After tonight’s dinner, my Automattician friends persuaded me to perform some card magic. I love card magic because sharing moments of awe and wonder means I can mask my nervousness for a few moments.
My last practice — and “performance” — was eight months ago at the company meetup for a few random people. Aside from one error, it went really well, and I’m stoked I could still make it happen. 
We had brunch at Peach Cafe in Monrovia with her mom, then one-hour reflexology massages in Pasadena, and ended the night at the front row of Medieval Times show and dinner in Buena Park. Happy birthday, Amy!
Almost one month has passed and I’d say it’s a good time to share my meager notes of my experience at NMX BlogWorld 2013 in Las Vegas.
I also met Brett Kelly for the first time ever in real life and we took a photo. He’s super cool. (He spoke at “Productivity Power Panel: Learn the Tools, Tactics, & Workflows of Highly Productive Bloggers”, and I’ll post my notes from that separately.)
Overall, I had a great time working at the WordPress Happiness Bar in the exhibitors’ area with several other fine Automatticians, and I look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.
A couple of weeks ago, I had an awesome opportunity to go to NMX BlogWorld in Las Vegas to spread happiness at the WordPress booth. The night before, I decided to make a checklist of all the things I need.
The goal of making this list is to help you relax (in addition to making sure you have everything you need.)
Have you gotten on the road or powered your phone on during your flight, wondering if you did something at home?
For example, did you:
Wonder no more! Your list will save your sanity.
It doesn’t matter what method you use for this list. Write a list, and save it somewhere. (Yes, I created a new project in Things.)
While you’re packing, you’ll likely add things to your list. Even though it’ll take an extra ten seconds to write it down, make a note of it. This is super important.
Bonus tip: Note the location of the item in your bags to save time finding it later.
(You can also fill out this partial template of a travel checklist from Lifehacker.)
In a few hours, when you start questioning yourself about forgetting something, refer to that list. It’ll be your warm blanket, gin and tonic, or chill pill.
Amy and I took my mom to Universal Studios Hollywood to celebrate her birthday. Until “Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride” gave us a headache, we had a blast.
While I was making breakfast this morning, Monica was walking between my legs, rubbing with each pass, meowing every so often. (Precious!) As I made coffee over the sink with my back turned to her, she leapt and tried to paw claw her way towards my shoulders — like the first couple months of her youth — as if she were T-1000 chasing a police car in Terminator 2! I stifled a painful squeal and side stepped a couple feet to my left, and she ran away into the living room.
After reading a bunch of posts from a former TSA agent (Taking Sense Away, hosted at WordPress.com), I’m finally convinced to opt–out every time I fly. Why? If he and other TSA agents call people who opt–out “smart passengers”, that’s good enough for me.
Bob Hope Airport in Burbank obviously isn’t as busy as LAX, so it was a good opportunity to see how this would go.
I spoke with nice TSA screeners. I voiced my anxiety about my stuff going through the x-ray machine, then the screener — let’s call him “John” — who was about to pat me down eased my fears and we walked over to it to gather my things.
John explained the process thoroughly, and asked me if I wanted a private screening before proceeding. I politely declined while gazing forward at other passengers, noticing that nobody else opted out. All while a stranger felt around me with latex-covered hands.
I’m relieved John didn’t linger on any areas. He also asked about my right foot since I was limping, and hoped that I felt better soon.
The only awkwardness I can remember is John exhaling/grunting every few seconds during the pat down. His breathing was somewhat labored. (He was a bit heavyset, so I hope it’s nothing serious.) The entire process seemed to take about five more minutes than if I went through the millimeter wave scanner.
I’d like to think he earned his paycheck, and I’m glad to stop putting my health into technology that hasn’t been thoroughly tested.
Tonight, I’m one of those people who locked themselves out of their hotel room putting their room service dishes outside the door. I’m relieved there was a phone next to the elevators because I didn’t have shoes or my iPhone, which means it’s a really long walk to the front desk. (At the moment, I have a bum foot.)
For Christmas and my birthday, my wife bought me tickets to a Finch concert, who is reuniting for the 10–year anniversary of their album “What It Is To Burn”. (Their site is using WordPress and Twenty Eleven. Excellent!)
Amy knows I can impersonate an exaggeration of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice, so…the shirt.
Lastly, I’ve mentioned the Pinky and the Brain DVD set many times, so she took the hint and bought it for me.
Not pictured is a gift certificate for a 90–minute reflexology massage at Heart & Sole Reflexology. The massage was very relaxing.
Thank you so much, Amy!
Another year in my life began a couple of days ago, and I’m excited for the future. Since my birthday is close to January 1st, this will be my recap from the last twelve months.
