Welcome to Got A Happy Story...my happy story this week has many layers but is really quite simple. For the first time in years, I can report that I am closer to being happy than I can remember being. Here's why...
This weekend was the first ever PA Progressive Summit in Harrisburg. As some of you may know, I was on the organizing committee so I guess this is bragging but I'm happy because it was IMHO an overwhelming success. From the Governor's Debate to the end of the Senate Forum it was an insane 30 some odd hours after a little over 4 months of work. Many thanks to those that attendend, my fellow organizing committee members and the 120+ panel presenters. Special thanks to those that were on the Blogging 101 panel with me...and here's another happy:
I got to sit next to and talk to one of my blogging heroes: Chris Bowers!
I also got to spend the weekend with my fellow Progressive PST conspirators Andsarahtoo, RedStatesblueworld and StrandedWind.
Actually...that picture is from October when StrandedWind was here and we spent a day in DC. AND that's my next happy:
I've now lost 30 lbs. since that pic was taken. And it really hit home this weekend when I went to get dressed on Saturday morning. I went to put on my favorite pantssuit and lo and behold, the pants slid right off! Thank flying spaghetti monster for safety pins and friends who find them for you!
I also met some of the most amazing people at the Summit...fellow bloggers, social media enthusiasts, state reps, rep staffers, I could go on and on and on (no comments from the peanut gallery! yeah i'm talking to you andsarahtoo and strandedwind!). I got to have in depth conversations with people that only months ago I was hero worshipping from afar, like Daily Kos' own front page contributor AdamB and pa2010 bloggers Dan and Ben.
We also spent a lot of time working some more on the Blog Workers Industrial Union and you should keep an eye out for some amazing announcements on that front soon. Saturday night was way cool as Stranded Wind and I (co founders of the BWIUBS) got to have dinner with ISW President Leo Gerard, USW District 10 President John DiFazio and PA AFL-CIO head honcho the ever lovable Bill George- that's a LOT of union peeps at one table lemme tell you!
And of course plans are now underway not only for PA Progressive Summit 2011, but NN10 in Vegas at which of course we will be! I hope you will be too.
So what's your happy story?