Whirlwind

OK, I'm back. I know I have been MIA for the past few weeks, and I apologize, but my life has been moving a mile a minute. So, let me back up and catch everyone up. The first weekend in October I spent in Charlotte with my lovely friend, Lauren, and our friends for her birthday. We had a great time celebrating at the Widespread Panic and AB concert. As many of you know, this isn't my usual music type, but nevertheless, had a great time dancing and singing and enjoying some Southern Comfort (which I will not be drinking for quite some time). Came back to Charleston on Sunday for some rest before another big week. The next week arrived with lots of meetings and after work "socials". I seriously need a new wardrobe- I know some of these people are sick of me wearing the same things! Last week was busy busy and ended with Leadership Charleston at the Food Bank, followed by Race for the Cure. I have been serving on the planning committee for the race since February and served as Teams chair this year, responsible for recruiting and organizing teams from schools, corporations and community organizations. Let's just say it was a lot of work. But, well worth it. Friday was spent in the wet and cold rain, setting up on Daniel Island. Then, my mom and sister, Jennifer, came to town to cheer and run. I was so excited they came to town and spent time with me, so important to my family. My mom is coming up on two years in remission from breast cancer and I couldn't be more proud of her. It was an emotional day for her, and all of us, but a huge success. We had over 8,300 participants, making it the second largest race in South Carolina (obviously behind the bridge run). We spent the rest of the day cheering on the Yellow Jackets to victory over Va Tech (woohoo- number 11 in BCS!!!) and just enjoying each other's company. This week, the work days have been full and I have something after work every night between now and the weekend- BUT Skinful Halloween is this Saturday- I am still looking for the perfect costume. The Farrah one is on the backburner, but not sure I have the guts to wear that red bathing suit...

Awesome Book

If you need a good fiction read, check out "The Help". It is an easy read and if you are from the south, you will truly appreciate it. I am not completely done with it, but when I am (which should be in the next day or two) I will post a full book review.

Life update

Who has time to slow down these days? I feel like it has been one thing after another after another! Let's see- brief catch up. Last week was a pretty good week at work- can't complain too much. Then, Thursday and Friday I spent at Middleton Place for a retreat called Leadership Charleston, a program I am proud and excited to be apart of. It is a 10 month leadership program designed to increase awareness and participation in the community. I was excited when I learned I was accepted as a new member (and the youngest at that but hey, what's new for me- I always like a head start). So we spent two days and one night getting to know each other and brainstorming on ways we can participate in the community and make Charleston a better place. I promise to update as we meet every month. Then, Saturday was a blast. I hosted, with a friend, a Baby Kegger for our friends that are expecting. Yep, I said it, a baby kegger- it was their idea, not mine! They wanted to have a get together for friends but refused any games and did not want to open gifts in front of people. So, we did a big outside get together that ended up being a huge success, with over 50 people coming! So, needless to say, I rested yesterday, worked out at the gym and watched football (way to go Falcons!) Today, I was at Channel 2 early this morning to record on Lowcountry Live, promoting Race for the Cure, and I have to be at the Naval Base at 6:15 in the morning to encourage federal employees to give to the Aquarium through the combined federal campaign- whew! Exhausted already and it's only Monday!

Pet Peeve of the Day

If you are fancy enough and special enough to join a board or need a biography written about you, you should have a resume or CV to help the poor soul (i.e.: me) to help write it so that he/she is not having to stretch the truth or scroll through 10 pages of google searches to find where you attended school or if you are a junior, the III or the IV. Good grief.

Good read

If you have not had the wonderful opportunity of reading "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes" by Diane Chamberlain, I encourage you to go out buy it today. However, I warn you, it is addictive and very thought provoking. I don't have children, but if I did, I have a feeling it would even be more meaningful. I won't give you the storyline or any hints, but I encourage anyone looking for a good read to indulge!

The Cove

If you have not had the wonderful and compelling opportunity to see the movie, The Cove, I urge you to do so today. check out www.thecovemovie.com. It is worth your money and time to see this movie, that tells a horrible story about the slaughter of wild dolphins in Japan. It especially touched me as an employee at an aquarium. Although the filmmaker is anti-Aquarium, he had very valid points and the truth about this awful act needs to be publicized. I had the wonderful opportunity to see a special screening last night with fellow conservationists and lovers of the ocean, as well as Philippe Cousteau. It opened my eyes and made me think twice. South Carolina is the only state that prohibits marine mammals to be on display- bravo to us. For once, we get kudos for standing out. Anyway, I encourage you to check out the website and see if it is playing at at theater near you. If you live in Charleston, it will be playing at the Terrace until Thursday.

TFLN

I'm a little obsessed...with the website texts from Last night. To the point where I downloaded the ap on my iphone, and that's pretty bad, even for me. It just makes me laugh. Not saying they are appropriate or even make sense, but regardless, they still make me laugh, like: (518): Mario Lopez is the poor mans Ryan Seacrest Ok, so that one isn't the best but time is sensitive and just wanted to make sure that if you haven't checked it out, you begin so ASAP, and get your daily laugh in.