Vegas [kickball] Crushed Me

I'm finally back. Vegas took a lot out of me, obviously. And sorry I didn't give y'all the heads up before I left. I used to highlight exciting trips before they happened, but then I started to get nervous about posting when I was heading out of town for more than a night. Feel free to call me paranoid, I won't judge you.

And I won't judge you if you shake your head at all the things I did in Vegas. I don't do Vegas the way most people do, because my past five trips have been for a kickball tournament. Yes, I go to Las Vegas for kickball. The first year we went it was a whirlwind of 'holy moly', but then it became, 'cool fun'. Le Husband and I enjoy eating good food and experiencing the location, more than drinking like a fish, so we try to find some things 'off the beaten path'. Oh and since we're playing for $10,000 we don't like to imbibe and dehydrate ourselves the day before the tourney. Afterwards is a totally different story, of course.

In order to get this post out ASAP, I figured I'd link up with Kathy, and make it a confession post. Hopefully that's okay with y'all, and Kathy.

On my 2014 Vegas trip, I confess ...

// I introduced Trip to Vegas. Yes, that means I brought a bear on our trip.

// We brought our suitcases to the bar. Our flight was delayed and we knew if we headed to our hotel first we wouldn't make it out to the bar to meet everyone. We landed in Vegas at 12am local time, which was 3am EST. I'm happy to report we stayed out until 3am Vegas time #champs!

// I changed in the bathroom airport and rocked a headband to hide my non showered hair. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to look good in Vegas. #takeabathhippy

// I was blown away by our free upgrade in our hotel room. For whatever reason the concierge at Treasure Island decided to give us an upgrade to this amazing strip view. #asknoquestions

// Our visit to Hash House A Go Go was incredible, as always. If you visit one food place in Vegas, make it Hash House!!!

// I enjoyed playing tourist by the pirate ship.

// We finally bought our one year anniversary present. Since the first year's gift is paper, Le Husband and I decided to buy a new painting together to add to our other Tom Everhart piece. We were walking in the mall and Le Husband made a beeline for the art gallery, which I thought was strange. Until I saw the amazing pieces. It took us awhile, but we settled on this adorable Snoopy and Woodstock painting. I can't wait to hang it in our apartment.

Isn't it lovely?!?! Proud new owners… #cheesesohard

// I was mega geeked to go to the Battlefield Vegas shooting range. Le Husband had been talking about it forever, and it sounded like a fun way to spend time on our Friday.

// I was uber impressed with Le Husband's shooting abilities. I did well myself, but he kicked major butt.

// I was a bit overwhelmed with the MP5 automatic feature, but was highly impressed with how well I handled the firepower of the sniper rifle. #shootinggunsisfun

Glock 17; MP5; Remington 870; Remington 700

// I snapped this picture in the elevator because I loved how the dress looked. I haven't worn it in forever and it made me look tiny! #classyiknow

// Our dinner at the Top of the World restaurant in the Stratosphere was one of my favorite meals of the weekend. The food was delicious, the view was incredible and obviously the company was fantastic. If you're a foodie, I highly suggest going to this restaurant. Just be aware the top moves and you'll definitely feel weird the first fifteen minutes or so, but then it becomes old hat. 

// I lost our amazing professional picture we bought from TOTW and I'm still angry about it. I plan to call the restaurant and see if we can get a reprint, because y'all, it was one of the best pictures [minus our wedding pictures] we've ever taken together. DRATDRATDRAT!

// I'm still extremely bitter about our loss in the tournament. We made it through a very tough day of competition, only to lose by one run in the finals. YES! The finals. WE lost 10Gs by one run. ONE RUN because people didn't play the way they should have and someone lost the ball in the lights. UGH! #bitterbuspartyofone.

// I can't even say, 'It's okay, I still love my team' because it's been a mess this season. We had a good run, the outcome blows.

// Sunday Le Husband rocked it out on the roulette table. Our lucky #21 hit, twice, which was fun. We didn't win too much, but he kept money which I consider a win.

