Luck Be A Lady Tonight

I recruited my amazingly hilarious friend Marissa to roadtrip it with me and as luck would have it, another dear friend, McKenzie, was there nannying for 2 weeks (God bless her). Here is a photographic journey through our fun-filled weekend (sidenote: I just bought a new camera and I'm a bit excited about it)....

Another friend from LA, Erica, was randomly there. She worked some amazing connections and got us VIP passes to surpass the crazy long line at Tao. It's an awesome huge club at the Venetian. Fun indeed.

We laid out at our hotel pool Saturday. And by 'lay out', I mean that we hung out in the pool so as to not completely die/melt in the sweltering 100+ degree heat.

We went to the Beatles Cirque du Soleil show "Love" at the Mirage on Saturday night. So amazing! 

It was bit of a sensory overload at times... so many awesome things to see and hear at once. It was unlike anything I've seen before... two thumbs up for sure. Here's a 30 second video to give you little preview of its greatness...

After the show we had drinks at the Beatles Revolution Lounge and a delish din at Kokomo's at the Mirage...very cool settings and very wonderful food/drinks.

We then went to Jet where we enjoyed and took full advantage of several free drink passes given to us by eager promoters (like the kindly gentleman pictured below). 

We then relocated to Ghostbar which is on the 55th floor of the Palms. We danced, made some new friends, and enjoyed the expansive views.

C Gunn and I decided we had to gamble at least a little bit, so we hit the tables. She tried her hand at craps (which ended shortly) and then we moved on to roulette. I was only going to allow myself to spend $20 (I'm not too keen on throwing money away... call me crazy...), and since there was a $10 minimum bet, I thought I'd be out in a hot minute. Luck was indeed a lady to me that night, however, and I ended up leaving with $52. Cha ching!!

And that ends the photographic journey.  As you can see, it was such a great weekend! I miss my college friends A LOT, so anytime I get to see them is wonderful. Vegas defnitely redeemed itself for me this time around. Viva Las Vegas, indeed. :-)

Currently listening: Andy Davis. 

Why: Do you ever completely accidentally stumble upon a song with lyrics that are 100% applicable to your life at the moment? That happened to me this week with this talented musician I discovered in college when he opened for Matt Wertz.  His piano based singer/songwriter style is very enjoyable, and the lyrics to "Bigger Than Us" were absolutely perfect for me this week.  My very favorite song of his, however, is "Union & 3rd". So, so pretty. Definitely check him out. 

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Being only a 4 hour drive away (on a good traffic day) or a >1 hour flight, Vegas is a regular weekend getaway for Angelenos. I, however, have had absolutely zero desire to make this jaunt through the dessert after a less-than-wonderful experience in Sin City for my 21st birthday (but that's a whole 'nother story....) This changed when one of my best friends/roommates from college, C Gunn, informed me that she would be there for a work conference and asked if I wanted to meet her there. I hadn't seen her since this same conference sent her to LA last summer...SO, Las Vegas, ready or not, here I come. ;-)

Hail to Thee My Alma Mater.... and All That Jazz.

This week I had the lovely surprise of being featured the University of Oklahoma's homepage (number 3 on the scrolling headlines).  

From OU to the Oscars – 2008 public relations graduate Annie Terracina shares how she came to work the Red Carpet

This link led to a feature story on my job at the Academy.  I had originally been approached and interviewed for this story over a year ago, but it was never published.  I thought it might have just been lost forever, but I was re-contacted for an update interview a few months ago.  Still, I had no idea when or if the story would ever see the light of day, so it was a very fun surprise indeed when it surfaced this week!  There are a few fact errors (For the College Watch Party Contest, actual Oscar Watch Parties from college students were judged and awarded prizes, not simply a "party plan".  Also, I interned at The Regan Group, not "The Reading Group").  But oh well, other than those minor deets, a very well-written article!  

It really means a lot for my beloved OU to acknowledge my post-graduation achievements.  In a student population of more than 30,000 students, I know that I was viewed and cared for as an individual...not simply a lost face in the crowd.  I think this just further solidifies that I am "Sooner born and Sooner bred, and when I die I'll be Sooner dead."  ;-)  Boomer Sooner indeeeeed.  

In other news, I saw Chicago at the Pantages this week!  We had great seats and Michelle Williams (formerly of "Destiny's Child...ha) played Roxie.  It was a jazzy sassy good time.  Those who know me will not be surprised in the least that I have been listening to the soundtrack non-stop since the viewing. My favorite song is "All That Jazz" (such a CLASSIC!), but I am  also very much enjoying "When You're Good to Mama" and "We Both Reached for the Gun."  

I think the 2010-2011 season at the Pantages was tailor-made for me. HAIR, Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages, Phantom of the Opera, AND West Side Story?!?!  I am so excited, I can barely contain myself.  Who wants to go with me?

And finally, how funny is this street sign?  I saw it on Fuller and Franklin I believe (at Runyon Canyon) and it made me laugh a lot.  Whoever did this, I want to be your friend.