The Bucket List Tour

I returned home from my speaking tour last Saturday, and it was never so good to see the sign Welcome to Nebraska. My tour is named the bucket list because I checked off a few items on my list. The first trip was when I spent ten days in Las Vegas. That is too long for Las Vegas now that I am older and wiser.

I had forgotten how far away everything is in Vegas, but the walk from my hotel room to the conference center was 1.4 miles one way, which meant 2.8 miles round trip. I overestimated my endurance as this was my first significant trip since being ill. The first few days were basically Terry & I enjoying a few days. Each day more of my BA buddies and good friends showed up.

I didn’t have my chat until Friday morning, so I reviewed how I was doing things each day. I had a small attendance, but Friday is only a half day, and many people have left or leave that day. I met several people I had known for years but only virtually. That was the best part—networking with all the people. I attended many good presentations and had a blast at Danelkis Serra and Jared Gorai’s workshop to start the week. I was there to heckle them, but I did learn a few things.

The weather was sweltering while we were there, and my allergies raged so that I was somewhat hoarse by Wednesday but, thank goodness, not sick. Meeting Delvin Fletcher and seeing my buddy Danelkis Serra were the best. I also got to meet several other IIBA employees in person. We laughed a lot and shared many hugs—the camaraderie in the BA world and even more in the speaker world. This one week a year is magical, and you realize that all BAs are family.

There are several conferences each year, and they are all unique, but BBC is a different kind of special. They have not selected a site for BBC 2024, but I am sure it will be just as magical. Terry went home at the beginning of BBC with one suitcase of dirty laundry and some dry cleaning. He made sure I had clean clothes for the next stop. Next up in my blog: The Minneapolis| St. Paul Professional Development Day. Until next time, please keep your glass at least half-full.