ACL Conference - Part A

Saturday.
At home. After spending an 1.5 hours running the water to clear the dirt/rust/whatever was clouding it, I did about 8 loads of laundry. My major thoughts of the day revolved around wondering why I have so many clothes and so much stuff. I didn't get motivated to the point that I'm getting rid of much, but it certainly reminded me that I am spoiled and have much more than many people in this world.

Sunday.
Caught my flight to Columbia, SC without any problems. (Thanks SS for the ride to the airport!) Had arranged to meet someone else at the airport to share a taxi ride to Columbia International University, but their flight was canceled. I managed to get a taxi by myself. Aren't you proud of me? My first taxi ride in my life! :)

Arrival at ACL. Checked in at the conference shortly after 3:00. Found my dorm room for the week and spent the next hour taking a break and unpacking. I brought with me to the conference 2-3 books each for 6 different people. Coming in to the dorm, I met one of the people and I caught another of the 6 while I was unpacking. 2 down, 4 to go.

After unpacking, I wandered back over to the registration area where I met up with JE (from the TRACS visit). With the campus map, we wondered around campus and found all the important buildings for the campus. When SR finished her shift helping at the registration table, the three of us went out for supper.

The remainder of the evening was spent in conversations with various old acquaintances and new friends. One small world connection--I met CdM at conference last year and got to chat with her again. Last weekend, she was at the wedding of her nephew--a recent graduate of PHC who was marrying one of my student workers that just graduated. I also visited with DJ (a first-time attendee), KW (with thanks for the accreditation visit), and others I'm not getting around to naming now.

Monday
I made it over to the computer center at 8:00AM to get what was needed for an internet connection. Spent more time talking with JE and SR while we waited for the network stuff. By 9:00, we had our logins and SR and I headed for the pre-conference session on cataloging. I enjoyed the sessions. I can't say that I learned a lot new, but it was a great review of cataloging that I needed. Since grad school, I've been doing cataloging based on what I remember from my grad classes and what I could dig up online. While the online info is great, I'm always afraid that maybe I'm not finding the whole story and it takes so long to find the info.