I had dinner with a very dear friend last week. We talked about jobs, dating, trips we've been on & want to take, the Church, siblings, nieces and nephews, life in general. She then asked the question, "Have you ever counted the number of roommates you've had over the years?" I thought about it and realized the following.
I was able to go to Barcelona with my brother, Spencer. He works for a great company, called ITN International. ITN manages registration logistics, so to speak, for trade shows. In conjunction with registration, ITN issues devises to trade show participants, which enables them to efficiently network. (More info found here. It's actually pretty neat.) ITN was hired by GSMA for their annual Mobile Wold Congress. (Again, more info found here.) In a nutshell, the Mobile World Congress, is a forum for mobile companies to showcase new technologies and products. Are you still with me? Guess all you really need to know is that I got to go to Spain with my super cool brother! A few highlights...
{Disclaimer: Although it looks like I am kissing this fish. I'm not. Bad camera angle.}
I lost count of the number of escalators we took to get to the parc.
Do you think he'll turn into a prince, one day?
Spencer was being artistic and had me pose.
Inauguration Day was an incredibly historic day for our Nation and the world. President Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and former President Bush quietly boarded a plane and returned to Texas.
I knew this day was coming, and approached 1/20/09 with mixed emotions. I was proud of our country and the fact that President Obama was entering the U.S. Presidency with limitless potential. However, I couldn't help but reflect on my time at the White House and the experiences I had while serving the President and Mrs. Bush. I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the former President and First Lady. I was honored to work with them and for them.
That said, I made the difficult decision to not attend our Nation's most historic inauguration, and joined former White House staff at Andrew's Air Force Base. We waited at Andrews to thank, and say one last goodbye, to a great man and an incredible lady.
The Bennett Family. Barry, Melissa, and little Ella. (Ella was being shy.) I was the first person to babysit Ella. Hard to believe that was three years ago! The Bennetts are wonderful people and have become dear friends.
My former boss and mentor, Linda Gambatesa. The only time I cried on 1/20 was when I had to say goodbye to Linda. She taught me so much. I will always be grateful for her sound advice and counsel.
Former Chief of Staff, Andy Card. A man who had the weight of the country on his shoulders, yet, always wore a smile and had something kind to say. Proof that, "good guys" sometimes really do finish first.
Watching President Obama's speech.
Colleagues from Mrs. Bush's Office. Julie, Kirstin and Leslie.
Favorite picture from the day.
So long! Safe trip!
