reverb remix 2013 : connection

4. Connection. Have you connected with new people in 2013, online or offline? Name five people you’ve connected with in 2013. And (bonus!) name five people you would like to connect with in 2014.

First, let me just say that any question that asks me to list people makes me VERY NERVOUS. I’m always afraid that I’m going to leave someone out (b/c I don’t like being left out), or that I’m going to offend someone by listing them or not listing them. So, I uhm…overthink. A little. 

I’m very fortunate to have SO many awesome people in my life – both “in real life” and online. Most of the time, I’m not sure what the difference is. To be honest, it’s not like I just met these 4 people this year. So maybe they’re not “new” in my life…but all’s fair in friendship & reverb-ing!

Amy T. – I have had the privilege of working with Amy for a few years. She’s smart & eager & kind. Until recently, she worked for one of my customers, so I really only saw her when she needed to be onsite for a pilot run. We started chatting over business dinners, and soon found ourselves being the last ones in the restaurant. We have a favorite (totally hot) waiter that we stalk regularly (whatttt?? we tip well!). We’ve laughed over awkward dating stories. We’ve commiserated over the work of healing past wounds. We both try to ignore that I’m almost old enough to be her Mom. She’s brilliant & beautiful, and I am so fortunate to have her in my life. 

Gabby – We’ve never met in real life, but Gabby is an honorary Ventage girl. I think that she’s probably met the other girls…which would make ME the outlier, not her. Anyway. Gabby’s comments and emails never fail to make me smile. I am positive that we’ll meet at some point, and we’ll spend the entire day talking over cupcakes & coffee (or tea, or wine, or a combination). 

Anne – Sometimes, connections appear through hard times. Anne and I re-connected through some mom-of-teenager trials & tribulations. It meant the world to me to be able to talk to someone who was right in the middle of the muck with me. She didn’t judge. She didn’t preach. She just showed up, said “yup, me too,” and shared her stories. She’s good people.

Angie – Until the end of May, Angie was the only Ventage Girl that I hadn’t met in person. She made it possible for a meet-up to happen in Wisconsin. It was literally the first/only time in my life that someone has said “well, I think you should come, so here’s a ticket.” I’m certain that I haven’t thanked her profusely enough. Angie has had a crazy loud year in so many ways, and there are times that I suspect that my quest for zen & quiet bugs the shift out of her. That said, we can still raise a gin & ginger and toast to our Ventage connection. Love this girl. 

Julie – my acupuncturist. Miracle worker. ‘Nuff said.

And (bonus!) name five people you would like to connect with in 2014. Disclaimer: I will try not to sound like a crazy stalker (unlike the waiter stalking) with this list…

Andrea Scher – I’ve read Andrea’s blog for a few years, and I’ve taken her Mondo Beyondo class. She’s always insightful, creative, and all kinds of awesome. Lately, every single one of her blog posts has resonated SO strongly with me. I’m envisioning meeting up for a cup of tea the next time I’m in San Francisco. 

Lee – We were planning to connect during the summer, but I was drowning in the mess of life, and kind of stood her up. Is it weird that Lee and I have never met, but she HAS met Hope? Small world. I think 2014 is a great year for us to meet!

Bradley Cooper – What? It’s my list people. I’m putting it out there for the universe. Oh heeyyyyy Bradley!

A life coach – In a twist of “physician, heal thy self,” this self-help junkie would like to connect with a life coach. I’m not sure who/what/when/how. 

I’m going to leave this list at 4 also, mostly b/c I like the consistency. Also because I’m exhausted. ‘Night all!