I just had the most unbelievable few days. Don and I went down to Austin, Texas for the Interactive portion of South By Southwest. For those who are not familiar with the event known as “summer camp for geeks,” it’s kind of hard to explain because it’s such a unique experience. Most people know it as a music and film festival, but it also includes the interactive portion.
According to the SXSW Interactive site, “SXSW Interactive appeals to über-geeks and digital creatives who push the cutting edge of technological change. The event appeals to web developers, designers, bloggers, wireless innovators, content producers, programmers, inventors, tech and new media entrepreneurs, gamers and game developers, investors and educators. Even if you are not a technical person, you will benefit from the outside-the-box thinking that thrives at SXSW”.
I met so many of my “internet celebrity muses” and connected with so many great people. There were over 30,000 people attending the interactive portion of SXSW. It was nuts because I would strike up a conversation with someone while in line for coffee or waiting for a panel to begin and it was like we were meant to meet. This happened over and over again. It was truly magical.
One of my favorite “dog people” is Ted Rheingold (founder of Dogster) and I got to briefly meet him. I saw him again at a party one night and wanted to go talk to him more, but I chickened out (which is completely unlike me). I’m amazed and impressed at the empire he has created at Dogster/Catster and would love to connect with him more.
I’m still trying to catch up a bit. We were out until 3am most nights (and that’s impressive because I go out… all the time never). The “spring ahead” time change couldn’t have come at a worse time! I’m finding it difficult to get back in my routine because I have all these ideas occupying my brain, which leaves little room for things like remembering where I put my keys.
As much fun as we had, I was equally excited to get back home to see Will, Zoey, Leroy and Stella. I can’t get over how much Will has changed in five days… it doesn’t seem possible! He’s definitely going through a growth spurt and has learned to push up on his arms when he’s on his tummy. The dogs were ecstatic to see us. We can tell that they were thoroughly spoiled by my parents because they are all acting very needy upon our return. (That’s what grandparents are for though, right?)
Oh…and if you ever find yourself in a position where you are nursing and need to travel without baby, email me if you have any questions. I’m now an expert on things such as dry ice and overnight shipping. 
What have you all been up to lately?
Popularity: 17% [?]
Related posts:
- I’m Leaving On A Jet Plane
- Back in Business!
- No Sled? No Problem!
- Chihuahuas in Space
- Can You Stand the Cuteness?
Tags: catster, dogster, south by southwest, sxsw interactive, ted rheingold
Last week I decided I was going to be a dog whisperer.
Mason and I were on our Saturday afternoon walk, a special treat, because on those days I have no agenda, no place to be and simply get to enjoy free time with my favorite guy. So there we were, two adventurers conquering the sidewalk when we see a black Labrador off-leash in the distance. Not seeing his human pet anywhere nearby, we decided to check out his collar and try to find his home. Now, I understand that we all lose our way sometimes and whether Labbie was lost or simply needed “alone time”, I just wanted to make sure she was going about it the safe way.
Mason, bless his heart, is well aware of my antics and thankfully he puts up with me. I often carry an extra leash in my pocket for these such occasions, but as luck would have it; this was the one day I left it at home. Making our way towards Labbie was like playing a spy game. As we looked everywhere but in her direction, she kept a keen eye on us as we slyly made our way closer. Nothing seemed to work! She’d let us get just close enough, before running ahead and continuing her journey. I figured since Mason and I had no plans, we’d share her little meandering adventure, hoping she would tire before us.
The first two blocks weren’t bad. After nine blocks I was honestly starting to feel like I was stalking this poor dog. After nearly two hours (YES!) of following her and “willing” towards us, I had to give up. Poor Mason was pooped, I was freezing and Labbie was clearly beyond annoyed by the whole situation. It was difficult to realize, but my dream of being a dog whisperer was not going to happen that day. Labbie looked backed once, probably to make sure we weren’t following her anymore, but I like to think she was just letting us know that “no one puts Baby in the corner”. It was her day to see the world and no stalker lady with her roly-poly, snorting dog was going to stop her.
Stay safe out there Labbie & keep it real!
…Excitedly, Mason dragged me all the way back home, stopping four blocks short of the house, insisting I carry him the rest of the way. Man, he sure knows how make a point when he wants to. Don’t worry Mase, you’re always #1.