... the IT man in LibraryLand
Well enough time has passed since the conference that I will now be able to report upon it with my trademark professional objectivity.
It all began for me early in the week when I had to sacrifice two evenings on the altar of having my presentation complete and ready to go for a Thursday afternoon session.
My sacrifice was made even more poignant and grandiose as one of the sacrificed evenings was a gaming evening - the only one untouched by formal conference activities.
Day One: Training and Busing
The Official Day one began with myself and Comrade Treasurer registering conference goers before the start of the morning training session.
The end of training was marked with a sumptuous lunch feast. Unfortunately I had to leave the buffet after only half an hour of feasting as one of my responsibilities involved organising the bus tour for the afternoon.
Said tour went rather well with the attendees: gaping at the technology at Skeptic L's library; having a wry laugh about the porn perusing patrons sullying the newness of Comrade Treasurer's rejuvenated branch; and flocking paparazzi-like around the simple digital photo frame display at my own branch. It was a trifle amusing to see working technology and new desks overlooked for a pragmatic and functional little device.
Throughout this tour my powers of counting were sorely tested as various individuals joined and left the bus at each stopover but I remain confident that no librarians have been left stranded in Melbourne's suburbs for the past month.
Libraryland Cocktails and Beyond
The first evening involved a wonderfully Spring Racing Carnival themed "cocktail" reception.
Of course Supervisor Grand Chief K was in attendance and up to her usual tricks as The Enabler of all things to excess. She might try to blame the constantly refilled wine glasses but I'm sure she was one of the big reasons the night went on afterwards long after all good conference attendees should have been to bed.
Anyway, I did manage to use the occasion to perform some work-related duties, cornering The Beer Drinking Machine and coming up with the solution to our long running RFID problems.
After the official event we reluctantly embarked upon a little expedition at the behest of Dubrovnik Hater who I suspect was working as an accomplice to SGCK - especially as she plied me with a ridiculous cocktail at our first destination.
Luckily my incredible willpower held out and I was able to abstain for the remainder of the night and headed home to a well earned rest after just one more venue.
Day Two: An Unexpected Case of Wine Poisoning
You can imagine my shock when I awoke at around five am to find my body at war with me.
I struggled through much of the morning with only some water and half a carrot for sustenance, messaging my situation reports through to Comrade Treasurer. It was quite a while before I had things under control enough to head in to conference central without fear of yet another stomach emptying episode (and why are there always carrots?). I made my way be train as feeble as a new born stopping for some simple recovery tools along the way.
Finally shuffling in to the break room I was met by a steady succession of attendees popping out of the morning session for various reasons and all of them passed comment on my health. Clearly Skeptic L had informed the whole world of my disposition!
Of interest was the advice that I received independently from two of the Librarians for a northern Melbourne Library service concerning recovery from cases of wine poisoning such as mine . I think I shall have to see about attending their staff Xmas party if they need to know such information so thoroughly.
Thinking it was all behind me I had to face the most horrific part of the whole ordeal as a magnificent lunch was served and I didn't have the stomach to partake of it at all.
Oh the humanity!
In the afternoon I bravely presented my part of the session I had promised to be a part of - albeit a little less lively than I had planned to be.
I then sat back and furthered my recovery with a few sessions of very little movement.
It all worked a treat and I was able to partake fully in the evening conference dinner and even had my wits about me enough to escape from Dubrovnik Hater's clutches as she gathered people about her for another night on the town (although she claims it was all The Ex-President's idea).
Day Three: In Which Nothing Untoward Happened
The final day of the conference went almost completely to plan with sessions ticking over, lunch being eaten and my reign as Mr Secretary coming to a close after two eventful years.
I was even able to tackle a drink or two at the farewell event at the end of the day.
So there you have it the month-late report on my conference experience.
Hmmm, not really worth the wait was it?
.
Showing posts with label The Beer Drinking Machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Beer Drinking Machine. Show all posts
... The Prisoner of Adelaide
I'm back safe and sound in Melbourne after having spent the rest of last week at the Annual user group conference, this year in Adelaide.
Unofficial Day 1
In my capacity as Mr Secretary I decided it was best if I were to grace the city with my presence a day before the festivities kicked off.
Accordingly I flew in on the Tuesday to arrive in the early afternoon. The flight was quite pleasant, including a wonderfully delicious sandwich, although I did have to lean out into the aisle for most of the hour as my manly broad-shouldered physique did not do well seated next to another gentlemen of similar proportions.
On arrival it was a short trip to the Hotel where I settled myself in. After making my selection from the Pillow Menu (I highly recommend the number 8, it has a wonderful after-taste of summer berries and chocolate) I proceeded to update Madame President of my status and see if she required any assistance for the afternoon.
Relieved to hear that all was under control, I headed out to walk the streets, see the sites of the new city, and carry out my traditional search for, and investigation of, the local comic and games establishments.
