At 7:30pm Tuesday I was curled up on a lawnchair on my deck, makeupless and clad in pajamas (it had been that kind of day)and IMing with a friend of mine when I got a text from Tantek, an acquaintance I know from Consumating.
Just read your blog. It might do you some good to get out of the house and have dinner with a bunch of geeks. Give me directions and I'll pick you up in 45 minutes.
I IM'ed my friend a guy that I barely know wants to come pick me up and bring me to a dinner with a bunch of other people I don't know.
She IM'ed back I wouldn't go.
I thought for a second. I'm going.
45 minutes later, Tantek and I were in the Pink Mini, pointed westward. I don't know if this is specific to nerd culture or Consumating people, but from the second we met we were chattering like old friends. Or more to the point, he politely listened while I chattered about my relationship, my love of NerdBoys, and Prom.
We walked into the Santa Monica Buca Di Beppo, where the LA Geek Dinner was taking place. It was a planning session for the next LA Barcamp. Over slabs of lasagna and glasses of house merlot, everyone tried to out-Geek each other. Alas, all I brought to the table was sass and my Boo Boo Walker shirt.
Along with Tantek, I was delighted to theDaniel (you should run, not walk, and read his blog post about The Science of Swearing. Now.) and Zoe as my dinner companions. Not only are they science-fiction superheroes from the future, they are one degree removed from almost everyone I know.
A photo that should just be called Tantek and his women. Danah Boyd, Zoe, and myself. TheDaniel in back.
However, I have still yet to meet the uber-fabulous Micki Krimmel, who seems to know everyone that I know. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for voting for her in Valleywag's Web 2.Ooh Ladies' Round. You should too.
And a shout-out to Heathervescent and Leah and everyone else whose business card I did not get. Mea culpa.
Which reminds me, I need a business card.
Tantek and I headed over to Insomnia to finish out the night with dessert, double lattes, and more discussion. Delightful.
In other news: lunch with the ex-boyfriend yesterday. I drank too much tequila and flirted. I know, bad slackmistress.
Today's agenda: writing, writing, writing. And perhaps some videoblogging. Perhaps.
