What you missed, Part 2: Alias.

As much as I like writing... sometimes pictures just work better.

So what else did you miss the last 18 months? I already mentioned my thesis defense. Two days later, I got a new name. 

Credits (local vendors in bold and italics)
Photos - Valerie Usui Photography (or, local at time of booking/wedding planning)
Dress/Alterations - Columbia Bridal Boutique / Silver Threads Alterations
Tuxes - Men's Warehouse
Rings - Helzberg and Silver Sparrow Designs
Flowers - Wedideas
Flask - Marotte Leather
Cake - Debi's Cake Studio
Cake Topper - Mudcards
Venue/Food - Baldwin's Station
First Look Photo Venue - A Likely Story Bookstore

What you missed, Part 1: Titled.

There are some statements that could be considered exaggerations.

That was the best cheesecake EVER.

Maybe the whole thing with the fire ants was a bad idea.

I have been in school FOREVER.

In my case, I think that last one was technically true. 

I went from undergraduate right into a Ph.D. program, something I think I would never have done had I known better. At times it was fun, and now that it is over I am finding it easier to remember that. Frequently it was horrible. 

I stuck it out for a few reasons. First of all, I am stubborn. Second, the idea of quitting was scary. But I like to think the most important reason I stayed is because, every so often, it was AWESOME. I loved the moments - few and far between as they were - when I got something to work (repeatedly) and realized I was looking at something new. Something where I could go to the world "I know something you don't know" and actually be kind of almost sure it was true.

Mostly, it was probably the second thing though. I used to think that it is hard to be something that you're not.

In any case this happened last spring. May 17th, to be precise.

"So listen carefully.... SCIENCE!"

"This is what I can do with powerpoint."

"Look, some more things I can do with powerpoint."

It took me about eight weeks to recover normal sleeping habits after the defense... which was actually fine, because I did a lot of great TV show watching and reading in the unmentionable hours of the day.

The defense, like my research career, wasn't all that pretty. It wasn't really enjoyable. Fortunately I had the support of a loving and wonderful family, especially on the sprint through the end. 

And, two days after my thesis defense, I got to go to a really fantastic party.

More on that soon...

HoCo Blogger Party

Tonight was the HoCo Blogger Party at Second Chance Saloon! 


...and the Old Bay Wings were still tasty.


I got to shake the rust off of my Meeting People skills and hang out for a while. I had a really great time. It was fun to put faces to some of the blogs and columns I've been following, and everyone was very friendly.  I definitely didn't get to meet everyone there, but hopefully I'll get the chance at a future event.  


A quick summary -- I'm very sorry if I miss anyone, or if I've forgotten some names...


Thanks to Computer Blues and 53 Beers for hosting! It was really nice to meet and chat with Bill and his wife.

JessieX amazed me with her introductions and awesome ability to keep straight who blogs about what. Thanks for the beautiful cards. Did anyone write down/post the info to the charity she mentioned in the beginning of the meeting?


Awesome to meet some others from Patch - Brian Hooks from Savage-Guilford and TJ Mayotte from Elkridge.  TJ also has a great blog, 1000 Words.  And it's always great to hang out with David Greisman from Columbia Patch.


I briefly met Sarah from SarahSays, a blog that always features really interesting and thoughtful posts. I've been saying her name all wrong in my head, but I've got the pronunciation down now! :)


It was great to hang out with Meghan and Jilly.  Meghan is a writer and posts some of her awesome fiction on her blog.


I totally almost forgot my coat, even though Cindy warned me not to. Whoops! Did you know that she and Jeff were at CreateBaltimore with JessieX and a few other HoCo Bloggers?  Has anyone blogged about that? Sounded like a really cool event.


Nice to chat with Frank Hecker about the his multi-part posts on things HoCo - like the history of redistricting. I learn a lot from his blog.


Thanks to Amy @ Jefita for the tip about business cards. I'll be ready in February. :)  

I talked briefly with Thursday Bram, who's written some great docs about writing/blogging. Looking forward to seeing the next one.

Anna AKA Annethologie, hope to see you at a run in the future.  Good luck in the half, let me know how it goes?

Did you know that you can follow the HoCo Public Library on Twitter, Facebook, AND youtube?  (and maybe more places, but I got too excited to remember more)  Dennis and Donna at the HCPL are really nice, enthusiastic folks! I already love my public library, and it's nice to meet the people who enable my addiction to all things books. 

Good night everyone, please tune in tomorrow for the newest Food Versus Food! 

Year In Review...

"You don't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been."

I looked for the original source for this quote, and came up with the following: cliche, 'old saying', 'they', and even Will Smith as 'Hitch' (though, unfortunately, I couldn't verify that).

Like crop circles or the origin of that plate of cookies in the conference room... just because I don't know where it comes from, doesn't make it less relevant/interesting/delicious.

Accumulation of food in said conference room.  Winter, 2010.

Cliche or not... this time of year, it makes sense to look back at what I've accomplished before I sit down and decide where I want to go.

Happy birthday to you...

US Marine Corps.  You turn 235 today.


Thank you for everything that you do.