back home! It was a productive few days and I feel like I learned, contributed and understood a lot when I compare this ICSC to last years in my development as a broker, so that's exciting!

Now that I'm back in the office I've got lots to do before tomorrow.

My sweetie picked me up and it was great to spend time with him after a few days of not being together.

My cold seems to be getting better now..tomorrow I'm jet set again for Vegas, this time for the bachelorette party!
Sent via her BlackBerry

ICSC-Day 2

I had the balance of my meetings today, accomplished my goals of walking the tenant halls, and trying to eek out the last bit of my energy to even type this blog entry!

My cold is still lingering so I am still not feeling great on top of just being exhausted from the miles of walking the halls from one hall to the next for meetings as well as the dry hot weather.

I'm jealous of my colleague who changed her flight, so she'll be getting back home a day earlier! Too bad I don't have the autonomy to do the same! All I know is I am so ready to leave this town! I had a productive two days, felt like I learned a lot and did what I needed to do, and all I want to do is rest before the de ja vu of vegas for the bachelorette party arrives in 3 short days. This is perhaps the most inopportune planning but since I was vetoed out by the rest of my bridesmaids I guess I'm assed out!
Sent via her BlackBerry

Day 1 results

Whew, it's a scorcher out here today-106 degrees, a record breaking temperature (oh joy!) Thankfully the halls were a/c'd. *sigh, done with my meetings for the day. I did my rounds and introduced myself to about 75% of the retailers who are exhibiting here. I survived off free food giveaways and booth food (my stomach is hating me right now) but hey, this girl's on a budget right now! Tonight we have a company dinner with a developer we represent at the Wynn. Another hectic day awaits tomorrow! Stay tuned..

Sent via her BlackBerry

Day 2 - ICSC

Here's our X-Team booth-my company along w/ others around the nation share the monstrous booth costs to have a booth at the conference-a big deal since you'd otherwise have to stand for meetings in the halls. I just got done with my official very first meeting with Sunset Tan- a tenant I personally found and scheduled to meet with for my project in Calabasas! Go me! :) It went well and I'm off to two other of my own meetings back to back in about 10 minutes, then I'm going to walk the retail booths and try to cook up some potential new business. So far I'm surviving-ate a little, had some coffee, and keeping my feet from pain from all the walking. 1.5 more days to go and counting..
Sent via her BlackBerry

ICSC Day 1

OMG day 1 and I'm already tired of Las Vegas! The evening started at our client, 24 Hour Fitness' event at Noir Bar at the Luxor. The ambience was very Blade meets edward scissor hands-midnight black walls and red lighting. Goth decor and plush red leather chairs. Yummy appetizers a' plenty but I only ate a few. After that we went to the Buddah Lounge for more appetizers with "X-Next" a broker network our company is a member of; a walk out to the Palms pool got us into the annual ICSC kickoff party. We ducked out early, very early (been there, done that..over it! Need to kick my shoes off and sleep)

Let's just say its 12:16 a.m. now and I'm already lying in bed. If it wasn't for the hideous taxi line I would have been in my hotel room by 11:30 p.m.! I just want to attend my meetings, get through this convention with some useful knowledge/connections that will advance me as a broker and get home asap.

Clearly there are people here who are all about doing the Vegas thing, with work as an afterthought or excuse to come out here. Not I, says the cat. And thank God my co-workers are on the same page.

Farkin shoyt..can't believe I'm coming back to this town all over again next weekend when it's 3x as packed and expensive!

2.5 days to go..
Sent via her BlackBerry

Pre-ICSC relaxing at wet republic pool

Early ass flight, woke up at 7, airport at 730, on the plane at 8. Miss my boo already. Feel better but have a runny nose. Nice, nostril crust to worry about during meetings! Haha. Got in to the hotel and decided to take it easy pre-ICSC craziness so me and my co-workers decided to work on our tans at the pool. Hot as hell but glad 2 be getting a tan! This pool has ridiculous chair charges of $75. N*#a please, we'll sit on the concrete and get a cheaper tan!
Sent via her BlackBerry

Winning the lotto..

