2011 Beeventures of Mark & Thien

Last week we went to our very first national beekeeping conference - very nice! We weren't sure what to expect so we went only to exhibits this time around but I think the next conference we go to, we'll do the full conference. I think it's Phoenix next year. Should be nice. I had a really wonderful time in Galveston; mostly, I think, because if you put me anywhere near water, then I'm happy. But it's not the same as the east coast and especially not the same as the Ocracoke. Still, it was a great time away from things and fun to do something new with Mark. We are looking forward to our next conference and our next trip, which MAY be getting Mark to come to Virginia with me during week two of work travel.



And now I'm in Virginia onsite for some training support and these block heads are talking about how cheerleaders are not hard to look at - puhleeze people. Have a little class guys. And act like you have some decency; is that too much to ask for??? This all started because they had to rag on the Cowboys and someone said the only good thing about Dallas is the cheerleaders. It was really hard for me not to say something but I didn't want to create an even more hostile training environment. Half of them are already negative and making passive aggressive remarks about the software we're training. That really doesn't help at all. That's what I want to tell them. Being negative won't make your time in class any shorter. And it won't exempt you from training. So get over it. UGH. Why don't people appreciate learning??? Why don't they get another job if they don't want to work here? I'm thankful I have a job. I wish I was doing actual training but I try and get over that point and get what I can out of the activities I am asked to support. It's not always a walk in a beautiful park but I'm trying to remind myself daily that I need to appreciate my job and the friends and benefits I have from being there. And I do appreciate it. Okay, I'll stop. Maybe my stony silence (and a scowl) moved them on. Wow, the two guys on the back are a couple of real smarty pants, as evidenced by their many smart remarks. Sigh. Why, you may ask am I writing if I'm sitting in on training? I'm on break! We started at 7a and I pray we will finish by 5p. And now I must go. More later.

Interesting finds at TLA

This week Mark manned the his publisher's booth during Tx Library Assocation's Annual Conference. It was so fun to take the day off in order to join him for booth sitting as well as to attend his presentation. He did a great job, of course, and we had a ton of fun at the booth. We saw former colleagues and friends and we also made new friends with people who stopped by to inquire about the books and publisher. A lot of work but also a lot of fun!

I love seeing the bigger displays during these conferences, especially at ALA, lot of money there. Anyway, here are two of my faves this conference - that chair! It was so colorful and fun. It beckoned to me from across the aisle. By the end of the first day, I simply HAD to go try it out. Loved it. That'd be fun to have but it doesn't fit anywhere in the house. Shucks.

Here's the other thing I liked - check out that big ole eraser!!!! lol - how can you NOT want to pick that thing up and try it out?!?! It's not a REAL eraser. It's sort of like a pillow. Somewhat disappointing but a whole lot lighter than had it been real rubber. I had a ton of fun!