Two weeks from today I shall be up to *here* packing for my trip to Allume (formerly Relevant) — the blogging conference for christian women that’s way more than a blogging conference. God did so much in my life this year from seeds planted at last year’s conference. I’m so excited for this year!
That being said, I’m a bit stressed out about the packing thing, because I’m not just packing myself and my favorite clothes for Allume, I’m also attempting to pack my household because it’s time for another trip to Alabama for our family. Jeremy and the kids will be meeting me down and Harrisburg, PA after the conference and we’ll be heading south straight from there.
I have a feeling I’m gonna have to really focus on our character quality of the week…orderliness.
{that’s me, pretending not to be stressed}}
Anyway, once I get on the road, I’m sure I’ll be fine. And here’s a list of things you may want to know about me if you ever go to a conference or share a hotel room with me. I’m honored to be sharing a room with September and Tricia for the weekend. Here’s what they need to know…
1. I’m gonna be a nervous wreck until my talk is over Friday afternoon. After that I will be ready to party. Prayers, Public Speaking Tips, and General Cheerleading much appreciated (in fact, I may not cope without it). I know you’ve both done more public speaking than me (it doesn’t take much!) so I’m grateful to have you as roomies!
2. This is the first time I will have left my Seth Franklin for more than 8 hours. He is two. I’m more addicted to him than he is to me. My coping mechanism may be demanding you view cute photos of him on the miniscule screen of my dump-phone. You’ve been warned.
{This is my cheesy grin. It shows up when I’m really excited. Expect to see it all weekend}
3. I’m planning on sleeping at Allume. I mean, not during the sessions, but at night. Despite the fact that I’ll be missing them terribly, I am way too excited about not having my kids wake me up during the night. Don’t mind me–when I can tear myself away from the wonderfulness and come back to the room, it will be to sleep.
4. On a related note, please do not offer me chocolate after dinner time. I can’t sleep if I have caffeine. I do, however, believe in having chocolate for breakfast.
5. Beware the fridge. Knowing me, it may contain live cultures and raw milk, swimming with good bacteria. I promise to share.
6. Despite being painfully shy for the first 20 years of my life, I’ve blossomed into a full-blown extrovert. A gathering of 399 other women who share my passion for God and Writing, and Building Community? That’s pretty much my definition of Heaven on Earth. I guarantee I will be giddy. How embarrassing.
7. I’m very expressive. {See above photo.} I sincerely hope my eyebrows don’t give you nightmares.
8. I have strong opinions. Not that I’ll force them on you. But if you ask my opinion on a subject, beware.
9. I am a firm believer in scarves. I’m bringing my entire collection, and would be willing to share. In fact, I may even force one on you,
10. I cannot think of one more random fact you need to know. Maybe my readers would help me out and volunteer some info about me help prepare my roomies? Who’s spent the night with me? C’mon. Help a girl out.
Sure, go back down to Alabama now that its getting cold up North ;)! Enjoy Allume, and I hope that your talk goes very very well! 🙂
Hey, girlfriend! I’m praying you win that Allume ticket! I want you there!!!
Thank you Trina! I am drooling over it, lol. Even if I won, there would be many details to work out… so please pray :). Speaking of issues- Seth was one when you brought him, wasn’t he? How did that go for you guys?
#7 and #8 are SO me too.
LOVE the scarf and, well, the whole outfit in the pictures for this post. You are beautiful, expressive face and all.
I so hope I get a Trina-hug at Allume 🙂
looking forward to finding a soap box to sit on together and having animated, opinionated conversation with you, Amanda!
10. Trina is as gorgeous as the photos in this post. Inside and out. (Had to say that one for you, as it would seem a little fat-headed to say it of yourself. 😉 )
ok, you are too sweet. I’ll try to not let it go to my head 😉
I seriously can’t wait to meet you. And wear scarves with you. And talk about living in a bus. And and and…..there is too much goodness to mention.
oh, goodness. I think maybe I just won’t have time for sleep after all. too much goodness.
I can’t believe you are rooming with a real live author… a little jealous! 🙂
Chocolate for Breakfast?!??! I’m there!
raw stuff in your fridge… not so much.
and scarves… just getting into them myself, so I would gladly take one (or five) off your hands… 🙂
can’t wait to meet you!
actually, with two real life authors–have you seen September’s new ebook, “Hula-Hoop Girl”?!! It’s my new favorite book!
I promise to share my scarves (just for the weekend, mind you!) and show you my favorite ties!
LOL! You are so loveable and fun to hang out with. I only wish I was going to be there to be your roomie again this year. ::sniff::
#10 should be that you will be calling me multiple times throughout the weekend to share a tip or tidbit that you can’t wait for me to hear. At least, I hope! 😉
You are so right. #10 should be something about “I don’t carry a laptop around to look cool, I do it because I’ve vowed to take copious notes for my ex-roomate!” ROTFL
Oh, my, calling you every time i get a tidbit. you know I won’t be able to resist! 😉
I can’t wait to see you!! I can confirm #6…remember last year! This year I will welcome your hug! I promise!!
Mary
http://memyselfandmercy.blogspot.com/
um, yeah. you’ve experienced Giddy Trina first hand. And given me so much grace. 😉