Year of Firsts

A goal set on my 33rd birthday, to experience something new, everyday, for an entire year. Let the adventure begin!

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Day 57 - My first day working at a marketing agency

Of all the firsts so far, this one made me the most excited!  Getting the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, with creative people is something I’ve looked forward to for a long time.  And the time has come :)  I’m ready to embrace the mission and live the values of MassMedia!

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Day 56 - Met Caleb and Michael, two of Josh’s besties!

I learned pretty early on, how close of a relationship Josh has with Caleb and Michael - I mean, he was their best man!  So during our trip to SoCal, a meetup was in order :)  We enjoyed an amazing brunch and explored the Venice Beach boardwalk.  Here’s a selfie that we all squeezed into!

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Day 55 - Enjoyed The Huntington Gardens in San Marino

I read this place is a hidden gem in SoCal and they weren’t joking.  Spread across 120 acres and showcasing 12 unique garden landscapes, this place is gorgeous!!  Here we are at the Japanese Garden, one of our favorites <3

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Day 54 - Josh and I took our first road trip together to meet my sister <3

It’s been a long time coming, but my sister and Josh finally got to meet!  Quick weekend trip to SoCal for good food, great shopping and even better company.  We found some awesome street art while exploring Venice and of course had to take a group picture :)

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Day 53 - Tried Jamba Juice!

I’m slightly obsessed with smoothies, and I lived in NYC for 18 months, so it’s kind of amazing that I haven’t had Jamba Juice before.  I was prepared to be immediately hooked, but I think Tropical Smoothie Cafe has ruined me for life.  Their smoothies are to die for!  Not saying Jamba Juice isn’t good, they’re just not the best :)

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Day 52 - “Enjoyed” a scorpion tequila shot

You read that right - a shot of tequila with a dead scorpion (it’s hard to see in the picture, but the scorpion is floating on top).  Josh was headed to a going away party at a local Mexican restaurant and invited me to join.  And then tried to convince me to take this shot right off the bat.  At like 4:30 in the afternoon.  I think not.  But after 2-3 Coronas, I was ready to go!  It actually wasn’t terrible, but not something I’d try willingly again.  Bugs = gross.

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Day 51 - Hung a love lock in downtown Vegas :)

Even though the bridge in Paris is no longer an option, hanging a love lock was still on the list.  And thank you downtown Vegas for providing such a lovely, heart-shaped love locket in front of the Container Park.  Josh bought the coolest, old-school lock, wrote our initials on it and we hung that puppy up! 

Perfect way to start the next chapter in our relationship together :)

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Day 50 - Got my first haircut in Vegas, explored New York, New York AND enjoyed a spectacular performance of Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil

Just one of many perks my man gets to enjoy from work - free tickets to Cirque!  A bit of a last minute date night included exploring New York, New York, eating delicious food at Tom’s Urban and then getting turned the fuck on during Zumanity (like, hot damn!).  

Seriously, do yourself a favor and go see it :)

And thank you to Gaby Duong for the amazing photo!

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Day 49 - Read my first comic book

I was hungover like the entire day and didn’t even think about a first until Josh mentioned something at around 8pm.  Fortunately, I’d never read an entire comic book and he had pleeeeenty to choose from :)  Of course, I picked one about a bad guy!  I have to say, much cooler than I expected.  In fact, I already have number two on my nightstand!

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Day 48 - First time trying Thai food and owning a Mini!

The scheduled first was trying Thai food for dinner but on our way, I bought a car!  Not exactly what I planned, but I couldn’t be happier :)  The car is on its way from Texas, so I’ll post a picture soon!

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Day 47 - House sorting and wand selection on Pottermore.com

Because of my new found love for Harry Potter, Josh suggested I register on Pottermore.com and go through the house sorting and wand selection process.  Of course you can see I was sorted into the Ravenclaw house, which based on the description, makes TOTAL sense.  And because I’m tall I got a 13″ long wand made of English Oak with a core of dragon heartstring; pretty badass if you ask me.  If only it was all real!

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Day 46 - Attended my first NCAA playoff game

My man scored some free tickets at work, so off we went to the Thomas Mack Center at UNLV to watch Boise State take on Colorado State.  Josh became a die hard Boise State fan in like .2 seconds, so I of course rooted for Colorado State :)  And guess who won?!  Go Colorado State!

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Day 44 - Paid for someone’s check

I’ve heard of many stories of people paying for someone else’s check, and I wanted to be that good Samaritan.  While enjoying lunch, I picked up the bill of a family of three sitting next to me.  Just a little good deed :)

Day 45 - Tried cactus jerky

This will definitely be my first and LAST time trying cactus jerky.  It had the texture of slimy, thick fruit roll-ups with the taste of burnt, tart teriyaki.  Absolutely.  Disgusting.

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Day 42 - My first day as a Las Vegas resident

Back in early January, I made the decision to relocate to Las Vegas.  Since then, I’ve been busy packing up my life and finding a job.  Just two days before I moved, I got a job offer - perfect timing!  My first day was made extra special by my roommates who greeted me with a welcome banner and pinata full of candy :)  Let my time in Sin City (and the Silver State) begin!!

Day 43 - Listened to my first record from beginning to end!

As a brand new Vegas resident, it seemed appropriate for my first record to be Sinatra at the Sands (which apparently was recorded just a few short miles from where I sit right now).  While eating dinner and lounging around the house, we enjoyed the classic sound of Sinatra, with some humorous monologue thrown in.  Excellent choice!

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Day 41 - Tried Ahi Tuna for the first time

My parents can attest, seafood has never really been my thing.  But over the last few years, I’ve come to really like certain seafoods (like lobster rolls, shrimp, crab legs, scallops and more) but can’t recall eating any Ahi Tuna.  

Well that changed on my last night in Arizona.  My parents treated the family to a delicious meal at Fleming’s and to start, the table started with some Ahi Tuna with a spicy mustard sauce and fresh vegetable salad.  Holy cow, delish!  It was so tender and tasty!  There’s definitely more Ahi Tuna in my future :)

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Day 40 - Created my piece of metal jewelry

My mom is an incredible jeweler and thought it would be fun to craft a silver spinner ring together. We’ve made other pieces of jewelry, but always something out of beads.  This was my first time working with metal; soldering, annealing and polishing a piece of jewelry.  Of course, I have to give a lot of credit to my teacher because for a rookie, my ring came out damn good!

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Day 39 - Attended my first spring training baseball game

I’ve been to my fair share of regular season baseball games, but never have I ever been to a spring training game.  Turns out, there’s not much difference!  But it was a gorgeous day, I got to share the game with my dad and grandfather and it’s a memory we’ll always have.  Totally worth it :)