Tuesday, October 28, 2008

En Route to ALDA!

Guess where I’m going tomorrow thanks to all of you!?

Chicago for the ALDA Convention! I have managed to raise $800 to date which is a phenomenal amount, far more then I anticipated. As the tide of luck would turn, I was fortunate enough to be able to obtain a scholarship that covers the cost of registration and hotel. Many people, both friends and strangers, have helped me make this possible and in turn have helped me become a better person. I want to thank all of the bloggers for the posts they have written and for being part of this. I want to thank the people that have written me some of the most motivational emails that I have ever received in my life. You inspire me to make myself a better person! Thank you for providing me with your support even with the financial crisis that the United States is going through. I never thought that I would get this much but thank you for caring about what people talk about online.

My luck just doesn’t stop there. My bionic belle, Jennifer was able to get a scholarship quite some time ago to attend the convention. Through some miscommunication, she was left without a roommate. Welp! Guess who is her new roomie?! Moi! It was just meant to be. Chicago will not be the same after this. I am looking forward to meeting so many new people, dressing up for a night out on the town for the banquet dinner and getting into my gothic girl costume for the Halloween slash karaoke party. I am willing to bet that there a surgeon costume because we need to read lips after all :) I am looking forward to meeting some beautiful ladies who I give the utmost respect to, Karen Putz from A Deaf Mom Shares Her World and Laronda Zupp from Ear of my Heart blog. So excited!!!

Now, I am going to trying something new at ALDA in preparation for my new role for the upcoming HLAA convention in Nashville on June 18th to 21st 2009. I have been asked to be the convention blogger (Yay!) and I have graciously accepted with open fingers! I am planning on providing real time updates including video snippets and pictures. So stay tuned and be patient as I try to figure out this roving reporter role! :)

Again, I want to thank everyone with sincere gratitude for making this possible!!!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Go Girl Go!

Laurie said...

I wish I was going with you! Give Jen a hug for me and say hello to everyone! I will try to go next time!

Have fun! (I know you will!)

Hugs! Laurie

Anonymous said...

Whooohooo--can't wait to meet!

Anonymous said...

Consider yourself extremely lucky. Most people CANNOT afford to go to TWO conferences in a year, let alone afford to travel to ONE!

You are fortunate for the charity of others during this hard economic times, be sure to pass on that charity back to others.. or karma might bite you back in the butt.

SpeakUp Librarian said...

Wish I could go but I have a work conflict...Can't wait to hear about your convention experience. Welcome to Chicago, Abbie!

Anonymous said...

Abbie, I am truly happy that it has all worked out for you to get to go to the convention. I know you and Jennifer will have a good and learn alot. That ya'll be able to share with others.
Dicky

Sam said...

Good luck hon...you truly deserve it! You and Jen will have a blast I am sure. Chi-town aren't gonna be the same!

Sam said...

Anonymous...this isn't about luck; is about desire. The desire to learn and pass onto others what one had learned. And Abbie is one of those few who is so deserving of the honor!