That's how I greet the chickens nowadays. They love it!

It's really hard to get back into the swing of things after vacation, but there are a lot of people out and things are really mellow today, so that's good.

The extended long weekend was fabulous.

Thursday was our anniversary, so right after work we hopped in the car and headed over to Glory In Andover. It was a really pretty place with great ambiance. I splurged for a glass of Veuve Cliquot, which was fabulous. Our first courses were great - I had the goat cheese salad and he had the calimari. We had a hard time choosing entrees since the menu was a newer one than was posted on their web site and had less appetizing choices. I settled on the lobster and he had the steak. I have to say that the lobster was great, but underwhelming in a way. The sauce was a simple tomato with corn and it seemed like something I would have made for myself at home. Jim wasn't thrilled with his over-priced steak. We skipped dessert and I had a yummy chocolate covered cherry martini.

On our way out I stopped in the ladies room which didn't match the ambiance of the restaurant. The walls were decoupaged with italian movie stars and it smelled like my grandmother's basement.

All-in-all it wasn't bad, but it wasn't what we had hoped. We probably wouldn't go there again unless they had a better menu selection.

On Saturday we were up bright and early to pick up our friends (John and Kristen) and hit the road, arriving in Montreal just a smidgen after two. After settling into the hotel we hit the city for some lunch, settling on a pizza joint a block away from our hotel. We were seated right at the large open windows looking out onto the street. We had pizza and yummy sangria and were entertained by the world cup soccer fans cheering next door.

After lunch we headed to the Jazz Festival and met up with some more friends (Tim and Sarah) at which point the girls hit the shops and the boys hit the beer stands and jazz. We browsed a few stores and I have to say we spend the majority of our shopping hours in the grocery store. We were all enthralled by all the different kinds of foods that we can't get back in the States like ketchup potato chips and many different types of chocolate.

We met up with the boys later on and had dinner at a little Thai place that we had to ourselves. The boys were a bit loopy at that point and the two bottles of wine we shared at dinner made all of us very loopy. The boys went back to the jazz and we walked around the city looking for an acceptable crepes place. I had the first of five crepes that I would have over the span of three days, this one with nutella. It was to die for.

On Sunday, Kristen and I got up early for a walk around Vieux Montreal while the boys slept off their hangovers. I took a few pictures and bought a few souveniers and on the way home we hit the grocery store. Again.

We met up with everyone for lunch at Le Jardin de Nelson. It was a gorgeous place with tons of flowers and jazz and the best atmosphere and food of all the places we went in Montreal. Crepe #2 of the Montreal trip has portobello and oyster mushrooms with brie and garlic. Very filling and decadent with a side of carrot slaw. Yummy!

The girls shopped some more than headed back to the hotel for a nap and met up with everyone else for dinner at Modavi. Jimbo and I had eaten there two years ago during our first Montreal trip and loved it. I wasn't as impressed this time around, but they did make one hell of a mean martini.

After dinner, the boys went back to jazz and the girls hit the streets. We ended up at a Hookah bar. It sounds pretty dirty, but really it's just a place where people go and smoke flavored tobacco from the tall water pipes. I wasn't going to smoke, because I'm a good girl like that, but it was very different from smoking a cigarette and I actually liked it. Our hookah tasted like fraises (strawberries) and it was delish. Next was crepe #3 (nutella) then bed.

Monday morning Jimbo and I headed out for breakfast on outdoor patio where I had crepe #4 (nutella and bananas) and then hit LUSH before we got on the road. We stopped right before the border at a teeny little crepe place for crepe #5 (nutella) where we met an adorable long-haired cat who walked around with a bit of his tongue hanging out of his mouth like a dog.

Tuesday Jimbo and I slept in and then did some much-needed grocery shopping and chilling before headed out for dinner with his brother and friends. We ended up at an Indian place in Lowell and it was the first time I had ever had Indian food. I loved it!

That's it for the vacation. I'm back at work today. I'm skipping Weight Watcher's tonight because I obviously wasn't counting points for the past week. I'm sure I gained more than I care to know.

Oh yeah, I didn't mention the insanity that was the house situation. Remember the house we loved? The adorable little gingerbread house? Yeah, it's what the inspection guy called "lipstick on a pig." It's all pretty and nice on the inside and freshly painted with stainless appliances. Well, it has no insulation (AT ALL!) the front and the back decks need to be replaced as well as the plumbing and the electric and just about everything else you can think of. I blocked my ears and yelled "I can't hear you, naaa naa naaa, I can't hear you" after about five minutes of hearing about what awful shape the house was in.

