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"Hi, I'm Theresa." She greeted me with the ease and effortless polish only a seasoned professional can summon. Around us buzzed a smooth swarm of high-energy movers and shakers from the local business community — a sea of shiny teeth, firm handshakes, expensive suits and freshly applied makeup. Business cards were flying faster than Black Jack cards in Vegas. There was laughter, and schmoozing, and socializing-with-a-purpose. People seemed happy to be together, but happier still to be connecting professionally. I, on the other hand, was at the wrong end of a long, exhausting day. I had searched in vain for 30 minutes to find a parking space before finally settling on a spot just a stone's throw from outer Mongolia. With more theatrics than necessary, I schlepped my camera gear across rows of vehicles that belonged to much luckier drivers than I, trudged past the valet parking drop-off, and limped into the restaurant. I hadn't seen my makeup ba...