I got into a conversation with my co-workers today about the $100 Million lotto jackpot. I got to thinking what I’d do with all that cash, and here’s what I came up with. Looks like I got it all planned out, all I need to do is get the cash in my hands and I am SET!

 

What would I do with $100 mill?

 

I’d buy a custom made house in Pasadena, Calabasas (for my grandma & mom), a loft in downtown L.A., downtown SD, Frisco, NYC, and a few condos in Hawaii. I’d get married (custom cut rock and all) and have the wedding of the century. Then I’d invest a big chunk of it in commercial real estate to ensure a steady influx of passive cash flow…(ca-chiiing!), maybe purchase a few pinkberry franchises, open a retail clothing boutique with AG J, travel the world, FINALLY buy myself the first new car I’ve had since freaking 1997 – something totally ridiculous like a custom made hybrid Bugatti to make up for lost time! Lol.  Shop, shop, shop and get all custom made couture clothing, donate tons to children/animal/environmental organizations, buy a house for all of my family members, buy my friends cars, travel some more, take a bunch of work out classes and other random classes during the day, then probably get bored so I’d probably go back to do some form of work but on my own terms!

 

 

Ugh

This week we've had indecisive weather. One day cold and overcast, the next scorching hot, or blazing hot during the day but freezing at night. All of this jeckyl n hyde madness has put my energy level and wellness on the fritz. Not a good week either, since I'll soon embark on my Vegas overdose: 3.5 days of ICSC (real estate convention) then another 3 days for a bachelorette party. Have no fear, as soon as I woke up with scratchy throat symptoms I immediately thought of Airborne to the rescue. I'm not a fan of conventional meds and this stuff has saved me on more than 1 occasion. The new pink grapefruit flavor is tasty which is a plus!

Send me your get well vibes pronto..
Sent via her BlackBerry

Hybrid lovin pups

Walking to my car after a session of well overdue acts of consumption at Sherman Oaks Fashion Square I saw the cutest thing ever in the car next to me-two spotted dogs, one in the drivers seat and the other in the passenger seat of a Prius. Two eco-friendly dogs just anxious to get on the open road :)
Sent via her BlackBerry

Famous abs on Fox 11 news

Sometime last year my abs became famous and were featured on Good Day L.A. on a news story. A film crew came in to Crunch Gym during one of my weekly workouts (at the time it was "Zumba"). Crunch gym is tre Hollywood so I didn't think much of it and figured it was for internal promo for this new class.

Next thing I know my instructor Amber said to me, "Did you see the story on Fox about our class?" I was like, "No, what news story??" I googled Zumba on the Fox website, and low and behold, my abs were the star of the show. Now here we are one year later and they're now even better than before. Too bad there aren't any news crews in my abs class - this is when my pack is most impressive! ha ha ha

http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId="3099385"

Summer hair

Today I went in to the salon for highlights and came out 5 hours later with full head lightener, a caramelly brown base tone and honey highlights. Well, if you're going to do it, might as well go drastic! Still gotta get used to the honey highlights, a little on the too blond side for me but I'll give it a few days before I go back in to tone it down a bit. Otherwise I figure Summer's coming so go for a different look more appropriate for the season.
Sent via her BlackBerry

A few good men

Don't you just love it when you read something really sweet that a man says about a woman he loves..totally unscripted and without an agenda, but simply because it's how he truly feels?
Sent via her BlackBerry

Condoms for dummies

Until today I've never noticed the hilarious "directions for condom use" printed on the inside of Trojan boxes.

It has step by step illustrations and the directions contain the most simpleton caveman like vocabulary I've ever read in my life. It states the most obvious facts, but I guess there really are people that dumb out there to mandate it. Yeah, I guess dummies need lovin' too! Hopefully they get it right so they don't bring a little dummy to the world as a result of not following them properly.

Anyway back to the condom box. It's literally like the "dummies" book series, only dumber. Here are some excerpts that I found most entertaining along with my 2 cents:

BEFORE SEX:

1-.."Handle condom gently.." - (yeah, because condoms have feelings too!"

2-"Put condom on as soon as penis is hard." - (As if it even possible to roll a condom down a limp, lifeless, flacid penis if you tried.)

