Bi-Weekly Wednesday Newsletter no. 154

[GREETING GOES HERE]

I went to St. Louis last week for Realm Makers (a Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy conference for authors) and had a really great time!

What's Going On

Day 1: Wednesday

When I landed it was pretty humid.

I didn't know St. Louis was known for having a lot of homocides. The Uber driver decided not go the recommended Google Maps route because he said there were a lot of drive by shootings (yikers)

the hotel/conference is an old train station!

I got in late so I missed registration, but I checked in to hotel and then went to a social mixer thingy.

Then I finally met Jenneth! For the past like 3 years we worked together on projects, but this is the first time we actually met in person. She was the one that recommended I come out

Then she was so kind to invite me to hang with her squad! We played minigolf the first day lol

Ngl I was starving and tired since I didn't eat anything the whole day

Day 2: Thursday

I wasn't able to sleep at all the first night, and I got frustrated when the sun rose and decided to walk to the Arch (it was like a mile from the conference)

Didn't do too much the rest of the day (I took a few short naps to catch up on sleep). There were a few sessions during the day that I attended, but since this conference isn't directed towards me, I just took what I could.

During the night time there was an awards banquet where Jenneth won the Best Book Cover Design award!

Day 3: Friday

Friday was when the all the booths opened! I basically spent all day talking to people at booths.

I was actually so surprised how many people I knew here.

Like I didn't know who was coming beforehand, but I met at least 10 people that I've worked with or interacted with in the past, which kind of bonkonista!

I worked with Emilie a few times but didn't expect to see her!

Unrelated to the pictures, but someone thought I was a teenager

My favorite business card. Laura individually created a water color design for each business card

Day 4: Saturday

In the morning I went to a ropes course with the squad and it was terrifying

I left late afternoon. Andrew, the guy I roomed with, drove me to the airport.

I sat next to some gross people on the flight, but at least I had a window seat and played sudoku the whole time

I like the west coast more

What I've been thinking about

After going to this conference, I feel a very great sense of gratitude.

God put me in this very "lucky" position where I can go to this convention that aligns with my values, skillset and existing connections.

He allowed me to connect with the people I've gotten work in the past, and let me make more friends this week too (hi!)

Going made me feel very hopeful and excited for the future, but also makes me a bit scared too that I might let people down. But I guess we'll see where things go I guess. I'll just try to enjoy the ride