What a weekend! A-Maze-Ing! I want to tell you all about it (okay, maybe the Cliff's Notes version) but first let's get one thing straight:
If you are in Bellevue, don't call it "Seattle." Even if the event is called "CKC-Seattle," them local-types don't like it. I s'pose it's like calling "San Jose," "San Francisco." It's just not done.
Okay, now that we've got THAT out of the way.
CKC-Seattle (ahem, Bellevue) was, in three words:
1. Inspiring
2. Fun
3. Exhausting!!!
I flew up Friday morning, took a shuttle to the hotel, took another shuttle to the conference center, and made my way inside -- toting 30 lbs. of M'n'Ms the whole way. Why? Because of course I could not show up to my first-ever CKC without some little goodies for my classes. So I created 500 goodie bags with a ScrapHappy card (decorated with a Stickle blingety-bling on the daisy).
The first person I saw was the darling Tia (who you know I adore). She was filling in for Heidi Grace, who was double-booked for the weekend. We squealed in delight at each other's presence, then had to go our separate ways.
The second person I saw?? Someone who recognized my voice from my podcast -- mamashag! (Did I get your screen name right?) How fun was that??
The next 48 hours were a blur of classes (I taught seven classes over two days), helping out in the store and at the info booth, and packing up and unpacking. I did get a chance to cruise the vendor faire (and bought just a FEW things, including some really adorable t-shirts) and hook up with my good friend Casey, who is a chef for Rusty Pickle. I also "hosted" the crop on Friday night, which meant I got to go from table to table and chat with people and hand out MORE M'n'Ms (I was NOT going to take those back on the plane with me!).
So much fun, so many people, so many classes, in such a short time!
Other highlights: Meeting the CKC events team, getting asked for my autograph several times, and meeting so many fun people -- like Ingunn, mamashag, and Amy U.!
Here's a few photos for you: My first class. Thanks, guys, you rock!
Must see picture!! I totally wish I could have gone to CK this year! Next year it's on!!!
Posted by: Jennifer Mattix | November 04, 2007 at 06:15 PM
It sounds so totally fun Lainie! I wish I'd been there too! :) Can't wait to meet up for lunch soon!
Posted by: Maria | November 04, 2007 at 06:19 PM
I am so happy you shared with us. I was just in Seattle a couple of weeks ago and LOVED it there. We went all over, including Bellevue. Aren't the autumn colors there awesome?
Posted by: Mary c | November 04, 2007 at 07:06 PM
I'm so glad that we ran into each other! My friends took some of your classes and loved them; I definitely will sign up for them next time. I just sent you an invite to look at my Costco album, so you can grab the photos of us if you would like.
Amy
Posted by: Amy U | November 04, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Hey Lain! Did you know you can put "Scrap Happy" on your M&Ms, I know you don't have a tv / but they've got a commercial about it; I don't know the exact site but I'm sure you can google it, its for a limited time during the holidays! I'm maybe going to do this for the law office. :) Have a great week, Katie Scott!
Posted by: Katie Scott | November 05, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Glad to hear what a great time it was! Yay!
Posted by: Nicole | November 05, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Fun fun! I totally love Ingunn's stuff.
Posted by: candice | November 05, 2007 at 12:20 PM
Hi Lain,
It was great to meet you at CKC. You are just as nice and fabulous in person as you are in your podcasts!
All the best ~ MamaSheg aka: Cathy Shegnagaev
Posted by: MamaSheg aka: Cathy | November 06, 2007 at 01:00 AM
It sounds like you had an awesome time! I was at the other event with Heidi Grace and can't wait to sit down with you and share our experiences!
Posted by: melita | November 08, 2007 at 01:16 AM