So, Lori and I went to the First Annual Tilted Kilt Leadership Conference in Phoenix a couple of weeks ago. We got to meet a ton of the other Pub owners from all over the country, as well as the Corporate peeps, we’ve only known from a distance. It was great and let’s just say we definitely stood out (2 young girls, dressed cute and talking their way around to everyone–you know I’m a social butterfly).
As you can imagine, most of the TK pub owners are male and we heard so many great compliments saying how exciting and great it was that there were female owners around (or maybe they just wanted to sit by us because we’re fun haha). The Orlando University TK is owned by a couple, so they were there also–bringing Florida to the most women franchisees anywhere—that’s right, we rock. Lake Mary Tilted Kilt opens this weekend and Ocala in the next couple months. We met a lady that will be opening pub(s) in Southern Florida, near Ft. Lauderdale, hopefully in the next year.
The conference was held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Resort in Chandler, AZ (which, made me happy because my girl Heather lives close by and Stacey–who you’ve heard me mention before–used to live around there also). I never knew this place existed, it’s gorgeous and so close to everything–without having to stay in Scottsdale.
We got there at like 9am (thanks to the 3 hour time change),
so, since we weren’t participating in the golf tournament, what were we to do?
Head to the pool and grab some champagne.
Isn’t that view so cool?
You know by now that I’m always snapping
random pictures to blog about.
This was one of those moments.
I went to the pool bar bathroom and this is what I found when
I opened the door to one of the stalls.
I just burst out laughing.
Hmmm…makes it a little hard to
go to the bathroom, don’t ya think?
Next, we saw a little river boat/gondala thing.
Done.
I think our guy’s name was Henry.
He was a sweetheart.
He told us all about the whole property being a reservation,
all about the casino and how they had to build a new one
to accommodate all of the customers who came after the economy took a s***,
how every plant and tree was planted for a reason and purpose,
how yes, we could bring our champagne in a plastic cup on his boat =),
how he loves to sing and gave us a concert
“when the moon hits her eye, like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”
(is that even how that song goes? those are the words I hear I guess..)
They were setting up for the
cockatil reception that night.
Now, this is very important…
and will come in handy later…
See those spots?
No, my camera is not dirty and does not need to be wiped off…
believe me, I tried over and over
scrubbing it until finally I asked someone who worked there.
They are bugs.
Yep, bugs, so just don’t be distracted.
Now you know.
They had live music.
Very Southwestern.
I must admit I was a little
over the music after a few days.
Gets a little monotonous.
We had meetings and speakers
and it was actually really great.
I was pretty impressed with everything.
The next night we only had a cocktail reception planned,
so we decided to head to dinner with my girl Heather.
She picked us up and we headed out to Z Tejas.
Margaritas were in our future.
After our margs, I made Heather pose
with me on the big, fat cactus.
No reason, just wanted to.
Then, the faces of my good ol
Heather start to come out!
What a scene we made.
It was so good to see her and such a last-minute trip.
Love ya Heath!!!
We actually woke up early–well, guess there was a reason.
The first night we stayed out until
1:30am chatting it up fireside with new peeps we had met.
Lots of champagne contributed to that.
Hey, we can still hang with the big boys!
After the margs though, we were in bed that night by 10pm haha.
More meetings and speakers all day
and then it was the night of the Hoedown Hooley!!!
We brought our cowboy boots with us
and were ready to get down.
As we met at the location we were told,
look who comes around the corner.
yep, a full-fledged hay ride to the Equestrian Center.
Cool.
That’s our boy Nick,
our Corporate Marketing savior.
We are in his ear and sending him emails non-stop.
Love him.
The horses took us through the river, literally
THROUGH and at this point I was glad that
I made the decision to keep jeans on (after 2 dress changes mind you).
Sorry, Lor, she stuck with her dress,
which gave us quite a few laughs on some of the bumps!!!
We arrive at the Hoedown!!
This place was so cool.
There were line dance instructors,
tons of food,
a smore-making station,
Quick-Draw, Archery, Lasso-ing, etc.
Very “hoedown-ish”….
After we mastered a line dance, we headed to the Quick Draw.
There’s a piece of plexi-glass and you stand
on either side with the gun to your side,
the cowboy dude say’s, “Draw” and you have to cock the gun and fire.
Cocking the gun is hard—that thing takes strength.
Hmmm..I kind of sound like a girl right now.
But, I killed Lori every time!!!
Woo-hoo, I’m a cowboy.
So, we moved on to Archery.
This got me excited.
Brought me back thinking to when
we had archery in gym in high school.
They had it set up on the football field.
I don’t think I’ve used a bow and arrow since.
I mean, why would I?
So, Lori was up first–I was going to get action shots.
Pretty good, check out her bullseye!
But, then, the Archery master walked up.
Yep, ME.
I get up there like a pro, once I got the feel for
how to shoot it, done, a hit, a hit, a hit…seriously, no joke.
They dude was in disbelif.
He said I was the best all night–beating out the boys too!!
In your face!!
I was super excited and having a blast.
I want a bow and arrow for Christmas!!
CW, did you hear me??
Damn, I should join the rodeo.
Moving on to Lasso.
Check out this aweome photo I got of Lori!!!
Yep, ON!!!!
Ok, the Archery Master was not feeling so confident about Lasso-ing.
But, I’ll try it.
Wa-lah! I am now a Lasso Expert also.
First try–ON the head.
Second try–On the head again…
Dead serious-no joke.
Now, I had the Quick Draw guy, the Archery guy and the Lasso guy
standing there in shock!
I of course was making a raucous and
super loud every time I got it on–
so, half the Hoedown was now staring also.
But, whatever—I for sure need to move to join the rodeo.
Oh–again, remember about the bugs?
Yep, those are the white spots…
The hoedown was sooooo fun.
I loved it!
Then, we were back to Florida the next day.
But, I still can’t stop telling people
how great I am at Archery and Lasso-ing.
Think my next party here is going to involve both!!!
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