Day 6

As I thumbed through pics and videos today of this last year, I thought I'd wet your appetite with some events from this past year...after all who really knows if what I am saying is a bunch of BS right? Well one of my closest friends and client is NASCAR driver Taylor Barton and this year Taylor and I (as his manager nd friend) shared some memorable moments and met some incredible people. So I thought I'd share some of that excitement through video and photos. Here's Taylor in true Las Vegas style...he's not shy in front of the camera.

Here we are at his first race in 2010 at Irwindale Speedway in CA.

And here he is on the track with team...

Must say he is a pain in the ass, but I love him like he is my 6th child. He has grown so much over the time I have known him. You see Taylor is an only child, when he is around our family he sometimes get's overwhelmed with the kids and the chaos, but he also loves it and  the kids love him like a brother...it works out pretty good for everyone. There is one thing I know for sure...we have been brought together to remind ourselves to be humble and learn from each other. You can't really define our relationship but I am sure it will stand the test of time, God knows it has withstood many challenges already. He is a welcomed and appreciated permanent blessing in our lives.

Taylor was fortunate to test with Roush Racing and Kyle Busch Motorsports as he prepared for the 2011 season, for those of you who don't know NASCAR (believe me I didn't know much until I met Taylor) it is a pretty big deal. Which leads me to one of our most memorable trips this year. After the test with Kyle Busch in Atlanta we headed for the Big Apple. We were invited by a mutual friend to attend the launch of the Stan Lee Foundation during the kick off of Comic Con in NYC.

It was a surreal event for me...it was held at the NASDAQ fish bowl in Times Square.  The minute we walked in it was like we walked onto the set of Sex In The City. Taylor walked the red carpet and I waited on the other side, when he came over I heard a familar gay voice it was "Anthony" (Stanford's boyfriend/husband) from the show holding a martini in one hand in true SITC fashion. He came right over to Taylor and said "You're a NASCAR driver? Did you see SouthPark this last week it was all about NASCAR..it was hilarious..(include gay laugh)" I thought I was dreaming....I didn't know if I should laugh or wake myself up with a martini to the face....

Here's a pic of Anthony-Mario is his real name....

As we headed up stairs we mingled had drinks and conversations that I quickly forgot, with people that were quickly forgettable and some that were unforgettable. As Taylor and I mingled and caught a glimpse of Times Square outside the Fish Bowl....

It was about this time a familiar voice asked me "Don't you work at Boys & Girls Clubs in Las Vegas?" I turned around to see a somewhat familiar face... then Taylor whispered to me that is NEYO! We had done some work with him at the Clubs with the kids, he is originally from Las Vegas and very supportive of inner city youth. Kinda of in shock, I quickly introduced him to Taylor and we chatted for a bit and then he said why don't we do an interview together later...of courseI wasn't gonna let that opportunity slip by it would be great for Taylor and his goals to help the kids in Vegas. Not to mention NEYO was a very cool cat.

As the night went on there was part of the program for photo opps and who but Mrs. Drama Queen herself walked in...yes folks it was "Danielle" from House Wives of New Jersey..it was soo wierd. She was taking photos with Taylor and NEYO and then her publicist started asking me 20 questions about Taylor, she wanted to come as Taylor's date to Las Vegas for Taylor's Celebrity Poker Tournament (will share more about that recent event later) and we exchanged cards.

wierd pic of her putting her hand in front of camera...I think she was whispering something perverted in Taylor's ear, which I know he would get way to much gratification from....

Soon after NEYO and Taylor did their interview, not the best sound quality, you can barely hear me in the back asking questions. But the overal message was pretty good.

The night was pretty exciting. During the auction to benefit the Stan Lee (which we had met before and again that night, he is a genius and very sweet man) Taylor purchased the Fantastic Four robe that Stan wore in the episode of Big Bang Theory with a signed script...a true comic collector's dream piece.

Taylor and I ended the night in tru Comic Con and Stan Lee style with our favorite NYC hero Spidey himself...

Well can't say the night ended then...it was too early to crash and the lights and action kept us going, after all who can survive on appetizers smaller than a cocktail olive, we were both hungry after the party and stiff martinis...and if it ther is one thing Taylor and I share it is an appetite for good food. After our bellies were filled with New York's finest and greasiest treats we called it night and took home a cab.....pulled by horse in true NYC tourist style.

Until Manana......

Day 5

Not much to report today, still trying to shake a cold and just took some generic Nyquil so it won't be long, the generic brand has more alcohol.

Just a few life lessons that I was reminded of today:

Contentment is not a way of life, it is a life choice.
It's not personal, just business....is a contradiction. Without persons there is no business.
Optimism is not a gift everyone possesses, but is meant to be shared with everyone.
Failure to plan is planning to fail. (from my good friends the Bartons)

My brain hurts from all this philosophical thinking....good night friends.

Enjoy this pic I found on the web....it says a lot without many words. Is it a reflection of the life you are living?

Until Manana.....