Needless to say we rescinded our offer and it's back to square one. This happened Wednesday and I hadn't mentioned it because I was sick to death of talking about it and everyone telling me that there will be another and blah blah blah. It just took the joy right out of home-buying for me.

So, a week has gone by and Jimbo and I are again looking at houses. We did some drive-bys yesterday, but we're really not going to look seriously until we get some solid interest in the condo. Otherwise, what's the point?

Today we have the third showing of the condo since Thursday. That's about it. How was your Fourth!?

1. I'll I'm asking is for...


2. I can't live without...


3. Dear Summer...


4. If I had a million dollars...


5. The color of the week is....


6. My weekend plans include...

Mine below

I have a number of books sitting on my desk at home that I want to read.

• I want to study up on CSS and layouts and other new types of web design thingamawhos.
• I want to install a new database on my blog and install the Media Manager plug-in to fix my book lists which have become obsolete.
• I want to go through my older entries that I've exported and eliminate all the really personal stuff so that my archives will be complete.
• I want to fix the entries on my Webundance site and update it. I want to add a book list.
• I want to keep on top of all of my client's projects
• I want to learn how to knit and sew and be all kinds of crafty.
• I want to take a class in graphic design and all things geeky.
• I want to do yoga.
• I want to be interested in other people's lives.
• I want to be able to focus better.
• I want to be a better friend.
• I want to be able to relax.
• I want to want to read the little books I keep by my bed that I have haven't been motivated to read.
• I want to play with my discovery journal.
• I want to lay on a raft in the water and do nothing.

There are so many things that I want to do. That I am putting on my "want to do" list that I just can't seem to get around to. I see though, that the reason that I'm not able to do all these is that I'm busy doing things that I've crossed off (or are in the process of) my "want to do" list, like

• start a web design company
• speak at a conference
• buy a house

And looking at that list I realize that it's OK that I haven't got around to doing everything on my list. I can't do everything at once so I guess I'll just continue to add things to the list.

What's on your "want to do" list?

It's coming and I'm scared as hell.

What's coming? Blogher!

Why am I scared? Well, I'll be speaking, in public to a group of ohh..... 150 other women bloggers. I've never, ever spoke in public before and yeah, it's scary. Now those of you who know me know that I'm not shy at all. And it's true, I'm not. But I do become a little anxious about interacting with people sometimes. I hate to talk on the phone and I'm not really great at meeting new people.

I'm also afraid of getting up there and sharing everything I know about plugins and widgets and everything that do for a living (OK part-time but people actually pay me for it). Sure, I know my stuff, but my greatest fear is that I'm going to get up there and people are going to be mean to me and tell me that I'm wrong and that they way I do things is so archaic. I mean, I'm still using tables for layouts (shhh! I know, it's so wrong, but I'm learning!) and I'm so afraid that someone's going to look at my code and laugh in my face.

This is why I'm bringing martinis (well, I'm bringing money for them!) and ativan and my blankey with me. It's really scary.

And the scariest part? I'm going all by myself. Yup! I'm hopping on a plane flying all the way across the country to speak to a bunch of strangers in the company of no one I have ever met in person before. Sure, Zoot is going to be there (I cannot wait to meet her but I just have this feeling that she's going to be hanging out with all the a-list bloggers and I'll end up in my jammies with my martini-for-one in front of a movie in my hotel room) and a few of my clients from out west and Pischina (the person who inspired me to blog for the first time back in 1999!) lives in San Jose and better not have an excuse why she can't finally meet me when I'm out in her area for the second time in two years.

Phew! Breath! God, it's good to get it all out there and vent. I feel much better now.

Friday night we picked up a paper and hung out at the local house of pizza checking out open houses. I perused the entire paper and Jimbo was still reading the sports section. What's a girl to do?

The crossword puzzle. Oh my! What a fun! I did pretty darn, good too. Jimbo even helped me out.

Saturday after a few drive-bys we made our way over to B&N, but not before stopping at CVS to pick up some brand new pencils. I'm a dork. I know it. We grabbed some bevvies and I picked up about 20 crossword puzzle books, decided one, then got to work.

