things I learned at SXSW 2006

(or relearned, as the case may be)

  • my hair doesn’t like Austin, but my knee does
  • exercise makes me happy
  • in a fire, the first thing I’d think about is my files
  • I need downtime, and sufficient sleep
  • bicycling in a skirt is tricky
  • gtalk makes a really annoying noise, unless you turn it off
  • I still sunburn easily
  • when I’m intellectually engaged, I take better notes
  • conversation with friends is a good thing

stuff I brought that I didn’t need:

  • most of the clothes
  • tights
  • most jewelry
  • most of the stuff in my wallet
  • dove hair smoother stuff

stuff that I really could’ve used

  • nail clippers
  • qtips
  • another pen
  • power strip

all in all, it was entirely overwhelming and entirely worthwhile.? I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it again next year, but I would like to.

This entry was written by Elaine, posted on 3/20/2006 at March 20, 2006, filed under General, sxsw 2006. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

4 Comments

  1. Meri
    Posted 3/21/2006 at March 21, 2006 | Permalink

    Hope you can make it again next year — it was great to meet you! I had similar thoughts about the number of clothes I brought along and the number actually needed…

  2. Patrick
    Posted 3/26/2006 at March 26, 2006 | Permalink

    My first SXSW trip I failed to bring along extra camera batteries and a powerstrip. Living in Austin, I didn’t have to worry about the clothes, so that was good. I want to get one of the power squids for the next time as they pack easier than a standard strip does.

    It took a good day or two to recover from being “on” for four days straight.

  3. Elaine
    Posted 3/26/2006 at March 26, 2006 | Permalink

    Those squids are cool. And I was just about recovered…when I got this stupid cold. :(

  4. Sour Duck
    Posted 3/27/2006 at March 27, 2006 | Permalink

    Your list of stuff you brought that you didn’t need is almost identical to my experience. I even brought a light sweater - you know, just in case.

    What on earth was I thinking? Chilly nights out-on-the-town? ;)

    And jewelry…! I’ll never take jewelry on a trip again…

    Two pairs of hose got a free trip from California to Austin and back (never used them in Austin - promptly returned them to department store when I got back).

    Anyways. Glad you had a good time. ;)

    Best,

    SD