The picture above is me taking an altsummit class with Justin Hackworth last month (notice the Christmas tree?). I have taken several classes and each one is so incredibly invaluable. I have learned and been able to apply so much knowledge to this space. Everyone involved with Alt does such incredible work to give bloggers a guidebook, a reference, a home.
Last year I admit to having major alt envy. Being a newbie to the design blogging world, I didn’t know about this amazing conference until a week beforehand. And so I watched as my favourite bloggers sported their top knots and sharp outfits to sit in on incredible round tables and party with some incredible people.
It was at that moment that I was determined to make it to Alt 2013.
I saved, scrounging for pennies in the couch and using my VISA (mostly wisely..) to rack up Avion points to score a free flight. But as the alt ticket purchase date loomed nearer, I realized I couldn’t put so much money toward a conference when I was already spending so much on my wedding and honeymoon that were just a few weeks away.
And so, I sadly resigned to making alt plans for 2014.
….but I did rack up enough avion points for a free flight. And many sites were hosting contests to give tickets away.
And so, I entered them. Nearly Every. Single. Contest.
I certainly spent hours pinning, commenting, tweeting, facebook liking, anything required to win a ticket to Alt.
And with this particular contest put on by Bright Bold & Beautiful and Umba Box I remember thinking, “Alt is 3 weeks away. If I don’t with this one I won’t get another chance”.
Friends,
I won.
Saying that still gives me shivers. I can’t describe to you the immense joy and excitement I felt when I opened up my twitter on the morning of the 31st and saw this tweet.
I believe I said “What!?” and “Oh my god!” about 50 times before I was able to fully realize what just happened.
And then I cried.
A lot.
This opportunity means so much, and I feel so blessed (honestly not a word I use often) to have been given this chance. This news was such an amazing way to wrap up such a beautiful year, and the perfect way to begin a new one.
With my teaching time being cut down I so look forward to putting more time and energy into this space, and Alt is just the kickstart needed to make myself and Squirrelly Minds the best we can be.
Alt Summit, I’m coming. And I’m no longer green with envy (…except for on Clue night).
I’m so happy and excited for you, Tan! Hope you’ll post lots of updates and recaps for those of us who can’t make it, and I can’t wait to see how you incorporate your new knowledge/inspiration into Squirrelly Minds!
Yay! So excited to meet you in a couple of weeks ~ Laura
OMG so happy for you! I feel very blessed for my Alt opportunity as well!!!
That was such a sweet and heartfelt post. So looking forward to meeting you!
Yay! I’m so glad you’re coming to Alt so we can meet in real life!
I’m make a few final desperate attempts to put together a green ensemble for Clue night – otherwise I’ll probably be showing up in plum.
I can totally understand how you felt. I’ve had Alt envy since 2011 when I first heard about it on several blogs that I follow. 2012 was going to be my first year, but being in the wrong trimester of my pregnancy and not allowed to fly or go to elevation nixed those plans. So I watched and read everyone’s posts. I’m so excited that you won a ticket, and that I’ll get to meet you in person.
Oh my gosh Tan!! I’m so excited for you. You’re going to have a blast. I’m expecting constant twitter updates!
Congrats! Now we can all be in Alt envy of you! Way to go, you deserve it!
Yay, yay, yay!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. So excited for you!
Thank you everyone for the love and support!
So excited!
<3
I’m so happy you won!! I have a similar story and won my ticket at the same time from Visual Supply Co. , guess it was destined for us to go this year! Hope we get the chance to meet.
OMG! I am so jealous!! You’ll have to tell me all about it – I entered so many darn contests to try to get myself there too but no dice. I’m glad you won 🙂
This is an amazing story that I hope the ladies at alt read. So inspired by your determination! Way to go and congrats. Cannot wait to see you there 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS dear! Oh my word, I’m so excited for you. You’re going to have the time of your life! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!
Emily J
Ahhh your incredible words are just getting me even more excited!
Thank you so much everyone! I can’t wait for this amazing experience.
If you’re going to Alt please say hello! It may not be possible but I want to give every single person there a big smile <3