#NNB2012 – the important stuff

Sunday, June 24, 2012 Permalink

In her (TGDM) blog yesterday, Tina posted (what she called) her obligatory ‘what I’m wearing/taking to the blogging conference’ post. As this is my first every blogging conference (other than a workshop I attended locally and enjoyed immensely) I am filled with excitement and – I must confess – a bit of trepidation, about Nuffnang’s Blogopolis next weekend in Sydney. I’m not sure what the nervousness is about. I know the nightmare I had a few weeks ago may have jinxed me in some way, but doubt I’m going to turn up on the wrong day without my stuff, or get lost in the hotel (both of which were the subject of the aforementioned dream).

And, it isn’t like I’m shy. I’m fine with walking up to complete strangers and sharing the most intimate details of my life. I was once (albeit fairly briefly) a diplomat so have some vague ability when it comes to schmoozing. So, I think it’s more the ‘fear of the unknown’. In reality I know I will probably just sit, listen, take notes and tweet all day. Oh, and get too-merry at the post conference drinks, but still….

Also it means that I haven’t done the ‘what I’m taking’ post before – and must confess (AGAIN) – that I probably wouldn’t do so now, except I’m doing Fat Mum Slim’s Photo-a-day challenge for June…. today’s theme being ‘On my mind’. And guess what is ‘On my mind’? Oh, okay, so you did guess it.

Indeed, I’m thinking about what I’m taking and wearing to Sydney next weekend. My dislike of travel means I hate dealing with luggage, so I try to go with carry-on only luggage where possible and given that next weekend only involves three days and two nights in Sydney I’m not going to need much.

It is with some shame I admit that I’ve been pondering on ‘what to wear’. I mean, I’m a 44 year old woman and it’s not like I’m going to a bloody ball for god’s sake; I’d be surprised if there are any cute eligible men there; and it’s also not like people will have any expectations of me – given my amateur status and anonymity in a sea of accomplished and well-known bloggers.

Perhaps it’s a girl thing.

As a result… I have spent some time wondering what to wear. And… even bought a new shirt (thing) for the occasion. I say shirt, but it’s long. Like a dress. But not a dress. Then I’m figuring jeans and boots – and a black skivvy underneath the dress/shirt thing. As for jewelry, an old faithful black ring is about to head to the farm to join some of my childhood pets, so I may need to rethink that one a bit.

I arrive the day before the conference and before I can check into my hotel (aka the conference venue) so am thinking I will dump my fairly-small bag and do some shopping. Or just go somewhere for a long leisurely lunch (complete with some champagne) to soak up the Sydney atmosphere. (I haven’t been to Sydney in YEARS!) I’m hoping to catch up with some others attending the conference on the Friday night for ice-breaking drinkies but think we’re playing that by ear.

Type A (and somewhat anal) personality that I am, I’ve started a ‘what to take’ list. It includes the usual essentials (contact lens solution, thyroid medication, underwear, deodorant and the like) as well the blogging-specific essentials (MacBook Air, iPhone, chargers and various other cords). I’m wondering if I need to take a notebook as well. (You know, those things with paper pages that you handwrite stuff in!)

Oh, and I’ll need a supply of my hot-off-the-press business cards, which I’m really excited about. The guy who designed my website banners did them for me and had the ingenious idea of putting one blog on each side of the card. D’oh! I would have had two sets printed if I didn’t outsource that kind of thing!

Finally, I’m kinda wishing I’d bought this book (right) which I came across recently – akin to a ‘little black book’. That way, when I’m a rich and famous blogger, many will try to steal it to see if their name appears. Or not.

So… there you have it. Five sleeps and counting until I fly south. Seven sleeps and counting until I return – pumped with enthusiasm, brimming with knowledge and resplendent with business cards of newfound blogging friends. (But no hangover. Hopefully. Cos that’s never fun on a flight!)

