what i did in denver vs. what i was supposed to be doing in denver

   Two weeks ago, a group of five lovely ladies from the MSU accounting program, myself included, put on their big girl pants and boarded a plane to Denver to compete in the annual Beta Alpha Psi Regional Conference.

   Now, this conference isn’t all fun and games as the title may lead you to believe. To prepare, the Regional Conference Committee (that’s us) had to choose a presentation topic. After hours of grueling work and preparation, we managed to finish our project: spreading the word about a career in accounting to seniors at local high schools. (By “grueling” I mean “we met at coffee shops for a half hour at a time” and by “hours” I mean, like, two per person – but still!) We were pretty confident about our results and were excited to go to Denver present in this prestigious competition.

   The conference didn’t begin until Friday at 1:00 but we “somehow managed” to wrangle up a flight that delivered us in the Mile High City by Thursday morning. The conference also ended at 3:00 on Saturday, but we flew out early Sunday. Not only are we good with accumulated depreciation and amortizing premiums on bonds, but man can we plan weekend getaways. Watch out!

   Traveling with a group of girls is probably the best thing ever. We were just all on the same page, you know?

   Oh look! An enormous Forever 21! – all that needs to be said. No one even had to ask “should we go in?” It just happened.

   Anyone else want anything? – the only words emitted as we passed a Starbucks.

   And you can’t forget the natural bathroom mirror dance that occurs as all five females attempt to get ready in a hotel room with only one acceptable reflective surface.

   So there was that. But the best part (besides placing 3^rd in the competition – woot!) was what we accomplished on Thursday.

What we were supposed to be doing: practicing our presentation.

What we did instead: started hitting Happy Hours at 3:00pm and not stopping until 12:00am.

Woops!

   We made a pact to document each beverage of our Thirsty Thursday – Denver Edition (we only missed one round, surprisingly!) 

What I like to call "the Martini Experiment". Let's just say I'm going to
stick with my gin and juices for a while.

Stellas and Long Islands - superb.

Wynkoop Brewery's very own wheat brew - not as good as MT's  "Beltian" White, however. 

Repping the gin and juice. Sup.

   To conclude, I'm super proud to have placed 3rd in the competition - earning us a pretty certificate, recognition, and $125 - but I'm happier to be associated with such great people who:

a) pulled strings to help us fly to Denver instead of drive (thanks Molly!)
b) work hard to take opportunities like these seriously to reflect well on our lovely school,
and c) know the perfect ratio to the "work hard, play hard" way of life! (BAP so hard)