Nic and Maria

First of all, thanks so much to Jude over at Blogging National who did a fantastic job of posting blogs as they were being updated. You rock, girly!

As always, the conference was a big blur. The literacy signing seemed ultra crowded this year. The RWA Online party was low key but very fun. Lots of great food and emcee entertainment by Jenna “What’s your secret?” Mayson. Lots of fun with feather boas, badges and cowboy hats. And of course, the highlight of my night…meeting and chatting with Smart Bitch Sarah over a plate of guacamole (okay, my serving was more like a wheelbarrow of guac, but nobody was watching, right?) Unfortunately, I was not thinking and didn’t get photographic evidence of our meeting. But I promise it happened.

Friday was filled with a couple of dud workshops and a nap. Seriously, I felt a little old, but I couldn’t go on after 2:00. I guess it was left over exhaustion from Drag Queen Karaoke. So totally worth being exhausted over, though.

Then Saturday I went to the 2 greatest workshops ever. Michael Hague Hauge is a fantastic teacher. When you get your conference CDs listen to his workshops. You won’t be sorry.

The Golden Heart/Rita awards were fun. We got to get all dressed up and pretend to be girly-girls and root for our nominated friends. I’d like to give a major shout out to my pal Barb (Caridad Ferrer) who won the Rita for Best Contemporary Romance. You go, my friend! It’s a great book and the win is well deserved! (and to all you haters out there, shut it!)

Then after the awards, we met at the bar for our final round of liver training. We had quite a large crowd–a good mix of Romance Divas and RWA Onliners. While sitting there with my peeps, Louisa and Maria noticed that Michael Hague Hauge was sitting across the atrium all alone–just him and his cheesecake. They told me, nay, they DARED me to go ask him to join us. I’m not sure what they thought his reaction was going to be…but apparently Louisa thought it might end badly.

Hah.

Never doubt the power of Mel and her feather boa.

Michael joined us and we were like putty in his hands as he talked about movies and actors and storytelling. Of course, he and Maria have TERRIBLE taste in movies aside from a few. But I forgave him that because he was so damn nice.

My feather boa paid off because he offered a ride to anyone who would be leaving for DFW in the morning at 10:45…so guess who got to ride in the Towncar with Michael Hague Hauge the next day?

That’s right! Moi!

Sooooo much better than the supershuttle.

I returned home to a house in need of packing. I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with having to work and trying to ready a house to go on the market this weekend. Sorry I’ve neglected my blogging duties. I’ll have more pics soon, just be patient.

Finally, I want to give one last shout out to our regular waiter Chris/Alejandra (long story). He did his best given the circumstances and I never once had any trouble getting him to wait on me. I’m guessing it wasn’t so much the cleavage as some like to believe, it was the fact that I took the time on Monday to learn his name, I tipped him well and with a smile every time he waited on me. For the record gang, Cleavage might get you preferential service the first time, but if you’re all tits and no smile or all tits and no tip, you’ll never get served again. Being friendly can get you anywhere. It also ensures that you are never lonely or without a beverage.

And Killer, I do plan on another round of “Who’s tits are these?” So try not to worry.