// I was in the air during the Cowboys DOMINATION of the Seahawks. I rocked my tshirt, but I missed out on the fun. #superbummedbutIlltakethewin.

// We had the two smoothest flights in the world and I'm so thankful I didn't have a freak out moment.

// I worked from home on Monday because I was so tired. So happy to have an understanding boss, that doesn't ask questions. #yesididworkbutalsotookanap

// This Vegas trip was one of my favorites, despite the kickball outcome.

// I still haven't recapped last year's Vegas trip. Maybe I'll do that next week, just for kicks?

So there you go, ladies. My Las Vegas trip in a confessions post. If you're looking to head to Vegas, shoot me an email and I'll give you an even more detailed version of our trip, if you want. I always feel like death when I leave Sin City, but it's always a fun experience.

Husband's Birthday FIVE

Good morning and happy Friday y'all!

Today, in pinkland it's indeed a special day,
as today we celebrate le Husbands birthday!

The love of my life turns the big 3-3 today,
so I'm dedicating my five on Friday post to him.

We've had some incredible moments together, but of course
there are a few memories that stand out.

**************

Here are my Five Favorite Memories with le Husband.

1] Our Cancun trip

About nine months into dating, C told me that he had qualified for an all expense paid trip to Cancun, Mexico for being a bad@$$ at work. Okay, not really, it was because he was one of the top six performers and exceeded his sales goal by a large amount. I was super ecstatic for him, but knew in the back of my head that since we weren't married, I probably wouldn't be allowed to go. 

Until I got a call two weeks before the trip and was told "Get your passport ready, we're going to Mexico"! Wooooooohooo! It was our FIRST big trip together [minus Vegas for kickball] and it was incredible. All inclusive and all expense paid is the WAY to go, let me tell you. 

It was fun hanging out with all his work friends [who were all much older than us with at least two kids] and one guy drunkenly told us we should get married in Cancun, on the trip. HA! We explored Chichen Itza, at delicious food and just enjoyed our days. It was a wonderful FIRST trip together!

2] Winning the WAKA Kickball Championship in Vegas

If you haven't been reading here before, you'll probably say KICKBALL, CHAMPIONSHIPS?!?! Yes, there is a kickball championship and in 2012 the team C and I play on won, WOOP WOOP! [I guess I should also point out that we met playing kickball, back in 2010].

2012 was a long year of kickball for me, as I worked to make the A team on the new team we joined. C was a great coach and helped me get better and I became much more of a confident player. When Vegas came around in October, I was ready and super stoked about our team's chances at winning.

We played lights out and despite some mistakes in the finals WE WON!!!! It was one of the best athletic feelings in the world, winning and being able to share that moment with my boyfriend. I still remember jumping on him and hugging him hard saying "WE DID IT"! That moment was so special to both of us, that we included the picture on our Save the Dates :)!

 3] Our Mexican cruise

In November 2013, C and I took a cruise from New Orleans down to Mexico and it was such a blast. We had already been in NOLA for a kickball tournament, so we found a cruise leaving from a NOLA port after the tourney. It was a Carnival cruise and luckily it was three weeks before the meltdown of Carnival ships so we didn't have anything to worry about.

It was a fabulous five days of cruising, excursions, indulging in delicious food and some much needed quality time together. We swam in cenotes, rock climbed, zip lined, lounged, read and slept. Since we were at sea, we were completely unplugged and it was so nice to just enjoy each other and the world around us.

All too soon the cruise was over, but I have many lasting memories for this wonderfully amazing trip with my boyfriend. 

4] Our engagement night -

Every girl remembers the moment her man proposes to her, no matter HOW extravagant or how simple. It's a moment burned into our memories and of course, I remember our engagement like it was yesterday.

C did an amazing job, 100% surprised me and gave me such an amazing gift in the fact he allowed my sisters to help and be present afterwards. I still remember being completely surprised when I went to his apartment and calling my family and best friends after everything happened.

