First Website

I went back through an old, old email address I used to use and found this: it was the first graphic I ever designed for my very first website (outside of the web-based, bar-code-enabled inventory and supply chain system I built for my final project in college).

Its pretty cool to see how much you've grown in your craft and what you started with :-)

Funny Motivational Poster

Life would be tragic if it wasn't so damn funny. 

This poster was inspired by two insurance agents and their inside jokes. 

Gotta love having those awesome relationships with your co-workers :-) #bestthingsinlife #workfam #thingstobegratefulfor #whatitsallabout

Atlanta | Why You Should Love Her

I didn't always, but today, I love this city. I've seen it grow, change and evolve in ways I could have never imagined - but that are in all ways simply beautiful! 

I spent most of my early career overseas and out on the West Coast, so when I came back home, it was a big surprise to find how many people had moved here: the film industry that seemed to have followed me back from Hollywood and after traveling the world, it was amazing to see the truly international city we'd become as the title-holder of "world's busiest airport." 

Since becoming a global citizen, along with falling back in love with Atlanta and what she's become, I'm personally committed to continuing Atlanta's evolution as a key economic development hub. And at a personal level, I love just watching the integration and understanding from our rich, highly-diverse backgrounds and cultures come together and create such a unique, dynamic city! I feel the changes that have taken place help people come to know one another, work together, respect each other and make things happen for the greater good on a level that other cities and states just don't have or can't do. We can cross the party lines to get things done in ways other local government can't. 

Another thing to note: we have the largest refugee resettlement population here nationally and do an excellent job at integrating refugees into our very productive economic engine. Almost 100% are employed upon arrival.

And yes, reading this, you might think I'm a Democrat as many women are expected to be (which is #bullshit, as women can think for themselves!), but no, I am a conservative and a Republican. One that believes in polices over rhetoric and outright lies. And if you were an actual Stacy Abrams who believed what I believe in terms of policy, I'd vote for you too! 

If you want to know, I was more aligned with Carlie Fiorina and what I thought she represented: the Iron Woman, Margret Thatcher, who I wanted to see become President. I believe in policies that support a highly-effective economy because the economy controls all - literally ever aspect - of our lives, and the policies that give us greater opportunities and access to jobs are that of the Republican Party's ideals. 

In fact, business owners have resorted to what they say is "battening down the hatches" when tyhe administration changes to a Democratic Party.  have always felt that this one aspect: the one of learning and knowing and growing out of a diversity of minds, hearts and spirits not only creates a stronger economy locally, but also makes us better people in the end. My friends and I always joke that ......

I think, diversity is, in and of itself, what I think defines who we are as a city and that it is our strength. I also think that it is a blessing that if, in this town, you need a job to make your rent - there is absolutely nothing preventing you from finding a job the day you need it! I am so grateful for that and our very healthy economy. 

Interestingly enough, I've learned from several C-suite decision makers is that one of the reasons some of our Fortune 500 company HQ (which provides so many jobs) have chosen our state and city to move to is because of the balanced politics we have between the state and city level. 

What it boils down to: if you are too red, you can't truly bring counties/districts together to support expansions of rail systems or convince tax payers to pay taxes to make integration projects (like transport expansion projects happen), and if you are too blue, you can over-tax and over-regulate to the point that you cause businesses to seek other regions, which accounts for many company moves.

I love being invited to celebrate Persian culture at the Persian Festival and the following weekend, celebrate Latin culture, Greek culture, and so on! I love that I can explore and learn through so many people the different histories and cultures of others without really ever having to leave (though I do, of course, since flights are so cheap out of here!). But most of all, its the "celebration" aspect of our differences that is truly so endearing to me.

I also love seeing and knowing, as a native Atlantan, that from the very beginning - from the days we were know as "Terminus", nothing more than intersecting rail lines - that we have always seen and known a pattern of continual "resurgence": meaning, we have always in some way known our own potential to become a great city and our ability to overcome - to possess a great resilience throughout all of the challenges we've faced. 

I literally have no doubt in my mind at this point that we will see Atlanta "rise up" again sooner, rather than later, and overcome (like we always do) some of those lingering issues we all face: such as transit issues the water fight, among all of the other pressing issues that we currently face as the pinnacle of the nation's most innovative cities. Knowing and loving Atlanta, I believe we will be defined as the phoenix we've always been: one of the most able cities to overcome (as has been our history) and find some of the most creative solutions - highly innovative ideas/proof of concepts - to typical metropolitan issues - that can further be replicated throughout our nation.

Atlanta has risen to become not only an international city, but also a innovator in overcoming state, local and city issues.

Event Planning: Sunglasses Hut Private Event

Back in early April, I was asked to do a special event for all of the commercial real estate brokers we'd done deals with over the past year to 'celebrate a strong first quarter and a bright year ahead.'

