Remember summer camp as a kid? Sure, you swam in the lake all day, made a bow and arrow out of sticks and string, and hiked three miles up a mountain. But are those really your summer camp memories? Or, do you remember stealing all of Sally Jane’s bras, or putting stink bombs under your roommate’s bed, or sneaking off at night for a first kiss?
Adults are no different than kids when it comes to memories from meaningful experiences. I learned a boatload of formal information last weekend at the Type-A conference in Atlanta. I learned about blog design, vlogging, analytics, balancing my time, thinking like a CEO, branding a business, working out of my home, etc., etc.
But are those the things I will really remember years from now? I don’t think so. Now, will I use the information I learned to become a better blogger, writer, and business person? Absolutely! But, I’m quite certain it’s the non-bloggy memories that will stick in my mind years and years from now.
5 Non-Bloggy Take Aways from #typeacon
1). Girls with Three Boobs are Awesome
I love when I meet people and feel an instant connection. That’s how I met last weekend when I met the girls who blog at the third boob. They are beautiful and funny and smart and sweet. I love gals who are pretty on the inside. I had heard of their blog before but thought it was just a catchy name. Oh no, my friends, one of the girls actually has a third boob. It may not be quite what you think, and if you want read the entire tale of the third boob, you can find it here. Love these two.
2). Former Vegetarians can Return to the Dark Side
When our friend, Karen, suggested we eat dinner at Fogo de Chao, I was like, sure why not? I did not realize it would be Meatapalooza 2014. Basically, patrons are given a circular card that’s green on one side and red on the other. When you’re ready for meat, you flip it to green, and men with giant skewers of meat immediately come to your side and serve an extensive variety of pork, poultry, and beef. When you have had your fill, you flip your card to red. When you’re ready again, you flip to green. And so it goes. About ten years ago, I was a vegetarian for two years, now here I am eating massive amounts of meat in one sitting. My former self would be so disappointed, but my iron levels are probably at an all-time high.
3). ‘Kindred Spirits’ is a True Phenomenon
About a month before the conference, I was asked if I wanted to speak at a freelance writing roundtable with another writer. I was thrilled to do so, and when I met my co-speaker, Miranda, last weekend, I immediately liked her spirit. In about five minutes, we found out that we’re both former English teachers and we each have two kids, ages 2 and 5. The next day, I noticed a tattoo on the inside of her wrist. When she flipped her wrist over, these words were written, “Finish each day.” I said to her, “Is that from Emerson’s quote?” She said, “Yes, do you know it?” And I said, “Are you kidding? It’s my all time favorite. I have it in a frame at my house.” Then we both said,
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
4). Contrary to My Belief, the 90s Did have Fashion Trends
There were themed parties each night at the conference. The theme Friday night was Disney where everyone either dressed up as Disney characters or wore Mickey and Minnie t-shirts. Saturday night’s theme was the 90s. When we first heard that, I was all like, “Huh? What are we supposed to wear for that?” But the more I looked into it, the more I realized the 90s totally had fashion trends, and in fact, a lot of them are coming back today (notice the high-waisted jean shorts on the lovely Kelly Kapowski?)
5). Making Friends is a Lifelong Gift
My favorite thing about Type-A and the best non-bloggy take away are the friends I’ve made. Last year, I made a great group of friends. We’ve kept in touch all year via social media, text, etc. and when we saw one another this year, it was like a totally cheesy and awesome family reunion without the matching t-shirts and fried chicken. Then this year, I met another slew of amazing bloggers and writers. Making new friends never gets old. It’s truly a lifelong gift.
Back Row: Jen, Heather, Genelle, Me, Jamie, Carly
Front Row: Crystal, Jaime, Calley, Lindsey, Karen, Kim
Love the Emerson quote, Susanna. Thank you for sharing that. I feel the same way about blogger conferences — the info is valuable, but the connections are priceless. It was great to meet you in Atlanta!
It was great meeting you as well, Carter. It’s truly my favorite quote; those words have gotten me through many rough days.
I love this and we feel the same way about you. You are absolutely delightful and I cannot imagine this conference without you! As you said, the information was great but the friendships…priceless. Thank you for this. Xo-Genelle
Thank you! Love that we’re all keeping up with one another online. It’s not the same as sharing a bottle of wine, but it will have to do for now! Hope your week is going well.
90’s trends! haha! Plaid everywhere and yes it’s coming back. I found myself thinking I want a plaid shirt dress the other day.
So glad you had fun!
Can’t wait for you to join us next year! You would look so cute in the high-waisted jean shorts. Me? Not so much.
I loved getting to know you this week. I look forward to seeing everyone again for a “family reunion”.
Me too, Kim! I’m glad we’re at least keeping with one another online.
It was great connecting with you, although it was way too short for my liking! I’m glad we got to sit outside and talk *stuff* for a while. And I’m glad you enjoyed the conference. 🙂
I feel the same! We need much longer to catch up next time. I am really looking forward to staying connected and learning more about the NC Blogger Network.
I want to HUG you now. You are so sweet, and i was honored to have FINALLY met you in person! It’s something I won’t forget. And leaving a conference is like summer camp, too. You don’t want to go home!
So true! I think you and I have a lot of common and would have a blast hanging out. We need longer next time. I’m finally sorta kinda getting settled back in, but I miss all the faces of #typeacon!
I am so glad I had the chance to meet you at Type A! Wish we had more time to chat, but from I could tell, you have such a warm and fun personality!
Hi there, Mandy! I’m so glad I met you as well, even if it was only briefly. You’re adorable. We need to stay connected. I just followed you on Twitter and Instagram.
Awesome post! Love you! Let’s please not wait a full year for another #Roomcon. What city works for all of us? #AllTheHashtags #KeepOnTexting
Love you too! And I completely agree. I’m going to need another #roomcon before next fall. We’ll figure out a city. We must! #RoadTrip
Haha, any post that has a Saved By the Bell reference is a winner! Sounds like the conference was fun. I love that Emerson quote. Beautiful. (visiting from the #typeaparent link up)
Thanks for stopping by! And yes, Saved by the Bell was sooo 90s. Heading to the link-up now hoping to find you.
That meat card thing is hilarious! I have never heard of such a thing. I’m glad you had a great experience. I know that I have created lifelong friendships at conferences. There really is something to “kindred spirits”.
🙂
Traci
Absolutely! (About everything you said). Have a great night!
Great post! You are so right, Type-A is just like camp for adults! I always come away with so many great non-business memories!
I know; I love it! I am already looking forward to next year. There’s just something special about Type-A.
I had no idea you and Miranda didn’t know each other beforehand! Crazy! And I was super bummed to miss y’all’s talk!
And, the meat, oh the meat!
Next year, we get a picture together, okay?
Yes! I can’t believe we didn’t have one picture together. Next year will be very different for you as your little beauty will be a full-blown toddler. Crazy!
I didn’t know the ’90s fashion trend either??? I was running after a toddler. It was great fun hanging and learning with all the great Type-A gang. Relationships — new and old — make the effort to get to a conference so worth it. ox