 I was thrilled he asked my dad for permission and that he updated one of my late grandmother's rings. That night was one of the most special nights of my life and I am so thankful for how everything happened. February 17th was the day I stopped having a boyfriend and finally had a fiancé!

5] Our Wedding -

As I've previously posted a 2304820348023842 bazillion times, our wedding was the best day of my life. Everything that we had planned for in the seven short months before came together and our service, pictures and reception went of without too much of a hitch.

Walking towards him, down the aisle was a perfect moment and the five minutes we stole right after the service are incredibly special to me. The day was filled with such love, happiness, joy and blessings and I wish I could experience the EXACT day again.

I am so thankful God created this amazing man to be my husband and helped us find each other in our very different walks of life. I remember being 27 and praying to find the right man and God answered my prayers, in his time [through kickball haha] to bring me to the man of my dreams.

2013 was the best year of my life and the past four months have truly been incredible. I am so excited for what the future brings for us and am ready to conquer the world, with C by my side.

*************

Dearest Husband,

Happy, happy birthday my love! This is the THIRD birthday I've been blessed to share with you and I'm so excited I'll be there for the rest of them. I hope that today is a wonderful one for you and that you enjoy your first day of being 33! You are the heart and soul of my life and I'm so thankful you've chosen me to be your forever. To the MOON and back my darling!

All my love, 

Pinky

*linking up here again!*

Kickball Vegas Weekend: Recovery Day

HOLY MOLY, I'm still hungover from the WIN!

Okay, not really, but Sunday morning was rough.

We slept in waaaaaaaaaaaay late so we missed having a good breakfast, which totally ticked both me and C off. We are both BIG breakfast people and everything changing over to lunch at 11am on a Sunday was super frustrating.

Luckily, the day turned around quickly, which was nice.

WAKA told our captain they would reserve us a day bed,
at the Flamingo hotel during the pool party.
Of course you KNOW we all jumped on that party wagon.
One of the guys on our team also rented a cabana,
so we could watch football and lock up
all the valuables.

We all enjoyed chilling out in the hot tub,
in the pool
or just on the day bed or cabana.
It was a great time, but guess who couldn't
talk to anyone??
Yeah, me!

Homegirl lost her voice from shouting/screaming
all day Saturday playing kickball.
Totally different than C being sick,
my voice just left me because of over use.
[despite what anyone on the team thinks]

I didn't take any pictures at the pool,
because I really just wanted to chill out and have fun.

After pool time we went back to the hotel to pack
and get ready for dinner.
A bunch of people left for home Sunday
and the other group decided to go to a buffet
for dinner together.

We went to the Cosmopolitan and OHMIWORD!
If there was EVER a hotel created for Pinky,
this would be it!

Bright and Shiny AND PINK!?!?

All of the girls on my team kept saying how ME this place looked.

I 100% agreed!

The buffet was AMAZING!

They served everything like tapas so you could truly TASTE everything.

I loved the duck ravioli and the desserts.

C became bffs with the mean dessert lady which was pretty comical.

She hated everyone in our group [no joke] but pulled aside a lava cake,

just for him. He was so embarrassed which was awesome.

Foodie teammies

Once dinner was over it was time to head to the hotel,
finish packing and pass out.
Our [direct] flight left at 6am the next morning,
so that meant up and at em around 4am. [yuck]

The flight home was delayed,
but wasn't too bad.
I don't enjoy Southwest open seating,
but things could have been worse.
Honestly, nothing could have ruined my trip
after winning.

Las Vegas this year was amazing
and I'm so thankful we won the tournament
and everyone stayed healthy.

If you've never been to Vegas,
do yourself a favor and get there.

I can't wait to go back next year!

HAPPY FRIDAY LOVES

Kickball Vegas Weekend: Game Day

Saturday was the day.

The day all the hard work and money paid off,

or

was just a big waste of time.

We were up bright an early to get breakfast from Earl of Sandwich
and to catch the free shuttle to the fields.