I have since completed four and I'm on my way to number five right now.

You know I love you. You're so darn pretty and make such pretty music that is the first delectable sign of spring after a long, evil winter. Yes, you are indeed wonderful but FOR THE LOVE OF GOD could you commence the singing a little bit later. Say 8am? Thanks much!

Love,
Megan

I said "this is soooo cool" so many times that my cubemate finally asked me what was so cool. I sent her the url and told her that I was a total dork. But a cute dork, she says. She's great.

I truely am a dork. And it's nice to know that there are other dorks out there who get as excited about a new moleskine as I do. This is by far the coolest way to use it than I've ever seen.

Since starting Weight Watchers I've used a page every day to catalog my points. I have a little space below that for things to do, etc. But I'm nowhere as organized as this guy.

It's something to aspire to. ;)

I won! Again! This time a free movie ticket. My Friendly Referer also wins.

You haven't signed up for Blingo, yet? What are you waiting for!?

1. I'd rather be...


2. Sometimes I...


3. I never...


4. The last good thing that came in the mail was...


5. Someday I'm gonna...


6. Tonight I'm going to ... then on Saturday I will.... and Sunday will be...

Mine below

Long story short - I was a terrible friend. A good friend of mine - my very best friend - was going through probably the worst time in her life and I flaked and turned selfish and disappeared. I am not proud of it.

Her birthday was a few weeks ago and I finally reached out. Thursday night, she met me for martinis and apologies and a few silly tears.

I don't know what to say except that I missed her every single day and now... I can breathe a little better, smile a little wider, and like myself a little more because she is back in my life. It's funny - it's like a piece of me was missing.

Thanks Janey. I missed you so much.

Love,
Megan

Thursday I patched things up with Janey. We decided to meet at the Cheesecake Factory and while I was waiting for Janey, I met a new friend. She was sitting next to me at the bar and we got to talking and by the time Janey showed up we knew each other's life stories. She promised to email to we could get together in Salem. I'm looking forward to it! Hi Brenda!

Janey and I then had dirty tinis and corn cakes and we even shared a cheesecake. As is typical for any jaunt around the mall, we hit Aveda for some tea and then over to B&N to sober up. What a great night.

Friday I was hit by a nasty hangover migraine, so I decided to stay home. I was feeling much better by the afternoon so I decided to talk a walk. It was the stupid idea I ever had. Don't let me do this again. I don't know what I was thinking.

I headed off with my ipod and backpack with water and cell phone, chapstick and keys. Iw as good to go. I had my route all mapped out and I just knew I could do those three miles. And believe me, I could have if it wasn't six million gazillion degrees with the hot sun beating down on me.

I got halfway to my destination and realized that the majority of the rest of the route was tree-less, which meant that it would be a lovely three-some of me, the sun and the sidewalk. Sounds like fun, eh? More like a recipe for disaster. Luckily, I had a short cut in mind. I was near the old condo complex across the brook from my current condo and I remembered that there was an old bridge where I could cross the brook and safely get back to the condo.

Yeah, right. It started out just fine. I remembered the old stomping grounds. And then things got a little hairy when the worn-out path disappeared and it seemed as if almost immediately I was surrounded by the jungle. I'm not kidding. But I figured the bridge was close by and that I could handle it but the more and more I headed toward the bridge the more I was convinced that there was no bridge and that I had entered a world where people go and never come back.

There were trees and bushes and things crawling all over me and I couldn't get out. I just kept telling myself that I'm almost there and it just never came and it kept getting woodier and treeier and scarier. This is when I remembered the bear sighting in the news not too long ago, in my town, not far from where I was; and the coyotes or other wild animals that are frequently sighted. I was praying for help, I was scared.

But I was determined and gosh-darnit i was going to get there. And I did. Get there. And I was so freaking happy that I took a picture of the GD bridge and my lovely walking outfit after the safari. Whew! I was home free!!! OMG, I'm never going to do that again.

But guess what? I wasn't. I got over the bridge and started walking back to where I thought the condo was and I got lost again. I ended up in this scary dark cocoon of dead trees and I thought they were going to drag me down with them. But, alas I did manage to get out and find a path.

Can you imagine my relief when I saw this oasis? Oh man, I got down on my knees and thanked the heavens above for sparing me.

Later that night I met up with Lauren for dinner and The Devil Wears Prada (which was great!). A great time as usual.

