Hi All,
Wow! That was a blast! Kelly Kilpatrick was kind enough to let me know about the meet up that was slated for last evening (April 27) in Laguna Beach, given by Sellsisus. I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend, but at close to the last minute, the stars aligned and I was so there. I brought everything I would need for a fun evening, my husband Mel, my laptop and my camera. 
That's me with Loren and Laurie. Oh, and that beautiful blog site on my laptop is my very own Route66Living.com!
The event was held at a quaint little hotel right at the seashore in Laguna called La Casa del Camino, on the rooftop bar. Silly me, I thought the rooftop bar would be a lounge at the top of the building. Nope, it was a rooftop... with a bar. Talk about truth in advertising. The view was quite something - we arrived just as the sun was setting and the sky was streaked with color.
When Mel and I arrived at the event, we were greeted at the foot of the stairs by a bouncer who must have been about 10 feet tall, and looked like he would be right at home on the WWF. He held the "list". Now, I have never worried about such trivialities in my life, so I marched over, introduced myself and up we went. Incidentally, he never glanced at the list just let me go. The funny thing is that when I got up to the event site, Mel and I discovered that we were the only ones there. Seems the bouncer dude had not let anyone else up yet but us. Boy, were the other folks surprised to find us there and all set up at a view side table when some of them had been waiting for an hour or more to be allowed up the stairs.
As I mentioned, I dutifully brought my laptop and I had planned to do blogging straight from the venue. Mel had his as well (for him it was more of a boredom protector, he loves me, not Real Estate so I understand and allow him to bring his "busy box" where ever we might go). I scanned the rooftop and realized that I had no idea how I would recognize anyone! So, I fired up the 'ole Compaq and it worked like a blogger homing device! They climbed right out of the woodwork in mere moments. The guys from Sellisus were quite amused, as was everyone else up there by me and my 'puter. I'm telling you folks, the geeky girl look is no act here, I am a total, confirmed gadg-a-holic!
We all hung out on the rooftop for a while and then adjourned to a restaurant next door for some awesome Mexican food (and being a little Southern California native, I know good Mexican food)! Everyone chatted, ate and tried to figure out a puzzle that involved four matchsticks and a match head. My Mel, smart boy that he is, had it licked in about two seconds flat.
Yup, we both look like great big dorks, but he was really tired by this time... That's my Mel with me btw.
I also really enjoyed getting the chance to meet some of the wonderful folks in person who have been so kind to me here on Active Rain. Laurie, who along with ARDELL was one of my very first champions, Kaye who has been a bright spot every time her name pops up in a post or a comment and of course Kelly who is just a doll, warm friendly and really funny to boot! I am so grateful to have all these new friends in my world and feel truly blessed to be where I am in life and doing what I am doing right now. It was also quite a thrill for me to be able to introduce my Mel to Dustin Luther who actually inspired me to start all this. Oh, and the guys with Sellsisus could not have been nicer.
This is us at the end of the evening
I can't wait for the next one!
Take care all, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!
Tisza
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