A Little (big) Recap

Well, it’s been a crazy and busy few months to say the very least. I’ve sat down a few times to write a post, but always get overwhelmed at everything that has gone on that I don’t know where to begin. So, I’m going to do a quick recap of life in the past few months and then move forward from there!

Gala

The big Gala that I’ve been talking about since August (and the main reason for why I have had no time to blog…) FINALLY took place on Wednesday, April 18^th at The Plaza in NYC. To say that planning an event at the Plaza has been my dream is almost an understatement. Since I was a little girl I had always fantasized about going to the Plaza and even more than that, planning an event there. When I first interviewed for my job and they told me that their annual Gala was held at The Plaza, I almost jumped out of my seat! Not only was I going to be an NYC event manager, I was planning my very first NYC event at the Plaza, of all places! The event was absolutely beautiful! As it is an awards ceremony, we honored those who have made a difference in education reform. One of these included Goldie Hawn who quickly became my bff.  I had been coordinating with her assistant throughout the entire process and the day of the event she told me that she was giving Goldie my cell number just in case she needed me that day. No less than 10 minutes later I get a call from a number I don’t know. I answer it expecting it to be the car company I’d been arguing with all day and hear:

“Hey sweetie, it’s GOLDIE!”

 I just about fell out of my seat. I got up, ran to an empty office and had my first ever conversation with an Academy Award winner/the actress from one of my favorite movies First Wives Club! We went over a few things about the event and then she asked if I would be the one greeting her when she arrived. I answered OF COURSE, and then she said, great, I’ll text you now so you have my number! Two minutes later I received the following text:

Goldie definitely made my very long and crazy day even more special. She was very nice in person and as we walked in to the Plaza we discussed how her dress was falling off her. Ya know, just your typical every day conversation.  All in all, the event was fantastic. Even some of my friends volunteered to help out which definitely helped de-stress me. Everything went off close to perfect (you know me, nothing can ever be absolutely perfect) and the night ended as it should, with chocolate covered strawberries and a champagne toast! Now it’s time to start planning for 2013…. WOOF! Here are a few pictures!

Cocktail Hour

Another view of the Cocktail hour

Long shot of Ballroom

Donna Karan and Goldie Hawn - recognize anyone in the background???

Like the true best friend she is, Carrie came to help out!

And a normal one for mom. PS - i had REALLY cute shoes,
but by the end of the night i had abandoned them!

 John Legend

Two days after the Gala, I brushed elbows with another super star – John Legend.  Not only do I plan the glamorous events we do, but I also plan all of our school site visits. As we are an organization that works in schools, we take many of our stakeholders and potential institutional and individual donors to visit some of our schools. We do these quite frequently and they require quite a lot of planning. The John Legend visit was especially intense. Thankfully I was working with a school that I love which made it much easier. We had to plan every second of the visit from his arrival, to making sure students weren’t in the hall when he was walking around – which is almost impossible – to how long he was at each stage of the visit. Ironically enough, the choir at the school was already learning to sing John Legend’s Song, “If You’re Out There”.  After a quick conversation with the Principal, John walked into the auditorium and was immediately met with screaming kids. They all then got quiet and began serenading him with his song.  It was such an incredibly powerful moment. These kids were sensational, and really brought tears to your eyes. Having the opportunity to sing his song to the song writer AND performer is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The whole time I kept thinking how proud the choir director must have been. Once they were done, John got on stage with the kids and they started talking. One of the students handed him a hand written note that asked one simple question, “Will you sing to us?”

John quickly got off the stage, made his way to the piano, and sang the same song, “If You’re Out There” in its entirety. If I thought watching the kids sing was moving, this was even more incredible. John Legend’s voice is absolutely breathtaking. But more than that, it was watching the kids listen to him, and sing along with him. I’m getting Goosebumps again just thinking about it!  Here are some pictures that our photographer captured that day:

John Legend and the Choir

Listening to them sing.

Singing to the group - the girl in green was singing with him the whole time!

My favorite picture! He was completely mobbed as he exited the school!
As i was pulling kids off him, I realized how strong elementary school kids can be!

Quick Vacay!

After the Gala, I managed to take a few days off work – gasp! – and went down to good ole’ Georgia to visit one of my besties, Heather and her beautiful family! It was the perfect getaway I needed. Amazing company, great weather, drinks, and a beautiful baby to keep you smiling! We had a fun filled weekend of some girl time that included shopping and pedicures, yummy food, touring of downtown Columbus, GA and the Army Base, a trip to the Drive-thru Safari, and lots of relaxing. It was just what the doctor ordered! Heather, Dan and Grace were the best hosts and I can’t wait to go visit them again at soon to be new home in Savannah!

What a cuddle bug

Welcome to the Safari!

Heather showing off our awesome Feed!

Someone sees an animal outside the window!

Isn't she just the cutest?!?!?

Just your typical big chair picture

I think someone is ready for a nap!

Things are finally starting to calm down for me, but there is a lot more excitement coming up.  The big old 2-7 birthday is in just a couple weeks and I’m going  down to Dewey Beach with some of my best girlfriends. With a few of my closest gal pals (Sally, Kerri and Kendayl) all getting married in the next year, there is much more to come! I’ll be back… sooner rather than later…I promise!