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By Vegasbab, December 18, 2011 7:15 am

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

I’m pretty sure that I already knew this lesson, but it’s also one that doesn’t always come naturally. The Secret focuses on it as do a multitude of other books, philosophers and culture specialists.

About a week ago, I went to a two day seminar for the new gig. Think of it as an orientation into their culture. Yep, it was a total Kool-Aid drinking, Kum Ba Yah-filled two days

However, there were two great focuses from the meeting. To me, they were things that I had been working on all year but without being able to articulate them properly, I also couldn’t properly zone in. The lessons were:

1. Be Here Now
2. How Do You Respond?

I’m still not perfect at staying positive all the time or focusing on the positive first, but I’m working towards it!

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By Vegasbab, November 15, 2011 7:03 pm

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

At my new place of work there are no assigned parking spots. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have an assigned parking spot. I also can’t remember having to park in a parking lot so huge.

As imagined, the best spots, aka those closest to the front door, go quickly. By the time I get there, the front lots are full and only the spots in timbuktu are left. Yet, every day, I drive down the second and third aisle hoping for a spot. About once every two weeks, I get lucky

Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Sometimes, I feel that taking the time to search for a “good” spot is insane. But, most of the time it’s an act of hope.

It may be silly, but searching for a “better” parking spot means I’m not willing to settle. It means that I believe I can impact the world. It means that continuing to talk about my visions of marketing’s future landscape are worthwhile. It means that while maybe others can’t see it now, if I keep trying and chipping away, one day they will.

All this from a parking spot search you say? Yep. Every morning. It’s my reminder to never give up. To never settle.

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By Vegasbab, September 23, 2011 11:01 am

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

When people come back from Europe, they talk about the gorgeous sites, the incredible food and the culture. But, for me, my biggest takeaway from Europe was the pace of life. For me, slowing down and not rushing to the end destination is tough. While Europe certainly helped, it’s a tough mindset to keep constant (at least for me). I find myself always trying to speed things up.

Six years ago, I took a cross country road trip and rushed through the drive as quickly as possible. I think I barely even stopped to enjoy the Grand Canyon. After arriving at my destination, I realized that the rush wasn’t worth it. I vowed that on my next road trip (whenever that may be) I wouldn’t rush to my destination.

On my latest road trip, I didn’t rush. I stopped at whatever roadside attractions I wanted to. I took a morning and went to a Celtic Festival and Yoga Rocks the Park when I stopped in Denver, Colorado. Both were fun, relaxing and great experiences. They made the road trip that much more rich and memorable. The best part? I got to my destination, relaxed, not too sore and ready to take on the day. The lesson? Slowing down only had upsides; no downsides. Slowing down didn’t negatively impact my timeline. Slowing down provided me with memories and stories that will last a lifetime. And my favorite lesson? Sometimes, when you slow down you really do get ahead.

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By Vegasbab, September 12, 2011 6:28 am

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

As to why this particular “roadshow” is called Wanderlust perplexes me. It has nothing to do with travel and everything to do with yoga. Wanderlust was a 3-day yoga experience at The Cosmopolitan. For lack of a better term, the workshop was taught by John Friend, founder of Asura yoga. John was also the mentor of my all-time favorite yoga instructor, Jordan. When the once in a lifetime opportunity came for John to be in Las Vegas and leading yoga classes that didn’t end in receiving an instructors license or weren’t upwards of $1,500, I jumped at the chance.

In brutal honesty, the event wasn’t quite what I expected, but inspiring nevertheless. For me, during the yoga portions of the day, it was almost like hearing Jordan teach, but not as good I always have to smile proudly when I witness a student surpassing the teacher.

