Learning it from the locals

I've been in Florida for two weeks now and I've got to be honest...it's growing on me. Everyone I talk to from home has complained about the frigid weather while I sit in the 80 degrees on the beach. It's wonderful to be able to wear sandals and sundresses to work in January. In fact, I've worn sandals every day that I have been here. Please don't be jealous. :)

My internship with SunFest is chugging right along. I am continuing to work primarily on sponsorship, learning about everything from leads to contracts to the all important personal relationship. While much of the work I'm doing is office oriented and tedious, I'm getting a great idea of what's involved with funding a big event. I was able to sit in on a conference call with WaMu the other day. WaMu is SunFest's bigger sponsor and is in the process of renewing their contract with us. We have a multi-year partnership, so it's very important that the agreement we come to is something that both parties are comfortable with. This past week I got to the see my boss Stacey negotiate her way through a huge contract. I've learned that you definitely have to be assertive in those situations!

I've also had a pretty exciting introduction to the social life in South Florida. I went with my neighbor Greg and friend Neil to the local's favorite establishment in Lake Worth...Harry's. It's like scuzzy version of Cheers, where everybody knows your name. But it was a lot of fun, and they have the best jukebox around. :)

This past Friday I went to a sweet little concert venue/bar called the Bamboo Room. The place seats less than 300 people but brings in some of the greatest underground musical groups. This week we saw Oteil and the Peacemakers. They are the solo project of the bassist for the Allman Brothers. It was so much fun and so chic, and I will definitely be returning. In fact, Tim Reynolds, sideman for Dave Matthews is playing there in two weeks. He is incredibly talented, and I am soooo excited!

We also had QUITE the eventful evening after the show on Friday night. And by eventful, I mean crazy and scary. But that is another story for another time. Give me a call if you want to hear because it's so much better when I actually tell it rather than write it.

Here are some pictures for everyone to enjoy:

Here is the outside of my office building. SunFest is located on Clematis St., directly downtown in WPB. There's everything from office buildings to restaurants to bars like Dr. Feel Good's, the new bar and grill owned by Vince Neil, lead singer of the Motley Crue. :)

This is the downstairs front office at SunFest. Notice all the sweet commemorative SunFest prints!

Here is the upstairs office. Don't you love how the walls are all different colors? Pink walls!!! :)

Here is a snapshot of my office. See all of the work I have on my desk?!?! :)

Here are my friends Neil and Greg. Neil is in the red and Greg is in the blue. Greg is practically an established local himself, living in South Florida for nearly 15 years.

This is me with Jimmy, one of the infamous bartenders at Harry's. He even let me take a picture behind the bar with the very interesting decor.

Here's my wonderful roommate Ashley and her boyfriend Reiny. They are the best!

Kate and I at the Oteil and the Peacemakers concert. No idea why I'm so smiley.

Some of the crew with Oteil. From L to R: Sweatpants Mike (that's his nickname, obviously), Kate, Oteil, Greg, Ash.

Our new friend Stace posing with some of the interesting street artwork. Ha!

Okay, well that's it for now! I will try to keep this blog up on at least a weekly basis. :) Please continue to e-mail, snail mail and call. I love hearing from everyone! Also, I will be in Chicago from this Wednesday night (January 23rd) through Sunday morning (the 27th) for the IPRA conference. If you're at the conference or in the area, please give me a call, and we can meet up. Ahhh, I'm so excited to see everyone!!! Love and miss you all.

Until next time, peace and love.