We've been away from the blogosphere for a little while, mostly due to our recent mini-vacay in the great old state of Texas! As an employee of the National Stuttering Association, our conferences are one of my biggest ongoing projects. Hundreds of hours of work go into each conference, and the 4.5 days in July are the culmination of all that work, not to mention, one huge stutter-party. Check out our latest adventures!
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While in Texas we enjoyed a lot of...what else...BBQ! What they say about the Lone Star State is completely true... everything really is bigger in Texas, including the food and drink portions!+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We were able to catch up with some of our closest friends, as well as meet new friends from all over the world. Some of these people we keep in close contact with through email, Facebook, twitter, and Skype, and this is the only time that we get to see them in person the whole year! One of these people is Tammy, the Executive Director for the NSA, whom I speak with through text, IM, email, Skype, US Mail, and over the phone on a daily basis, sometime using multiple modes of communication at one time, and at all hours of the day and night! It was wonderful to have a chance to spend some face-to-face time with her, and many of the others we've grown close to over the years.
Tammy & Mandy at the Closing Banquet+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Another PWS whom we've grown close to over the past few years is our friends Danny Rossi, creator of the Stuttering Is Cool podcast and website. We often Skype or IM with him, and have even done a few interviews for his show. It was wonderful to see him again in person!+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jean and I were each active participants in the conference, doing much more than just observing. In addition to our volunteer efforts with the silent auction and sales, we each presented part of a workshop, and together we led a third kids workshop.
Jean and I were each active participants in the conference, doing much more than just observing. In addition to our volunteer efforts with the silent auction and sales, we each presented part of a workshop, and together we led a third kids workshop.
(Left to Right)
Mandy speaks to Chapter Leaders about social media.
We both led the 'Kids in the Kitchen' workshop with the hotel chef, Stephen.
Jean gave a great presentation on 'Voluntary Stuttering' as part of a panel discussion on
Avoidance Reduction Therapy.
Mandy speaks to Chapter Leaders about social media.
We both led the 'Kids in the Kitchen' workshop with the hotel chef, Stephen.
Jean gave a great presentation on 'Voluntary Stuttering' as part of a panel discussion on
Avoidance Reduction Therapy.
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One of the highlights of the conference was the Keynote Speech, give by PWS and Oscar-winning Screenwriter of The King's Speech, David Seidler.
David Seidler, Mandy & Jean
Our conference name tags, signed by Mr. Seidler+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bye, Texas!
You'll be missed!
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Uh, what, pray tell, does OCD stand for on your badge ribbon? I don't want to guess, cuz I'd probably be wrong. ;-)
ReplyDeleteObsessive Compulsive Disorder. And no, I'm not technically, clinically OCD, but let's just say that the NSA loves me because of my...ahem...'attention to detail' :-)
ReplyDelete