So, it's been a couple of weeks and I haven't written my usual long personal conference report. I have reasons, if not excuses.
There's a lot that I am worried about saying. Some upsetting things happened and I'm reluctant to air them publicly but since I'm by nature a pretty what-you-see-is-what-you-get person I'm not good at half the story and so my voice is gummed up. This is probably a relief to some people, but come to think of it those people have probably never read my blog.
For all the controversial stuff, the weekend was such a lot of roaring fun, too, that I just go on goofy grinning reveries and keep looking at the pictures and wasting time.
I haven't caught up on anything yet, including completely unpacking.
I usually write a long, newsy, full of names report but this time I honestly met so many people that I couldn't possibly do it without missing any and can't possibly give some people their due and don't want to slight anyone. It was a weekend of "I'm Someone-You've-Wanted-To-Meet-For-A-Long-Time, Hi!" and my emotions and memory were whipped to a froth. I mean, I wonder if anyone can imagine what it is like to have all these relationships with people online - and only get to see once a year at the conference - who took the time to come to NEDA and threw themselves into the crowd and be so wonderful. It was like having a book come alive at you a la "NeverEnding Story" and constantly blinking to see if it was still real. I am blown away by the reality of this amazing community of people - and as fast as I'm blinking, it still seems to be there! Don't disappear!
So many people are out there blogging** and Facebooking and chatting about the conference I no longer feel the same sort of need to make those who were not there feel included and involved.
This is the first time my husband was there as well and I probably processed more of it in person than I usually can. It was a blast having him there and I loved seeing people's reactions to "Samuel" aka "Cheforexic."
I know that those reports are more about my processing things than any information others yearn to read.
There's SO much to do. Be careful what you wish for: F.E.A.S.T. is a locomotive lately!
Finally: you know who you are. To the people who showed up, held me up, gave footrubs, gave rooms at your house, shared rooms, made that table a community, dried tears, brought your socks, did Stinkbug imitations, sent pictures to Mamame, brought me coffee, brought me a Breakfast With Some Protein, carried the pizza, scouted out a diner, brought me books, texted, held down the forum, brought their spouses, sent donations, sent greetings, watched an empty video feed, clowned for the camera, mourned, hugged, debated, cared, and "cliqued" - you know who you are and I hope I showed you how much I appreciated it. If not, I want you to know, it was one of the finest weeks of my life and you were the reason. Thank you. Really.
- There's a lot that I am worried about saying. Some upsetting things happened and I'm reluctant to air them publicly but since I'm by nature a pretty what-you-see-is-what-you-get person I'm not good at half the story and so my voice is gummed up. This is probably a relief to some people, but come to think of it those people have probably never read my blog.
- For all the controversial stuff, the weekend was such a lot of roaring fun, too, that I just go on goofy grinning reveries and keep looking at the pictures and wasting time.
- I haven't caught up on anything yet, including completely unpacking.
- I usually write a long, newsy, full of names report but this time I honestly met so many people that I couldn't possibly do it without missing any and can't possibly give some people their due and don't want to slight anyone. It was a weekend of "I'm Someone-You've-Wanted-To-Meet-For-A-Long-Time, Hi!" and my emotions and memory were whipped to a froth. I mean, I wonder if anyone can imagine what it is like to have all these relationships with people online - and only get to see once a year at the conference - who took the time to come to NEDA and threw themselves into the crowd and be so wonderful. It was like having a book come alive at you a la "NeverEnding Story" and constantly blinking to see if it was still real. I am blown away by the reality of this amazing community of people - and as fast as I'm blinking, it still seems to be there! Don't disappear!
- So many people are out there blogging** and Facebooking and chatting about the conference I no longer feel the same sort of need to make those who were not there feel included and involved.
- This is the first time my husband was there as well and I probably processed more of it in person than I usually can. It was a blast having him there and I loved seeing people's reactions to "Samuel" aka "Cheforexic."
- I know that those reports are more about my processing things than any information others yearn to read.
- There's SO much to do. Be careful what you wish for: F.E.A.S.T. is a locomotive lately!
- Finally: you know who you are. To the people who showed up, held me up, gave footrubs, gave rooms at your house, shared rooms, made that table a community, dried tears, brought your socks, did Stinkbug imitations, sent pictures to Mamame, brought me coffee, brought me a Breakfast With Some Protein, carried the pizza, scouted out a diner, brought me books, texted, held down the forum, brought their spouses, sent donations, sent greetings, watched an empty video feed, clowned for the camera, mourned, hugged, debated, cared, and "cliqued" - you know who you are and I hope I showed you how much I appreciated it. If not, I want you to know, it was one of the finest weeks of my life and you were the reason. Thank you. Really.
** Must reads: Marcella , Carrie , Sarah