My Journey into the World of Elementary Tech

Well, I made it here on time, actually we landed 20 minutes early. After reading Tweets on Friday of delayed flights, missed connections, lost luggage and hotel rooms given away I was a little nervous but all went well for me. I’m glad I brought a surge protector bar to plug in my gadgets. There aren’t many plugs in a historic hotel room and I had to search for one that had 3 holes to plug the adapter into. Something tells me that would not pass NYS standards! Two other striking differences between Texas and New York-no helmets on motorcyclists and people walking down a city street with a beer in their hand.

After I checked in I walked the two blocks to the convention center and checked in and picked up my volunteer t-shirt. After dropping the items back at the hotel I walked along the riverwalk enjoying the sights and sounds. I finally settled on Casa Rio for dinner. Despite a long line I waited less than five minutes for a table. I wasn’t sure if they felt sorry for me because I was eating alone or if it was because I was willing to sit inside. After dinner I walked again. I was a little nervous walking so close to the water’s edge after having a margarita, I was afraid I”d have a senior moment and forget to watch my step and fall right into the river!

This morning I was awake at 6, I’m hoping by the end of the summer I’ll figure out how to sleep later than that. I caught up on tweets and plurks and such things. Then I headed over to the convention center for my volunteer duty as a greeter. I was a little nervous, it wasn’t what I signed up for and I didn’t quite fit the description-I’m not from Texas, I’ve never been to NECC before and I’m not a very outgoing person. But I gave it my best shot. I ended up greeting people as they came in to register. It was fun and easy. I just had to smile and point them in the right direction. If I couldn’t answer their questions I sent them to another place where hopefully they could get the answers they were seeking. Towards the end of my shift a new person came on duty. I could tell right away she had done this before. She had her program guide with her turned to the map section and had already scoped out part of the hall so it was much easier for her to send people to the right place. So, when I go to NECC again I’ll remember to arrive earlier and do the same thing. Everyone was pleasant and it’s something I’d do again.

One of my goals is to be more outgoing and meet people. So far I’m doing good I’ve struck up a conversation with four different people.

I spent the afternoon walking around town until I had to come in to cool off! I’m looking forward to thee keynote speaker tonight and seeing the first poster sessions.

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