Meeting Hilary Duff

I randomly found online information about a Hilary Duff book signing back on December 1, 2010. I was working at the law office that day and debated the whole day if I would go or not. The book signing was in Glendale at 7:00pm - right on my way home so once I got off work I figured I might as well go. I knew that Hilary had written a book and it had been released in October. I thought it would be cool to go to the signing and get to meet her in person, so I went.

Now, for those of you who don't know I am a HUGE Hilary Duff fan. I grew up watching her TV show "Lizzie McGuire". She was one of my biggest acting/singing idols growing up and someone who inspired me with my own acting dreams. I own most of her movies and have every single one of her CDs (so far). When I heard that she wrote a book I was so excited. So once I got to Borders for the signing, I bought her book "Elixir" and waited in line for almost 2 hours to meet her.

Once I got to the front to meet her it was a little surreal. It's always a little different when you are used to seeing someone on TV and then see them in person. She's so tiny. She was a good few inches shorter than me (with about 4/5 inch heels on). Her diamond engagement ring is HUGE. And she's so sweet! I told her that she is one of my inspirations with my acting career. She said thanks. I said something about being from out of state and she asked where. I said Virginia and she said cool. She asked how I liked the weather out here and I said I loved it - saying I hate the cold weather. She said she's the same way. I then told her I was so excited when I heard she wrote a book and couldn't wait to read it. She said thanks and she hoped I would like it. She then wished me luck with my acting career and I said thanks. After getting to talk with her for a little bit, she signed my book and took a picture with me. This was such a wonderful day for me! I'm glad I went and I hope to work with Hilary one day. Check out the pictures below :)

Hilary & Me

Excited to have Hilary's book "Elixir"

My signed book :)

Thanksgiving in Virginia

To go back in time a little ways...I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my family back in Virginia. It was such a blessing. I was not anticipating it but God worked it out. It had been almost a whole year since I had been back to visit. It was great getting to see everyone..my baby sisters are getting so big! Not only was my immediate family there but some of my extended family come for the holiday as well. I was also able to visit some of my friends while in town.

My sisters and I had a girls night and sleepover with some girls from church. I stopped by the dance studio and was able to get to see a couple of friends from there. I was able to stop by AMTI (my previous VA job) and visit everyone. It was cool to see most of the same people were still working there and to see the changes that have happened since I moved. I was also able to visit with a family I used to babysit for. I wasn't sure that the girls would remember me but they did. It was so great to see them! They're getting so big too and it was nice getting to visit with them and their parents. Also, my BFF, Megg who moved to NC not long after I moved to CA came up to visit as well. She's expecting her 1st child in March and it was so great getting to see her, her hubby. I also got to meet their dog Skipper...so adorable! Hopefully I will be able to stop by and visit them once the baby arrives in NC.

And then of course I spent lots of time with the family. Had a wonderful dinner with my grandparents one of my first days back. Had girl nights with my sisters. Watched one of the movies I worked on "StarStruck" with them - that was fun. And of course Black Friday shopping. All in all it was such a great visit and definitely miss my family. Wish they all were out here with me! Can't wait to see them all again, hopefully sooner this time than last. I'll post some pictures of my visit soon.