Quick rundown

Yeah, I know. It's been almost a month. But I've had a lot going on. I don't even know where to begin. I suppose I might as well start where I last left off.

I went to the NS@ Conference down in At|anta. It's not often that I have trouble explaining things, but I don't think I can justly express what I got out of the experience. It's a foreign concept to begin with for people who don't have a constant struggle with their speech, but suffice it to say that I've never felt more at ease when it comes to speaking.

It also provided me with quite a confidence boost. It might be my own insecurities, but in a group of normal people, I consider myself only marginally charming and entertaining. It seems, however, that when the playing field is leveled by being in a room full of other people that stutter -- I can be pretty cool.

The most poignant example of this phenomenon is probably expressed in the following picture, taken at the banquet:



Chicks dig a guy with a speech impediment.

In other news, my softball team went on a hell of a hot streak under my fearless leadership, and at one point we'd won four out of five games. The streak has since ended, but I have far surpassed my coaching goals for the season.

Also, as most of you know, I recently commemorated the yearly recurrence of my wombic emergence. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to send me well-wishes. It's much appreciated. More thanks to everyone who decided to celebrate with me on a Monday night -- mostly the people (with a few exceptions) in the following picture:



For those who don't know, the people sitting at the table are as follows: To my right, Aaron -- fellow DOL'er; to his right, Valerie, who I met through one of my French friends from last summer; to her right is Chris's friend whose name I don't remember; to her right is Chris, fellow DC D@wg, softball pitcher and general comrade; across the table from him is Brittany (Bethany?), Valerie's roommate; to her right is Blake, another DC D@wg, softball teammate and general comrade; to his right is Wendy, colleague from the EPA, friend, and Ginger Kid; and to her right is Shoni, a friend from Baltimore who apparently enjoys my company enough to drive to DC during rush hour on a Monday -- and then drive me home when I'm in no condition to take the Metro. She gets bonus points.

Not pictured are Kateri (who happens to be the one taking said picture), Tiffany, John, Dan and Jeff -- DOL'ers all.

Having said all that, I have plenty more to say, but it will have to wait for another time. I have a feeling I'm on the verge of some giggle-inducing developments. More details as they become available.