During my discovery walk I was horrified to discover that, despite what they say on their website, South Australia is yet another of the "no Ice Break" states in Australia. Still, I don't have an addiction, can stop any time, and it's only four days of alternate beverage choices so I wasn't worried.
Upon uncovering the gaming shops in town I alternated between horror and pity to see that their role-playing game choice was limited to only D&D and WOD - something that needs to be rectified if SA wants to be seen as a modern city.
My horror was almost overwhelming upon seeing that center stage in their board game section was given over to multiple copies of MageMaster, one of the most annoyingly drawn out and random games Gavman has ever made us play. Don't just take my word for it though, let's see what ArchEnemy has to say:
Finishing my tour I returned to the hotel for a pre-dinner drink with Madame President before we headed to the swanky end of town for a nice Thai meal (you can tell it was swanky because they looked down their nose at me when I ordered the house red).
After the meal it was time to retire for the evening in order to be rested enough to face the remainder of the week in Adelaide.
Official Day 1
I was up bright and early to make sure I didn't miss my go at the breakfast smorgasbord which amazingly included a chocolate fountain complete with strawberries on sticks!
First up after breakfast was some extreme satchel stuffing, which is actually much less rude than it sounds.
Luckily we were finished in time for lunch and began to greet the gathering SPUNites.
I had opted for the bus trip to a brand new-ish library outside of town. It was a beautiful afternoon tea, I think I saw some interesting architectural and IT stuff as well
After the bus returned us to the hotel I began to feel the first effects of the absence of Ice Break in my system as the need for a Disco Nap became almost overwhelming. This year I decided to always set the alarm clock in order to avoid a repeat of last years late for dinner fiasco.
Suitably refreshed I made my way back downstairs for the libraryland cocktails session.
Once I was forcibly removed from the drinks arena I headed to the resteraunt area for a late dinner with Dubrovnik Hater, Skeptic L, The Beer Drinking Machine and others. I note that we were served by Adelaide's trade-mark snooty waiter (I'm sure that I am not the linking factor).
Official Day 2
After another banquet breakfast the morning sessions began with much laptop and USB juggling by yours truly - an occurance that was to become a motif of the conference. There was so much of it that first morning that I had a minor attack of nullusmanevictusophobia. Thankfully Madame President had her priorities correct and saved me a muffin from the morning tea selection.
The afternoon session ran more smoothly although rushing to a biscuits-only afternoon tea was a little disappointing.
Once the session had finished I found myself in need of a further nap prior to attending dinner - obviously going without Ice Break was affecting my endurance.
For the dinner I was seated at a table where it was easy to strike up many an interesting conversation while we indulged in some quite splendid food. There was also red wine of the type I particularly enjoy - that in a bottomless glass.
Following dinner I retired to the bar with many others for one last wine (unfortunately not bottomless) and the trading of IT war stories late into the evening with TT and The Ex-President.
Official Day 3
I awoke on day three to find that Ice Break withdrawal symptoms had kicked in while I slept. Nevertheless I struggles through the tummy and head pain, forced some toast down and joined Madame President and Comrade Treasurer at our preparation session for the upcoming AGM.
Said AGM went smoothly, too smoothly in fact as I developed a near-debilitating arm cramp from my frantic minuting of the proceedings. Our attendance list did remain only partialy filled out and I suspect a plot to cover up for those that inexplicably elected for shopping over a meeting.
The AGM was followed by lunch and afternoon tea broken up with some more sessions and then,
suddenly, it was all over.
Baggage was gathered and there was a general libraryland exodus to the airport.
Dubrovnik Hater was kind enough to sneak me into the Qantas Club with the secret pass phrase "he's my one allowed guest" - I have to remember that one. Inside the club was a stark contrast to Canberra's Friday night food trough/sardine cramming - this was wonderfully relaxed and the food and drink was easily accessible - a very good thing since I had many long hours to fritter away until my flight was leaving.
After the short flight I was home to my faithfully whinging flatmate and the comfort of my own bed (no number 8 pillows though).
Unofficial Day 4
After a good sleep-in I traipsed out for another of my famous walk/jogs in an effort to drop those last stubborn 20 kilograms before Svetlana's arrival in a scant 12 days.
Afterwards much computer catching up was done until the evenings main event kicked off - Legion3's birthday and home brew tasting session. Legion's 2&4, BrotherStealer, Badger, Spare Legion, and Hector the Nazi were among in attendance and a great time was had by all. Thanks to daylight savings we were up until quite late which forced today to be a day of total rest.
.
Unofficial Day 1
In my capacity as Mr Secretary I decided it was best if I were to grace the city with my presence a day before the festivities kicked off.
Accordingly I flew in on the Tuesday to arrive in the early afternoon. The flight was quite pleasant, including a wonderfully delicious sandwich, although I did have to lean out into the aisle for most of the hour as my manly broad-shouldered physique did not do well seated next to another gentlemen of similar proportions.
