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!