Planning-wise, you want to have a good lead time on any event, so I figured after all the Save the Date announcements, etc. we'd be coming up on Memorial Day weekend, when every one would be headed off to the beach or out to the lake! So why not play off that 'bright year ahead' idea by giving away really nice sunglasses!

I approached Sunglasses Hut and asked if we could close their store for our private event where we would essentially guarantee them over $7K in sales in about two hours (I also negotiated a pretty deep discount on top of that so win for me!). Of course they were happy to oblige and in return I got three very happy, eager helpers!

I just love tropical themes (some might say obsessed), so I just have to show off some of my creations for this event!

The Invite

Yay! Finally, I get to use really cute girlie colors! I was going for the really fun Aussie-based SunnyLIFE brand feel:

I found these adorable tropical-themed gift card holders on Etsy. I decided to go ahead and put a pre-paid amount on each guests gift card to avoid any awkward 'cap on spend' conversations with our guests, which worked out flawlessly:

The Experience

I created this awesome Ultra HD video of rolling waves and palm trees swaying while our company logo was popping in and out, and was able to play it on the large store quad monitor! In the background, tropical island music was playing like the iconic Hawaiian 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' song by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole and the 'Banana Boat Song' by Harry Belafonte, a MUSAK list I curated myself.

Of course, you have to have your sales clerks use your branded bags to ring guests up:

The Spread

I also partnered with the Cutwater Spirits Atlanta sales rep to obtain a variety of their canned cocktails, which if you have never tried, I must recommend! She also was able to procure the Whisky Highball, which wasn't set to be released in Georgia for a while (which not only did she give us exclusive access to some of the products, but also graciously donated!).

I also had my favorite florist ladies at the Dekalb Farmer's Market design a "tropical rose" arrangement for me that turned out to be absolutely fabulous, as always! I love their work so much! And for only $27.00 - the vase was mine, but jawdrop on that price, right? They told me they were going to design the arrangement to match my dress and the flower in my hair (awe, so sweet!)

The Outfit

Because all events should match your outfit, here's the hair piece I mentioned wearing. I have grown really fond of wearing flowers in my hair lately because they are just so fun! Also below is the dress I wore and then, of course, the one I really wanted to wear!

The dress I wore (that matches the orchid hair piece) - the Calvin Klein Petite Floral Cold Shoulder Dress in Lagoon:

The dress I wanted - this floral ensem by KDK London on GlamitGirl. I should probably still get this because, awesome!

And, of course, pictures of our very happy patrons getting their new shades on:

Navidad en Panamá 2017 - The Itinerary

Thursday 12/21 – Panama City

• Late, late arrival after a easy four-hour flight from Atlanta, but yay! Same time zone and no currency exchange required!
• Pickup rental car 
• Warning: only do this if you are a a true stunt driving professional! Panamanians drive like crazy people and the roads are very complicated. I personally have my PhD in defensive driving after living in LA and Atlanta, so we took on the challenge! Do this at your own risk
• Check into inexpensive hotel in city just to crash for the night

Friday 12/22 – Casco Viejo

• Check out of inexpensive hotel in the city and be totally surprised by the city skyline and in awe at just how wealthy this country really is! Apparently, it's called "the little Dubai" for a reason!
• Head over to the Miraflores Visitor Center and Observatory to watch the ships moving through the Panama Canal locks and learn about its history
• Check into Hotel Casa Antigua in Casco Viejo - the gorgeous Spanish Colonial district
• Tour all of the historic sites around Casco Viejo and be sure to check out the cathedrals' grand nativity scenes!
• Have lunch at a cute little café - there are so many to choose from! 
• Experience Casco Viejo nightlife at rooftop bars and lounges (El Gato!) P.S. The party doesn't get started until after 11:00 PM. Dance your butt off to the reggatone music you know all the lyrics to and enjoy dancing around men who actually respect you and your space and are just there to dance and have fun! No weirdos here? I couldn't believe it! 

Saturday 12/23 – Panama Canal Tour and Casco Viejo

• Do the Partial Transit Panama Canal Tour and take a boat through the Panama Canal, learning its history, how the French tricked people into building parts of it for them and so on... Crack up constantly because your tour guide is totally hilarious
• Enjoy a lunch buffet on the boat and keep going back for more! Also, take some bananas and apples for later
• Get a free ride back from the tour by your lawyer-turned-tour guide who was super sweet to even offer you the ride back to your hotel! Try some interesting new candy he gives you way too much of, which, like fruit cake, you give away because Central American candy is just always disappointing. But its the thought that counts!
• Re-experience Casco Viejo nightlife, this time, doing the Latin American time frame of going out very, very late. Find a bar with swinging chairs and explore all of the lights around the city! Dance, dance dance!

