Perhaps it was a waste of time going to school yesterday. I was there primarily to let students turn in the take home final 2 days late for partial credit, but none did by the 8:30 deadline. I did get to say goodbye to those who students who showed up, but even my AP classes had at least 1/3 of the students missing, and my regular classes it was more than half.
I could not make a non-stop flight that would get me to Minneapolis in time to really catch up with people, so I wound up connecting through Atlanta. Let's say that neither leg of the trip was pleasant, both planes were packed, and the 2nd had a crying baby several rows away for most of the flight. Still, I was able get several hours of sleep.
And then I finally got to the Hilton, main hotel for Netroots Nation. And then the fun began.
Those of us who are hear are a result of scholarships from Democracy for America were largely gathering in the lobby bar, Sky Waters. As I walked in I saw DDay (Dave Dayen) and empty wheel (Marci Wheeler) from Fire Dog Lake. That was the start of old home times, seeing many familiar faces from previous events. I caught up with Tegan from DFA, who had our ids and swag bags, and met several of the other scholarship winners. I saw a few other familiar faces as well, then along with Jasiri X, whom I was just meeting, went several blocks away to The Local at Nicollette, where a batch of us who are on an email list together were gathering. I saw the Chairman, Adam Bonin , and Darcy Burner, and a lot of other folks whom I had not previously known. The conversation was, as it always is, scintillating - and the beer and other libations flowed freely.
Then back to Sky Waters, and catching up with even more people.
Last year I did not go to Vegas - it conflicted with my commitment to volunteer at Wise for the free health and dental clinic in July. Which reminds me - I saw nyceve, who has Wendell Potter on her panel. He was greatly affected by his own visit to the Wise Health Fair. We will have to compare notes.
I missed seeing old friends and making new ones. That process has already begun, both parts.
I do not know how many panels I will attend. I have lots of people with whom I need to speak and consult. I have been asked to meet with several more, especially for discussions about education. What I do know is that the time will be as intense as it always is. Which is good.,
At least when I return home, late Sunday, the only thing I will have to do on Monday is sign out, because my room is completely packed up at school. Then I can collapse.
But now? Time to head downstairs, grab something to nosh and a cup of coffee, then over to the convention center where I am volunteering at the registration desk.
Thanks to those who helped me win the scholarship, without which I could not be here.
And thanks to the generous member of the community who paid my transportation and some incidentals.
And now? It is time for more first day at NN11. More perhaps later today.
Peace.