Kathy said around mid-morning on March 10, 2008

I have to say, I’ve had a great experience attending my first SXSW conference.  I am now equipped with the knowledge to know what to pack in our “emergency situations” kit.  Extra socks, something else with long sleeves that doesn’t look like an evening gown wrap, something to combat static, band aids, and extra aspirin.  Joelle has a much more comedic recap of what we did but in general, we had a blast meeting our colleagues and friends.  Years ago, meeting people off the Internet felt so To Catch A Predator to me, but now I really love putting real faces to the people I talk to online. 

Meeting the EllisLab Crew was definitely a highlight and they are all so gracious and wonderful.  I’ll openly admit I have a school-girl sized crush on Paul Burdick. *blush* But I really enjoyed meeting them all and be able to thank them for all their hard work on ExpressionEngine.  Stellar gang.  We made it to the Solspace nightcap and I was able to chat quick with Mitchell, too, who is a stand up guy.  Thanks to EllisLab and Solspace for a fabulous evening.

Brunch with the Designer Gang was a hoot.  We had brunch at the Moonshine Cafe which was phenomenal and had a chance to talk shop with Lisa, Suzie, Peter, Lucia and Paul.  I really adore the camaraderie we’ve all formed and while we all have our own companies, I truly see them as co-workers rather than competition.  All very cool people and I’m happy I had the chance to meet them all in person.

We were interviewed on BlogTalk Radio which we’ll post later when the full audio is up but I must say, it was a really funny experience and John Haven, our host is a funny funny man.  It was a blast.  For realz.

Last night we met up with Geeky who I have to say, is one of my new favorite people.  I wanted to put her in my pocket and bring her home with me.  We had a fun night at the after party at Emo’s even though Geeky’s drink tasted like old socks and there was a psychotic clown giving us nightmare material painted on the wall. 

I’m glad I was able to attend this year.  It was a great experience even though I thought my stomach was going to fall out of my butt before our book reading on Saturday.  It went well and without any real hitches.  But we’ve said numerous times afterwards ”I’m so glad that’s over.”.  My spine unlocked and I actually enjoyed the rest of the event.  Right now, we’re off to a last meal before we shuffle off to the airport to go our separate ways.  Adieu Austin....it’s been rad, but it’s cold and rainy here and sunny Florida beckons.