This past Wednesday was the third Ignite Phoenix. I was fortunate enough to tag along to the 2nd one last October, which was only a few days after my arrival in the Phoenix area. I hadn’t heard much about it before that night, and pretty much only knew two people that were there (I’m sure a lot of you probably saw me and didn’t even know it), so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Of course I had some guesses, and they were *way* off base.

For the third Ignite, I knew what to expect and knew some of the presenters. I definitely felt like part of the gang instead of a visitor this time. It’s reminded me of all the awesome things that have happened in the four months I’ve been here.

The event took place at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The room we were in as well as the center itself was so beautiful. The combination of the tall windows and the water running right outside the venue made it look like the room was floating.

There were some amazing presenters. I absolutely loved the focus on the community that was expressed. The presentation on volunteering and getting out and doing something was so inspiring. I appreciated the presenters directness on telling people that their lack of time excuse is bullshit.

There were also some hilarious presentations such as 20 Answers to 20 Unanswered Questions. What a great way to end the night. I mean, now that I know the answer to “How many drinks is too many?” is “The last one,” I am much better off.

Afterwards, I headed to the post Ignite bash at Macayos. I met a few new people, which was one of my goals as well as hang out with those I already knew. Great time!

I’m pretty pumped for Ignite 4!

This weekend has been great. Friday, I left work to come home and make some great chili for a chili party my neighbors and I were having. I ended up making a quick turkey and bean chili and while it wasn’t the typical all day crock pot affair I normally do, I got quite a few compliments. I made some spaghetti at home to have with the leftovers and it’s been fantastic! It’s so nice to have great neighbors to hang out with, three more people I know in AZ Bob and Jessy came to the chili party as well and hung out for a little while afterwards, but we were all a little tired.

Yesterday I had a very fortunate day. I accomplished some things I have been meaning to get done for awhile, and while no, I did not do any more unpacking, I did feel satisfied at the end.

I started off having the furniture cleaners come over promptly at 9 to clean my furniture. It was nice to have it not take up my entire day. However, it looks like it didn’t go very well as they are dry this morning and still have stains. I am not quite sure what I am going to do.

I then headed over to a branch of my Credit Union to get a debit/atm card. I was supposed to receive one in the mail as the branch in my office building doesn’t give them out on site, but it has been three weeks. They informed me other branches hand them out immediately. On the way, I found a great car wash, which I have been trying to find for awhile. So, not only did I find the branch close to my house and get my debit/ATM card, but I found a great car wash and was able to get all the crud from my car’s transport to Phoenix off. They dry the car both hand and with air guns and the car wash is completely touch free and can be watched from inside. Of course, as coincidence would have it, the card that was sent to me was at my house when I returned from my trip.

I also went to the store and got a few little supplies (including more water). The tape water in Tempe is not the greatest, and I probably won’t even be able to give it to the sugar gliders. Therefore, I decided to invest in something I have wanted for awhile, which is the PUR filtration system for your faucet that includes the flavors as well. We all know I am not a fan of water to begin with. I’m not a fan of soft drinks so much either. I really love juices and kool-aid (thanks mom) which almost just as bad. Hopefully this will help. I had some minor issues attaching it to my faucet last night, but I’ll address those later and definitely let you know how this ends up turning out.

I was also able to finally pay all my bills from the past few months which was a big load off my back (and pile off my counter).

Along with that included scheduling the flight for my sugar gliders to Phoenix. Morrigan and Tequila Rose will be here next Thursday evening and I am so excited. That gives me so much motivation to have everything organized for when they arrive. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have missed them even though I know they are being spoiled by their babysitter (I get pictures constantly to prove it). Don’t plan on seeing me much Thursday or Friday

I was also able to finally register a couple domains I have been meaning to do forever. I am hoping this gives me motivation to get my portfolio up and running (as I have registered my name) and start blogging on my usability blog, Snuggle Taxonomy which I also registered a domain name for.

I meant to blog in regards to all of this last night before I went to bed, but I crashed after being up late Friday. Today I am going to look at a center in Phoenix to volunteer at. Hopefully afterwards I will be able to get some unpacking in before I go to the Pistons/Suns game with Bob, Jessy, and ERIC!! Eric’s flight gets in today so we are celebrating.

I am truly grateful for the amazing adventures I have been having since I arrived in Phoenix. I am progressing well at finding the balance I hoped I would and having the courage to try new things and start a new life here. I probably forgot to blog about World Usability Day in the chaos so maybe I will add that soon.

I have determined that I need to start scheduling visits from friends and family. This is probably the best form of motivation for me to get my house in tip top shape.

So, if anyone would like to visit, realistically I can start accepting visitors the week before Thanksgiving. Let me know, and get your dates in now. I have a nice warm place and am expecting (and hoping) it becomes the new vacation spot for my crew

Need some enticing?

• I live in Tempe, which is home to ASU as well as a new light rail system.
• Tempe is close to Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale (which has a Fashion Square that could compete with the East Coast).
• Botanical Gardens and the Zoo are open year round (and are comfortable) because of the gorgeous weather.
• There are plenty of parks where you can just stop and climb a mountain.
• I am within driving distance of a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
• Heated outdoor pool in the winter… mmmmmmm
• I have Rock Band 2
• and last but not least… ME!!!!

Tonight was a great and interesting evening. Eric, Bob, and I went to the 2nd Ignite Phoenix and had a blast. I was a little unsure of it at first, but I can definitely see its potential and it was a great discussion piece for the remainder of the night.

If you haven’t heard of Ignite, it’s a movement that is meant to create community, networking and discussion. Each presenter has 5 minutes and 20 slides (about 20 seconds per slide) to make their presentation on pretty much any topic they want. They are all submitted in advance. Tonight we had 16 presenters on topics ranging from public transportation to art therapy and scooters and magic. There was even one on how to prevent a Zombie attack.

One of them was also on a site meant to give people good suggestions for dates other than the generic Applebees, Olive Garden, and Chilis. Apparently I missed all the signals of the Date Designer presenter pouring his love out to me LOL.

Afterwards, we met up with Jessy at this great burger place that also had a kick ass drink menu. I chose a black velveteen. We talked about the presentations we had seen that night and this somehow ended up causing idea generation on a presentation how how to date Tonia and how not to date Tonia, along wiht even further conversation on how much the date presenter was in love with me.

I’m sure this won’t be the last we will hear of “Date a Designer.”…

On that note, it is almost midnight and time to head to bed and get some shut eye.

Goodnight all of you (especially the East Coasters).