I'm often overwhelmed at conferences and today was no exception since I'm still jet-lagged and still adjusting to the whole idea of moving across the ocean. But, overall it was a good day. I got to see people I like and got to meet new people. I talked to the people I'm going to be working with who are great and smart and interesting. Overall, it was a good day.
The worst part about conferences, though, for me is the breaks between talks. I'm not very good at going up and joining (i.e., interrupting) conversations. I'm okay at introducing myself if it's not too difficult to do so, but I also hate tagging along behind people, which is basically what you have to do when you're new. I know eventually it will get easier, but it does feel a tiny bit like the Cool Kids Club and I'm the new kid in school. Everyone I have talked to has been great and very, very friendly, so it's 99% in my mind and I just need to get over it.
I have walked to and from the aquarium - more than 2 miles each way, including half a mile that is up the huge hill - two days in a row now. I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow. Tonight we had a "social event" that involved snacks and drinks at the aquarium. The aquarium is gorgeous and we had it all to ourselves, which was really nice.
Tomorrow, I'm having dinner with a friend of the girl who was teaching me some Basque before I moved her. She used to live in Chicago, so I'm excited about that. It will give me something to do on a Friday night besides sit in my apartment. :)
I'm getting a little anxious about next Thursday-Monday with the BCBL being closed, since being alone (especially alone in my apartment) is the most homesick part of this whole thing for me. I hope to be able to find people to help keep me company, but it seems like a lot of people are going on vacation, since they get 5+ days off. I'm not sure I'm ready for a long weekend totally on my own yet.
I'm off to eat a little food and get ready for bed. Fingers crossed that I'm able to sleep some tonight.
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