C and I were the first of our team to reach the fields,
and it was nice to quietly sit together,
look at all the fields and just send
good vibes into the atmosphere.

Then it was warm up time,
to get ready for pool play.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with kickball tournaments
let me break it down for you:

The morning consists of 4 Pool play games.

The top two teams from each pool
plus a wild card or two
move on to the elimination rounds
after lunch.

Because WAKA is such a huge phenomenon,
there were 60 teams at Founders Cup.

Yeah, 60 teams!

But, to be fair, WAKA isn't really known for the
COMPETITIVE side of kickball.

Most teams are more of a social outlet,
which is 110% cool by me.
I love the drinking and bar part of kickball,
I just like the winning too ;)!

OSC sailed through the morning competition with ease,
not being cocky, but we had an easy
pool draw.

Worst part of the morning was C still being sick.
Poor guy completely lost his voice all day Saturday.
Seriously, he couldn't say a word, it was so sad :(!
It also was a major blow for our defense
because he is the defensive coordinator and voice
when we play.

I saved the day after lunch by forcing green Starbucks tea
down his throat, so he was able to whisper.
If boys just listened to the GFs ;)!

The round of 32 and 16 were easy,
we really weren't tested until
the elite 8.

We played ODB and they were the first team
to have a lead on us.
Through smart decisions, base running, kicking,
bunting and defense
we were able to battle back to make it to
the Final Four.

We played a West Coast team
and let me tell you,
the sidelines were
ROCKING with West Coast support.

One of the awesome parts of Founders Cup
was how many teams stuck around
after they were eliminated.

WAKA provided beer trucks and food at the fields
so most people ended up getting hammered
while watching the Semis and Finals.

There had to be a good 100-200 people hanging out
during the finals.
Granted most of them were rolling down the hills
hammered, but still, it was noisy.

We won the semi's 1-0 and it was
a hard fought game.
Lots of people left on base
and an awesome push by our midline up dudes.

I had some good plays at 2nd and backing up 3rd.
I wish my bunting had been better, but oh well.

Finally it was time to play the finals.
And wouldn't you know, the team we played in the finals
was from VA beach,
so EAST COAST BEST COAST, what what?!?

We went down 1-0 in the first inning.
By the 4th it was still 1-0 them.
I was lead off to bunt
and wouldn't you know,
I foul out.

I WAS SO PISSED!

But wait, I didn't foul out, because the pitcher encroached
so I was awarded 1st base automatically.
PHEW.

What up pink socks!

C kicked after me
and I advanced to 2nd.
From there the team did an awesome job
bunting and kicking
and I was able to slide into home to tie the game.
1-1.

They go to kick and we are holding them,
but I make a horrible read
and play the ball 100% wrong
so they score.
2-1
Top of the 5th.

If we don't score a run, they win
because we chose to be away.

The weirdest thing was,
even though I KNEW I messed up
and could have cost the championship for my team,
some how I KNEW it would be okay.

I don't know why or how,
but there was no FEAR in my stomach
or anxiety.
Everyone on my team told me to shake it off,
we would be fine.
And I 100% believed them.
We weren't going to lose this way!

And, as you know we didn't.
Our middle lineup came up huge again and we managed
to score 4 runs.
Our defense played lights out
and the game was ours!

OSC were champs and
it felt SO GOOD!

FREAKIN' FINALLY!

#wiiiinnniiing

Team picture with WAKA officials

I was so happy we won, but my greatest joy was sharing the win with C. We both had worked so hard to stay in shape and practice to win, and finally the moment was ours. After jumping up and down with everyone, I jumped on him and just hugged him. That feeling, that moment, was pretty freaking special.

My favorite teammate

 We did it HONEY, we DID IT! 

As corny as this sounds, I've wanted this trophy for 2 years.

Once the celebration died die and the standard calls to family and friends, along with the standard tweeting and Facebook posting, it was time to jump on the champagne bus to the hotel. The ride was awesome. Waka provided bottles of champagne and we linked up our iPods for a dance celebration party. I'd show you pictures, but well, those are classified ;)!

