Saturday, December 12, 2009

Am I...

A. Nervous

B. Excited

C. Anxious

D. All of the above?

If you picked D, congrats, give yourself a pat on the back. Why am I all of these things?

Well...

It all started the day before Thanksgiving. Our milk inspector K showed up around 4 in the afternoon as I had my last pies in the oven...

And asked if I'd be interested in going to Iowa to the NFO National Convention all expenses paid as a young producer. K then gave me some details so I could decide if I was interested. It runs from the 18-21. They get around 300-500 people usually over the course of the convention. Guest speakers, committee meetings, etc (later found out there is also a dance), the convention pretty much has everything.

Naturally I told him sure I'd love to go. Number one its a huge opportunity. Number two, I didn't take a vacation this year sooo I have about 8 days just sitting there waiting for me to use them for my own delights.

Which lets you know why I am excited. Things had to be cleared through his boss, who apparently suggested K ask me. I have spent the last few weeks very hopeful that I would really get to go. But the lady M who works for NFO that set things up for me sent my confirmation information yesterday for both my flight and hotel. I also have a tentative schedule for the convention itself, which she warned me is only about 1/2 complete so far...I dont know how they can possibly pack anything more into that but it looks phenomenal already.

As for why I am nervous and anxious...I've only flown once before. On a college field studies trip to California. There were 15 of us total. This time I am totally on my own. I'm the only one from NY that is going out except for a couple western NYers that are going out earlier than I am as they are on committees and such that meet before the convention actually starts. On one hand I am sure everything will be fine. M gave me lots of information and she is great about answering all the travel questions I have had. On the other hand, I will be navigating in unfamiliar airports. I'm a terrible navigator, I get lost on the thruway! It only has just so many exits. So hopefully I dont get lost somewhere in Detroit or Syracuse or Cedar Rapids big airports!

I'll fill you guys in with more convention wonders as I find them out. The final schedule is supposed to be out in early January. I can't wait!

10 comments:

threecollie said...

Big excitement kiddo!

~ Sara ~ said...

You'll do just fine! Your farming after all... you have that can do attitude! :) However I do know what you mean on the navigation part... there is this one town about 50 miles from us, and I swear EVERY time I get within 10 miles I'm lost.

Once looking at a bull in that area I went in circles for 3 hours or so, was in tears and wanted to give up... My dear mother was laughing and said we must persevere... finally found the place and after looking at the poor creature I was left wondering WHY we had persevered! :)

Anonymous said...

Do what I do when I get lost in town.........just bat your eyelashes and ASK ;) You'll do fine......I could come with you.....I don't mind asking people directions.

Anonymous said...

great! have fun...did you say where it's to...a warm place i'm hoping!!

i'm equally excited and i can't even go!

first i thought it was in december...but i guessing it's jan, cuz you said you'd get more details in january...ohh i can't wait! lol..
and don't fret the travel, you'll be fine!

phaedra96 said...

Sounds like a grand time. Have fun and learn new stuff. Keep us informed!

lisa said...

You, the talker you are, will have no problems! That is so exciting! Good for you and have lots of fun and meet new people.

Jeffro said...

Congrats, kiddo! Go and have yourself a time - if anyone deserves it, that would be you.

Wil said...

Congrats - plan to have loads of fun.

It has been a while, but my recollection of Detroit Metro is of lots of walking. I note in the Wikipedia article on DTW (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Wayne_County_Airport) there is now a monorail that will take you from one end of the terminal to the other and there is a people mover to Concourse B & C, so perhaps there isn't as much hoofing as there used to be.

You will do just fine despite being 'geographically challenged')...

Cathy said...

Honey! You have a great time. I, too, am navigationally challenged, but I rely on the kindness of strangers. Don't be shy about asking for help. Just let your smile light the way. And have a ball.

Paintsmh said...

Mom, I know, big time nerves too though.

Sara, I'm hoping it will be a worthwhile trip. I dont see why it shouldnt be, but I'm not the best traveled person in the world so that may be an issue.

Linda, that may have to be my direction assistance plan for while in the air ports. Cause Lord knows I am going to get very lost!

Anon, thanks. I'm excited and yet...

Phaedra, thanks and will do

Aunt Lisa, thanks!

Jeffro thank you so much for those words!

Wil thank you so much for the link! I'm currently trying to figure out packing, second step is figuring out this whole air port thing. I may need more than the next 14 days!

Cathy, thanks!