February 26th - Top 40 Under 40 @ Blue Martini

Sweet Jesus, I'm so glad I'm not sick anymore. Due to some alien virus, I missed two parties last week along with several other opportunities to traipse around town. Nevertheless, those sick days made the events of today all the more sweeter. Life is beautiful and this day tasted a bit like perfection. This morning, I woke up, feeling brand new, I jumped up...worked out, did my sprint, went to a job that I love, worked with people I thoroughly enjoy spending my day with, got my hair "did" on lunch, spoke to my sweet Georgia lover on the phone, took part in the planning of a wonderful community-building event called the Nevada Women's Day of Service and then I went out! Hallelujah!

Sure, I've been to Blue Martini scores of times (see January 16th ). It's always so crowded, I swear the Fire Marshall is on the take. However, Blue Martini is a must do for all local business people and is definitely a suggested destination for any regular visitors to our fine valley. Tonight, in particular, was a young business person must. Anyone under the age of forty who didn't make it truly missed out on a networking bonanza.

In Business Las Vegas (IBLV) is a local business publication distributed weekly by Greenspun Media Group. Each year, IBLV hosts a series of events recognizing the go-getters of the Las Vegas. The parties are typically thrown in the finest of nightlife locations with complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. One of the most popular events is the Top 40 Under 40 which honors forty young professionals under the age of forty specializing in kicking ass and taking names in business. As if I wasn't going to be there. OutPast30 Lady rolled in there five deep. Shots out to my peeps at Imagine Marketing. Congrats to Top 40 Under 40 honoree and OutPast30 reader, Rebecca Fay. Big ups to Tom Fay, Director of Henderson Libraries. (Folks, Tom reads my blog too.)

To anyone who thinks that professionals are too elite to hang with, think again. While waiting at the bar, I overheard a group of four discussing how proud they were to repeatedly mispronounce words like "quesadilla" and "fajita." I overheard the distinctly high-pitched giggle of acute intoxication. I witnessed professionals piling their plates sky high with shish kabobs and shrimp as if they were at a casino buffet. And finally, after the ceremonies were over and a quartet called Fat Strat hit the stage to cover Beatles tunes with their electronic string instruments, I saw the mass exodus of professionals who were no longer interested in drinking Patron ...especially if it wasn't free.

Business networking is good times with a room full of people from all backgrounds just trying to get their piece of the pie and have a cool time doing it. It's not stuffy, condescending banter. It's real people just exhaling and trying to make sense of this crazy capitalist machine we live in in the company of fellow cogs. I had a wonderful night. My only complaint was when Titties McGee behind the bar refused to acknowledge the fact that I needed another drink. I had to resort to wacky waving infatalable arm flailing in order to get some service.

Singles ladies, I just want to tell you something. Don't listen to Beyonce. No disrespect to my fellow bootyshaker but she's always talking about enticing men in some nightclub. Whatever. Get yourself to these networking events. Just look at the picture to the left. This a fine example of the smorgasbord of gainfully employed men who are very available, are steady on the grind and do enjoy the company of business-minded women. Yes, OutPast30 Lady's pimp hand is strong, however no pimp bones are necessary to make the acquaintance of one of these gents. If you've got business on the brain, then be about it. Bring plenty of business cards and keep your eyes open. Smile, shake hands and tell him your name. Take his business card. You don't have to think of anything intelligent to say because he can't hear you anyway. Before you know it, you've made a hot and sexy new friend. Furthermore, you have his number AND an excuse to call him.

Single men, ditto. Hell, ALL single people, ditto. There's someone for everyone. Go ahead. Handle your business.

Disclaimer: Sweet Georgia Lover Man, OutPast30 Lady did not hit on, attempt to hit on or even contemplate hitting on any individuals of the opposite sex, same sex and/or questionable sex. OutPast30 Lady is not responsible for the undeniable attraction that any individual may have for her, nor is she responsible for any visions, fantasies, or wishful thinking with regard to her overall deliciousness.

January 16th - Blue Martini

I'm often asked where I get the energy to go to function after function...after function. I actually consider myself to be such a homebody! No one loves throw pillows and pajama pants more than I do. I knit and crochet. I have two cats who actually talk to me. I've watched entire seasons of America's Next Top Model on Saturdays. I ignore phone calls and text messages while Family Guy is on. I make up dance routines in my bathroom mirror. I love being at home! But I can't say "no" to adventure.

So when I got an invitation to Blue Martini from a good friend/business associate at about 3:00pm today, I just couldn't refuse. I'll sleep when I'm dead. Isn't life about living? Even though I'd worked late every day this week, I was determined to summon the energy to weather the storm of a Friday night at Blue Martini. Yes, my feets is swoll even as I compose this electronic missive, but I feel it was a small price to pay for the overall experience. I had a fine time. A fine time indeed.

For all of you local Las Vegans who haven't seriously hung out at Town Square, shame on you! This place was made for us! It's a combination of Downtown Disney, The District at Green Valley Ranch and Ceasars Palace all mixed into one without the endless C note sound emitted by slot machines and it's ours! Centrally and conveniently located just off of the 15 and 215 on Las Vegas Blvd, it features shops for all income levels, a play area for the kids, a kickass movie theatre and some very nice restaurants and bars including Blue Martini.

I've never once been to Blue Martini when there wasn't a crowd. If you are like Ariel and you want to go where the people are sans pain-in-the-ass drunken, breastmilk consuming tourists(see January 15th blog) , then this is your spot. I recommend scoring a table reservation and arriving between the hours of 4pm and 8pm any day. This is the time where drinks and food are half off. If you care to stay after 8pm and beyond, you'll be serenaded by live entertainment. Most attendees are spirited, good-looking, stylish 25-54 year olds of all colors, shapes and sizes. All martinis are served in their own individual shakers and the appetizers are pretty tasty. Another plus is that the waitresses actually wear clothing that covers more than just their nipples.

Sure you have to semi-shout to have a conversation with people standing in close proximity to you, but what the hey. It was a Friday night in Las Vegas. At lunch time, I walked with the sunshine on my face in the company of people that I both respect and love. I'm so in love with the man of my dreams ...and though he's far away I can feel him as if he's grasping my hand and softly kissing my cheek. Monday is a holiday celebrating the life and times of a true American hero; a fine example of how important it is to dream and to fight for that dream. Tuesday, we will swear in our first African-American president; a man who is intelligent, charismatic, inspiring and deeply in love with his wife and children. Oh Lord, life is beautiful! And even despite our issues with the economy, these are amazing times that we're living in, ya'll. So who am I to stay home on a Friday night catching the most recent episode of The Office on Hulu.com?

To all my fellow 30-somethings and up, don't be afraid to go play. Don't make excuses not to play either! Even if it's a BBQ in the backyard, a sip of wine after the kids have gone to bed, or cranking up the heater and streaking down your hallway, make time to be good to yourself and find every opportunity to giggle. It works wonders for the soul and makes your corner of the earth a little brighter.

Until tomorrow or whenever I find some hot mess to get into....