January, February, March Oh My!

This year is going by so quickly, it seems like each month there are so many things that I want to get accomplished. Im pretty proud of myself for choosing one thing each month and making it happen.

In January we went to Mt Lemmon and stayed a weekend in a beautiful cabin. It was relaxing and a wonderful break from everything! It was also my Birthday and a great way to celebrate :)

Then came February, which was spent at the rodeo and horse races!

Lastly this March, has been all about fixing up the house. DIY projects galore!!!!

 

Looking forward to more painting and fixing up the guest bathroom, but most of all looking forward to April and our trip to Disneyland!!!!!

Puppy love

My Golden Retriever Lute, recently turned 1 year old. I love this guy :)

Bringing him home,for the first time!

Recent day at the park.

Little baby Lute!

Now this guy takes up half of the bed!

Hello 2014

I can't believe an entire year has almost gone by! So much for remembering to blog more often :/ Oh well. This year has been one of the most difficult years of my life, and I am happy to say that I have grown and learned more then I ever even thought possible. Instead of posting a list of goals or resolutions for 2014 (those lists will come soon enough) I thought it would be beneficial to reflect on all that I have accomplished this year. These are at the top of my '2013 Hell Yes, I Did It List':


 I'm a homeowner.

I am beyond proud of myself for this accomplishment. Owning my first property at 25, all by myself... truly makes me feel like I can really do anything that I set my mind to. I am so excited to see were this investment will take me. Not only do I have a great investment opportunity, I have a place of my own to call home. That is truly an indescribable feeling.

 I'm a pet-owner.

I have always wanted my own pet, and never thought that I had the time/money to care for anyone other than myself. However, this year I made it happen. The decision was one off the best decisions that I have ever made. My now 1 year old Golden Retriever is not only my dog and my protector he is the one who is there every morning and every night with an unimaginable amount of unconditional love.


This year I was also blessed to grow professionally and take on a new role. A role that challenges me everyday, and for that I am extremely grateful. This year I lost and gained a few friends, and I couldn't be happier with the people that I have chosen to surround myself with. Those who are supportive and only have my best interest at heart. Those are the friendships that I truly cherish.


Thank you 2013.

Learning, Growing, and Letting go of 2012

Its been an incredibly long time since I have taken the time to write. I figure that there is no better time to start than at the beginning of a brand new year. I'm wrapping up 2012 with a few things that I have learned and resolutions for the new year:

If you cant change it, you better learn to LET IT GO

This year I learned that it is impossible to change somethings and if it is impossible; then letting go is the only way to allow yourself to move on. Holding on to unnecessary negative energy will only bring you down. Therefore in 2013, I hope to let go of more, forgive quickly, and to always remember that situations/people/conflicts can only bring you down, if you allow them too.

Always Give More Than You Take

 With the craziness of life and work, the days and weeks seem to fly by. In 2013, I want to make more time to give back. Give back to my family and friends and community. I want to work on one service project a month, maybe even become a tutor or mentor. Something I have always wanted to do, and I truly feel that the only way to give thanks for all that I have, is to give back to others. Good things come, to those who help others.

Intellectual Stimulation

 This year is going to bring major changes my way, I need to further my education and whether that be by going back to school for my master or finally applying to law school. I need to make it happen, my desire to learn hasn't faded. I miss school, and need to be intellectually challenged, so that I can grow into a better me.

Happiness is the little things-  Its funny to me that often times in life, its the little things that seem to make us the happiest. So this year, I vow to do more everyday little things that bring me happiness. Why not? Why wait? I need more day trips, and more travel, more movie days, more massages, more Mani's and Pedi's. Work will be there when I return, and life will be there when I return. However, I'm learning that having a refreshed sense of energy and happiness is priceless.


Cheers to 2012, and making it count in 2013 <3

The Top 3 Underwhelming/Overused Event Venues in Tucson

First off, I would like to offer an apology if you recently had an event, or are in the process of planning an event at one of the three venues that I am about to mention. I'm sure your special day was everything you wanted and more. However being in the event business for some time now, I have done extensive research on venues in Tucson, and all that they have to offer. That being said, I am continually astonished at the amount of people who decide to book events at the following locations. Here me out, on the top 3 underwhelming and overused event venues in Tucson:

1. La Mariposa

This venue must go down as being the most overused venue in the greater Tucson area.  Every single event held at La Mariposa looks identical to one another. It lacks originality and most of all character. They use the exact same floor plan for each event. The room is small and barley fits 100 guests comfortably. The shape of the room itself is also extremely awkward and leaves nothing to be desired to the aesthetic seeking eye. The worst part of the venue is that they make all the decisions for you. You must use there DJ and there bakery- here in lies the exact reason for the venue lacking any originality. With major decisions made for you, a less than appealing floor plan, and overall bland environment, your event is destined to look exactly like every other wedding held at the venue.The term 'cookie-cutter wedding' was coined especially for La Mariposa.