After every tournament, C and I eat pizza so we grabbed a few slices from Miracle Mile and got ready for the after party. The team gathered to pre game and the time everyone spent in the hotel room together was pretty tender. Everyone gave a small speech and well all just reveled in the moment of winning. Then, it was time to party.

And party we did. The venue was crowded with kickballers and there was a pretty awesome cover band. The bar was completely understaffed, but I was already feeling good from the champagne and Jack I consumed earlier in the evening. I had a blast dancing with teammates, making new friends and feeling like a mini celebrity at the bar. People knew we had won and it was pretty awesome. 

Obligatory couple bar picture...C was super excited huh?

Yes, my skirt really was that short....

It's Vegas people ;)

Lovely lady champs. So much fun dancing with the girls :)

Around 2ish I was dunzo, both tired and tipsy so a group of us headed back to the hotel. 

Saturday was one of the most tiring, most fun, and most memorable days in my kickball career. 

I love my team, I love winning and I love my boyfriend. 

Oh, yeah...guess who's getting that LV purse!?!?!?

HOLLA AT A BALLA!

Kickball Vegas Weekend: Day 1

Oh Vegas, Vegas, Vegas.

Seriously, I could STOP the post with that sentence and be ok.

I mean, you know what they say...

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"

except when the person going to Vegas is a blogger

and wins a Championship!

Please prepare for picture overload

and probably too much detail.

Like, my packing list for Vegas. But hey,
when you normally struggle with packing
any good packing job is a victory!

Small victories I tell you!

C and I left right after work Thursday night. My parents were super amazing and took us to the airport, super duper rockstars I tell you.

We made the flight, but were delayed leaving.

Which made for a very quick run from plane to plane

to make our connecting flight.

Luckily, we made it safe and sound
and enjoyed a funny, easy flight to Vegas.
We landed 12am Vegas time, which was 3am EST.
Let's just say I was a teensy weensy bit tired.

We stayed at the Elara which is amazing.

We slept in Friday, which was GLORIOUS!

We both wanted an amazing brunch, so we headed to Hash House
which was a place we randomly found last year.

Ladies, if you are EVER in Vegas GO TO HASH HOUSE!
Their food is amazing, the service fantastic and it's
such a fun place to eat. 

Ginormous pancake, nectarine mimosa, amazing coffee,
out of this world Eggs Benedict.



Meatloaf scramble....so good!

After eating we wandered around the strip, window shopping
and just relaxing until we met with our team at 2 for team registration.


Bellagio



Paris

It was awesome being with the team and hanging out with everyone,
it had been awhile since we all were together.
Once registration was done, we split up into groups to hang out
before our team dinner.

The boys went to watch baseball and chill,
while a few of the ladies headed to some of the
high end shops.

This may or may not have been my suggestion because
I just HAD to go into THIS STORE:

:::Cue angels singing:::

Yes, ladies, yes, I finally made it to the
LV store.

OHMIWORD I want it ALLLLLLLLLLL!

Ok not really, but I saw the Speedy I wanted
and all the girls told me I should buy the purse
if we won the tourney.
Hmmmmmmmm.....I like it ;)!

We had a team dinner later that evening
and even though the food was eh on my end,
I loved hanging with my team.

We are so much fun, for realz.

Blurriness is from the cage on the dance floor,
oh VEGAS!

I was super excited to wear my new Lilly dress.
Wish I had a better picture, but check it out.

After dinner it was lights out,

since we had to get up early for the tourney

Saturday morning. 

But, you'll have to wait for tomorrow for the recap.

Trust me, you'll LOVE IT ;)!

Winner Winner Kickball CHAMP

That's right y'all!

My team won the WAKA Founders Cup

CHAMPIONSHIP!!

FINALLY!

My trip to Vegas was epic and I am feeling the effects now.

A recap will be coming tomorrow, but today,

enjoy some quick pics.

Did I mention,

WE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!