Wednesday, July 30, 2008

This was not "Photohsop"-ed

Photobucket

Oh, I hope he didn't pay too much for this ad.
And I'm not even going to comment on the overall artistic quality...

Thursday, July 24, 2008

BlogHer '08: It Was a Success!

I know I'm a few days late recapping BlogHer '08, but it's taken me a few days just to get back in the swing of things. I was not quite prepared for the three hours of sleep a night. But yes, it was all worth it.

My first experience at a BlogHer conference was amazing, to say the least. And to experience it with Trip was great. He was such a trooper! I have to admit, I signed him up as a volunteer without his full consent. But he is on summer vacation, so I kinda feel like he didn't have a choice. (I know, selfish and mean of me, right?) I'm so glad I did. Because he had just as good and an inspiring time as I did. And it didn't hurt that he was hanging out with about a thousand women. 

Because we were working so hard and running all around, we weren't able to sit in on too many of the well-planned sessions. But we were able to sit in on one, which couldn't have been more perfect for us: MommyBlogging: Blogging About Our Children with Special Needs (you can read a live-blog here). Obviously with Trip being a Special Education teacher, I hear about the challenges and rewards of working with these special students on a daily basis. But to hear the parents' side was... there really are no words to explain. It was so moving to see how these women have used their blogs to not only deal with their own difficult days, but to also help others who are just starting out on this journey with their child. These women were all so strong, so brave, so real, so optimistic. It was definitely a touching and humbling experience (that I cried through). Although that was the only session we sat in on, we were both able to leave the conference knowing we experienced a BlogHer conference as one should.

On a completely different note, Trip and I were also able to sneak a peak at the Rocco DiSpirito cooking demonstration. Now, neither of us watched his show The Restaurant, where apparently he was complete ass -- we've only seen him on Top Chef, where he was totally down to earth. Which is how I would describe the Rocco we saw. As soon as he entered the room, he quickly started comfortable conversations with all the lucky 50 women in the room. He really seemed genuine. Maybe he's a fantastic actor and had us all fooled, but my gut tells me he really is a super cool, laid back kinda guy. And we learned some great tips! Cook your veggies with your boiling pasta to save a step -- and a pan; be generous with the salt when you salt the water for cooking pasta; don't feel guilty about taking some cooking short-cuts -- eating well is what is important! 

Rocco Making Pasta
And yes, he is just as attractive in person (maybe even more!). Sorry, the iPhone camera sucks.

Our favorite room, however, had to be the Sesame Street Suite. I wanted to stay in there all day! Between the recreation of the Sesame Street facade (complete with park benches), the beautifully decorated cookies and cupcakes, Abby Cadabby and GROVER -- I was in kiddie heaven. 

Sesame Street Goodies

And of course there were the parties. Thursday night was the Newbie Mixer, where we got our first taste of how women would attack Trip to see his tattoos. (I know he loves it.) Friday night was Ruby Skye hosted by TNT, where an actress from their hit show The Closer partied alongside the BlogHers/Hims. (Trip and I ran out to Virgin earlier that day to find a CD for that party. It must have been a success, as by the end of the night, there was some serious gettin' down gettin' on.) And then the closing night ceremony at Macy's, where a few (okay fifteen), wine glasses were broken amongst the Marc Jacobs bags (it pains me to even type that), free samples of KY were giving out, and some yummy tasty treats were passed around. If it sounds like a good time, you're spot on. It was. (Trip ran off to the men's Macy's to do some shopping, so I know for a fact some of those 11% off coupons were used!)

And like a bride after her wedding, Trip and I drove home that night pleased, a little sad it was over, and completely exhausted. And now the planning begins for The Reach Out Tour!

For more on BlogHer '08, visit the live-blogs links on the BlogHer website. You can also check out Flickr for some great shots from the community.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

R.I.P. M.C.

It was a sad, sad day on Saturday. My family had to say goodbye to a member of the family.

A few months ago, my sister's cat Marie Claire became suddenly ill. After trying everything they could to get her better, her little body just couldn't fight anymore, and she was ready to start a new adventure.

She lived an amazing nine years. Not many people can say they lived in San Francisco, Miami, Singapore and Hawaii -- let alone a cat. I was fortunate enough to visit her in each of these locations. We both agreed that Singapore was her mommy's best home.

I will always remember Marie Claire as being the most beautiful cat I have ever seen. I took this picture of her with my phone on a day when I was caring for her. I just loved how, even though you knew she wasn't feeling well, she still posed for me. Always the lady.

Marie Claire

Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Marie Claire. We are forever grateful. :)