Not only did I get to spend some QT with the bride before she became a Mrs., but it was rad to see my fam and friends. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I moved from C-Town to Los Angeles. Dang, it feels like an eternity and a flash, at the same time. When I first set my wagons West, it was only to accept a job at Buzznet. I had absolutely no desire in the world to live in L.A. In fact, after I first moved, I most def shed a tear or two over my darling, lil’ old apartment on Lake Ave.

Sure, I moved to L.A. for my career™, but building a life with Buzznet wasn’t meant to be. My tenure at the site only lasted six months, which was definitely a buzz-kill. Knowing what I know now, I’m not sure if I would’ve made the same decisions, but can’t help but credit this year’s professional and personal rollercoaster with opening up a ton of opportunities that would’ve never existed if I were still in Cleveland. That’s something I believe 110%. So, sure, I’ve had a couple huge, colossal, Biggest Loser-size boulders placed in my path over the past six months, but I’ve managed to work my way around them, slowly but surely.

In fact, I celebrated two pretty big triumphs this past April. Not only did I successfully turn 30 without a nervous breakdown but my second book Wish You Were Here was released by HarperCollins on the very same day. Not a shabby way to usher in the next decade of my life, if I do say so myself. I’m not sure why I decided to share any of this with you guys. I guess it’s because this site is also one of the few things that bring a smile to my face on a daily basis. The Les Simes Army might not be large; but we lack in numbers, we make up for in heart.

Case in point: I recently received the most amazing email from a girl named Lauren. Take a look-see…

I can’t tell you how rad it was to get up one morning and see this in my inbox. Freals! Keep ‘em coming, peeps. I’m only a tweet away!!

I’m feverishly trying to do a million-and-a-half different things before I get on a jetplane tomorrow and fly to St. Louis, where I’ll be meeting up with Paramore on Wednesday. Eek!! I feel like I’m really breaking out of the retirement home for this piece because I haven’t written anything like it in what seems like a coon’s age. Truth be told, I’m nervous. There… I said it. In fact, I’m nervous, excited, anxious and eager. Howev, most of all, I’m looking forward to a juicy dish sesh with Hayley & Co.

(Fingers crossed!)

Be sure to add me on Twitter—in case you’re not already doing so—because I’m sure I’ll be unloading all sorts of finger-lickin’-good deets when I’m on the road. Get into it!!