I'm back from California, and though I'm very happy to be back in my husband's arms, I can't say I'm too happy to be back in this darn cold Ohio weather.
Anyway, my trip went really well.
First of all, my talk was well-received. I was nervous at first, but once I got going, all the nervousness flew and I started talking with more confidence. A lot of people stood up to congratulate me, and even the chairman of the session told me I had the best presentation he had seen. Needless to say, I was so happy and proud.
And of course, I finally saw my childhood bestfriend again... after 18 years! We had such a great time catching up. I missed her so much. She's still the same pretty and wonderful friend I've always known her to be. She's getting married next year and I'm so happy for her.
One strange thing, though. I got asked out twice during the conference. Sure, I know I'm hot (hahaha), but I've got a wedding ring on! How could these guys ignore the fact that I'm married and still invite me out for dinner and drinks? In a way, I know it's easier to start a conversation when you're in a conference (there's an abundance of topics to talk about), but don't they have the decency to chose a single woman? I've been to conferences before and I've been asked out a few times too, but I was single then, so it didn't bother me. My situation is different now! What do they expect? A one-night stand? Maybe I'm just over-reacting, but I'm beginning to wonder if these things are really common in these types of gatherings, and I was just oblivious about it. (Come to think of it, my Ex cheated on me while he was in one!) And this happens to be a technology conference... with lots of supposedly professional men! Anyway, I said No (of course) and tried to avoid them the rest of the day.
Still, I'd say the conference went pretty well. I saw all these amazing technological progresses, and I'm happy to be a part of a field that contributes to bettering peoples lives. It's times like this when I feel that I'm somehow making a difference in this society we live in.