And, as it happens, the writing of this post helped. There’s less angst and more excitement now.
(Particularly given my ‘what to take’ list is finished.)

Feel free to let me know if I’ve forgotten anything!

16 Comments
  • Nikki @ Styling You
    June 24, 2012

    You’re SO sorted Deb … love it. I’m heading to Sydney Wednesday as I’ve got a contract delivering three days of blogging workshops to a company. Got to look semi corporatey but I don’t want to pack too much either. Hopefully I won’t be too buggered by Saturday! See you then. x

    • Debbish
      June 24, 2012

      Indeed (re my sortedness)! I pity you having to pack for a few events. When I went to Melbourne in April I made the effort to take exercise gear to use the hotel gym etc, but am not even considering that this trip. Travelling light!

      See you Saturday! (It’s been a while… perhaps our 10yr school reunion? God… if so, #shit!)

  • Annaleis @ Teapots and Tractors
    June 24, 2012

    You will be fine. I would love to able to pack light but I am the worlds worst packer! Though trying to leave room to bring home some shopping! Hopefull will see you in the bar Friday night, Annaleis x

    • Debbish
      June 24, 2012

      Sounds great! And your shopping plan sounds excellent!

  • Amy
    June 24, 2012

    I love your style! But dare I say it…. don’t forget your toothbrush (oh dear… that really should have come with a bad dad joke warning)

    Have a fabulous trip

    • Debbish
      June 24, 2012

      Thanks Amy and I definitely have my toothbrush and toothpaste on my list! I should confess, that even though I have a list, I’m unlikely to pack before Thursday night – but at least I feel kinda organised!

  • KCLAnderson (Karen)
    June 24, 2012

    How exciting…I remember the first time I attended Fitbloggin (in 2010) I was pretty nervous myself. Will they like me? Will they know me? Will they care? Will I be “fit” enough? LOL

    Over the years I have found that I prefer to take notes on good old fashioned paper, but I do bring my laptop, too. Anyway, I can’t wait to hear all about it!

    • Debbish
      June 25, 2012

      Hi Karen…. I SO wish I could attend a Fitbloggin’ conference! Imagine that. I follow a lot more health/weight/fitness related bloggers than writing/blogging etc. Alas…

      The only disappointing thing about this conference is that it’s only a day so not a huge amount of time to mingle and chat etc.

      I’m sure there’ll be a post-conference post.

      Deb

  • Megan
    June 25, 2012

    I am really looking forward to it too, although I only have carry on baggage which I am starting to think I may need upgrade to checked! Hope to meet you there 🙂

    • Debbish
      June 25, 2012

      Definitely Megan. I hope the environment etc makes it easy to chat and meet people. Lots of people seem to be going alone so I’m sure those of us who are will gravitate to friendly faces!

      Deb

  • Sarah
    June 25, 2012

    I am going and you are a lot more ready than I am lol

    Sarah

    • Debbish
      June 25, 2012

      Ha Sarah! You’ll notice I didn’t actually talk about the sessions or content. It’s all about the other stuff!!! (What to wear, what to take, what to drink, who to hang with!)

      Deb

  • Vanessa
    June 25, 2012

    Wow, you are so organised! Thank goodness I don’t need to travel far. But I do need to sort out an outfit. Best start thinking about it. Only five sleeps to go.

    • Debbish
      June 25, 2012

      Hi Vanessa… I suspect there are more important things to be worrying about. Suspect it’s misplaced anxiety. (Or something like that!!!)

      Deb

  • Rachel from Redcliffe Style
    June 26, 2012

    This is my first blog event too. I am so excited and equally nervous. I hope we get name tags (name and blog) so I can find everyone. You seem really prepared. i am going to use your ideas for my packing. Rachel xx

    • Debbish
      June 26, 2012

      Ditto re the name tags. A few of us who are going down earlier are going to try to catch up on the Friday night – probably just at the hotel bar. So we can put faces to names etc.

      Deb

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