0 - the number of minutes I spent with my novel on this trip, mostly because my conference is exhausting but also because I am lazy…

1 - the number of blog posts (this one) I will have managed to write while in San Diego, mostly (nay, entirely) because my internet connection has been so terrible -

2 - the number of times I ordered mahi mahi tacos for dinner

3 - the number of times I have considered requesting the journalist sitting next to me at this moment please please please stop  talking to herself

4  - hours left  until I board the red eye for home

5 - number of hours it took for my luggage to arrive last week (not too shabby at all, I think!)

6 - average number of times my blackberry rang with questions from the office each day

7 - number of times my parents called to make sure I was still alive

8 - number of hives on my right arm that mysteriously appeared after eating an apple yesterday

9- number of ” contacts” I have made for future reference

10 - number of times I have wondered why people live in southern california

11 - probably the number of pounds I have gained from eating pastries, bread, omelets, tacos, guacamole and imbibing  margaritas -

12 - the number of months it will probably take to get rid of the above 11 pounds

13 - number of gray hairs I’ve counted last week

14 - number of minutes it took me from gray-hair counting to calling my man Corey for my first coloring, and

15 - number of hours between me and my little, tree-shaded apartment in Pittsburgh - that is, if all goes well

‘Kay, I’m off for one more seafood dinner and one more margarita (they squeeze fresh oranges and limes for them here!) - more upon my return to Pittsburgh.