Hello, My Name Is...

I spent the past two days at a work conference near San Francisco sharing ideas with fellow industry professionals and learning a few new things along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to have a few "a-ha" moments, and meet fellow young professionals at the event. My industry is notoriously filled with "seasoned" workers, and I felt like I was able to really come into my own and share with people who are truly my contemporaries. This is not the first conference I have been to with my job, but it does qualify as the first where I am taking away valuable information.

I consider myself a friendly person, but not a go-getter in terms of meeting people. At this conference, I made sure to introduce myself first to others who were sharing my space at meal time, and always offer my famous handshake. Didn't you know I had one? Clearly we don't do business together.

These days away also counted as the first time I stayed in a hotel on my own. I am not too sure if that is normal or not at 26, and I had mixed feelings about the solitude. I enjoyed the lovely hotel room in its perfect splendor, but did have a sense of loneliness, especially because even in just over a year, I have become accustomed to Scott by my side every night. This trip also counted for the second time I have ever flown alone. Call me a dork, but it's oddly empowering to be traveling alone. I feel so, well adult I guess, navigating SFO like a pro.

I am happy to be home now, in my own bed, and able to take a break from the work brain that has been going non-stop all week, and enjoy a chili party this weekend, as well as a trip to Disneyland.

"It's finally Friday, let the good times rolllllll..."

Sunday Confessions

In 5th and 6th grade my teachers required parent signatures to acknowledge homework assignments each week. Organized as I was at that age, it was the one thing I continuously forgot. Dad, yours was easier to forge than moms. Sorry! For what it's worth, I never did it on anything of major importance.

Busiest Week Ever

I have never been a girl who goes out every night, staying up later, only to get up the next morning, go to work and complete the process again and again day in and day out. Maybe those girls do not exist-the ones who work 10 hours a day and play the remaining available left at night. Even if I were not married I know this would still be the case. I just don't have that 24 hour energy. Perhaps it just comes down to priorities-I'd rather spend my time at home, exercising, making dinner and just relaxing.

This week I reached my capacity. Work was intense due to a 300-person event on Friday, and each night either a personal commitment or work event was also required. I love my friends that I get to spend time with over dinner, it simply is a reminder that we are adults and its the only time available to get together.

Weeks like this also remind me how precious time is. Cramming errands into my lunch hour (when I can manage to take it) and visits to my grandmother who is in assisted living, as well as spend time at night with that guy Scott.

In any event, at least it makes the weekends extra good.

Fantasy Land

I have often written about my love for the Harry Potter series and how its story is entirely enriching and captivating. When I read books in a series, I find that my mind becomes quite in tune with the thematic and prominent elements. Example-lately, my ears, eyes, and other senses are rather sharpened due to my completion of the Twilight series for a second time. After reading Emily Giffin's chic lit, I can't help but notice babies galore.

My point is this: I am slightly embarrassed to admit that in any given conversation or experience, I internally relate events to and actions to Harry Potter. Dork to the extreme I know. Now before you think I would attend conventions or even try and make it to their Hogwarts theme park, let me explain. Reading those books...wait for it..8 times (!) has really sunk into the depths of my hippocampus. (I have really loved that word since 9th grade biology and really don't get to use it too often.)

Anyway, I try to refrain from actually verbalizing these thoughts, though some have been privy to hearing them, if I know I won't be publicly ostracized. The major culprits are spells (yes, I just lost any cool points if I had them to begin with). Think about it, how easy would it be to open a door with a simple Alohamora? Truly though, I wish Accio worked, for the many times I leave my chapstick in the bedroom and don't want to go retrieve it. Scott's been lucky enough to hear that one.

Because the books chronicle such a significant amount of time, I can't help relate Harry's adventures to my own (perhaps minus the Dark Art villain-slaying.) I know its weird. And I am kind of going out on a limb here putting it in the blogging world, but I think it's because Rowling did such an amazing job of detailing the lives and personalities of Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Though their fantasy world is in no way similar to my real one, readers can relate to the anguish, triumph, friendship, love, and teenage struggles. I can't wait to have my own kids read this series one day and fall in love with those characters.

Things I Would Stitch on a Giant Sampler

Just turning the ripe old age of 26 years old has made me realize I am as cynical as a 76 year old (fart) and have lost some of my optimism in life. Perhaps its the universe testing my patience with the special individuals I encounter day to day, but I have resolved to find some zen as I continue to age. I am not sure how, but as I figure that out, I thought it appropriate to purge the negative chi. And lordy, I can rant. Plus this is following a glass of wine so I'm not feeling as PC as I normally do.

So, if I had the skills to stitch, this is what I would put on a sampler to give away at big gatherings. Or just put on a billboard, whatever is easier.

1. Thou shall not park monster trucks (or ANY vehicle) diagonally across two parking spaces. Ever. Especially in the rain, and in a parking structure that is not part of a school, but designed for retail or corporate parking.

2. Thou shall not call me looking for answers to stupid questions, such as "what church do I belong to?" or "what is the service that people use to send things across countries and a little man delivers them?" Yes, these people exist. It's scary.

3. Thou shall think twice about procreating. Not everyone should. There are means available to prevent this.

4. Thou shall not interrupt, be nosy, or interject into conversations thou is not a part of. It's called a combo. As the junior high saying goes, this is an A/B conversation. C your way out!

5. Thou shall always go back to the tried and true lessons of kindergarten: share, clean up your own mess (also a pillar in Girl Scouts), wash hands before eating/after sneezing/don't be gross, flush, and eat a cookie after nap time.

Is this really too much to ask? Clear Channel, Martha Stewart-I'll wait for your call.

My Best Friend's Wedding

Utterly chic, heart-felt, and amazing.

Dave, Kelli, and their gorgeous daughter.

Sisters!

Kelli and I during pre-ceremony pictures.

Groom and his g-man enjoying a Newcastle before the reception.

Married! Enjoying their dinner and reception.

The fabulous dessert station.

My dashing date.

Congrats Kerri and Rob!!!!

Vingt-Six

I stole the title from my dear friend Courtney who sent me an email with that subject line, and I thought it was a PR Firm. Hah! She is a clever girl.

My horoscope from The OC Register:

Happy Birthday! This year, the unexpected often jolts you. You might wonder if you are taking matters too personally or making a big deal out of something that really isn't that big of a deal. Process and rethink happenings and issues as if others' behavior weren't directed at you. You might see a situation in a much more positive vein. You can make a lot of money, and you could spend even more if you're not careful this year! If you are single, others find you to be very desirable. Take your time really getting to know someone. Enjoy the dating game. If you are attached, go back to those old romantic dates. You both will smile. SAG understands you -- at times too well for your comfort.

Hah, if I had the time and decided to look further, I am sure I'd find a number of just the opposite predictions.

I'd like to wish a Happy Birthday to my rather eclectic group of birthday buddies: Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, Kirstie Allie, Heather Mills, Zach de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine), Sporty Spice, boxer Joe Frazier, comedienne Rachel Harris (The Hangover), Rob Zombie (!), and Felipe Rose of the Village People. Talk about a party!