On arrival it was a short trip to the Hotel where I settled myself in. After making my selection from the Pillow Menu (I highly recommend the number 8, it has a wonderful after-taste of summer berries and chocolate) I proceeded to update Madame President of my status and see if she required any assistance for the afternoon.
Relieved to hear that all was under control, I headed out to walk the streets, see the sites of the new city, and carry out my traditional search for, and investigation of, the local comic and games establishments.
During my discovery walk I was horrified to discover that, despite what they say on their website, South Australia is yet another of the "no Ice Break" states in Australia. Still, I don't have an addiction, can stop any time, and it's only four days of alternate beverage choices so I wasn't worried.
Upon uncovering the gaming shops in town I alternated between horror and pity to see that their role-playing game choice was limited to only D&D and WOD - something that needs to be rectified if SA wants to be seen as a modern city.
My horror was almost overwhelming upon seeing that center stage in their board game section was given over to multiple copies of MageMaster, one of the most annoyingly drawn out and random games Gavman has ever made us play. Don't just take my word for it though, let's see what ArchEnemy has to say:
Gavman if you ever suggest we play Mage Master again I will come around and burn your house to the ground!
Finishing my tour I returned to the hotel for a pre-dinner drink with Madame President before we headed to the swanky end of town for a nice Thai meal (you can tell it was swanky because they looked down their nose at me when I ordered the house red).
After the meal it was time to retire for the evening in order to be rested enough to face the remainder of the week in Adelaide.
Official Day 1
I was up bright and early to make sure I didn't miss my go at the breakfast smorgasbord which amazingly included a chocolate fountain complete with strawberries on sticks!
First up after breakfast was some extreme satchel stuffing, which is actually much less rude than it sounds.
Luckily we were finished in time for lunch and began to greet the gathering SPUNites.
I had opted for the bus trip to a brand new-ish library outside of town. It was a beautiful afternoon tea, I think I saw some interesting architectural and IT stuff as well
After the bus returned us to the hotel I began to feel the first effects of the absence of Ice Break in my system as the need for a Disco Nap became almost overwhelming. This year I decided to always set the alarm clock in order to avoid a repeat of last years late for dinner fiasco.
Suitably refreshed I made my way back downstairs for the libraryland cocktails session.
Once I was forcibly removed from the drinks arena I headed to the resteraunt area for a late dinner with Dubrovnik Hater, Skeptic L, The Beer Drinking Machine and others. I note that we were served by Adelaide's trade-mark snooty waiter (I'm sure that I am not the linking factor).
Official Day 2
After another banquet breakfast the morning sessions began with much laptop and USB juggling by yours truly - an occurance that was to become a motif of the conference. There was so much of it that first morning that I had a minor attack of nullusmanevictusophobia. Thankfully Madame President had her priorities correct and saved me a muffin from the morning tea selection.
The afternoon session ran more smoothly although rushing to a biscuits-only afternoon tea was a little disappointing.
Once the session had finished I found myself in need of a further nap prior to attending dinner - obviously going without Ice Break was affecting my endurance.
For the dinner I was seated at a table where it was easy to strike up many an interesting conversation while we indulged in some quite splendid food. There was also red wine of the type I particularly enjoy - that in a bottomless glass.
Following dinner I retired to the bar with many others for one last wine (unfortunately not bottomless) and the trading of IT war stories late into the evening with TT and The Ex-President.
Official Day 3
I awoke on day three to find that Ice Break withdrawal symptoms had kicked in while I slept. Nevertheless I struggles through the tummy and head pain, forced some toast down and joined Madame President and Comrade Treasurer at our preparation session for the upcoming AGM.
Said AGM went smoothly, too smoothly in fact as I developed a near-debilitating arm cramp from my frantic minuting of the proceedings. Our attendance list did remain only partialy filled out and I suspect a plot to cover up for those that inexplicably elected for shopping over a meeting.
The AGM was followed by lunch and afternoon tea broken up with some more sessions and then,
suddenly, it was all over.
Baggage was gathered and there was a general libraryland exodus to the airport.
Dubrovnik Hater was kind enough to sneak me into the Qantas Club with the secret pass phrase "he's my one allowed guest" - I have to remember that one. Inside the club was a stark contrast to Canberra's Friday night food trough/sardine cramming - this was wonderfully relaxed and the food and drink was easily accessible - a very good thing since I had many long hours to fritter away until my flight was leaving.
After the short flight I was home to my faithfully whinging flatmate and the comfort of my own bed (no number 8 pillows though).
Unofficial Day 4
After a good sleep-in I traipsed out for another of my famous walk/jogs in an effort to drop those last stubborn 20 kilograms before Svetlana's arrival in a scant 12 days.
Afterwards much computer catching up was done until the evenings main event kicked off - Legion3's birthday and home brew tasting session. Legion's 2&4, BrotherStealer, Badger, Spare Legion, and Hector the Nazi were among in attendance and a great time was had by all. Thanks to daylight savings we were up until quite late which forced today to be a day of total rest.
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)