It's kind of a kick to tell people that I'm engaged. The range of reactions start somewhere around "disinterested" (my brother) to "complete state of apoplectic shock" (my oldest, dearest friend). The thing that's weirdest for me is that when others would tell me about their own engagements before, I'd always say nice things as expected while thinking in my head, "sucka!" I guess that starts to wear a little thin when you turn 30.

Since the event, my life has been a blur of phone calls, ring panic, and random traveling. Oh and, totally excessive picture taking. Because I am centuries behind in blog years, I will bore you only with my favorite moments of my favorite moments from the past 10 days:

The Trip to Seattle
I already mentioned seeing Liev Schreiber, so my next favorite moment would have to be when, after ordering grilled cheese at 2AM through room service, I attempted to put the tray (it smelled) outside my pretty hotel room. I stumbled out and leaned down to place it gingerly on the ground and -- slam! Next thing you know I am straggling down to the front desk for an extra key -- sweatpants, glasses, ratsnest and all. I love it when that happens.

Allyson Goes Sailing With Work
The main point of this seafaring exercise was the whole "team building" angle (I like the hotdogs and hamburgers angle myself, but hey, that's just me), which struck me as ironic when it became clear that Elissa and I, as the sole female crew members on our boat, would be allowed only to Windex the portholes and peel the bananas. (And I mean that in the most non-suggestive way.) When Elissa suggested we handle the "jib," Captain Chauvinism politely redirected our attention instead to keeping the ends of the ropes neat and tidy. That's about when I comandeered the PA system to warn my coworkers of impending doom.

The Mint Strikes Again
Sarah and Frank make beautiful music together. Sarah really nails it here.

French Lessons at Bottom of the Hill
I liked when the first band was on, and the music was so loud, that Heather and I pretended we were in a silent movie. This requires lots of grand gestures, overdramatics and exaggerated laughing, crying, and shocked expressions. Actually, I think we might always act like this.

In other news, I was pleased to see that Jeff Corwin was chosen as one of People's 50 Most Beautiful -- I find his "Experience" quite entertaining -- and displeased to learn that Dave Matthews' new song is in service of an upcoming Adam Sandler movie. First Ben and Jerry's, and now this! Oh, Dave.