Aside from the physical yoga portion, John spent a few hours just talking. You could tell he was an incredibly smart man who saw the world differently than most. During his talks, the takeaways were many. But a few of my favorite lessons and reminders were:

• Lucky people really are the lucky ones. What you put into something and the energy you give out, is what you will receive back
• There is beauty (and purpose) all around us. No matter how you throw apple seeds into the ground, the roots will always grow down and the branches always up. In fact, if you uprooted a tree and turned it upside down, it would “right” itself again.
• Simple. I don’t fully remember the exact words that went with this lesson, but it focused on “drinking” in just enough and not overwhelming yourself.
• Acceptance. There are some things you can’t change – like the pounding music we heard during our outdoor practice. There’s no need to create drama, just accept and adapt.

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By Vegasbab, August 28, 2011 5:32 am

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” Amidst a crazy travel schedule in late August, I showed up to a close friend’s engagement/birthday party in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was there just short of 24 hours. I flew in, partied, visited the Mall of America and flew out.

Unbeknownst to me until arrival, I was her only friend that did show up. Everyone else was either family or friends of her fiancee. Me being there meant more to both of them than I realized when booking the trip (and choosing not to cancel).

The lesson? Always smile, always send the “Happy Thanksgiving” text, always show up – you never know how much it will mean to someone else. Your little gesture can mean the whole world to the other person. Cheesy, but true

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By Vegasbab, August 1, 2011 10:14 pm

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

The best lessons and advice often come at the most unexpected times from the most unexpected people. This advice was no different. The lesson came from a guy who had recently graduated from college. Ironically, it was some of the best relationship advice I’ve received.

For months, possibly even years, I’ve been asking, “How do you know when it’s right? How’s it supposed to feel? What’s it supposed to feel like?” Anyone I asked had the same response – “You just know.” It drives me mad. I know it feels slightly different every time, but I wanted to know what they felt.

I would have never guessed that a 24-year old male would be the one to articulate it so eloquently. His advice?

Ask yourself: Does this person and being with them make you feel good about you? If the answer is yes, then you know it’s right.

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By Vegasbab, July 2, 2011 1:40 pm

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

For the fourth of July holiday, I’m spending five days in Mexico with a friend. He planned (and paid for) the trip and thus, the accommodations and things we’re partaking in are his choice, his speed. He warned me that where we were going would be “authentic” Mexico. It would be rustic. I thought, “cool.” The pictures of Mexico I had seen from other friends’ trips were so gorgeous that I figured the beauty would far outweigh however rustic things might be. Plus, how bad could it really be?

I was wrong. With no AC, bugs everywhere and rock hard mattresses, among other calamities, it’s a little too rustic for me.

When I visited the Bahamas for the first time, while beautiful, I wondered why people just didn’t go to Florida instead. Growing up in Florida, I know there are places there where the water is just as blue, the sand is even whiter and the sunsets are breathtaking. As a bonus, the water is safe to drink. Being in Mexico, I’m reminded of that thought. Why come to a place where it’s unsafe to drink the water when there is just as much, if not more beauty in Florida?

Alas, the adage, “life is what you make of it” comes to mind. For the trip I can sit, pout and cringe over being sick OR, I can put a smile on my face, dive into the waves, come up with a bikini full of sand and end up having a great time learning how to surf.

In every situation, what you put in is what you get out of it. And, more importantly, it’s what you make of it. For me, Mexico can be the worst vacation ever or I can pretend it’s a daring adventure For now, I’m working on going with the latter.

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By Vegasbab, June 18, 2011 8:52 pm

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

A year ago, a friend wrote a blog post and ended it with the quote, “Find yourself a navigator. It’s no fun traveling alone.” The quote has stuck with me, so much so that I didn’t have to look it up to remember it verbatim. At the time, I scoffed. I had traveled alone plenty of times. But, this past year, I have realized more than ever how true the statement is. It’s similar to my – “it doesn’t matter what city you work in as long as your friends are near” philosophy.

In reality, it’s no fun to travel alone. The lights are just lights; they sparkle a little less. The sights are just sights; they’re a little less breathtaking. And the memories? Well, they’re only captured in your camera and when explained, you end the story with, “I guess you had to be there…” But, the sad part is, only you, alone, were there to remember.

