I haven’t done it yet, though. But let me tell you somethin’ kids, these panels are HUGE!  I went to “How to Be a Web Design Superhero” this morning and it was filled to the rim (not with Brim, though. That was me. Caffeinated and slightly nervous are a classic combo).  It was a great panel, though with Andy Budd and Andy Clarke. It was entertaining and it made me feel better, really, about my process as a designer and how we do things.  We utilize most, if not all the “superpowers” they outlined in the panel, which was reassuring.  But equally and possibly more reassuring was hearing that these two designers also are growing and adapting and learning to better handle clients or critique or whatever… just like we do.  I mean, I assumed that. We don’t live in a vacuum, but it was nice to hear it, straight up like that.  I think that everyone is really their own worst critic, no matter how confident you are in your skills.  It is also nice to hear that many of the designers I admire may be like me, not formerly trained.  Sure, I had a year of design school way back in the Stone Age, but I quit, knowing I could do it on my own.  Comforting, somehow.  It lets me feel like maybe, someone I admire someday may admire my work in return, however remote the possibility.

So, I’m having a cup o’ joe and taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi they’re offering over here at the convention center.  Mike‘s back at the hotel. He’s still feeling under the weather and I’m working on catching it. I think I’m just staving it off until I get home.  Fortunately, working from the couch in my bathrobe is something I do best. 

I still haven’t run into anyone I know. At all. ANYwhere. Really makes me feel out of touch. I wish I had more time in my everyday life to connect with colleagues. I feel like sometimes we’re so busy that we don’t get a chance to come up for air and really network.  Obviously, being busy is a plus, but balance is really the key, I think.  We’re workin’ on it.

Our panel is at 3:30 CST.  I haven’t seen Susie, Peter, Paul or Lisa yet.  I suppose I may have and didn’t know it, but I’m fairly conspicuous with my pink bag and pink shoes and look of complete “holy crap!” so I’m sure they’ll find me. We have to meet in the “green room” at 2:30, which I’m looking forward to, mostly so we can chat about what we’re going to say. “How to Make Money with your Blog Design Skills”… what do I say? What do I say?  Add one part coffee, two parts photoshop. Shake and serve with a CSS garnish?