The Experience Of Oprah's Live Your Best Life Weekend

What a chance of a lifetime.... and what a wonderful time my Mom and I had in NY over Mother's Day Weekend.

It all started back in March, March 15th to be exact, when Oprah's Live Your Best Life tickets went on sale. Weeks before that I had a conversation with my Mom and asked her if she would be interested in going if I could actually get tickets. We both thought, "we probably wont get them, but if we do, it's meant to be". So, on March 15th and 12:00:01, when tickets went on sale I was online trying to get through. Five minutes later, I had two tickets and got all the lifeshop seminars of my choice (Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh). I couldn't believe it, in fact I sat there for the rest of the afternoon in shock that I had actually gotten through. I called Mom and I think she was as dumbfounded as I was. I really thought that tickets would have been gone or I would have lost computer connection and not been able to complete the transaction. But it was really meant to be.

Then the planning began; airline tickets, hotel, transportation, food... you name it, I was organizing everything. I didn't want Mom to lift a hand. So, I got our travel arrangements coordinated where I would leave from Houston and she would leave from Charlotte and we would both fly to NY and get there within an hour of each other. It worked out perfect. I also arranged for a car to pick us up at the airport and went ahead and made our dinner reservations. I knew the weekend would be full of Oprah events so I wanted everything laid out where we didn't have to make last minute decisions in an unfamiliar city.

Friday
The day finally came, May 7th and I had to get up so early as I had a 3 hour flight and wanted to be in NY before noon. Mom's flight was a little delayed so I had time to sit down, eat and make a few phone calls before walking over to my Mom's terminal. Mom finally arrived, the car was there to pick us up and we were whisked away to the Hotel just in time to freshen up before the Welcome Reception began.

We got to the Reception at Gotham Hall and it was beautiful, simply beautiful. You walked in to the reception hall with the music playing, champagne and hors d'oeuvres were being served and in the middle of the room was Loreal's Step And Repeat where photos were being taken of all attendees. The colors were beautiful, the flowers was gorgeous, the sight was breathtaking. Pictures don't even do it justice. The O' Team even went as far as placing bouquets of flowers in the men's urinals. Yes, there were men there, but the women sure outnumbered them.

I made reservations for Mom and I at Park Avenue Spring, which is a quaint little restaurant on 63rd and Park Avenue. It was really very pretty. Park Avenue Cafe changes their decor with the change of the season. Luckily, from the pictures I've seen, Spring was my favorite season! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was so lovely.

After dinner, Mom and I had all intentions of touring the Empire State Building, but from traveling and walking through New York during the day we were so very tired. So, we ended up heading back to the hotel so we could get a good nights rest for the next days events.

Saturday
We needed to be at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 8:00, so Mom and I got up early enough to walk down there from the hotel in hopes to get something to eat before the lifeshops began. The doors opened at 8:00, but the Opening Remarks were not until 9:30, so in my mind we had plenty of time. Do you know, when we got there the lines were unbelievably long. People must have gotten there at 6AM as the line wrapped around 5 city blocks, it was amazing. I've never seen anything like it. We walk in, and because of the heightened security due to the Times Square bombing attempt, we all had to walk through metal detectors and have our bags checked. So, this made the line seem to take even longer. We got in just in time for the Opening Remarks, but not in time to get something to eat. Oprah came out and started the day welcoming everyone and thanking them for showing their support. She didn't speak long, and there wasn't anything poignant said, but EMOTION TOOK OVER! I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience and couldn't believe I was sitting in the same room with a WOMAN that I so admire and look up to and I was sharing that experience with MY MOM on Mother's Day Weekend. I just lost it. The only thing that could have made it better was having Laura there. I so missed sharing that experience with her. It was such an emotional start to the day. After Oprah's welcome, she introduced Elizabeth Gilbert, author of EAT, PRAY, LOVE. I tell you, she was a hoot. I thought she was so funny and I really enjoyed her story. I've never read the book, but after hearing her speak I've downloaded the book on my Kindle and can't wait to see the movie when it comes out. After hearing Elizabeth Gilbert, Mom and I had to get to our lifeshops. We saw Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh. Because this was a celebration of O' The Oprah Magazine's 10th Anniversary, each lifeshop focused on 10 things to living your best life. I took away something from each one, maybe not all 10 but something and I've tried to incorporate them into my life.

