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Friday 5(00)

Favorite Things· Link Up

2 May

Guys. It’s my absolute favorite time of year. Can you hear it?

IMG_0448

These would be actors portraying the founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You never know what you’ll do or who you’ll meet when you work at an agency.

That would be the beautiful sound of 33 IndyCars zooming 220 mph around the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It’s the Month of May in Indianapolis. Go ahead and consider the next 30 days a holiday.

In college, I worked as an intern with the 500 Festival. I had always had a fascination with the famed oval in Speedway, but after that internship I became a full-on fan girl. Then, when I worked for an advertising & public relations agency after college, I had the pleasure to work with the Town of Speedway and their redevelopment commission. They were always my favorite client, mostly because of awesome experiences like this:

IMG_0539

I’m pretty sure I’m wearing a dress in this picture. Bonus points for me!

Basically what I’m saying is, if you have never been to the Indianapolis 500 do yourself a solid. Go. It’s magical.

May is about more than the race, though. Today, in honor of this wonderful month, I give you my top 5 stories from my time behind the scenes of the Month of May.

1.

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

This event could qualify as the worst day of my life. By worst, I mean most exhausting. Giving birth was easier.

The weekend of the Mini, I worked for 36 hours straight. On my feet, and performing manual labor, the entire time. As if I wasn’t dead enough by 5 p.m. on Saturday, I got to come back the next day (on a Sunday) and wash hundreds of Gatorade coolers. Intern life is not glamorous, people. But, who else can say they crossed the Mini finish line HOURS before the “winner”? Like, at 2 a.m.?

4331_524256099828_1130068_n

This is what delirious interns look like. To add insult to injury, I think it was raining.

As the Public Relations Intern, I was tasked with getting the actual Mini winners to the appropriate media on race day. Then, I got to stand with a man who planned to propose to his girlfriend when she finished the race. Yes. I watched 35,000 people cross the finish line for 2 hours looking for woman I had never met. When we spotted her, I grabbed her from the crowd, asked if she would be willing to do an interview with Angela Buchman, and then the magic happened on live TV.

It was worth it.Fotor0423105418If you’re participating in the Mini tomorrow, be sure to go up to the 500 Festival staff and interns and thank them. I guarantee that by the morning of the race, they will have been at work and away from their families for DAYS.

I walked the Mini two years later, and I can honestly say my feet felt better after 13.1 miles than it did after this weekend.

 

2.

Pagoda Love

I have a love affair with the Pagoda.

4498_524723019118_3094230_nFreaking gorgeous. Not only did I get to see this beauty at all hours of the day/night, I got to go inside. This may be common for some people, but for me it was incredible.

4498_524723004148_1658255_n

Inside Timing & Scoring during Community Day

 

3.

VIP

Throughout the Month of May, I met so many VIPs. IndyCar drivers, racing legends, celebrities… the list will go on. I learned all kinds of things.

Fotor042311298When Derek Hough needs allergy medicine, he needs it STAT.
Helio Castroneves is completely human.
Mario Lopez is a diva.
Adam Vinatieri is the nicest football player around.
Milka Duno may not drive very fast, but she is one smart lady.
Both Gilles Marini and Josh Duhamel are as good looking in real life as they are in the movies.
Richard Petty is really hard to get close to.

 

4.

Band Party

While the 500 Festival Staff enjoyed the glamorous Snakepit Ball the night before the race, the interns were subjected to hosting a high school marching band party – luau themed, of course.

Yeah. It was as lame as it sounds.

Thank God for people watching, and college-age interns who aren’t afraid to embarrass themselves.

Fotor0423114019

5.

Indianapolis 500 = My Mecca

I’ve been to the Indianapolis 500 many times, but few times compare to 2009.

Race day was actually on my first wedding anniversary, which also conveniently happened to be graduation day for my sister and Courtny’s brother. Luckily, my bestie Lana served as my date.

Fotor0423114955Let’s just say the interns decided to celebrate the end of our internship with a little lot of tailgating in the infield. I was one of only three interns who made it to the end of the race.

We had amazing seats directly behind Helio’s pit, which was pretty awesome when he won the Indy 500. NBD.

Best internship ever.

—

What is your favorite Indianapolis 500 memory? And seriously, if you’ve never been, I would be happy to be your tour guide. 🙂

Also, after looking at these pictures from five years ago, please don’t ever let me cut my hair that short again.

 

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  1. Bethany says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:55 am

    My favorite 500 memory is walking the mini with you 😀

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      May 2, 2014 at 10:18 am

      Betty, you’re the best. 🙂 We totally rocked it from Corral Z!

      Reply

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

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L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for alway I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be. ❤️

My baby turns 7 today, which feels unbelievable in many ways. Dorothy Laura, you make me so proud to be your mommy. 

#dbunny #cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #birthday #7yearsold #firstborn
If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’ If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’s, it will be enough. 

We lost 94 years of memories today, and even though we knew this day was coming it doesn’t make it easier. I’m just so glad my girls could know and love their Papaw Great. 

RIP, Upe. 💛
Have courage, and be kind. ✨ #waltdisneyworld # Have courage, and be kind. ✨

#waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderella #cottentales #cottensisters #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #travelblogger #disneysmmc #fallbreak2020 #spontaneous
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