a surreal, truly American experience

so yesterday was odd and took me out of my comfort zone. big time. it all started at 12.15pm. on the way up to a seminar, I had a missed call from a senior advisor to a former president. that doesn't happen every day. t

hen I got to this seminar, where charity workers are paired up with marketing and pr people to help get their brand out. it was so right-on, fist bumpingly awesome.

one woman told her story and said at the end of it, 'oh, that was so nerve wracking I just peed a little. don't worry, I have a pantyliner on.' to which the organiser responded, 'we're all now besties! there's no such thing as TMI!'

 the aadvice I was given was good and if the introductions people said they had are delivered, I'll be golden. it was all a bit much and the vodka was brought out at 4pm. the two Brits congregated together, which is also another story.

 the guy I met also had an intriguing life. clearly very wealthy, he'd not had to work for ten years after he'd sold his business. he's in new York on an entrepreneur's visa, meaning he can come and go but isn't any kind of resident. his family life also sounds kind of complicated.

you only get these experiences when you're away from home, I think. I have more time, am starting something new at work and need to meet people. I feel that I've been lucky to have seen and met so many different people and things already.

there really were too many type A (read loud) people in a room. it's giving me a headache just thinking about it.