Saturday Jimbo and I slacked around and then realized we didn't know what to do with ourselves. We ended up at the mall, where I bought a new bathing suit and lip gloss, then we bought a pressie for his mum's birthday and then we hung out a grammie's pool, went out to dinner and then had some UNO (I won) with sis and cousins.

Today we were up at the crack of dawn for grocery shopping followed by the great open house-pedition of July 16, 2006. My goodness! Open Houses are exhausting! It was fairly succuessful (we found two we were OK with), but my goodness some of the places were disgusting. People, please clean out your closets and your toilets. These things shouldn't need to be said.

Then we did some grocery shopping for grammy, had a bite to eat with the fam, and now we're back home getting ready for Monday. I watched Shopgirl and it was fabulous and now i'm geeking it out because there are only days before Blogher and I'm so not ready. Still.....

1. When did you start blogging and why? Or Talk about your blog. What can I learn about you in under 5 minutes?
I started blogging in 1999 at diaryland, then I moved over to Blogger and finally I converted to Movable Type and my very own domain.
2. How do you use blogging to build friendships?

Many of my closest friends I've met on-line or via my blog. It's a great way to met new people and keep up to date with their lives. I surf weblogs and friend's links and suggestions for new blogreads which sometimes turn into friendships. I also become chummy with my commenters.
3. Who do you read every day, rain or shine?

My bloggirls
4. How would you describe your writing style?

Gee, I have no idea, I just write whatever is in my head. I guess I try to be funny. I just try tob e me.
5. If you could spend time with one person (other than your spouse, because really, let’s not rack up the suck up points here)

It would have to be Janey because I miss her and because she's super-duper fun!
6. What don’t you write about? Anything considered a no-no in your book?

I write about my life and sometimes what I'm thinking/feeling. Lots of things are no-nos, like talking smack about someone/anyone, writing about inappropriate work stuff, overly person stuff that just shouldn't be public, and anything I deem inappropriate. I figure anyone can find me on-line and I have to be prepared for that.
7. How do you feel about meeting bloggers in real life? Are you nervous? Will you have great expectations? What do you home to take away from the BlogHer experience?

I've met a bunch of bloggers - many of whom have become friends. I do get nervous about meeting new bloggers, but then I'm nervous about meeting new people all the time. I'm especially nervous about Blogher because I haven't met anyone who is going to be there.

I don't have huge expectations. I'm nervous but that's only because I'm speaking. My only expectation (hope) is that people are nice to me ;)

8. So soon we’re going to meet each other at BlogHer. Important question. How do you party?

I like martinis. I like to have fun. I like to dance.
9. Are you and your blogging persona the same person?

I think so, but you'd have to ask my friends. Let's see what they have to say in the comments.

Thanks to Janey for the subject

Thirteen random acts of kindness

1. Write anonymous, loving post-its for strangers to find.
2. Pay the toll for the person behind you (or pay for the coffee for the person behind you)
3. Leave a rose on someone's windshield
4. Wave at a random person driving by*
5. Sent a care package to a friend out of the blue
6. Cook someone dinner
7. Give a lottery ticket to a stranger
8. Hand out gold stars for a job well done*
9. Bring in treats for your coworkers*
10. Leave your change in the vending machine for the next person*
11. Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read.
12. Put a quarter in a parking meter that has expired*
13. Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee.*

* Things I've done.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thanks to Loo for the fill-ins today!

1. This week I'm grateful for....


2. ...Drives me insane


3. I owe my...to...


4. ...is the most delicious thing ever


5. ...inspires me


6. I'm most happy when I...


7. Le weekend...

Mine below

All the cool kids are doing it! Aren't you? Why not?

What's Vox?

Vox is a new personal blogging service. It's all about ease of use, privacy control, playing well with other web services, and staying connected to the people you care about.

* Control exactly who gets to see each of your posts and photos.
* See all the posts from your friends and family on one page.
* Bring in content from other web services you already use (Amazon, YouTube, more).

Vox will officially launch later this year.

I joined and other cool kids did. You want to join, too don't you? I just might have an invite laying around. Let me know if you want one.

When I had a bad dream when I was young, I'd appear in my parent's doorway and call for my mom. This morning I woke up after a rather disturbing dream, went to the bathroom and went back to bed. When I woke up a second time after the second half of the icky dream, I said eff-it and I got up.

