Country Road, take me Home

I'm home! Ooohhhh, eight days in sin city is too much. I had a fantastic time, but I'm so glad to be here. The boys were just so cute. I think they grew a foot while I was gone. Now things are back to normal, and we have so much to do! The ScrapPink crop is this Friday night, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it. I took a walk on the wild side today and got my nose pierced! I've been wanting to do it for a while, but now it's done. Don't let anyone tell you it doesn't hurt.

Well, I just submitted my layout for the Stand Up and Scrap contest, and now I'm ready for bed. More soon, from a grounded and home again girl.... A

Vegas... Day 6

What a much needed, relaxing day. Paul arrived last night, and we lost our nights allotment at the Blackjack tables. We played at Planet Hollywood's casino, and it was the premiere night for the movie "Resident Evil IV". Milo Jovia-something was there, but we didn't see her. Today I actually caught up on some much-needed sleep. Wednesday night's 5am excursion apparently caught up with me- so I definately needed it. We had dinner at the Mario Vatalli (sp?) resteraunt. It was fantastico!! It rained here tonight in Vegas, so we stayed in the hotel and went to the wax museum. I never thought I would enjoy that, but I'm so glad we did it. It was a blast. I'll post some of the fun pictures later.

The boys are having so much fun with their Nana! I can't wait to get home and just give them big, big hugs. I may not let go for a week.

Amanda

Las Vegas... Day ... I forgot....

Today was the last day of Memory Trends 2007. It has been an amazing trip. The show was pretty small, so we really had a great chance to meet and converse with the retailers and other vendors one-on-one. It's been so neat to meet some of the names I've admired for so long. Yes, I've met some "big names" in the industry. I guess I got a little too excited about it earlier and received some criticism for "dropping names" in the last blog posting. So, if I have offended anyone, please forgive the flippantness of my attitude over all the excitement here. You see, I am simply passionate about what I do. It's inspiring to me to meet some of the amazing women and men whom I admire and are so much better than me (that population number is huge)! I don't find conceit in what I do, and I am grateful for every opportunity that has been granted for me. But, I have worked for every opportunity and I am very sorry if that has offended anyone at all.

I have enjoyed meeting everyone who came by the booth! My only sadness is that I was really unable to venture out away from the velvet curtain of my 10x10 space and come see more of the trade show. I was fortunate enough to be present for the announcement of the new Scrapbooker of the Year. She and I had a fantastic conversation. I haven't seen her designs yet, but I'm sure they are amazing. The team at CK always has such great taste. I don't want to spill the beans on who it is, so jump over to www.creatingkeepsakes.com for the big announcement.

I am definately feeling homesick, though. My little boys are weighing on my mind. My mother is in from South Carolina to look after them while I'm gone. They are having so much fun there isn't much time for them to miss me. I've talked to them as often as I can. I'm missing helping with homework and snuggle times this week. Paul is flying out tonight, though. He should be here anytime, and we'll have a chance for some bonding time here in Vegas. Paul needs a vacation so bad. He's been working terribly hard lately, and I've begun to worry about him- as silly as that is.

I'm missing my girls back home- Paula, Cindy, Julie and the crew. They've gone on a retreat this weekend- a much-needed one. Paula has been so busy lately with some new creations for Design Originals, and with her crazy cute children.

Last night Cat and I ventured out to New York, New York and played at the Blackjack tables. For the first time all week I walked away with more than I arrived with! I think Paul and I are going to try and go back there tonight.

It won't be long before I will be moving. Virtually, anyway. I'm setting up my new Typepad blog, and will hopefully make a smooth transition soon.

What a great week! I love this industry.

A

Viva Las Vegas- Day 3

It's Day 3 in Vegas... Day 1 of Memory Trends. What a day! Oh... the pictures I will have to post tomorrow. It began with breakfast with the Digital Scrapbooking Magazine gals, including Anna Aspens, Angie Svaboda, Renee Pearson, Linda Angelastro, Katie Pertiet and sooo many more amazing gals! Last night we took a walking tour of the Las Vegas strip from The Planet Hollywood hotel to The Venetian. What a walk! There are blisters on parts of my toes I didn't know touched the ground. Anyway, fun night. Won $80. Yahoo!



First is Renee and I at the booth this morning. The second picture is Anna and I at the Shutterfly breakfast. Anna- by the way- a simply DELIGHTFUL girl to meet! So sweet and elegant- and talented! The group of women I have met out here is amazing. Thanks to Renee for introducing me to Angie (whom I've been sleeping with! Haven't you heard...lol--oops. Guess that was supposed to stay in Vegas...lol) who introduced me to Anna! What a whirlwind!


This is Cat and Angie being silly on the strip.



More tomorrow.... hey- Becky Higgens knew who I was today! (lol) Maybe Ali will come by the booth tomorrow.

Hugs, A

Out My Window

I'm set up at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.. waiting for Angie before I find my way down to grab a bite. So, it's just me. It's quiet. There was actually a remote control to raise the blinds in the room...so I did. The view is really breathtaking!! I never knew that the hills of Las Vegas could be so..WOW! I can see a myriad of the strip hotels, and it's all just so overwhelming! Not to mention the room itself... it's nicer than my house!!! And, I do consider myself to have a nice house (when it's clean.. not now). It's just gorgeous. So, I'm going to sit here and take it all in for a while before I venture downstairs. What to do tonight...show? casino? Can't decide.

There are 3 plasma screen TV's in my room. It's just crazy!! Wish you were here.... :-) lol

Having fun in Vegas...

A

Sleepy Sunday

With so much to do...and so little time... it's little wonder I just gave up and crashed today. The couch and I became great friends today. It was, to say the least, a lazy Sunday!! Now I'm up and about with lots of energy... and it's, of course, fifteen minutes until my bedtime.

This is my last week to finish everything and get on the road for Vegas. I'm nearly ready... and definately not packed. Kristy and I have been scrambling to get together our projects for Memory Trends, and the presentation is nearly done. I've learned to use the Movie Maker that came with the new PC! Yes, I was extremely excited about that. If you make it to Vegas, you MUST come by the booth to see the movie. It's rockin'.

We are DONE with all the problems at the PurplePaperFlowers.com site, and completely re-vamping it. The make-over will be done later this week. Wahoo!! Exciting stuff. Be sure to come by and visit this weekend and let me know what you think.

Last night I watched the epic "Pride & Prejudice" movie featuring Colin Firth. If you haven't seen it, take the time to. It's soooo good! Of course, I stayed up watching it until 3am this morning. That could explain the whole "sleepy" thing today...hmmm.

Have a great week! I will check in very soon!!! ~A