The last week of July I took a vacation and went to Chicago for a week. My trip home included various activities: a bachelorette party, a Stanley Cup grab, Lollapalooza and my mother throwing new books my direction every two seconds (to be fair, it was either do the dishes or read the book.) Some things never change. I began having flashbacks to the eight year-old version of myself trying to barter my way out of reading the Chronicles of Narnia.

So, I started in on Bringing Home The Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World’s Most Coveted Handbag by Michael Tonello.  Most people who know me realize that I am more of a satirical type of person. Chick lit, is not necessarily my thing, ask my best friend Ann- she’s tried to convert me for years, having minimal success.

Suddenly I realized I was on page 50 and loving the book. I’ll spare you the book report, but it goes something like this: man is not happy in his life, man goes on a trip to Spain, man loves Spain, man moves to Spain, man finds soul mate in Spain, man starts a business acquiring and selling Hermes Birkin bags on EBay to a growing client roster, man has a personal life changing experience that leads him to re-evaluate his priorities, this ultimately leads to a game- changing business decision, man makes decision, book ends.  (Hey I can’t spoil it for you; I like Michael Tonello too much.)

As I finished this book on the plane ride back to San Diego, I realized the point Michael Tonello was making; it’s about the journey, knowing when something is right and going for it, and that life and business are never independent of one another. As much as you may try, you cannot separate them.

This story, leads me to where I am today; Bolt Public Relations’ newest office in Dana Point, California, writing this blog. I knew for a very long time that we’d be expanding into the Orange County community. I knew for a very long time that this would mean moving my life from San Diego to Orange County. But, like Michael Tonello, something deep down knew that life and business were never meant to be independent of one another. In fact, at this point in my life, they’ve never been more dependent and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I do what I love, in an industry I love, with people that challenge me to be a better communicator, thinker, writer, orator and the list goes on, daily.

Dana Point, thank you for having us. We are thrilled to be here.

Oh and for Ann, yes I see it now, I think you might be onto something with this chick lit stuff.

Well we’ve done it. Our Orange County office is officially open for business! Now we could never leave our San Diego roots, so our other office is still located on Loker Avenue in Carlsbad. But our main headquarters (if you will) is now in Dana Point. We’re now walking in every day smelling the ocean, watching surfers ride their bikes by with surfboards in tow, and hearing the late afternoon music trickling in from Hennessey’s across the street. To give you a sneak peek, below are a few photos. (As superb as my photography skills may be, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon =) ) Please consider this an open invitation to stop in next time you’re in the area.

A photo of the outside of the building:

Here’s the entryway, or at least a corner of it (it’s quite large):

And the main seating/creative meeting area:

And Jesse’s office… she would like for everyone to note her “french doors”:

And the doors that lead out to the balcony:

And there are a whole bunch of other offices and a kitchen and a breakroom, but we’ll leave those photos to the professional photographer. Stay tuned for more (read: better) photos and news from the Bolt PR team! In the meantime, visit us at http://twitter.com/boltpr, http://facebook.com/BoltPR and at 34052 La Plaza Drive, Suite 204, in Dana Point!

A dear friend of Bolt Public Relations, Kevin Carlin, alerted us to this very cool project he has volunteered to take the lead on. The 1st Annual Go Green/ Give Green Fundraising Campaign to benefit Elwyn California. It’s simple: just collect bottles and cans. The proceeds from your recyclables will benefit Elwyn.

What is Elwyn California? Elwyn prepares adults with disabilities for employment by maximizing potential through personal commitment, collective talent, and innovation. Elwyn supports indviduals with diverse challenges in shaping distinctive, meaningful lives.

The Celebration Event, including prizes for those who bring in the most cans and bottles, will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at BJ’s Restaurant in Huntington Beach, Calif. from 5:00-9:00 pm.

For more information on the fundraiser, please contact Kevin Carlin at (714) 478-6819 or via email at kmcarlin@msn.com. Even better, RSVP for the event on Facebook.

To learn more about Elwyn California, please visit the website.