Wow, what a day. I wouldn’t be blogging about it now except my brain is so busy recapping it won’t turn off and go to sleep. So I might as well recap for an audience, right?
I went to one good session today, by Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational. I think I’d rush through and not do it justice if I did that now so I’ll save it for later. Suffice to say it sparked some ideas for the semi-custom wordpress website packages I’m developing with Sparky Firepants.
Only one good session you say? That’s because the lovely temptress Sonia Simone invited me to the house she and others had rented in South Austin. It was nice to get away from the buzz-buzz-buzz of the conference center. Although I’m glad I got a badge for the conference this year, I don’t think I will again. I’d probably just come to connect with people at meetups and coffee shops.
The party was a fabulous diverse group of people, from fellow Canadian Nathalie, who teaches people how to switch to a raw food diet, to the full-of-wit copywriter Tei Lindstrom, to Karl who teaches how to “work happy now” and once had a mushroom business (who knew?!). Karl was as surprised as I was to be sharing his car with Darren after the party. There was the terrifically talented Martin Whitmore, the illustrator I worked with on Sonia’s Remarkable Marketing Blueprint, and Megan M., who helps people jump-start ideas. I got to pick the amazing brain of Kelly Parkinson, get to know Charlie and Angela better, and learned that the term cupcake isn’t used in the UK. But they, too, use the term muffin-top to describe a physical attribute. So I guess it really is a small world after all.
Tomorrow I’m stoked about the panel “Millionaire or Artist? Why not both?” with Amrita Chanda, John T Unger, Hugh MacLeod, and Mary Anne Davis. So hopefully, my brain will now let me sleep. G’night all!
How’s this for random? Our mutual friend Jenni re-tweeted your post about food recs in Austin (I think so I would see it), where I happen to be visiting for a few days with my fam during spring break. As luck would have it, I’m suffering from massive insomnia. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be online at this hour, commenting on your blog from my phone. That’s my excuse in case none of this makes sense in the morning.
Anyway… if you’re looking to get away from downtown a bit, check out Shady Grove for awesome outdoor dining. And Chuy’s is a safe bet for good Mexican. The enchiladas blancas were fab. Oh, and ask for creamy jalapeno dipping sauce when they bring chips & salsa – it’s free and addictive. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
.-= Lori´s last blog .. =-.
Lori that IS random! And so thoughtful of you to share the recommendations. I’ll put them on my list for my next Austin trip. I think I’ll be back!
I totally know what you mean about the brain buzzing and not letting you sleep thing! I think if I had written my SXSW post as each day passed I would have slept even more soundly.
It was so cool getting to know you! I am also really looking forward to your upcoming project with Mr. Firepants.
*big hugs*
.-= Nathalie Lussier´s last blog ..11 Snacks to Silence Your Stomach =-.
Nice article. I love the effort you put into your posts.