Music Monday: Justin Timberlake

This past Monday I took a spontaneous trip to Memphis, TN to see one of my favorite performers! My all time favorite boy band growing up was Nsync. I would dress Devin (my younger brother) up in a cool vest and hat and we pretended we were actually part of the band and sang and danced for several afternoons.  I have the video at home and if I can, I will try to post it at some time in the future because it is quite comical. I even had a huge, and I mean huge blue Nsync watch that played the song Bye, Bye, Bye when you pushed a button.  That watch ruined many a photo because it didn't match with anything I wore and did I mention it was HUGE!  So, on Friday before the concert my brother and I decided that we were going to make the trip to see the lead singer of Nsync and now one of our favorite solo artists, Justin Timberlake.  We got a pretty good price on concert tickets and devised a plan on how we were going to get there on time.   I had to work the day of and the following day but I decided that sleep was a sacrifice I was going to have to make.

Devin got to the hotel around 4:15 and we headed to Memphis.  We worried that with construction we wouldn't make it in time but we got really lucky and had no traffic problems both ways.  When we arrived I can't even tell you how pumped we were!  We decided to grab some food and head down to the FedEx Forum where the concert was being held.  Before we had left the hotel, I had reserved a parking pass about 2 blocks from the arena so that was a big relief not to have to find parking! We then took a few pictures on Beale Street and headed in the arena.

Once we got to our seats I made the not so great revelation that I just happened to be sitting by the most annoying concert goer ever.  She started the night off with casual conversation that went something like this: name, where she from, excited to see the show, are you here with your boyfriend-no that's my brother, this is my boyfriend and my girlfriend (What?). She proceeded to tell me how much she had gotten her tickets for...$430. My mouth dropped open.  I paid a fraction of that price and I was one seat closer to the stage. Anyway, she was drunk before the show started. She kept telling my to loosen up and hitting me when she did. The show hadn't started and we had about an hour.  She offered to buy me drinks all night if I loosened up.  I didn't know I wasn't loose but apparently I was to her.  I graciously declined and tried to divert my attention elsewhere when I heard her and her two concert buddies getting into it.  Next thing I know, I have beer all over my boots.  Not cool.  She got up and left and 10 minutes later called her girlfriend telling her she had left the arena and they needed to leave.  I was sitting there silently praising Jesus.  I was also praying that this was like most other events I had been to where you are not allowed to reenter.  Unfortunately I was wrong.  They came back right at the beginning of the show and for most of the first hour she kept poking me telling me to get into it.  I, trying to not punch her in the face, just took a deep breath and ignored her until she stopped.  Sometimes, you have to do what you have to do.

Other than the crazy person next to me, the show was incredible.  Justin is by far one of the best entertainers our generation will ever see.  He can preform with the greats.  He sang for an impressive 3 hours.  Both me and Devin left in awe and talking about how he is definitely one of the best shows we had seen.  I would dub Justin Timberlake as the Michael Jackson of this generation.

I am so lucky to be able have crossed off pretty much all of my concert dream list by the age of 22.  I am so thankful my parents instilled in me the love of music of all forms from such a young age.  Music is one language I could speak forever.

What is your favorite music memory?

-Rachel

This is the watch I was talking about.  And look there, it's Justin Timberlake in digital form!

It was JT day in Memphis!  This was on Beale Street.

Devin and I in front of the JT day sign!

Where the magic happened.

We were a bit excited...notice the headline in the background.

Great light show!

Part of his stage moved out into the audience and he was above the crowd singing!

An Evening of Extravagance, Opus Ball 2013

One of the coolest parts of my job at the hotel is that I get a behind the scenes view of a variety of events.  I have been fortunate enough to see these events from almost every side whether I was cooking for one, serving for another, or even organizing.  Last night, I got to put on my organizing hat and went to work along with a few others to make sure the event timing was just right.

The Opus ball is a charity ball to help fund the symphony.  For the past five years the Capital Hotel has been the host of this event.  During the event the hotel was shut down to the public and transformed into a space fit for such a grand occasion.  The hotel alone is absolutely stunning without much decor, but once they added the gorgeous beaded linens to all the tables, the spectacular flower arrangements, the scrumptious food, beautiful gowns, and harmonious music, what was created was nothing short of enchanting. I have never been to such a prestigious event. Not that I wouldn't be invited (haha), you just usually need to have generous pockets, and being a broke almost college graduate, it seems as if my pockets are almost sewn shut for some reason.  For that, I am glad I got to experience the event from some aspect.  

