By day, I’m a pr director for a book publisher. I love my job. I help kids find our books, I plan our presence at shows like Comic Con and I work with some crazy-talented people. I count my lucky stars for having such a job. 

But as much as I love my career, I need more. More, more, more. Turns out if I don’t have side projects and volunteer projects and other fun things to focus on, I’ll just work 80 hours a week and spend Sunday afternoons quivering on the couch in a state of near collapse. Oddly enough, I’m happiest when I’m busiest—so long as the busy is spread out over projects. 

Last year, I wrote a book with my pal, Meg. It’s called The Happy Book. Lots of people bought it and continue to buy it, and that’s been so surreal and fun. That was really the most monumental project for 2009. And there was the usual volunteering sprinkled in there too—a little time at the animal shelter, a little time at the learning center working with ESL students. 

2010’s significant side project has been Full Figured Fashion Week™. I read about it and then sent a note to the founder and volunteered my services. I didn’t have a background in fashion PR, but I figured it was just apples and apples, right? Books, clothes. Oh, I love both things quite a bit—and as long as I believe in what I’m shilling, I can shill it with the best of them. It’s been an immense job, but an exciting job. And the event itself is almost here. We’re ten days out from launch. I’ve been so busy I’ve hardly had a minute to think about the actual event, and, most importantly, what I’ll wear (which concerns me—I am NOT a glamorous fatshionista—I veer more toward the cute, wacky and nerdy). We’ve already had mentions in Elle and Essence, and there’s more to come. This year is a really important stepping stone for next year, and I need to remember that when I can’t have everything I want RIGHT THIS SECOND. Patience, Girthful Girl, patience. 

If you’re in the NYC area, I hope you’ll make it to an event or two. Full details and ticketing information are on the site. I’m especially excited for this panel, because both Golda and Marianne are speaking. Fun! 

Full Figured Fashion Week™-The State of the Curvy Community From the Lane Bryant ad controversy to Gabourey Sidibe earning a spot in People’s ”Most Beautiful People” issue, full-figured Americans are making front-page news. Join Marianne Kirby (author of Notes from the Fat-O-Sphere and co-host of the Two Whole Cakes podcast), Golda Portesky (founder of BodyHealthWellness.com), Erica Watson (stand-up comedienne), the Mad Fashionista (blogger) and Yuliya Raquel (founder/designer of Igigi.com) for a spirited discussion about the state of the plus-size community in America. 

But seriously, what am I going to wear? I have two SHORT dresses from Re/Dress that I bought with this in mind… but I’m not sure if that will get me through. Might need to pop on over to Re/Dress again before for emergency glamour shopping.