Conference Day & Life Lessons

Like I mentioned before, I couldn't get enough of the gorgeous sunrise coming up over the strip.  I don't know about you, but I am not lucky enough to see the sun rise like this every single morning. It was so hard to sleep in, as our bodies were still on NY time, but also how could we not want to view this?

I kept it comfy this day, as I knew I'd probably be sitting with my husband all day.  It's funny because every other spouse leaves and does whatever; shopping, lounging by the pool, gambling or even just chilling in the hotel room.  Me?  I sit through this car industry conference and patiently wait for my hubby to speak.  I don't know why, other than I think Joe likes having me with him.  I can't exactly tell you anything I learned and to be honest, I may have day dreamed a bit, wrote out some goals and ideas...but I was there!

I wore a black maxi dress from Fabletics (sooooo comfortable!) my Monroe (kimono style top) my Sutton mixed metal & my silver hammered hoops.

It was so beautiful out in the morning, we soaked up some fresh air before the day began.

During one of the breaks Joe had to tend to one of our renters.  I guess the shower was having an issue in one of our houses, so he had to call a plumber.  Never a dull moment and he's always working.  At least the view was nice!!  I used to get so mad at him when he would "work" when we were together.  I'm not exactly sure when that stopped being an issue, but when it did, we really became a team.  I saw that our lives were not "normal" like everyone else who has a 9-5.  I see that yes, he's taking care of "work" but we are also able to collect a monthly rent check without much effort and that's on 4 different houses.  So, a little work here or there?  I really can't complain, especially since our nest egg continues to grow.

I was so proud to see his name on the big screen.  He hates any sort of big displays and thinks I'm crazy for making a big deal about this, but when a company flies you and your wife all the way to a swanky resort to give a 45 minute talk?  I'm sorry babe, but I think you're a pretty big freakin deal and I love you!!  You are what dreams are made of.  You started out living in a crummy studio apartment in the ghetto, to this.  Rags to riches and you should be so proud of yourself.  

My husband may not have a single college degree, but he's one of the smartest people I know.  He's also one of the most humble, yet confident souls I've ever met.  Some people would mistake his confidence for arrogance, but people talk a lot, especially if they don't know you personally.  I suppose I could learn a thing or two because he has some very thick skin and doesn't let much get to him.

I know he's my husband, but I really thought he spoke the best!! His mother told me a long time ago that Joe has the gift of gab.  I 110% agree with her.  I am not the best public speaker and clearly have a much stronger voice with writing, but Joe?  He is so good at effectively communicating important points.  I bet he'd be a lawyer if the schooling wasn't so long.  Either way, he did a fantastic job, as did all of the presenters that day.

After the conference portion wrapped up, I freshened up and went with the Emme choker for the night!

I am obsessed with my new thigh high black boots from Aldo.  I scored them on the labor day sale and LOVE that they are flats.  I still love my heels, but if you know you're going to be walking a lot and still want to be cute and trendy, these are it!  I also got my dress at F21 for under $20.

The restaurant was inside the Red Rock and it was really nice. There was a huge table that we first sat at; it was right next to a really pretty fire place but oh my goodness, it was hot!!

Earlier that morning we had listened to a motivational speaker.  He brought (pretty much) the whole room to tears that day.  I would love to share his story, but I fear I wouldn't do it justice.  The main point was to live life without regrets (of things you didn't do, but wanted to) and to always, always, always, keep your tribe close.  I may do a video to try and explain it better...this is his girlfriend and him in this photo.  They got to dinner late because they were watching the sunset over the Red Rocks.  I went to go to the ladies room and they stopped us and asked us to eat with them.  Of course Joe and I jumped at this opportunity.

It's hard to explain and some of you may take it the wrong way, but I feel like we sat there for a reason.  We got to know these two amazing souls on purpose.  It's one of those things where I hate that I don't know what they're doing or whether or not I'll ever see them again.

I firmly believe there are different types of people in this world.

Some just float around day to day, living the same old life, not changing or trying to better themselves.

Then there are people who have some severe (mental) health issues and perhaps use drugs or something else they are addicted to, to survive.

And then?  There are people who rise above, no not that they're better than anyone else, but that they are constantly striving to live their best life.  They are pushing themselves to the max, every single day.  The are soul searching, evaluating, researching, living and breathing in every single moment.   They fight hard for what they believe in, they may fall down but they always get back up.  They learn that in life, there are no regrets of the things you have done, but rather only of things that were left undone.  They learn to forgive and move on, because life is too damn short and we are never promised tomorrow.  They speak the truth, they follow their hearts and they learn most from any one of their multiple mistakes.  These. Are. My. People. They will not die, with the music left inside of them.  They are the risk takers, the earth shakers and being in their presence alone lifts me higher than I can even begin to explain.  Joe and I gravitate towards these people, because we are these people.

Sometimes we need to let go of the negative energy that holds us back, so that we can fly higher and reach our full potential.  I can't let go of this one part of my audiobook, that even Joe walked into the room while I was listening to it and it stopped him in his tracks.  Joel Olsteen was referring to someone who made a voicemail saying, "I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now, I've been busy making some changes in my life. If I don't call you back, you're one of them." 

That may sound harsh, but sometimes we need to let go, so that we can move on.  Perhaps distancing yourself from someone may give that person time to grow, reflect, and realize his or her own life's purpose. The more I surround myself with my people, the easier this becomes.  This world is so full of negativity, hate and just mean people.  Be someone who lights up the room and makes the place feel a little more at ease. Be honest and don't play games.

Talk to one another.

Watch the sunrises and the sunsets. Stop and be present in the moment.  It's not easy; it's a daily (hourly) task sometimes.  But the more time we spend working on ourselves, the better we become overall.

Find your Tribe and love them hard.  You just never know when you'll truly need each other.  Those few precious souls on earth that you would do anything for, don't take that for granted.  We need each other more than ever right now, especially the state of our country.  

Be kind and share the love.