She has worked her ass off, so it was nice to see that rewarded. Hilarious and friendly, she seemed forthcoming so I asked the money question, I had to know. Does she drive a Ferrari and have her own table at Patina? I’d just like to know what I’m missing, thank you very much.

Seems every writer in advertising is working on a screenplay or a book, hoping to be the next big thing. You see, in the real world of writing, advertising is only one job above cafeteria lady.

Afterwards a few of the others asked me about advertising and mentioned they wouldn’t mind doing what I do. Hey, at least it’s writing they reminded me. And I remembered not so long ago, I thought it would be cool to be an ad writer too.

Nothing like an evening with strangers to remind you that your own life aint so bad. And I don’t have to wear a hairnet.

As a young girl I hoped that maybe we were really related and my hair would eventually grow to look just like hers. And Jacklyn Smith and Kate Jackson would have been our best friends. In my mind, I was the forgotten but best, 4th angel.

Then she chose roles in the 80’s that got conversations started and shed light on violence against women.

And she bravely went public with her long painful struggle with cancer.

Okay, so she was a Superstar Bad ass, we had nothing in common, I see that now. We probably didn’t even use the same hair products.

It was easy to love the idea that Farrah and Ryan would finally get married after years of being together on and off. Must be that 12-year old girl in each of us, still always hoping for a happy ending.

And I loved it. Turns out, talking to a group of small people is easy. And this audience appreciated my whole not-your-typical college experience. It was nice, admitting to a room full of strangers that I had no real career plan. That I went to college later and had 3 part time jobs. That I like what I do now, I like wearing jeans everyday and coming in late, but discovered it only by accident. And mostly, that things really do evolve and turn out exactly the way they are supposed to.

Oh sure, I was tempted to be really honest and say Sex Sells, so get into porn.

One of the classes even asked me for my autograph. Yes, times are tough and they were desperate for any autographs. But to be fawned over and looked up to by a room full of kids. PDA. Pretty damn amazing.

And what a cute one he is. My nephew Silas Andrew.

Thank goodness he’s a fox. It would have been awkward to lie to my sister if he was odd looking. But I would have. You know those babies I’m talking about, they’re more interesting looking than cute. A weird rash, big ears, a fat head. No faking necessary with this one, he’s a real looker, and I don’t think it’s just me. The quest for beauty, sheesh it starts early.

I pay attention daily to all that I have and realize I’m blessed. I’ve gotten lucky. Things have worked out swell. I moved here alone, with no real career idea or plan, just “I like ads, ads are cool.” Got hired as an assistant at a great ad agency and dated a crazy good writer who suggested I try it. Writing it turns out, connected all the dots for me. Thank you G.H.

Now I live near the beach in a city I mostly like, have a cute new nephew in Austin to knit for, plus amazing friends and a job writing that I like. I’m guessing there are plenty of people who might want my life. And I see that, I’ve got it made in many ways. I don’t have much to complain about. Some days my biggest problem is that my bangs need a trim. Ok, I have nothing to complain about.

So I struggle with wanting more, asking for more. Because don’t I already have so much? Is it greedy to have all that I do, feel happy, yet want just one more thing?

That missing thing, and it’s a biggie, of course is love. A huge love. Not just an okay we’re in love love, I’ve tried that kind. One dumb marriage and several boyfriends later I know it’s not enough for me. I’m talking a deep and amazing, emotionally healthy, passionately connected kind of love. A true partner to share my life. To have a home with, a dog in the yard, maybe two. Totally corny but really, it’s the only piece missing. Everything else feels like it happened just the way it was supposed to.

I love to bake and knit. And the homemade crafty stuff is so much fun to give. That’s right, I’m good for lots more than just funny shit.

A good friend Jen, taught me to knit a few years ago. I knitted up a storm, then forgot all about it. My sister politely brought it up recently, her baby is due next month. Her could be a girl, could be a boy baby, needed hat and booties I decided. It took 2 days to relearn and I won’t say how many hours to finish.

Am taking up crochet next, right Julie? Heard a blankie is much faster that way. Just get yourself knocked up and I’ll make you one too.

My mom likes us to go around the table at Thanksgiving and say what we’re thankful for. I felt weird doing it with friends I didn’t know well that day, so I’ve been collecting ideas since then.

Here’s just a few things I’m grateful for right now:

• Pecan pie
• The Jackie Warner workout video to work off all that pie
• That I’m tall and can hide a few pounds when I don’t workout
• A chin. Imagine your profile without it
• Good health. It really is true when you have it, you have everything
• Good insurance just in case
• For my friends, especially the ones I only see once a year but it feels like no time has passed. They let me peek into their married life with small kids and see that nothing is perfect. But it’s so worth all the work
• Chicken salad sandwiches at ChickFil-a
• My smallish family who appreciates charitable donations instead of bad gifts at Christmas
• My cute hair. Never underestimate its power
• A library card and love of reading. There’s no cheaper entertainment
• My friend Julie who gives me her Real Simples when she’s done reading them
• Trader Joes pumpkin bread mix that bakes up a quick tasty gift every time
• It’s tuesday and Desperate housewives is on tonight, I love that shit