Week in Review: Friday, November 20, 2009

Well, it's been a busy week, for sure. Where to begin? I guess I should start at last Friday since that's the last time you heard about what I was up to. So, I got in the car to brave 95S on a rainy Friday afternoon (left at 2:30 p.m. and it ONLY took 2.5 hours to get there...miracles do exist!) to head down to Richmond to attend a fundraiser for the International Children's Hospital, which is based in Richmond. Here's my quick analysis of the event: They sure do know how to throw a fundraiser in Virginia's capital. And they know how to dress for one, too. Really. This Washingtonienne (okay, I couldn't resist spelling it that way but I am NO Jessica Cutler) was thoroughly impressed. Anyway, the theme of the evening's fashion show and auction was "Treasures in Paradise" so they used an island theme for the decor and food and beverage. They served the most delicious seafood ALL NIGHT LONG, including things like raw oysters, shrimp ceviche, little scallop spoons, and my favorite -- lobster grilled cheese. Yep...it really was that good. This pescetarian was one happy camper!

I returned from Richmond on Saturday to attend my friend Michelle's bachelorette dinner party at Posh, which is in D.C's Penn Quarter. It was a fun and super yummy evening, despite the rude hostess. It's not even worth my time to list all of my grievances with her.

On Sunday, which was BEAUTIFUL, my mom and I went to a Benjamin Moore paint color class at Pottery Barn (learned good stuff about painting floors, MS!) and then I headed down to Columbia Firehouse in Old Town for brunch with Jill, Cassie (Jill's best friend from Duluth; yes, people really are from Duluth), and Alison. It was great catching up with Cassie, whom I met at Jill's 35th birthday weekend in Miami last year. She is medical technologist and lost her sweet mama to ovarian cancer, so she's been hugely helpful to me throughout my diagnosis and treatment.

Let's see, that brings us to Monday. Monday night my mom, me, Michelle and Jim went to see the taping of Kaleidoscope, which will air on FOX at 4 p.m. EST on Thanksgiving. I had never been to a taped show before, let alone a ice show, so it was really interesting to see how it's put together. And Scott's and Dorothy's performances were moving. I know, I know, ice skating is cheesy but it was a cool event and I'm thrilled that they put it together to help promote awareness of women's cancers.

I met my mom and Aunt Kathy for lunch at the bar of Restaurant Eve on Tuesday. We toasted Aunt Patty, whose three-person memorial service was that morning. Don't get me started about my aunt not having a memorial service for the whole family to attend. Sometimes I really think our Keller/Koch clan should be featured on Jerry Springer (wait, is he still on the air?). Who dies and doesn't allow their extended family to come together to grieve and celebrate their life? My Aunt Patty, that's who. Whatever. Tuesday night I brought pizza over to the Sigler's and had a great visit with sweet Baby Jay. There's nothing like snuggling a newborn.

Nothing much to report from Wednesday and Thursday. I'm just back from a wonderful 90-minute massage at The Healing Tree (thanks to my Deloitte colleagues!) and am getting ready for Melissa R.'s "Sips and Dips" party, which is always so much fun. For my part, I'm making toasted almond cheese spread with crab meat. Yep, no anti-cancer diet going on tonight!

Below are some photos from the Richmond gala, Michelle's bachelorette, Sunday brunch, and Kaleidoscope (you get a sneak preview!). Enjoy!

One of the models on the catwalk.

The well-dressed crowd.

Pretty centerpiece.

One of the buffet stations.

Folks started dancing on the catwalk at the end of the evening.

The bar at Posh.

Michelle and her new lingerie.

Lovely ladies! L to R: Beth, Donna, Michelle, Dianne (another cancer survivor!), me, and Chrissy.

The happy bride-to-be!

Brunch bunch: Me, Alison, Cassie, and Jilly.

Me and Michelle at Kaleidoscope.

Me and Mom.

A shot of the opening performance. Notice the colors?

Go Scotty!