Vacation blues and good news!

It's my first day back, and I've already got the vacation blues. Most of you probably follow me on facebook/twitter/instagram, but in case you don't here's a recap of my crazy week of "vacation":

I started out my vacation by taking a quick trip to Truckee to have a "retreat" with myself that mostly involved strategizing for J. Jasper Events. I got to stay and visit with my friend Kim, which was a great added bonus. Though the weather was super windy, I still got to put my toes in Donner Lake:

I had to leave Truckee quickly, as I got a text from Paul that one of our chickens was severely hurt. Poor Rafiki was attacked by a raccoon who snuck into the coop. I had to bring her into the vet to put her down. I was crying a lot and was slightly embarrassed because, hey, she's just a chicken! But, she's my chicken (one of the first we got) and she's like a pet to me. We had a proper burial for her and some of the neighborhood kids said goodbyes. Emma even made her a tombstone:

Part of my "vacation" was catching up on J. Jasper Events stuff, because in case you didn't already know - I've quit my "real" job and will be working for myself starting mid-August! I am so incredibly excited and so happy to have supportive friends and family that have helped me reach this decision. So on Wednesday evening I found myself sipping champagne at the Fairmont Hotel, meeting with my clients who are getting married there in November. As I started driving home, I snapped this photo - it was a gorgeous night, the meeting had gone really well, and I was content.

I ended my trip in Santa Cruz, meeting clients, friends (old and new) and family. I also visited downtown SC (which I haven't been to in ages) and walked by my old stomping ground, the Red Room. This is where Paul and I met, so it always has a special place in my heart:

And today it's back to the grindstone. I'm excited to finish out the last 3 weeks I have here to move onto bigger and better things (i.e. making J. Jasper Events bigger and better!)