30 days. 5 countries. $8,000. The lesson learned? Find yourself a navigator. Traveling alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

[Caveat: I wrote this post while I was sick in Amsterdam. Maybe I was a little people sick (vs. home sick) too. My Couples Trip post is almost the exact opposite of this one. I suppose for me the jury is still out on whether or not I want a navigator.]

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By Vegasbab, June 18, 2011 11:51 am

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

Like most things, it took me awhile, but I finally fell in love with Instagram. I’m using it to do a “one photo a day” project. Granted, some days it’s no photos and other days it’s three photos, but it’s a fun project that helps remind me of all the amazing places and experiences I’m having.

But, I digress. Instagram provides 16 filters that help to make any picture look professional and artistic. The peculiar thing I’ve started to notice is that I use certain filters consistently in the same city. It’s like the personality of each city matches and is amplified by specific filters and with other filters, the city looks horrible.

For example, for almost every Instagram photo from Paris I used the “Lomo-Fi” filter. The Lomo-Fi filter makes colors brighter and throws things into sharp contrast. Paris was similar – the colors and sounds were brighter. No matter where or what time, the city was always vibrant.

In Chicago, I often find myself using the Hefe, Brannan and Sutro filters. All ones that strip much of the color, but leave a little to contrast the gray. Sound familiar? While often overcast from weather (aka gray), the colors that peek out in Chicago shine with a certain dullness.

Skeptical? Next time you’re traveling and using Instagram, try it for yourself. Let me know if you start to see patterns and “personalities” that match and are amplified by the filters you choose to use.

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By Vegasbab, May 24, 2011 11:02 am

Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!

One of the most invaluable things I learned while in Europe was to pack. Seriously. I’m your typical girl; the one who brings the giant suitcase for the 3.5 day weekend. But, for my “backpacking” excursion through Europe, I was determined to only bring a carry-on suitcase. No checked bags allowed. A bag that I could hoist on my shoulder if needed and that would fit as I made my way from train station to hotel and back again.

Amidst the laughter of my family, I did it. Granted, I packed almost all wrong, but I learned some invaluable packing lessons. These days, I’m almost positive I could go anywhere for any length of time with just a carry-on.

Here’s some of the things I learned:

1. No matter what, always pack a wind breaker. They may look a little lame, but wow, are they handy. Lightweight and space savers, not only did it protect me from the wind and rain, but it did a damn good job of keeping me warm. In fact, when needed, it kept me almost as warm as the giant overcoat I lugged around.
2. Always throw in a pair of flats. You know, those ballet-like shoes. Yes, I know, I cringe at this trend too. But, again, you can squish them anywhere and they really are comfortable to walk long distances in.
3. Layer, layer, layer. I wasn’t sure what the weather would be like in Europe, but the stereotypical forecast called for cold and rain. To my pleasant surprise, it only rained twice my whole trip and they had an unseasonable “heat wave”. My advice, dress (and pack) in layers. Tank top, short sleeve shirt and cardigans that can double as long sleeve shirts. Wear them one at a time, or put them all together to keep you warm. And, always remember to throw in a dress or two. Not only are they a complete outfit in one small swatch of clothing, but any one can be dressed down for a casual day or up for a night on the town.
4. You really don’t need that many bath products Most hotels provide them these days and if not, there’s usually a sundries shop or drugstore nearby for the things you forgot.
5. It’s true what they say – you can “just buy it when you get there.” Because I packed all wrong, I ended up having to buy clothes while I was in Paris. Honestly, it was fun and the pieces I bought have quickly become staples of my closet back in The States. Not only was it fun, but yes, even when you’re in a foreign country, there’s a Gap and a drugstore to cure all your packing woes.

While I may not retire my large suitcase completely, these days it will be a rare and special occasion when I bring it out.