Post #2: Campaign Kickoff

A busy, whirlwind day, but totally worth it!

The day before I turned 50 last October, my lovely friends Terri and Mark threw the most amazing birthday party honoring me and my birthday twin, Robert (we're the ones with the crowns). It also doubled as a campaign kickoff event for me, and it was a huge success with over 100 people! Terri made what seemed like dozens of platters of the most delicious food, and Mark was an expert bartender. I really put my family to work for this little shindig: besides helping with setup and takedown, David and Bethany were the front door greeters, Brandon took pictures, and Marla and Michael, along with my friends Michele and Nathan, worked the donation table. And Barbara and Dan did what they do best: videoing and photographing the whole thing -- they are wonderful!

Since it was a fundraiser, we of course had a program to talk about the campaign, but since it was also a milestone birthday party, the program was quite sentimental. Several people got up to share some fond memories -- my junior high math teacher, my debutante mentor, my longtime bestie, fellow elected officials and former colleagues -- and several people presented me with large checks for the campaign! I closed out the program with heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement both professionally and personally.

If my next half-century is half as full of love and friendship as the first half, then I am truly blessed indeed.