Orlando is for lovers [of student affairs]

The two national associations for student affairs professionals and scholars held a joint meeting/conference/convention last week in Orlando, Florida. And, I was lucky enough to be there. I know... it was quite a sacrifice, leaving behind the early spring/late winter weather of the mid-Atlantic. I hated seeing the DC area cherry blossoms struggle to decide when to bloom since our weather's been so messed up. So, I took off for the summer-y climate of central Florida, where the 80+ degree temperatures were perfect for the first two lazy days of laying alongside one of the resort hotel's pools followed by four days of wearing skirts, tank tops, flip flops, sandals, and sun dresses to sessions and socials.
It wasn't all fun and games, though. I did have to suck it up and ride to the conference in the free bus sponsored by Maryland student affairs - as a poor grad student, I didn't have have the money for flying. Fortunately, they don't make buses like they used to, and I had a reclining captain's chair, replete with built-in massager. The 13-hour drive each way was eased by the accommodations.Once at the conference, I spent quality time with old and new friends. Attending socials and grabbing meals with folks from the many stages of my higher education career (all the way back to Millikin - I saw some of the folks I worked for and with there) was great. The upside of being one of 8500 people at a conference was that the chances of seeing people I hadn't encountered in years was increased!

Other highlights of the week included seeing Al Gore keynote the conference; attending the lavish Maryland social; hanging out with past and present Mizzou folks; spending time with my best friend Sarah; hanging out poolside with Jen; presenting an educational session with John, Andrew, and Charles; rooming with Kristan, Jen, and Jen; and dining out at downtown Disney. FYI, the pictures at the top of the post are of my cohort ladies and of me with my friend RJ at the Maryland social. I hope to add a few more pictures for your enjoyment, too, as people email them to me!

It is nice to be home, though. I could sure use a vacation from my vacation :)