Buddy greeted me with meows as I made cocoa pebbles and then we sat in front of the laptop and caught up on email and other such nonsense.

On the bright side it's 5:30 and I'm already up, which means I'll beat the traffic. Nice.

Le weekend:

Friday I met Jimbo after a dr's appointment for lunch at the mall followed by some solo shopping. I picked up a linen sundress, a fluff white skirt and funky belt at Tabots Petites. All for under $70 on sale! When I got home Jimbo and I napped then I headed out on my date with Janey. We hit Cold Stone Creamery (yum!) and dripped ice cream on rather obvious places on my shirt and just HAD to go into TMaxx to buy a new shirt. We had dinner at some place in Nashua where the service was crappy and the clientele was more than a little odd. Good Times.

Saturday we picked up sis and hit Target and Panera. It rained. After that Tot and I watched the worst movie ever (the title had seven in it) and then met up with my cousins at Cobbies.

Sunday we went to the gym (It had been a while) then napped and hit his bro's house for his mom's birthday, after which I convinced Jimbo, his bro & sis-in-law to see Clerks.

While I loooooooooved Clerks (it appealed to my inner 8-year old boy), I can appreciate that it's not a movie for everyone. I walked out of it laughing and calling it brilliant while Jimbo & Co. thought much less of it, muttering that they'd like their two hours back.

That's all I got, I think. Lots of blogher preps. Dude, it's THURSDAY!!! EEEK!

From Janet

GRUB-OLOGY

What is your salad dressing of choice?
honey mustard

What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy's

What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
Villa Banca

On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
usually about 20%

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
chocolate, pizza, crepes!

Name three foods you detest above all others.
shrimp, pb&j, artichokes

What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant?
goons.

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
black olive and mushies

What do you like to put on your toast?
butter and raspberry jam

What is your favorite type of gum?
the crunchy kind - like chicklets

TECH-OLOGY

Number of contacts in your cell phone?
70-something

Number of contacts in your email address book?
360

What is your wallpaper on your computer?

What is your screensaver on your computer?

Are there naked pictures saved on your computer?
Nope!

How many land line phones do you have in your house?
0

How many televisions are in your house?
1

What kitchen appliance do you use the least?
the foreman grill

What is the format of the radio station you listen to the most?
ha. public radio

How many sex toys do you own that require batteries?
huh?

BI-OLOGY

What do you consider to be your best physical attribute?
Oh geez, I have to pick just one?! My eyes

Are you right handed or left handed?
right handed

Do you like your smile?
Mais oui!

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
a needle that I stepped on that broke off in my foot. nice.
4 lbs of breast meat

Would you like to?
get the hell out of here and get a room at the ritz? Sure!

Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom?
the bathroom is for business only.

Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
That sixth sense.

When was the last time you had a cavity?
long times ago!

What is the heaviest item you lift regularly?
my lappietop

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
not that I recall

MISC-OLOGY

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
nope, surprise me

If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
stinky-pants

How do you express your artistic side?
webby design

What color do you think you look best in?
black red yellow lime

How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison?
depends on the environment.

Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
I used to eat buttons, but that wasn't by mistake.

If we weren’t bound by society’s conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at?
I'm not even going to dignify that horrid question with an answer.

How often do you go to church?
whenever I feel like a heathen

Have you ever saved someone’s life?
I don't think so.

Has someone ever saved yours?
sure!

DARE-OLOGY

For this last section, if you would do it for less or more money, indicate how much. Oooh, goody, I love dares!

Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
yes! absolutely. I'd do it for 50k

Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
lalalalala

Would you have sex with a member of the same sex for $10,000?
no comment

Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
nope

Would you never blog again for $50,000?
oh geez. that's a hard one. I probably would.

Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
ok

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
god no

Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
nope, karma is not very kind.

Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000?
I think it'd need more money than that. 10k minimum

Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
absolutely. I'd do it for 10k

Thank God that work’s over. I didn’t know if I was going to survive, it’s been so busy lately!

When I left work I immediately went shopping. I was in desperate need of some new clothes for the trip. Last minute, much? I found a great jacket and another pair of black work pants. The jacket I’m going to wear for my presentation. The pants are for work.

While browsing around TJMaxx, I came across another adorable Hello Kitty purse. I wanted it but I really couldn’t justify the purchase. Of course when I changed my mind 20 minutes later it was gone. Ah well, I get I wasn’t meant to have it.