2. Angelica's Wedding and Events

I need to stop and take a deep breath before discussing this next venue.... phewww.. In fact I use the term 'venue' loosely, it is located in what seems to resemble a strip mall directly on Speedway Blvd. Nothing is made or prepared on property,  four white walls and a table is pretty much the extent of what you get and not even for a reasonable price. This venue is one step below a backyard wedding. Ouch. I know what was harsh, but I speak the truth. A backyard wedding can be fabulous given the right tools. I would definitely opt for that over spending money on Angelica's.

3. Radisson Inn Suites

At one point in time say 15 years ago the Radisson must have been an average option to host an event. Nowadays the amount of money that this two star hotel charges for an event, should be a crime. There is nothing private or memorable about the Radisson.. all of your guests are well aware of what the inside of this standard hotel looks like. Dance floor? What dance-floor? You are lucky if they rent an un-sturdy fake slab of wood in the shape of a square that will be passed off as a dance-floor. Not to mention the tacky red carpet and blank walls will remind you of the barmitzvah you attended in middle school with the majority of guests being 7 times your age. The one appeal of this venue, will be there non- existent 'site fee', the sales rep will try to convince you of the amount of money you will save as they will wave the site fee and only charge you for the meals if you guarantee at-least 100 guests. What this really means is: all of the guests that are staying at the hotel during your event, that will all be present as they walk through the lobby in there flip flops and towels on the way to the pool.. paid way to much for there rooms, therefore eliminating the need for you to pay a site fee. The hotel is already making money whether they have your event or not. So don't expect this venue to go above and beyond to make your day memorable. I would skip the reception all together and get a 'suite' (if you can call it that) at the hotel, drink some cheap champagne, and call it a night.. before I ever host an event at the no tell hotel of venues.

I felt the need to write this entry as somewhat of a public service announcement. Don't settle for a venue that packages everything together, the venue gets a 'kick back' every time you are suckered into using a service that they offer such as there DJ or Bakery. One stop shop in the venue business means that you are probably getting ripped off.

Check out these venues for a classy, unique tastefully memorable event:

Arizona Inn - This is one of the classiest venue spots in Tucson, its vintage feel and cozy environment will leave your guests wanting to stay wayyyy past last call. 

Skyline Country Club- Skyline is right! the view of this venue is out of this world. You have to see it to believe how gorgeous it truly is.

This is the first time I have ever blogged about anything work related, and I must say it has been quite therapeutic.

All's fair in love, war and real estate...

I entered adulthood on 11-10-11 and 4:17pm. When I made my first offer on a house!!

It took me a long time to decide whether or not this was the right decision for me. Many people my age, told me I was crazy. That owning a home would forever "tie me down" to Tucson. But, I couldn't help but have a different outlook; owning a home is an investment.  An investment that I will always have and that has the potential to remain profitable no matter where I live.  Although I do love Tucson, I'm not saying I will live here forever. But owning my first investment property at 23, yea I think I'm doing something right.

I'm still waiting to hear back from my agent to let me know, if my offer was accepted or not.  I have my fingers crossed, because I fell in love with the house from the moment I walked in! On the other hand, I'm a firm believer that what is meant to be, will always be. So If this house doesn't come thru for me, I'm sure I will find another, when the time is right. 

Dead and Gone

So I decided to start blogging in attempt to stay connected with my two bestest friends, who have all decided to leave me and our home town for bigger and better opportunities.. how dare they? right? But as I stated to ponder what I should be writing about... I got an unexpected email from the ex boy. I immediately felt sick to my stomach, and they say writing is therapy so here goes nothing...

Dead and gone. This is what happens after a break up. You tell yourself that those two people no longer exist.  Otherwise, one would drive themselves crazy wondering what they were thinking ,and how they could have wasted so much time for a person who obviously wasn't even worth it. A person whom is barely even recognizable anymore. Instead, I choose tell myself that that boy is gone. He is not the same person, and either is that girl. Call it denial if you must, but I call it progress. Dead and gone, but on to the next :)

I'm a  horrible blogger. Hopefully these posts get better :)