BlogHer ’08 was a fantastic — and a great mini-escape to San Francisco. I met so many inspiring women there — all bloggers like me. If you have a chance to attend a BlogHer conference, do! You’ll return re-energized to blog, write and even be a better mom. So maybe now I’ll breathe a little life into this lonely little blog. We’ll see. Even though the conference was great…being in San Francisco was even better. You see, I lived there for five years in the late eighties and early nineties. There I experienced many of my adult firsts — first real job, first business trip, first cigarette (don’t worry, it wasn’t a permanent addiction), first earthquake (7.1 Loma Prieta). And, it was where I got engaged. As I peered out of the cab at the both familiar and new landscape, it hit me that the person who once lived here was so different from the one I had become. OK, a lot younger and thinner but also more naive and completely unaware of the what was in store for me in the decades to come — both the incredibly joy and unbearable grief.

For me, San Francisco is the most beautiful city in the world. I’m sure that image is colored by extraordinary memories. But its also because of its rich history, wonderful and whimsical architecture and complexly international feel. Like no other city, I feel at home there. Oh, and the restaurants help too. Highlights this trip included PostTrio (the best carrot soup ever!) and yummy Italian at Michelangelo’s in North Beach across from the majestic Sts. Peter and Paul.

When I landed in Seattle I promised myself I’d return more frequently — and soon.