Day 4

I am my mother's daughter. Funny thing about being the oldest of 11 children, we all have our mother's qualities and I really never noticed until I started getting older. My mom is very traditional in the sense, she cooks home made meals, reads, sews, knits, quilts, bakes, gardens, and much more. When people ask me how do I do it, well I am quickly reminded of my mom. She is the hardest working. most patient forgiving woman I know. Even though she has 11 children ages 11-36, her vocation of choice is a school bus driver??? Crazy I know, even I don't get it. Not just normal average kids, but yes folks, she drives the short bus.The kids that need the most attention, handicapped children. But she get's up before the sun rises around 4 am everyday at the age of 50 something (yeah I don't want to know how old she is and I can barely remember my own kids ages sometimes) to drive around Vegas taking children to school.

As I get older I'm beginning to appreciate more the traditions my mom has passed down, everyone of us can whip up a meal with what's in the pantry, save $10 dollars at the grocery store with coupons and ads, and make a gift out of  recycled materials and scraps from the craft bin. Oh yeah and heal/relieve any cut, burn, or wound with good old soap and water and pure aloe vera straight from the backyard.

During the holidays the itch to sew came upon me and I made three felt embroidered stockings for the three youngest, who had not had the pleasure of having their own yet. That quickly kindled a longing in me to get back to learning about the crafts my mom knew so well. Quilting had always been something my mom excelled at and I knew she enjoyed, but she hadn't completed many quilts in recent years. So I have made a decision to share Saturday mornings with one of the best mom's I know in Vegas and quilt together. Lord help me, you see I am not as patient as my mom and we have already discussed my consistency, but I figure these mornings with mom will help me grow in both of those areas.

Don't get me wrong my mom is not perfect and has her faults, but that is what makes her who she is. She has done the best she can with what she has been given. My biggest fear is her addictions, she has been smoking since she was 16 and started drinking more and more over the past 5-6 years. You see my mom has weathered many storms in recent years. It amazes me, she has such a strong faith and the motivation to get up each morning and take care of everyone around her...why?  you may ask well... for starters my mom is twice a widow. She not only lost one love of her life, but two. How does that happen and who deserves that crap? Some call it the widows curse, but my mom doesn't see it that way. She is grateful for her life and her experiences. So what gives me the right to complain about her having a few too many every now and then...yep you got it pretty much nothing. We all have created a safety net for her so that she is never in an unsafe environment, but we still worry about her health. However she will have you fooled if you see her because, although she smokes and drinks, it is not uncommon to catch her at the local Curves gym working out during her break from driving her daily bus route. Yeah the woman never slows down.

We are a lot alike me and my mom, we can't stand to not be around family and/or friends, we love our vices, we pick up a needle every now and then (for sewing of course), love to cook, but most importantly we are grateful for what life has gifted us and taught us....the good, the bad, and yes the UGLY.

Until Manana.....

Day 3

Ok folks not going to be a very productive blog, unfortunately I've been in bed sick all day without many events to report. Except for one very disturbing comment my 9 year old son made today...when he got home from school I asked him how his day was and if anything eventful happened...now I was not ready at all for what came next...he told me he broke up with his grade school girlfriend and he seemed pretty content so I asked him why? He proceeded to tell me his girlfriend asked him "Do you want to three it?" and I asked what that meant. He then went on to explain she also liked another boy but didn't want to break up with him but wanted to go out with both of them at the same time....of course my son said no, being the monogamous gentleman I have raised him to be...

More importantly, what is this world coming to when one 9 year old asks another 9 year old if they want to be involved in polygamous relationship...I thought it was only the x generation that thought the world was owed to them....well as the great Book says there is nothing new under the sun and I am sure this isn't the first time this has happened in grade school, but parents prepare yourself.

The only response I could give is what anyone of you would say...."that was a good choice son, and in future relationships make sure to always answer this question the same with a big fat NO!"

Well that,  4 reruns of Tabitha's Salon Take Over, a box of Kleenix, and a bottle of Nyquil were all that entertained my day...however stay tuned for more this week. Have some interesting meetings lined up.

Until Manana....

Day 2

Wow, we made it to day 2 a big accomplishment for most of you that know me...but after the last post I have had some revelations on what could make this blog more beneficial to the readers and not just free therapy for me...so here's what I came up with-why should you just hear about my life...why not the other fabulous people that I encounter. After all those conversations are what spur creativity and wisdom.

More importantly how do other successful individuals in Las Vegas "Do" every day life...so there it is I will make a conscious effort to strategize and not only share my experiences but also my experiences with some incredible Las Vegans and maybe some outside of Las Vegas. This week I will begin to coordinate interviews with some of Las Vegas' finest, especially the super moms that have been raising kids in Las Vegas for years. Hopefully we all can learn a few things along the way.

I am open for suggestions, send me comments on women and men you would like to hear from so we can find out how they came to make Las Vegas their home or grew up here.
Outsiders often complain that Las Vegas is too transient a town to have culture and comment that "what kinda people would raise a family here?"  Let's find out together and prove them wrong. Sin City has a lot more to offer than most believe.

More to come on Raising Las Vegas....

Until manana.....

