[nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Thu Jul 16 18:27:43 UTC 2009

Hey everyone,
This is my first post on the list, and after returning from my first convention, I feel like I'm still digesting everything.
I actually liked the hotel, and found it okay to navigate after I got used to it (finding the way to the Courtyard the first time was a bit of an adventure). As others have said there was a lot of "caning" especially in the first few days. I thought everyone who worked at the hotel was very respectful and helpful and offered quality service. I had a really good experience at the hotel.
I would have preferred an extra day b/c it did feel like a lot of things were squished on top of each other, so there was a lot of times where I had to choose between three or four different activities or meetings that all sounded great. Also it would have been nice to have more time at the Exhibit Hall - it seemed as though it wasn't open for all that long. So I would definitely vote for an extra day.
I feel like I learned a lot. A definite highlight for me was "test driving" a guide dog. That rocked! i had a great dinner out with the group that Elizabeth mentioned, and a great banquet table. The scholarship awards were really inspiring and heartwarming, and I was psyched for Lily. Congratulations! 
As for the meetings, I feel like I learned a lot. What I most took away from the convention was a sense of inspiration. It was great to see so many blind people doing so many cool things, things that growing up I got the message that we could not do. It was great to see blind people in all sorts of jobs and walks of life - to me that was the best part of the convention. I especially liked the Science Division meeting for that reason. 
I also just want to say THANK YOU to Mike Freeman and to Doug, for bringing me to this convention, and to anyone else who had a part in that. Financially I would not have been able to do it without the help and I'm really glad I had the chance to experience a convention finally! The timing was perfect b/c I had just left my job in preparation to transition to going back to school, so it worked out well.
One thing that I have been thinking about since the convention and I would like to hear anyone's opinion on, is the Colorado center. I keep going back and forth in my mind about whether I want/need to go or not. Part of me thinks oh I don't need it and I don't have time in my life to take six to nine months, and another part of me thinks it could be really helpful - especially now that I went to their site and found out some of their college-oriented sections of their Independent Living program center around the maths and sciences, which is partly what I plan to pursue at school. Also the confidence building part of it woudl be a big help. I am thinking Colorado b/c it is more urban than the other two main centers and that is what I'm looking for, and also b/c they do more outdoor adventure stuff than other centers.
So what it comes down to is I am thinking of doing that, going through the CCB training program, before I go back to school, but still gathering information, weighing the decision, and having doubts. I would like any input or insight from any of you. 
Anyway great to meet and reconnect w/those of you at the convention and I look forward to more times like that!
Chrys

http://chrysbuckley.blogspot.com

Chrys Buckley
PO Box 1231
Eastsound, WA 98245
lotusmoonflowering at hotmail.com

> From: k7uij at panix.com
> To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:33:48 -0700
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions
> 
> Do they have See's Candy in BC?
> 
> Mike
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Robert Sellers" <robertsellers500 at comcast.net>
> To: "'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 8:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions
> 
> 
> 
> Elizabeth,
> I'll get the details  and pass them onto you.
> 
> bob
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> On
> Behalf Of elizabeth lalonde
> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 9:38 AM
> To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions
> 
> Bob where can I buy  the candy bars to sell at ho me as a fundraiser?
> Thanks!
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> On
> Behalf Of Robert Sellers
> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:05 AM
> To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions
> 
> 
> Hi Listers,
> 
> As usual there was plenty to do and never having enough time to do
> everything one wants to do.
> 
> Although the shorten  convention probably saved money, I would have 
> liked
> that extra day. Wendsday afternoon off was missed. I often would use 
> that
> time to  browse more in the exhibit hall, I think some of the meetings 
> might
> have been spread out more, giving more opportunity to to learn more.
> There was never lack of something to do. A good aspect of the convention 
> was
> there seemmed to be a large group of first timers. Congradulations to 
> Lily
> and Annie.
> I am impressed by the NFB Newsline online. I was able to attend a 
> session,
> in which, renee did an excellent job in describing the features of the
> system.
> 
>  The big downer for me was the 2 politicians. Unless it is blindness 
> related
> I don't think our convention floor is the place for political agendas.
> Regardless if it is a Republican or a Democrat. I suppose, Dr. Mourer is
> caught between a rock and a hard place. The game of 'you scratch my back 
> and
> I'll scratch yours" occurs....
> 
> Before the story gets enhanced or twisted, when Kaye Kipp,  KB and I 
> went
> out to dinner, to a location I recommended, I was not aware that the
> upstairs  had been a beaudello.
> 
> One of the highlights of the week for me is the awarding of our 
> scholarships
> to blind students. Our scholarship program is one of the best programs 
> we
> offer. My opinion.
> 
> The Clark County Chapter's candy bar sale was a success. I sold my two 
> boxes
> (with help of Kaye), Kaye sold her box and I believe Don sold his box, 
> also.
> 
> 
> I didn't see any new teckie item that jumped out and made me say "Wow". 
> Did
> anyone else see anything that super impressed them? Or made them say "I
> can't live without that.".
> 
> Overall I thought it was a good and informative convention.
> 
> I think it would be useful and beneficial  if we could share contents, 
> tips,
> tricks, etc.  from  meetings we attended. What we learned, how we might
> apply it here in Washington. What say you?
> 
> Bob Sellers
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> On
> Behalf Of Mike Freeman
> Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 11:23 AM
> To: NFB of Washington Talk
> Subject: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions
> 
> Hi, all.
> 
> Anyone care to give their impressions of convention?
> 
> Mike Freeman
> 
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