I can’t believe it starts in two days. TWO DAYS and I’ll be heading to Salt Lake City for Altitude Design Summit. *happy dance*
This weekend was a whirlwind of business cards, outfit planning, shopping and everything alt based. Yet, despite all my preparations, I still feel unprepared.
Anyone else in the same little row boat with me?
Instead of keeping it to myself, I’m sharing my hopes, fears, and joys about getting ready for Alt, with you, in hopes that some of you feel the same way too.
I’m allowing myself to come to terms that, while fun and a bit unique, my business cards won’t blow anyone’s mind. I’m perfectly okay with that.
Originally, I was perseverating over how big a deal business cards are at Alt (just check out last years selection on Joy of all Crafts). I was fixed on the fact that business card reflect your blog and need to have that wow factor. After the whirlwind of Alt, a fellow blogger or sponsor might not remember your face, but if you have a stunning card they’re more likely to check out your blog.
Since I found out I was going to Alt on December 31st I had about one week to design my business cards. I’m not a graphic designer, and due to time and money constraints I wasn’t able to get the classic and beautiful letter press or gold foil stamping I swoon over.
But that’s okay.
My cards were designed by me, DIY’d by me, and assembled by me. They represent who I am and what I do. Isn’t that exactly what a business card is for?
I never thought picking outfits was going to be so difficult. “I have lots of cute clothes, this will be easy!” this naive girl thought. I was wrong.
To me, it’s so important to not only be fashionable but to be comfortable. It doesn’t matter what brand name your clothes are or if it’s covered in sparkles and polka dots, when you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing you aren’t fashionable because you don’t own the outfit. You’ll look awkward because you feel awkward.
I can’t decide if I look awkward in the outfits I’m planning because I do in fact feel uncomfortable in them, or because I am imagining all these incredible woman comfortably rocking out immaculately put together outfits.
Photo by Justin Hackworth from the Alt Design Summit’s 2012 Flickr stream.
I realized something about myself recently. While I am a very sociable person and love being around people, at the same time I can be really awkward.
I think it’s because I’ve had the same group of friends since grade school and have been so comfortable with just them. It’s only in the last few years I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone to meet people I haven’t known nearly my whole life. I won’t lie, sometimes I’ll look at the ground, stumble over my words and not know what to say. But I have a pretty infectious laugh and smile (just like Brooke above from The Girls With Glasses) so I’m hoping that’ll make up for any awkwardness.
Despite all my nerves and uncertainties, here are just a few of the things I’m super, over the top, heart attack inducing excited about:
Learning
It’s important to have a goal when attending Alt. Some people’s is to network and build relationships with sponsors. My main goal is to learn. There is so much to know about blogging, and my knowledge only hits the tinsiest tip of the iceberg. I’m so excited to expand my knowledge and utilize it when I come back.
Parties
Who doesn’t love a good soiree? And Alt parties aren’t good, they are out of this world.
Classes
My coloured pens are ready for note taking! I’m particularly excited for:
Building Offline Events with Laura, Stacey, Megan and Danielle
Blog to Shop with Mackenzie, Beth, Piper and Janette
Sadly there are multiples I want to take that are running at the same time. Can’t I be in two places at once?
Friends
Whether I converse with them regularly on twitter or am a loyal follower of their blog, there are so many people I’m excited to meet it’s ridiculous. Just a sampling of them are:
My Alt Housemate Kate
The girls of The Hello Social: Melissa and Lexy
Local BC bloggers: Sandra, Gabriel and Teresa
Bloggers I admire: Jenny, Liz, Jordan, Ez, Melanie and Gabrielle
Lovely people: Joy, Justin, Adina, Ciera and SO many more! (Is it possible to meet every single attendee?)
Are you going to Alt? I would so love to meet you so be sure to say hello! Just look for the girl with big glasses and a scar on her left cheek. And just so you know:
I’d just like to end this by giving a HUGE thank you to Umba Box for having their contest (and Laura for hosting it) that allowed determined little me to go to Alt. You are my wish maker, and I am so indebted to you. With every creative thought and piece of glitter strewn about my home, I thank you.
What are you most nervous and excited about?
I’m sooooo excited for you! You’re gonna have so much fun. I am so very jealous!
Great post! I can’t wait to meet you. 🙂
Tan, I’m so excited to meet you! I think we’re all feeling a little bit nervous about being social (Melanie Biehle calls us “extroverted introverts”), but we’re all in the same boat and I’m sure we’ll make some great friends. Like you, my goal is to learn, learn, learn. I can’t wait to meet you there, and to see all your fabulous outfits! xo
Extroverted Introverts is exactly right!
Yes learning is KEY!
Reading this post makes me so excited for you! (And secretly wishing that I was going too!) I think everyone feels nervous in new situations with new people but I’m sure you’re going to have a fabulous time. Can’t wait to hear about your experience!
We can throw our own mini alt-esque party when I’m in pdx in March 😉
I love this post! I hope to meet you at Alt. I was really nervous last year– my first time– but quickly realized there wasn’t one thing to be nervous about. Everyone was friendly and kind and generous. I learned so much, and left with lots of new friends/contacts! You’ll have an amazing, wonderful time!
So glad to hear those words from a vet! I keep reminding myself I have nothing to worry about. It’s just the ‘unknown’ factor that makes us fret isn’t it?
fab post! I have big glasses too although only to read…so look for me, I have really short hair 🙂 So excited to meet you!
I’ll keep an eye out!
well, I’m still jealous that you are going but I can’t wait to hear all about it – you are going to have an awesome time!
I think I’m most excited about meeting online friends like you IRL! And the most nervous about feeling unprepared 🙂