Day 1

As I begin to experiment with blogging, I have learned a few things. Titles are important...spelling and grammer not so much. Also there needs to be a more defined goal. With that being said since it is New Years Day and one of the only things I have been consistent with each New Year is consistently setting the same New Year's resolutions and consistently failing to achieve them...so I have made a new resolution to write/blog every day (that it's physically possible). If anything at the end of the year I will have a book whether I wanted one or not, I can check that off the bucket list...write a book....check!

No one ever said it had to be published, but who knows maybe someone will think it's worth sharing with others...because of my business and because I am in Las Vegas, it has allowed me some rare opportunities such as sitting next to Chuck Liddell  (famous UFC champion) to conversing with the controversial Joe Jackson..and oh yeah having lunch with NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch to name a few in the last year....and the funny part is these things all happen within minutes of changing my child's diaper to disciplining my teenage daughter for shoplifting...and there it is folks the dynamics of Heather's life.

Sounds self absorbed...right...well I can't say there isn't a little selfishness in this process I would be lying. But more importantly the goal is to become more selfless throughout this process. This past year shockingly enough my eyes have been opened to many of the things I have done to lead me to this point in my life. All the choices and all the consequences...good and bad. What I do know is that this is right where God planned me to be and for that I am thankful...let's take a quick recap...

Married/Divorced/Married (all the same man) now there's a story right? Five children (three dad's) whew this is getting better and better....Business owner (consulting firm) things are looking up....and let's see oh yeah 36 and half years old...yes I look forward to my older years, the freedom it brings. I don't fear my 40th nor my 50th birthday...my children will all be grown and starting their adult lives...my oldest is 17 going to be 18 in May. Don't worry I will do the math for you I was barely 19 when I had her....the others are much younger....9 (boy) -7 (boy) -5 (girl) -and 3 (boy).

One more thing that is pretty important to me and what keeps me focused, my Christianity, I was baptized Christian in 1999, but before that raised Catholic. Don't worry my goal is not to preach to you about being a Christian, you see I do my best to not ever mention my faith, unless the opportunity presents itself. I prefer that my actions speak louder than words, however seeing it's a little difficult to do that via blog, I will put it out there this one time. Believe me I stumble on a daily basis and a four letter word is not uncommon in my vocabulary. But to prevent this from sounding like an ad for a Christian dating site I will stop there and move on quickly.

Since it's close to being the second day, in closing I wish you a Happy New Year!
P.S. make realistic and achievable resolutions....

Until Manana...

Holidays End with our own version of GLEE

Well the holidays are coming to an end as a new year begins. But before I sadden myself about Christmas being over, I must replay some of this seasons greatest moments. As mentioned previously I had planned several holiday events to help me and my children understand the true meaning of Christmas.

One of this holidays most memorable events was going Christmas caroling with the kids. We rehearsed it seems every time we got in the car. We had planned to do quick renditions of Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Away In The Manger, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas....we only sang one chorus of each song which kept each door stopping event to about two minutes. Our list of houses included grandmas, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, and friends. Being the oldest of ten kids you could imagine there were many stops to be made. We headed out about 3:30, my sister had made little bags of Santa's Soup (consisting of a packet of hot chocolate, candy cane, marshmallows, and chocolate mint kisses) which were to be given out to the lucky patrons who had to endure two minutes of tone deaf Christmas madness.

Aww I must admit we didn't sound that bad, considering our chorus was mainly children, most of them boys 9 and under. In fact most patrons welcomed us with open doors and applause after the first song...we eventually had to add an announcement at the beginning to ask them to hold the applause till the end. However I knew some wished it stopped after Jingle Bells.

I must say out of the many stops we made there were a few that were the most memorable and these were our impromptu stops. You see once the kids got going they wanted to Christmas carol anyone in our path, hence the wonderful clerks at 7Eleven. Yes when we stopped to get gas they all insisted that the clerks should also be entertained with their holiday GLEE, as most would be I was hesitant but proceeded with caution. After filling up with gas the original intent of our 7Eleven visit, the kids piled out of the car into the store...it took a few minutes for them to gather their composure and for me to explain there was going to be no visit to the Slurpee machine or the candy isle. The clerks couldn't be happier in fact she called the other clerk off break to come enjoy the festive caroling. I could tell she wasn't so happy having to come in from her much anticipated smoke break wondering what the heck this was all about. But as soon as the kids started their mini pageant both clerks almost broke down to tears. As I hurriedly rushed them through the songs I couldn't help but think this would be a great time for someone to take advantage of this situation. Which I must say with the recent convenience store robberies in Vegas this probably was not a good idea.

All is well and we all made it through OK and rushed through our next two stops before the tiredness of the kids took over. But before we came to an end the kids insisted again on doing a random stop at my brother's neighbors house. They were extremely surprised and puzzled. When my daughter lifted the goody bag to give them their treats, one of them commented...oh they want a donation. But were quickly relieved/surprised when we gave them something instead of asking for something....funny thing about the attitudes of people these days, they have their guard up always on the defense...but even more so when all you want to do is give them something for nothing...such an unheard of concept especially in Vegas....

What was it that Ice Cube said...ohh yeah Today was a good day!