3-"Hold tip while you unroll condom...all the way down to the hair." (This can prove to be confusing to some boneheads who may shave, be pube deficient to begin with, or lead him to wrap it around his balls since they have hair too). "If condom doesn't unroll, it's on wrong.." (No shit Sherlock!) .."Throw it away".. (don't keep it as a souvenir) .."Start over with a new one (this product is not recyclable).

AFTER SEX:

"Dispose of used condom properly, not in the toilet" (yeah, dummy, don't clog up the john).."Turn and move completely away before you let go of condom" (now the girl is gonna think you think she has cooties). "And no more sex without a new condom." (I'm the condom box and you have to listen to me cause I'm the boss of you!).."If condom breaks and semen spills or leaks, don't panic" (what they really mean is don't scream like a little bitch). " But quickly wash semen away with soap and water" (since when was that effective and neutralizing sperm?)

Now that I stop to think about it there are obvious labels everywhere. The tag on my hair dryer says "do not use while in the bathtub." My starbucks says "careful, the beverage you're about to enjoy is extremely hot." Cigarettes say "Tobacco increases your chances of cancer. Man we really are surrounded by idiots!

Sent via her BlackBerry

Invisalign #12

I'm now on my 12th set of invisalign aligners..just 3 more to go for my uppers and another 14 more for my lowers.

I decided to compare aligners #1 with the most recent set (#12) and in doing so I see just how much my pearlies have come along.

I must say, it really is a pain in the ass not to mention a substantial adjustment to get used to the invisalign lifestyle. Yes, you can take invisalign out but you've gotta brush every time prior to putting them back in. I like to snack but sometimes I don't because it's a hassle. On the upside, since I brush like 3-5 times a day my teeth has never been cleaner! When I first started treatment, it felt like I had a hunk of plastic stuffed in my mouth and I thought to myself, WTF did I just sign up for!

Initially you feel conscious of that whole mouth full of plastic feeling. Kind of similar to getting dental work when your lips are full of anesthesia and they feel fat even though they look normal. You also have a temporary speech impediment because your tongue has to get used to having all that new found shit on your grill.

Now, 8 months later it's gotten easier. I can pop those babies in and out with ease. My orthodontist always compliments me for keeping my teeth so clean and for how well my teeth are tracking (obviously you can tell if someone is cheating and keeping them out for a little too long).

I've adjusted, and although it's still as much of a pain in the ass as it was from day one, I think I can handle the temporary inconvenience in the name of a perfect smile.

Sent via her BlackBerry

24 months under the Cypress tree

Today marks my 2 year anniversary with my company! To think, today I'm in my 5th month of broker training and just 2 years ago I got my foot in the door as a marketing/admin assistant turned manager in a few short months thereafter.

I couldn't be more blessed to work with a company that offers the opportunity to work with people I like, knowing full well that I will achieve unlimited success with some of the most respected people in the industry.
Sent via her BlackBerry

Americana the beautiful

My afternoon started with meeting girlfriends foe lunch; Meg, in town from NYC and Anne (who reminded me that I need to update my blog more often, which is what prompted me to do just that!) We all chose a delicious super sized salmon salad at too cute for words Aroma Cafe in Tujunga Village. We sat in the quaint secret gardenesque patio gabbing it up the way only girls can!

After Meg had her infamous California smoke, we parted ways and Anne and I decided to battle the crowds to check out Americana in Glendale on its debut weekend. Caruso did it again.."The Grove on crack" as Anne so appropriately put it. It was crowded like Disneyland-a lush park-like setting in the center courtyard with a gold statue atop a fountain, chandeliers hanging between "streets", and trolley tracks (but no trolley operating). It's nice, some good shops, a peppering of restaurants, a theatre, but nothing to write home about.

Americana is a one night stand, only worth revisits if it happens to be convenient and/or you have out of towners who want to see it.

Otherwise, it's just a "been there, done that" and go back to shopping where you normally do kinda deal. We spent most of our time in Bare Escentuals, experimenting at the beauty bar that sparkled with a pretty kalidescope of colors and getting advice from Paula (pronounced "POLE-AH" with a proper English accent) who swirled, tapped, and buffed like nobodies business.
Sent via her BlackBerry