Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Socialization Conferences - The Next Trend?

I was honored to be asked to be a speaker at a conference in Florida recently. I was elated being able to visit another new state and to meet some people speaking there I've always wanted to meet. I still do get excited at meeting people who I believe have helped the paranormal community in a positive way. I still have "heroes".

I was in the air for almost 8 hours. The minute I touched ground and got off the plane, I found out it was to be go, go, go. No jet lag allowed. No resting. No checking into a hotel. Just run errands and then have dinner while meeting people. Great. I was hot and sweaty, didn't have much makeup on and old clothes. Who dresses up to fly? Certainly not me. I tried to take it in stride but it was hard to smile after passing the time zones and being crunched in a full plane, having a lot of luggage to tote (I'm big on having everything when I travel) and listening to babies and children wail and cry. Ugh!!

Finally, I was able to sleep after three additional hours following my plane trip. Interestingly, I guess it was still expected to drink some more.

I got to sleep in the next day but time was wasting. I was told not to rent a car and drive myself (which I do love doing) I would be taken care of and needed to be driven. Following a long wait for the car to be ready to take me as well as others, I had to meet a woman who I would be with for the rest of the weekend. She was my conference confidante. She was the woman with the answers. I liked her....a lot. She was like me, to the point and all sass, but in a nice, southern way.

All weekend seemed to be about socialization. Everything was about having a drink and talking to people. I have no problem with doing any of that but it was every day. No getting past it. I found that this trip was not going to give me any "me" time. "Me" time is something I LOVE when going on trips. I get to pamper myself in my room on my time. I bring all the necessities or purchase them after arrival. I got no "me" time this time around. Disappointing but that's how it goes sometimes.

I was expected to be clean, sharp, made up and dressed at all times. While that didn't happen, I tried to give my presentation in a room which was hot, had no way to see any sights, had no speakers for my (or anyone else's presentation) and had to be social through it all. I didn't mind. The people that went to the conference were wonderful. They were gracious, most were interested, asked questions and were great to talk with. I don't try to change people's minds if they already have a mind set but just offer new suggestions. You can't change everyone.

I arrived at this conference early hoping to see some sights in this state. I left early because I couldn't. I loved every minute that I was at this conference and met some people that I've always wanted to meet and made my own opinions regarding them. I wouldn't trade all that for the world.

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