After the lifeshops, Mom and I went back to the hotel in order to get ready for Oprah's Celebration at Radio City Music Hall. Luckily we were only 2 blocks from the Hall because we were already tired and our feet were a little sore as well. We walked in not knowing where the seats would be, and were blown away when the attendant walked us down 18 rows from center stage. Mom and I both looked at each other in amazement. So surprised and so excited.... we would actually get to see Ms. Winfrey up close, live and in color. Oprah spoke for and hour and a half and talked about where she came from, where she is now and where she's going. She talked about how important following your passion is. I can truly say that I've not learned to do that yet but I hope that one day I can find that inner voice that tells me it's OK to follow my passion. I've talked about this before, but my passion is to become a photographer. I love it, love catching life in motion. However, I don't do enough to support my passion. One day, I hope I can go there and have the nerve to break away from an office environment and follow my dream. I'm not there yet, and don't have that courage quite yet, but I pray that one day I will.

Once again, Mom and I had all intentions of going to the Empire State Building. Did we make it there? NO! We were now even more tired than the day before and had to be at Oprah's Charity Walk the next morning by 7AM.

Sunday
The days prior to Sunday had been beautiful. Sunny skies and really pleasant weather. We woke up Sunday to pretty skies as well but it was so very cold, in the 40's. As well as I had organized the weekend plans, I surely didn't do that when it came to my Sunday outfit. I had shorts and a t-shirt and did not bring a jacket at all. At 40 degrees, I would surely freeze. Luckily Mom brought 2 pairs of long workout pants, but I still didn't have a jacket. Fortunately, I brought a few pashminas and threw them over my arms just to try and stay warm. Because it was so early in the morning and it was Sunday, there were no stores opened when we left so I had to just suck it up and walk.

We arrived at the Intrepid Museum at 7 and got lined up for Oprah's LYBL Walk. Mom and I were walking for the organization, Share Our Strength®, which is dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry. The walk was to start at 7:30, but Oprah and few other celebrity walkers did not arrive until 8:30. We were cold, hungry and at that point getting a little frazzled. By the time the walk began we were so through with speeches and thank yous.....it was time to get this thing started. The walk began at the Intrepid and ended in Times Square. Once we arrived in Times Square and walked around to a few of the booths then it was time to head back to the hotel in order for the car to pick us up and take us back to the airport.

So, that was the weekend. I had such a nice time and so enjoyed the experience with my Mom. I hate that we didn't get to see more of NY but for me the experience was a chance of a lifetime!

New Orleans Vacation

Happy 30th Birthday Eric!!

To my little brother, Eric... Happy Happy Birthday. I can't believe you turned 30 today. Even though I was only 6 when you were born, I still remember the day as clear as if it were yesterday. Hope you have had a great day and I wish I were there to celebrate it with you.

Enjoy the Ice Cream & Cake...

Funny - Funny Videos

Easter 2010

Busy, Busy, Busy... Now Relax.... AHHHH

The last few weeks have been so busy and I've not had a chance to blog. Oh, how I've missed it!

Let's start with 4 weeks ago... we started the Saturday (10/17) out at a fall festival with Lisa and Wyatt. Wyatt and Laura had a great time playing in the pumpkin patch and picking out their pumpkins. Laura and I had to leave a little early this year so that she could go to her friend, Crystal's Birthday Party. The party started at 4:00, but lasted into the night. They all had such a good time together and had a hard time when it was time for the parents to disburse.

That next week Laura and I stayed pretty busy preparing for her Birthday Party, which was 10/24. Her theme this year was Hello Kitty, so we had to get all of the supplies; cake, balloons, napkins, plates, goodie bags, etc. ready for Saturday. She wasn't too thrilled with the planning part of it, all she wanted was the actual party itself. I was very surprised at the kind of party Laura asked for this year. Tim and I take her to this place near our house and it has bowling, laser tag and gaming machines. Well, that's what she wanted to do this year. As girly as she is, I was surprised she wanted to have it there. But, I have to say all the kids seemed to enjoy it. Because Laura's Birthday was actually during the week, we decided to go ahead and give her the big gift before the big day.Now Tim and I both thought we would get a much bigger reaction than we did. Tim showed up with Laura's new puppy, Lilly, that she had been asking for all year and her response to Lilly was just "Hello". Are you kidding me? We thought there would be jumping and screaming and all we got was "hello"? Oh well, I guess you never can tell how they're going to react, can you? Laura and Lilly were able to spend a little bit of time together and then it was off to her party.They all seemed to have a really good time, and the boys really enjoyed the laser tag . I think that was the highlight for all of them.

My Parents always come in for Laura's Birthday, so the week they are here I try and find fun things for them to do. One of the Keener traditions is going to Dewberry Farms so Laura can pick out another pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. So, we headed there for our Sunday afternoon. This year, now that Tim's Dad and Stepmother live in Katy, we ended up having a larger crowd - me, Tim, Laura, Grame, Pops, MawMaw and PawPaw. Now that Laura is older we decided to do the Corn Maze this year. That was a lot of fun and will be a new tradition at Dewberry from now own!

