The next major summer event which occurred in my absence from blogging was an epic weekend in Miami.
Prior to getting sick, I was working on a big project/event at work and was devastated to be taken out of action in the home stretch. While in the hospital, my team was SO supportive and I did my best to keep myself busy with small pieces of the puzzle that I could work on independently. As soon as I got word that I was being released from the hospital, my next question to the doctors was around being cleared to travel. They said that after two days and normal lab results, I would be able to get on a plane. Their only guidance was I couldn’t lift anything over 10lbs and had to take it easy. I was ecstatic to be able to go to the event that I had spent MONTHS planning with team.
After a quick trip down to Miami (with my husband lovingly lugging my laptop and wheeling around my luggage), we arrived at the resort and I was immediately put into a happier place. I truly realized what a special situation I have- I work with my friends. All the late nights and hard work came together and the weekend was incredible.
I was extremely nervous about getting sick again while in Miami, so I made a point to REALLY listen to my body. After being horizontal for so long in the hospital, I was very quick to feel fatigue. I had one night where I was a little “off” and my stomach started to cramp up. I was super nervous that I was getting sick again, but I just drank seltzer water and tons of pickled ginger from a sushi station at the event and tried to keep my mind occupied with conversations. Luckily, the feeling subsided during the night and I woke up feeling 100%.
As a thank you for planning the weekend, my company treated to every member of my team to either a facial or massage at the Ritz. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get a massage after my kidney biopsy (they punctured my back in three areas to get samples of my kidneys), but I figured I would go and just ask the masseuse to avoid the area. It ended up being the best decision- I told the therapist all about my issue and episode in the hospital and she spent a lot of time doing reflexology on my feet with an emphasis on points that helped my liver and kidneys. I left the room feeling fantastic and full of energy.
The last night of the weekend was an awards show themed event. Since I was a part of the planning team, this was the last hurrah and I was finally able to just relax and enjoy. The evening ended up being epic.
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Sometime during the evening it became hysterical to have the little golden awards as an accessory.
Yep, even in a sock bun.
We spent HOURS on the dance floor and finally retired to the room.
After a couple days of very early mornings (I was working, remember?), sleeping in and having a casual morning on the balcony felt so good.
Also, being at the Ritz in Miami doesn’t suck. I came last year to the same event at the same resort and had an amazing time. It was crazy to reflect on everything that has happened in a single year – I have a new job, my husband is done with his MBA, we bought a house, I have a new niece, plus more.
Since I have a tendency to capture a lot on my iphone, I went back in the archives to find the pictures. Here we are at a Gatsby themed evening at the same event last year.
Time flies when you are having fun.
