Official Day 2 of ASHA 2011

Today was packed full of activities, learning, and networking. I made the concious choice that I would begin my day early and take some down time during the afternoon so that I could attend the Awards Ceremony. I began my sessions at 8AM. Knowing that I had students presenting a poster in the 10-11:30 block. The attendees were all abuzz about what they day might bring, and recapping the highlights of the day before. I enjoyed my 2 hour seminar, and thought my students represented their work and our university weel. I then used the lunch time to network with other professionals and catch up with friends. It was just after lunch that I got to view my first in person flash mob. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson was blaring just outside of the Exhibit Hall where all ove the vendors were located, and of course when you hear loud music unexpectedly you gravitate towards it right? Well turns out there were about 40-50 people carrying out the legendary choreography. I have heard and viewed on news channels and through YouTube different flash mobs, but this is the first one that I have gotten to experience first hand. Way to go, whoever coordinated that...a fun surprise at the ASHA convention. Then I loaded on one of the ASHA shuttles back to my hotel, to change into casual clothing, and explore San Diego a little. I have to get on my soapbox about casual clothing for a minute. I really don't understand how professionals can come to a convention where it is a group of professionals and arrive in jeans and a t-shirt. Trust me, I am not a huge fan of dress shoes (I classify my Birkenstocks in my dress shoe category, but know that this is indeed a stretch). The ASHA website and ASHA's perspective that attire for theis convention is buisness casual. I agree. We are all here in a professional context. Now, do I think it would be fun for ASHA to designate a day as "wear your school/work logo," but they haven't. I did not mind the casual wear during the flash mob, but I can tell you many of thoese who participated in the flash mob then went into the bathroom and changed back into the business casual. Okay, back to my ASHA recap... I decided to stroll through the GasLamp district. It was fun, and exactly as it is described: an area of many food choices, familiar stores as well as local shops. I attempted some Christmas shoppinng. I don't like to get all caught up in all of the tourist stuff, but there are fun things that are simply San Diego. I then expored the Seaport Village area. As stated in a previous post, I am a fan of water. I think there is indeed something to the whole fung shei (i know probably misspelled) concept, but being around all 4 elements, especially as they naturally occur in nature is calming. Seaport Village is a fun place to just sit on a bench and people watch. It is evident that it is a complete mixture of local and toursists. I have to say for the record, that the locals in San Diego are very pleansant and helpful and kind. At about 5 o'clock I decided that it was time to take a little down time. I ventured back to my hotel, flipped on the news for a little while, and then it was time to think about getting something to eat. My only real "negative" comment about this year's convention is the pre-paid lunch boxes in the exhibit hall. I enjoyed the chicken salad in a pita, but the Asian chicken and noodles today, well it just wasn't that great in my opinion. And there are no choices, I get having either meat or vegetarian is simpler and makes people less cranky and uptight about which mean they got, but I was starving because I didn't really think lunch was stellar. I decided to forego on the awards ceremony. It is always a great event to attend, and well done. There were two people from the University of Kansas gettings awards, and that was awesome. Sometimes, being at ASHA is about learning one's limits. I knew that if I put on my "business casual" attire, I would become grouchy, so I made the best choice for me and my limits. So it was off to find something to eat. Then off to the KU gathering to celebrate the accomplishments of current faculty and alumnus that received awards from the association. Always fun to see all of the Jayhawks gather together. Diane Write-Cook knows how to organize and coordinate a gathering! Then, it was time for dinner at 9:30 PM. Dinner along the water was good, even at the late hour. But by the time dinner was over I think everyone I was with was ready to call it a day. Another fun-filled, packed day at the ASHA 2011 Convention...