The next week seemed to be a little hectic. Laura's dance instructor gave them all permission to wear their costumes to the Tuesday class but before Laura could wear hers, Grame had to do some alterations. Luckily Grame came through and had her outfit all ready for her when we got there Tuesday afternoon. The rest of the week we were all getting ready for Halloween and Tim and I actually got a few date nights in. What fun! It's nice to be able to get out and have adult nights from time to time. One of our date nights was a movie night. We saw the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It". It was really good!! We both enjoyed it. The movie seemed to be a little long, but all in all it was nicely done. It's hard to imagine putting together a movie about MJ's final dance/dress rehearsal, but they did and did it well!

Saturday rolled around, which happened to be Halloween (10/31). I had gotten tickets for me, Laura and Grame to see the musical, Mary Poppins.Laura thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun to watch her expressions during the show. At times you'd see her little hands go up in the air when Mary was singing in a higher octave and when the orchestra played, it was like she was the conductor. Too funny!

After the musical, we had to hurry home to get dressed up for Trick-Or-Treating. Laura ended up being a Hollywood Starlet. This was the first time we've ever let Laura wear "dress-up" make-up. I have to say, she looked so pretty. Looking at her all glammed up, made me think about 10 years from now, when she's getting ready for her prom. Oh, time is just flying by so quickly. Lilly also got dolled up for the festivities. She went as a Princess Pup. Too cute!! By the time we got both Laura and Lilly home, they were pooped from the day.





Sunday, Mom and Dad had to head back to North Carolina. That day always seems to be a hard day for everyone. We all get a little sad that we wont be seeing each other for a few months. So, I had planned earlier in the week for Laura and Wyatt to get together and go to the park for the afternoon. I think that seemed to help a little bit, but even when we left the park the tears came because Grame and Pops would not be there when she got home. Now that she's older, it seems to affect her more.

Now, fast forward to the next weekend (11/6). For Tim's Birthday (in September), I surprised him by flying his best friend from childhood, Chad along with his wife, Joanna down for a weekend in November. This would be that weekend. They got in around 6:30, just in time for dinner. We all went to Pappadeaux's and it was wonderful. This was one of the first restaurants I visited after moving to TX and have loved it ever since. After dinner we headed back to the house to get ready for an adult night out. Laura was having a sleepover with MawMaw and PawPaw. We ended up taking Chad and Joanna to see a local band that Tim and I really like, Lounge 4407. We had such a great time. The band was, as always, fabulous! Tim really enjoyed catching up with Chad and it was so nice to hang out with his wife. They were both so nice and great to hang out with.

Now after a month of being busy and on the go and what seemed to be nonstop, we finally had a calm, relaxing weekend. This past one was one of the first in quite some time that we didn't have anything planned. I got so much done around my house. Don't get me wrong, I still have a ton to do (my piles never seem to go away). But, we had a great time. Last night we ended up having movie night so Tim and Laura made homemade pizza's. Earlier in the day, Laura asked if she could open up a concession stand and sell popcorn and candy at the movie. So, she and I had gotten some things for her to "sell" at her concession stand. She had such a great time doing that. She charged me a little more than I would have liked to have paid for a candy bar, but to her it was so much fun.

Ah, I think I've rambled on long enough. Hope everyone is doing well. Just think, in a few more days it will be Turkey Day. YUM YUM!!

Domestic Harmony

I can't take credit for the title. I actually heard Lisa Oz use the term this morning on Oprah & Friends. However, when I heard it, it made complete sense to me. Domestic Harmony has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I thought about my own household and whether or not Tim and I bring domestic harmony to our family and I have to toot my own horn, we do.

Tim and I have such a loving and respectful relationship with one another. Now, that's not to say we don't disagree on things from time to time but overall we really care about each other as a person and each others opinions. We also care about the opinion of our daughter. We strive to raise her in an environment where she is not involved in parental squabbles. She sees her Mommy and Daddy as two loving people who care and respect one another. It's visual for her. I hope this enables her to find a mate that will treat her with the same respect her father has for me.

Unfortunately, this topic also reminds me of those children who are in a place of total discord. Those who see their mother and father verbally and physically abuse one another. I can't imagine putting a child through that kind of stress. As an adult you think it's hard on you, but think of a child who can't really interpret what's going on during an argument between their mother and father. These are the ones that are suppose to love and support you but if they can't love and support one another, how can they even begin to love and support a child. Children do as they see and if a child sees the abuse they will more than likely grow up to do the same.

