My Going Away Fiesta - Jan. 11

Leaving Sacramento was surprisingly harder than I thought it would be. I was so fortunate to have made some true friends during the craziness of the campaign. As folks would pack up and start to head out, we frequently threw going away lunches or happy hours. I wanted to do a dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant and then head to Simon's, a pretty popular political bar, one where we all started going when we became friends. It was really neat to see so many friends there and people who I will really miss and hope to keep in touch with for a long time...

Julie, the press secretary. She and I traveled together to most of the events. She kept me sane most times that I wanted to go nuts. She is brilliant and has a huge career ahead of her. I am so thankful to have met her, especially because she is a Christian, too, and we were able to really be there for one another.

Ani, Jennifer, and I.

I love this couple. Lisa and Matt Page are a wonderful and fun-loving couple. From hanging with them in Yosemite, to goofing off at dinners and lunches, to New Year's, they are always up for a fun time and have such amazing capacities for friendship. I'm looking forward to seeing them in February when I head up to Sacramento for a visit!

My pal Schmidty. I was really suprised that he came out because he's a bit on the cantankerous side, but having him there meant a lot to me. I miss his craziness, for sure!

My roommate Erin. She was in true "single and ready to mingle" form that night! HA!

The picture brings joy to my heart. Macedo and the Bizzer.

Josh and Christy Get Married! - Jan. 7

Two of my pals from Fuel got married a couple of weeks ago and I was so happy to have been there to witness it. They are good friends of mine and I couldn't be happier that they found love and are creating a life together!

Waiting for his bride with Justin, our pastor. They did this cool balloon release thing during the ceremony, which was really sweet. Especially in light of the fact that Josh proposed during a hot air balloon ride!

Yeah, they're Mr. and Mrs. Underwood!

Rebekah and I. All of our friends have pretty much left Fuel. They've gotten married and we've graduated on. : )

Inaugural Ball

After the election, the majority of the staff stayed on to help plan the inaugural activities. It was a very wonderful month and a half. It gave us all the opportunity to slow down, relax, and process after the campaign. There were a number of activities over two days with the culmination being the Celebrating the California Dream Gala on Friday, January 5. Clare and Jennifer were both in Sac for it, so we got to boogie together! We even ended up on the stage at one point - shocker, I know! All my girlfriends and I from the campaign went on major crash diets and I was so pumped to get to wear my favorite dress again (the one I wore to the President's inaugural ball in 2005). Donna Summer and Paul Anka provided the entertainment, then there was a sweet ass DJ playing tunes until late into the night. I had a blast and will post more pics as soon as I get them!

How fun to have my best girls from OC there with me!!! Clare and I and another friend ended up at Denny's late that night. Finally, we were able to eat and let the gut go! : )

Donna Summer rocking her tunes and Maria and her girlfriends on the stage being the backup dancers.

Me and Monica. My roommate from the campaign.

Me and Genevieve, my roommate during the inaugural committee. So glad that she lives around the corner from me in Tustin Ranch!

I HAVE ANGER IN MY HEART

The Office was a re-run last night. Boooo.

CONGRATS ROBIN AND JONATHAN!

On Friday morning, Robin and Jonathan welcomed Travis Walker Ayers into the world! He was 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 20” long. Here are some of his first photos!

Looks like he's going to be a little blondie!

Mackenzie (my God-daughter) is going to be such a wonderful big sister!!! Here she is getting to hold her baby brother (with help from Robin!).

I'm so proud of Robin. She's a WONDERFUL mother. She's patient, loving and supportive, and a strong woman. She knows what she wants in a family and she and Jonathan are creating it every day. She's a great partner to Jonathan and supports him in achieving his dreams. She works very hard, even when it's not fun, so that she can have the home life that she deserves. She teaches her children love and respect and values, but most importantly, she teaches them to love the Lord. I can't wait to go and visit and see her and meet little Travis. I know he'll grow up to be a wonderful man someday and that he'll appreciate everything he has in this world because of things he'll learn from his mother and father.

I am a plumber - a little job update

For the time being, I'm working for my dad. I have had a ton of interviews, but no offers yet. I'm not in full-fledged freak-out mode, yet. That's next week. Pray for me to have patience and perspective.

So far, this has afforded me the opportunity to make enough money to pay my mortgage and have some down time. My dad is so wonderful to me. I can't do this forever, though, because I would go crazy with the quiet... I know, you're thinking "Darrol, quiet?!?!" But at work, he's all business! Insane!

NYE

Celebrated NYE in Sacramento this year. We went to Streets of London, a british pub, that hosted a party at 4pm, so we could party with folks in Great Britain. It was loads of fun, and nice to have the celebration done with in the afternoon! TV cameras were in the bar, and just before 4pm, the place got packed! It was really fun and a different way to celebrate the new year.

Me and Matt Green getting ready for the toast.

My roommate Erin. I love this pic!

It's mock-midnight! Yeah!

A few of us at Streets.

After Streets, a few of us went to dinner and then to a party at Lisa's friend's house. Lisa is one of my fav coworkers. We had a great time and I love the date stamp on this pic.