Before I hit home, I stopped one more time at Kohls and picked up an adorable Happy Bunny T-shirt. I just might wear it under my jacket for the presentation.

When I got home Jimbo had Chinese for me (he’s such a doll!) and after we ate we both got to work – me on the presentation that I hadn’t quite finished – and him on my business cards. I love it that Jimbo’s a web geek like me and is even better at graphics stuff. He made the best business cards, ever!

Later on he tried to avoid me as I ran around the house like a chicken with its head cut off packing. Thank goodness I am anal and made a list – otherwise I would have forgotten everything.

I got to bed later than normal and was up earlier than normal (4:30am) and we made it to the airport on time. I had some difficulty with the new-fangled auto-check in kiosks and ended up needing help, then I ambled on down to the gate after stopping for some tea and a muffin. I got to the gate, sat down for five minutes and it was time to board.

I was seated at the very last row on the plane, right next to the bathrooms. Ugh! But I did get my aisle seat and I only shared my row with a schoolteacher on her way to a wedding. The seat between us was empty! Yahoo!

The movie was “She’s the Man” and it was pretty funny. Cheesy. The snacks on the flight were crackers and icky cheese and some other stuff I didn’t eat. I had my muffin, my water, some ginger ale, a peppermint patty, a mentos and I working on some crackers right now. I can’t wait to land and get some real food.

I tried to read a magazine but couldn’t focus (could be the line of people up my ass waiting for the bathroom, reading over me), didn’t feel like reading, so I just reviewed some Blogher stuff and then opened the lappy to see if I could score some free wireless. Yeah, I know. Not so much.

So I’m writing this!

I was nervous last night and a teeny bit this morning (but I really think that was just my body revolting over my early wakeup) – I’m doing pretty well. I’m actually really excited! Sure I’m a but nervous about the presentation, but I figure I know this stuff so even if there are a gazillion people there, I’ll still be on top of my game.

I’m looking forward to meeting Zoot and Jes and my speaker-mates. I don’t want to be a dork, but I really want to meet Dooce (along with every other person out there, I’m sure!). I’m so glad my presentation is in the morning on the first day so I can get it over with and partaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Woot! Woot!

The puddle-jumper that got me from LA to Sane Jose

---- UPDATE ----

I've arrived. I met my first blogher waiting for the shuttle bus, and she is Celeste from averagejane.com. I'm a horrible total dork, though because after checking in I approached this group of amazing bloghers - including Heather (dooce) and just flat out introduced myself. If would have been great if I wasn't drooling all over Heather. Great Megan, just great!

Now I'm off for a shower and some down time (eek!) and then I'm going to meet up with pischy and then go to the speakers party.

Gah!!!!

I finally met Pischina and she was exactly what I had expected - except her voice was so small and sweet! I'm so glad I had a chance to meet her after knowing her online for over six years! Thanks Pischy!

Then I headed on to the speaker cocktail hour which was right next to this huge shopping district, so of course Maura and I had to bail early and hit the shops and grab an ice cream from B&J.

Later that night we met up with the other speakers in our presentation and promptly hit the hay. I didn't suspect this, but I had a really great night's sleep - the bed was super-comfy.

Up at 5:30, I made some finishing touches to the presentation, go ready and hit the conference.

After a few little snafus we set up the materials and got to business. (here's the liveblog version ) I wish that I had done more and were better prepared, but I've been hearing that everyone really enjoyed our presentation. I've also had people I don't know come up to me and ask questions and to say that we had done a good job. Everyone is so nice!!!

That's about it. We're listening to the lunch keynote with the flickr and blogger founders (both women!). i'll catch up more later!!!

ps - we're on cnet

I have a big recap that I'm going to post - soon, but for now a short one while I catch up on work.

highlights

• Test-driving a Saturn convertible on a sunny California day.
  
• Meeting Maura,
  

  Pischina,
  

  Kim (Zoot),
  

  Heather (Dooce),
  

  and scores of intelligent, articulate, inspiring, wonderful women.

• Overcoming my fear of public speaking.
• Networking! Lots and lots of networking!
• Swag. I love swag!
  
• The superbly comfortable hotel bed.
• Yahootinis
  


• Being inspired to do great big things!

PS - we accepted an offer on the Condo! Let the house hunting begin!