Author: Maria

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In Which I Embrace “Putting on the Ritz”

Besides my outrage at the woman next to me who actually helped herself to my handwritten blog notes, I will begin with another review of food. We began with another exquisite breakfast of assorted and exotic fruit, delicious breads, organic yogurts, and a croissandwich that shames the self-proclaimed King of Burgers.

Then, more plenary sessions and workshops, another tasty break, more workshops, and then…lunch.

Ha. Back to the gastronomic tour: lunch, again, was incredible. The obligatory hotel chicken was neither rubbery nor dry. Yum! There was some pretty good other stuff, too, but I want to fast-forward to dessert and the creme broulee.

Actually, I want to fast-forward to the guy who sat next to me: after carefully selecting what appeared to be low-calorie fare on his plate, he proceeded to pig out on the creme broulee. Really, I don’t blame him – – I guess he saved all his calories for dessert. I should have done the same!

The problem with this kind of big-guns lunch is returning to the workshops. Still, all very good, informational, meaningful stuff. Am I a sucker, or what?

Dinner was once again on us, but who wants to eat dinner when they’ve been feeding us all day? I took a bit of a break and checked out the pool and other areas. I didn’t bring my bathing suit for a multitude of reasons, but sat outside by one of the two bars and watched the kids (and adults). They have this lazy river motif going on that looks fantastic. Imagine plopping onto a float and letting a current float you along a “trail” through shady and sunny areas. Nice!

Deborah (my hero!) of sqpn roadie fame rescued me from the opulence of the Ritz and hauled me over to Disney opulence, where we enjoyed an unhurried stroll through EPCOT and had a light dinner in Germany (with me for mich). We saw some of the exhibits and then watched the great fireworks over the lake before heading back to the hotel. It was only 10 pm, but I hit that bed hard.

The only thing better would have been spending the evening with my honey. Happy birthday, Foofy!

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Another update, maybe not so long

Day 2

Breakfast was tasty – – certainly not the Holiday Inn continental breakfast. Among other things, there was a French Toast soufle. Yummy. I sat with some interesting folks and we actually had a fantastic conversation about boring educational stuff that was relevant and useful. It’s a good thing – – the first session today has killed me. Killed. Me. Proof that having a lot of degrees and being in a position of power and knowledge does not equal finesse in delivery. The presenter redeemed himself by speaking some unpleasant truths, which is either stupid or courageous.

The other sessions were greatly improved, but nothing tops the luncheon. Wow. I’m thinking that these good folks realize that they are on a mission to destroy us by “talking us to death” so they are making amends by feeding us to death.

I’m writing my recap of the day from the hotel bar, drinking a $6 domestic beer and munching on some potato skins. It’s all I can stand to eat after the grilled salmon luxurious banquet at noon. I didn’t really intend to give you the gastronomic tour of the conference, but here I am, contemplating taking a walk before retiring to the welcome solitude of my room.

Let’s just say I am intellectually exhausted from the information overload, and definitely socially exhausted by all the schmoozing and networking. I am currently sitting across from a woman who seems equally content to sip on her wine and avoid social contact.

Maybe there’s a good movie on the tube tonight. On second thought, I imagine it won’t matter. The minute I hit the bed I’m gonna be snoring.

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Update! Wow, this is long

The Flight

The flight to Orlando was pretty uneventful – – pleasant even, if you think squishing into coach for an hour or so could be pleasant. Nevertheless, it was, and here I am.

There was a woman on the flight that was screaming “educator” and while I’m going to be pretty careful about how I phrase this, the truth is, I look like an educator, too. I won’t go into too many details, but it involves sensible shoes and a certain alert-while-simultaneously-distracted look. I confirmed my brilliant analysis in the shuttle to the terminal when I saw that she was carrying a conference registration packet. In a totally out of character move (if given a choice, I’d rather not engage anyone in small talk, least of all a total stranger) I pulled a John Johnson and started a conversation. By the time we got to baggage claim, we had decided to share a taxi [hold onto your seat—a taxi from the airport is like $100 – – get out!].

My new friend and I stood around the information booth when the mob of other “educators” showed up. Lucky for us all, the folks who rented cars took us over. Phew! As a mob, teachers are pretty good with problem-solving.

The Hotel

Wow. What an incredible facility. I am so sorry that I am here alone and engaged in workshops instead of enjoying all the amenities with the family. Just with the room I am in heaven. After checking in and checking out the incredible room (comfy bed/huge TV/ delux bathroom/FLUFFY BATHROBE! I know I sound like a country bumpkin who only goes to Motel 6). I sat in the lobby and enjoyed the complimentary lemonade to the delicious and soothing sound of a beautiful fountain.

Could this be a spa and  work?

The First Session

I barely had time to settle into the room before I had to attend the opening session. I was totally prepared to doodle and write while tuning out the goofy stuff.

To my surprise, the speaker was totally engaging. She looks like Edna from The Incredibles. She could barely be seen from behind the podium, but her presentation packed a wallop (wollop? which one?). This was followed by an awesome reception. I was surprised by an open bar, but hey, I’m not complaining! Chicken tenders and bite-sized Cuban sandwiches rounded out the snacks.

I ended up back at the room, brewed a pot of coffee, and lounged in the lap of luxury while writing this longhand. I’ll have to hit the cybercafe early to get this posted. In the meantime, enjoying the juxtaposition of work and luxury.

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