The evening started off with appetizers while everyone mingled and bid on the silent auction items that were donated for the affair.  Everyone looked elegant in their tuxes and ball gowns. It was interesting to see all the different colors, styles, and jewelry the women had on.  Some choices were more "interesting" than others. About 7 o'clock the attention was drawn to the platform set up in the center of the lobby.  On stage the chair's for the symphony introduced the evening and then handed the microphone over to the host and the auctioneer for the live auction. The live auction items ranged from a fancy stay at the hotel for you and your closest friends including dinner and tickets to the symphony, to tickets to the Masters in Augusta or a trip to Cabo. There were one of a kind pieces of jewelry and even your chance to conduct the symphony.  No matter what it was, it was sure to be exciting!  Immediately following the auction was dinner.  Dinner included a four course meal that was fit for a king!  Below are pictures and a description of each course. The night concluded with dancing to the tune of a 24 piece band.  It was a night to remember for sure and an event planners dream. 

One thing I think I will take away from this event is that when you stage an event like this and you plan for everything and cover all your bases. If something happens to change things slightly it isn't that big of a deal. The ball went off with out a hitch and it was probably one of the most beautiful parties I have seen.  

Hope these pictures and my words can help take you there! 

-Rachel  

Before the event! 

Tables in the ballroom.  It looked like a snowflake ball!

Set up in the bar and grill before the tables were set.

Ashley's remained the same decor because it is already elegant and people enjoy it remaining the same. 

The two banquet rooms upstairs were set up exactly like the ballroom except with gold table cloths instead of silver. 

The two interns ready to work the ball!  Kelly has become a great friend during this internship.

The outside of the hotel before hand. 

The red carpet was rolled out.

Let the fun begin! 

The chair's of the symphony!

Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare with Avocado

Basil Sorbet

Slow Cooked Flat Iron Steak with Butternut Squash and Red Wine Sauce

Pecan Kitt Katt with Caramel Sauce

The Opus emblem on the chocolate.

Walking on the Wild Side...of Little Rock

Hey everyone! 

Last Sunday, my cousin text me and asked if I would like to go on a walk with her, her mother, and a friend. It was a really pretty day outside and I didn't have any plans after church so I decided to join.  Let me just say, it was an awesome decision.  You know those decisions that you look back on and go I am so glad I didn't stay at home lounging on the couch or taking the beloved Sunday afternoon nap (which I would never EVER criticize anyone for because that is usually my tradition) but by deciding to go on this walk I discovered how great the trails are in Little Rock.  

Little Rock is one of if not the only place in the country that has not one, or two but three bridges built just for pedestrian and cyclists to enjoy.  There were more cyclists than I had ever seen in person and everyone and their dog(literally) was out enjoying the beautiful weather. The trail we went on is down by the Arkansas river and it is absolutely majestic.  If you have never been to Little Rock, AR and want something fun and free to do, I suggest to get moving and check out some of these trails if weather permits.  If I stay in Little Rock long enough, I want to climb to the top of Pinnacle mountain.  So much to do, so little time!  

Enjoy the photos and enjoy the weather before it gets too cold! 

-Rachel

Selling My Weeks Away

The fastest two weeks of my internship were spent in the sales office. And I loved pretty much every minute of it. 

I started off not knowing what to expect but was super pumped to have a job where I could both interact with people and be sitting down majority of the time.  It was a repreive my feet begged me for.  I started my first week really diving in and watching the process of what it meant to be a quote end quote "sales person." Mainly what I did was a whole lot of observing the first few days. One luxury I have observed working at this hotel is that it is a place that people want to come to, a destination so to speak. That being said, the hotel does a lot of selling for itself. The phones ring every few minutes partly due to it being peak season but also because people love the Capital and once you have stayed here or had a meeting or event here, if possible you will never book anywhere else. So, while the phones rang I watched the process of speaking to potential guests, understanding what they wanted/needed and analyzed how the sales team gathered and recorded that information into their operating system. This operating system holds every piece of information that organizes the whole hotel. It records how many rooms are available, sold, if they are clean, dirty, need repair, pretty much anything you might need to know about a room or a guest you would find on this system.  So while I got that system down, I also got to observe and sit in on site visits from potential guests to view our meeting spaces. In my two weeks I saw several wedding visitors looking to book a reception room to celebrate their big day, several businesses looking to host an employee gathering or board meeting, and even the right hand man to Secretary Vilsack, who is the head of the US Department of Agriculture. It's so cool to be able to help people coming for such diverse reasons.

Once the observing was finished, and really observing is never truly finished, I was put to the test by answering phones, looking up availability and taking messages for the other sales members to return.  I will have to say, the whole transfer the call process is not as easy as I might have thought, but thankfully I learned by my second failed try.  There was never a lack of things to do or laughs to be had.  The sales office is full of personality.  We were constantly chatting and working on side projects such as photoshopping some department heads faces onto funny pictures, you know just typical work stuff.

