Cirque du Soleil!

KOOZA! Korey and I had our first Cirque du Soleil experience- under the traveling circus tent! It was an incredible show, with fantastic surprises, mind-blowing human feats (you can't even imagine the contortionists!!), and music that was out of this world. It was a great night. You can check out some of the videos/music, etc. on their Kooza website: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/kooza/show/about.aspx

Oh yes, and I had my hair dyed really dark brown. I am not sure if I will get it lightened up (I feel like it needs some variation?!) this week before nick's wedding photos!

What can I say, it was a great wine. . .

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.” 

Mother Theresa

Big Omaha Weekend

Flew home for a fabulous fun filled weekend of family and celebrations. Maddy got married to Rich at an italian restaurant in Omaha, a perfect vintange venue for the couple who live just a couple blocks away. Then the next day it was off to Kate's baby shower. Check out the amazing decorations they made for the shower. Enjoy the links and photos courtesy of mom :-)

Maddy's Wedding!!

Kate's baby shower!!

a touch of inspiration for your monday :)

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/10/business/nurturing-a-baby-and-a-start-up-business.html?smid=pl-share

changes

my birthday gift to myself was the permission to move on. officially placed my 2 weeks and am ready to move back in the direction of international public service. thank you to all who continue to support me through the ups and downs. And to those of you with networks, go ahead and open the door - b/c I'm gonna come knocking!!

how i feel inside

Happy 27 to me :-)

I had a great birthday - celebrating all that I have to be thankful for. Tuesday I was treated to dinner by Kate and Bill Burke who were in town for a conference. Thursday the office wrote me a great card and surprised me with chocolate cake. Then it was a surprise lunch with Korey that ended with a rumchata followed by a cinnamon milkshake with chocolate espresso churros with a tamarin glaze. Not bad eh? Then a great night of catch up phone calls with friends and fam. Friday I went to dinner with Kate and the neighbors and then partied with some of the softball team and work friends. It was a crazy night that felt a lot like going out in Adams Morgan. We did the ASU party block, Mill Ave, a block I have avoided but have to say really enjoyed for the one night :) Saturday Kate and I went shopping and enjoyed the afternoon together before I joined back up with the neighbors. I have really enjoyed getting to know Karrie and Tom. They hail from IL and are pretty talented folk. We went for my first conveyor-belt sushi experience and then stopped by The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps practice. Tom serves on the board for the Corp and their two sons played in Corps. I never knew this world existed- it is intense!! I am looking forward to watching their big show later in June. I would be remiss if I didn't share that the night ended with a trip to Bandero in Old Town- a cool restaurant that I really dug. They have the world's best banana cream pie- according to the neighbs. Yes, I just shortened neighbors to neighbs. Anyways,  it was indeed a killer piece of pie. Dad- I got you covered whenever you visit! Sunday was a day of lounging at the pool with Kate and then a trip for a bit more pampering with a 2 hour massage. It was delightful :) Changes are on the horizon. So this was a perfect pit stop. Thank you all who helped to make me feel so special and loved on my birthday. I am lucky!

Here are photos courtesy of Facebook and Yelp :) 

Stole this pic of fbook- Karrie and Tom 

pick your sushi off the line! 

stack your plates at the end, and the server tallies up the colored plates.  Efficient!