Weekends

Weekends seem to go by so fast, don't they? It's hard to come back to work when you have such a wonderful time with your family. Friday, Laura and I left for the beach and had such a wonderful time together. We didn't do anything special, just hung out by the pool, dinner at Rainforest Cafe and then spent Saturday by the pool and on the beach.It's nice to know that you don't really have to do anything in particular but hang out with someone and at the end of the day say you had a wonderful time. We had a blast, just the girls, playing in the pool and building sand castles. Only 5 more days until the weekend comes again - can't wait!

Mommy & Laura's trip to Galveston

Fabulous Weekend

I had one of the best weekends I've had in quite a long time. My SUV did not make it out of the garage and my body did not physically leave our yard. It was so nice! Saturday morning I got up and did the normal spring/summer, weed picking, out in the yard "stuff". Then Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday, Laura and I spent time outside soaking up the sun and hanging out on the back porch. Tim got all of things he needed to do done on Saturday so he was able to take some much needed time to rest yesterday. Tim is not one for just sitting outside all day, or sitting inside all day for that matter, but he would come and visit Laura and I from time to time. It was wonderful to spend time outside, without the TV, catching up with them both. During the week it's hard to find time to spend quality time with them. By the time we get home, go through the mail, cook dinner, take our evening walk/run, pick up from the night before and get baths, it's time for bed and/or time to veg out in front of the TV. So, it was nice to just RELAX this past weekend. Hopefully we can enjoy more of those in the near future.

Laura riding her new bike.

My little one got a bike this past weekend. She's learning to ride it and hopefully we'll get to take the training wheels off soon.

Is age just a number?

Should a 70 year old give birth as this woman did? Is age just a number when it comes to this topic?

Ford Designs My Key Feature to Stop Teen Speeding

This is one of the most innovative things I've heard to keep your kids safe while driving. It's called the MyKey Feature, and is being installed on Ford model cars. Very impressive.



The excerpt below came from the following website:
http://www.marketingshift.com/2008/10/ford-designs-my-key-feature.cfm

We all remember that day when our parents handed over those coveted keys to the family car.

For guys, it was the glorious first step toward freedom, and the perfect expression to celebrate that independence was to leave some tread marks down the neighborhood street. However, those days may soon be over for the modern teenager, thanks to efforts from motor companies such as Ford.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.5,000 U.S. teens die each year in car crashes. The rate of crashes, fatal and nonfatal, per mile driven for 16-year-old drivers is almost 10 times the rate for drivers ages 30 to 59.

As a result, Ford decided to put the parents back in control with a new device that will limit a car's speed (a max set to 80 mph) and radio volume and sound an alarm if the safety belt is off. Ford's Focus will be the first model with the feature, but MyKey will eventually be implemented into every model.

Jim Buczkowski, Ford's director of electronic and electrical systems engineering, told the Chicago Tribune

Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often...It's making use of existing technology, and through the magic of software, we're able to build features on top of the features we already have.

A little background

My husband, daughter and I moved 3 years ago from our birthplace in NC, to the BIG state of TX. It has truly been a journey as you’ll come to see. Our parents, Laura’s grandparents, and my brother all still live in NC, so our home has become a revolving door with visitors. I don’t know that family is considered "visitors", but you know what I mean. We love it though, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Tim and I both fell in love with TX, it seemed as if this was the place we were meant to be. This is not to say we haven't missed our family and friends dearly, but it just feels like home.
I love to read! Actually this is a new passion of mine. Growing up I did not enjoy reading at all but at 34 I find stories to be so interesting. I like true stories most of all, but I’ve also been known to delve into a novel here or there. At some point I would love to sit down and actually write my own story. Hopefully, Behind The Walls Of Vanderwilt will be the start of something along those lines.
Another passion I have is photography. I’m very critical of my photos so I would say I only have a handful of what I consider great pieces of work. Nonetheless, I adore taking the shots to see what I may end up with. I don’t like digital photography, at least, not quite yet. I’m still a 35mm kind of girl. Eventually I’m sure I’ll make the switch, but right now I’m as happy as a clam changing out rolls of film.
Since moving to TX I’ve gotten involved in a few “Walks”. My first walk was with the Arthritis Foundation, which I did in honor of my grandmother who battles with rheumatoid arthritis. After finishing my 1st 5K, Tim and Laura decided they wanted to get involved as well. So, that same year, we did the Step Out To Fight Diabetes Walk along with the Susan G. Komen walk. I encourage anyone who has the ability to walk, to find a cause they are passionate about and get out there ~ raise money and walk.
My purpose for introducing you to Behind the Walls of Vanderwilt is to share with you my thoughts about life ~ marriage, family, spirituality, work-home life balance, entertainment gossip (I'm an entertainment junkie) and hobbies ~ just an aray of what I consider my hot topics. Hopefully I will be able to share with you my experiences and in turn, you can share yours.