One thing I really enjoyed was sitting in on the training for a new catering system.  This system is used to show the set up in the meeting spaces for events.  It was really neat because you could put tables where you wanted and add accessories.  You could even put a palm tree in the room or a car on the dance floor if you felt so inclined. I was reminded of my younger days building on computer games like City Tycoon or the Sims. It was fun to be creative and see all the things you could show the guest.  After you had finished, there was a button to push that turned the flat image into a 3D version!  It is amazing the technology that we have today and to think about how much better it is going to get by the time I have kids my age.

I ended the two weeks really reveling in the fact that I enjoyed the job and didn't really feel like I was at work, even though I got quite a bit accomplished.  I feel like this is what work is suppose to be like.  I feel that if you can find a job that you don't mind going to everyday then you will find real fulfillment in your work.  All in all, I learned that sales has more to do with being ready to build a relationship than anything else.  It doesn't matter if you have the nicest facility, if you care nothing about your guests, they wont want to use you again.  Luckily, we have the friendliest staff and the nicest facilities so it is a win win! I just love all the stuff I'm learning.  I feel like a sponge taking it all in and I hope I stay that way for the rest of my life.

What are you lessons are you learning in life right now? Let me know if you have a chance!

Until next time, stay warm out there!

-Rachel

Inside the sales office, the land of cubes. 

At training for new software in catering. 

The little rounds on the screen are table setups. 

What I call "my office"...we are best friends this scanner and I. 

How beautiful did the sky look one night leaving the hotel! Had to share! 

Me getting to try Google Glass. It is a prototype and these are the only pair in Arkansas. You look ahead and can check your email, video chat and surf the web. I felt like I was seeing the future. 

Lately...

Hello everyone!

I want to first say that I am completely overwhelmed with the amount of people that consistently are curious and interested in what is going on in my life.  It is humbling to know that their are people out there that really care about the things I am doing or attempting to do.  That being said, I thought I would share with you the things that have been going on in my life outside of the hotel setting.

Lately, I have started the "big girl" job application process.  Though I still have 5 more weeks left at the Capital, the internship is flying by and before I know it I will be in what they call the "real world".  I am not nervous about this next part of my life, just a little bit anxious about when and where I will be starting this next chapter.

I have currently been applying for jobs within a five hour radius of home.  I am praying that God places me exactly where I need to be because I really don't want to be where He isn't.  In my quiet time the other day I came across this verse and it has really been something that I am trying to learn from as I keep applying for jobs.

James 4:13-15
               Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say," If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Let me explain why this verse is so big in my life right now.  I have a little problem.  My problem is that I am a planner, but not just any planner, I am an obsessive planner.  I have always had a plan for my days, my nights, my weekends.  If you look in one of my notebooks from college you would likely find a 5-10 year plan or even a nap scheduled in to my day.  Yes, I know that is really weird, I mean who really schedules a nap other than a new mother ready for her baby to sleep, but I did so get a good laugh.  Being a planner can be a great thing in a lot of ways.  You can always rely on me to follow through on my word, or be there right on time.  But, the negative to this character trait is that I tend to rely on myself and my plans and don't make room for the ones that God has for me.  I tend to do what I want and then ask God to bless it rather than asking him first.  So, being the planner I am, once I started getting calls back from these places in several cities, what is the first thing I did?  I looked up apartments, duplexes, and townhouses.  I dreamed of what my place was going to look like and how much money I could save because of how much money I could make. My dreams started multiplying and then while I was home a week ago I got hit with a huge gut check. In my prayers I had been asking God send me where you want me, I want to be where you are, but when my mom talked about me moving back to Fort Smith if I couldn't find a job I got super agitated.  Why would I want to move back home right away? I want to find a job for a few years and save money and then eventually move back to Fort Smith.  I didn't want to be back right away.  Then God whispered, "Hey Rachel, what if Fort Smith is where I want you, will you still be happy?"  Knife to the gut.  I had been praying that God would send me where He wanted me but at the same time I only wanted him to want me in the places that I had plans to go.  I don't know where I will end up or what I will be doing but I do know this, I want the will of the Father.  The same God that created the Universe is the Master Planner of my life.  He made plans that far exceed mine.  I can still dream and hope but I need to be flexible to His will and plan.

So what is my ultimate dream for my life?  What do I really want to do if I was given all the money I needed right now?  Eventually, once I have the money I want to open a lunch shop in Fort Smith, AR that also has an event space with it for people to have the parties of their dreams.  This lunch shop will hopefully be a place that all sorts of people can come together and feel that love and togetherness that food creates when it warms the soul.  I have a passion for cooking and a passion for happy people.  I want people to tell me their favorite comfort foods and I am going to try over the next few years (or however long it takes)to perfect some of them in a lower calorie but same great taste version.  If you wouldn't mind after you have read this to comment below and let me know what your favorite comfort food is.  There is a little section that says comments and I would love your feedback!

Until next time!
-Rachel

My two planners: My bible and my "life planner", I love both