Sunday 12/24 – Christmas Eve! – Anton Valley

• Check out of Casa Antigua and head to Valle de Anton (Anton Valley) up the mountains
• Check in to Hotel y Restaurante Valle Verde
• Go for a hike, walk across suspension bridges, find waterfalls and swimming pools
• Drive by beautiful haciendas and mansions - there are some very wealthy people here!
• Visit the hot springs and do the mud facials

Monday 12/25 – Christmas! – Playa Coronado

• Check out of Hotel y Restaurante Valle Verde
• Drive south to the beach at Playa Coronado
• Check into Arganama Guesthouse and be floored at how gorgeous it is! I want to stay here forever!

Tuesday 12/26 – Playa Coronado

• Continue to work on tan and be spoiled rotten with your own personal staff cooking for you and bringing you drinks poolside whenever you want
• Have them pack you a cooler full of food and beer and give you umbrellas and chairs and head to the beach. We are in the lap of luxury! We are so in love with our new Mamasita Yvonne y Papasita Jorge! Can I just be adopted?

Wednesday 12/27 – Panama City

• Check out of Arganama Guesthouse and head back to Panama City - it was so hard to say goodbye to Mamasita Yvonne y Papasita Jorge! We just loved them! #sadmoment 
• Visit the Panama Viejo Ruins in the Old City - this is the town that Captain Morgan and his pirates pillaged and plundered and left asunder!
• Drop off the rental car since its not needed anymore and boy oh boy! You thought you had a PhD in defensive driving, but these people have you beat! Deal with the insurance claim because a coconut fell on your rental car.... Thanks American Express for taking care of that one! 
• Check into Global Hotel Panama
• Walk the Cinta Costera beltway and take a picture at the #visitpanama sign
• Do a bit of shopping at the Multiplaza mall
• Check out the Calle Uruguay nightlife!

These city lights - just wow!

Thursday 12/28 – San Blas Day Trip (Ok, seriously, the BEST DAY EVER!)

• Wake up super, super early to meet your driver
• Join a caravan of Land Cruisers and 4 x 4 vehicles and spend 2.5 hours driving through the jungle at lightening speeds on the scariest roads you have ever been on - again, Panamanian drivers are certifiably insane! 
• Pass the Guna Yalla territory checkpoints and head to the Port of Carti where you meet up with your Guna Yalla indigenous guides who speak better English than Panamanians and are so cute and boisterous and fun!
• Take another 45 minute boat ride past the Guna Yalla island homes out to the San Blas archipelago

• Be totally mesmerized by the incredible blue color of the water and secretly wish you'd booked a stay at one of the island huts or an overnight stay on the sailboats and catamarans you saw on AirBNB

• Mix and mingle with fellow travelers from Germany (so many Germans!), the UK, India, Japan, etc. and connect over a traditional Guna Yalla meal, and then play some volleyball
• Drink and be merry, continue island hopping around the archipelago, partying it up with your new friends, tell everyone you want to stay here forever and laugh it up when they take you all to a tiny little island with nothing but sand and booze! 
• And then crash...
• Head back to Panama City, surprising yourself that you can find a way to sleep through that drive up and down mountains and through the jungles and then more sleep back at the hotel! 

Friday 12/29

• Check out of the Global Hotel Panama
• Do the sunrise hike of Ancon Hill 
• Check in to the Westin Hotel for a last luxurious, birthday hurrah! 
• Think of yourself as wealthy if only for a day: buy pretty things, lay by the pool or the beach and have pina coladas and chocolate monkeys (so yum!) #daydrinking #cuzwerich
• Beach, spa, drinks all day. Treat yo' self!

Saturday 12/30

• Wake up early
• Fly out
• Sigh - its hard to go back. I hate leaving places I love! #instantsad #aftervacationblues #idontwanttogohome

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So Will I

إذا أعطيت حياتك أن تحبهم فهل أنا      -  كذلك

"If You gave Your life to love them so will I"

God of creation

There at the start

Before the beginning of time

With no point of reference

You spoke to the dark

And fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak

A hundred billion galaxies are born

In the vapor of Your breath the planets form

If the stars were made to worship so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made

Every burning star

A signal fire of grace

If creation sings Your praises so will I

God of Your promise

You don’t speak in vain

No syllable empty or void

For once You have spoken

All nature and science

Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak

A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath

Evolving in pursuit of what You said

If it all reveals Your nature so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You say

Every painted sky

A canvas of Your grace

If creation still obeys You so will I

So will I

So will I

If the stars were made to worship so will I

If the mountains bow in reverence so will I

If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I

For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

If the wind goes where You send it so will I

If the rocks cry out in silence so will I

If the sum of all our praises still falls shy

Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation

You chased down my heart

Through all of my failure and pride

On a hill You created

The light of the world

Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak

A hundred billion failures disappear

Where You lost Your life so I could find it here

If You left the grave behind You so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done

Every part designed in a work of art called love

If You gladly chose surrender so will I

I can see Your heart

Eight billion different ways

Every precious one

A child You died to save

If You gave Your life to love them so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times

But what measure could amount to Your desire

You’re the One who never leaves the one behind