Continuing with Part I of Friday’s gratitude post, I have much more to share with you. I’m still reeling from attending this year’s SOBCon08.
Like Liz Strauss mentioned in a comment she left at Part I, I was largely ambivalent about attending primarily due to the added expense of going because I had allocated a large portion of funds towards the creation of my first-ever professional speaking demo tape (you can see the 10 minute video here if you haven’t seen it yet).
Gratitude #8: Meeting Like-Minded People
I left off the last part by telling you that while I was engaged in a conversation with Ruth (see photo), I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lorelle VanFosset and Wendy Piersall (who you will remember was interviewed here just a few weeks ago). (Photo credit: Michael Martine).
When I arrived to my room earlier that day, I had used my portable TTY to find out when Wendy would be arriving. I couldn’t wait to meet someone who just gave a fabulous, authentic, heart-stopping interview here at Adversity University.
That’s when I learned Lorelle was with her in the car. I had known about Lorelle, the famous WordPress expert, for quite some time so I was really excited about meeting her as well.
At one point, I was distracted (yes, even though I am reputed to be a very focused conversationalist, I do allow myself to get distracted from time to time) because I noticed a flurry of activity taking place at the Club 71 hotel next door. Curiosity got the better of me and that’s when I discovered Lorelle and Wendy had just arrived in style (Wendy is the one with blond hair).
Liz enthusiastically greeted them and brought them over to where we were all gathered. That’s when I met Wendy for the first time. Not 
surprisingly, We connected right away – how exciting to meet someone I just interviewed just weeks ago!
Not to be outdone, Lorelle (the one with red hair) lost no time introducing herself, “Wendy told me all about you!!”
Like what happened with Wendy, I felt like she was my long-lost sister. I couldn’t believe what was happening. Were we all separated at birth or something? (Lorelle’s photo: taken by Chris Cree).
Around 7:45pm all of us went to the FuelMyBlog event, very generously hosted by Paul and his associates. That’s where I tested my rusty pool table skills.
Stephen Smith and I were somehow thrown 
together as a team, the prize of which I cannot remember exactly. Since we lost, it didn’t matter anyway.
The evening ended rather late and I escorted Joanna Young back to the hotel, taking more pictures along the way. As you can see, downtown Chicago was positively ablaze in lights, the likes of which I hadn’t seen since leaving New York in the late 90′s.
Tired but elated, I went to bed Thursday night knowing I had a full schedule the next day.
Gratitude #9: Meeting the Geek!
The next morning, I accompanied Stephen Smith to Macy’s where we were scheduled to meet Phil Gerbyshak, the famous relationship geek. He was with Susan Quant, a good friend of his. Suddenly turning playful, I whispered conspiratorially to Stephen, “Let’s sneak up on them and see if he recognizes us.”
After a few minutes of standing in position, we waited for a few minutes. He was busily looking through the assortment of materials that would go into the making of a customized notebook and talking to Susan.
It wasn’t long before he finally looked up and saw us standing there. A look of recognition spread across the geek’s face, setting off firecrackers. All of us ensued in a huge hug-fest, right there in the open. It was hilarious. Good thing innocent bystanders weren’t in the way during the frenzy! (Photo Credit: @Stephen).
Well, Phil was true to form – not once did his smile falter throughout the conference. It seemed that he knew everyone. He would invariably say, “This is Wendy, Lorelle, Terry, Karen, Chris, Liz, etc.” and kept going like that until every single person was mentioned. I was incredulous. He sure lives up to the relationship geek brand name!
After we got a free customized notebook (all we had to do was ask about how it was done and each of us took one home for free – Levenger was having a in-store promotion – imagine that!), we decided to go out for a cuppa coffee at Borders, just down the street.
That’s when Stephen got a phone call from Chris Brown, a blogger from my hometown. She had just arrived from Ohio and wanted to know if she could join us. But of course! She’s the gal in the red jacket.
Gratitude #10: Opportunity to Make Many New Friends
I couldn’t believe I even hesitated to attend this conference. Had I stayed home, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet, oh gosh, so many people. Because the conference was only 3 days and over 100 people were there, it was virtually impossible to meet every single person.
Rather than listing everyone I had an engaging conversation with (there were many) and running the risk of forgetting someone, you know who you are. I am grateful i got to make a connection with each and every one of you. I look forward to strengthening the bonds of our new friendship and providing moral support whenever you need it. From time to time you will be mentioned here at this blog and if a photo was taken of you, that will go in here too. Don’t ever hesitate to call on me if you need a place to stay in Ohio or something. I’ll be there for you!
Having said that, I absolutely cannot leave out three very special people because they have been long time subscribers to Adversity University. Here they are:
And there’s one more person I have to mention even though she couldn’t attend the conference this year. Arrangements were made to meet a die-hard fan of Adversity University, Corinne Edwards, who managed to clear her schedule to meet twelve of us at a Greek Restaurant for dinner Saturday night. (Photo L to R: Michelle Vandepas and Corinne Edwards)
It was a very special moment for me because I knew she was dealing with the situation of her best friend on her deathbed. Thank you Corinne for coming out to meet us. I am forever grateful I had a chance to meet you in person.
Gratitude #11: Thanks for Feeding and Hosting Me
As I mentioned before, Karen very generously opened her home for me to stay two extra nights (Sunday and Monday), giving me the opportunity to cut my hotel stay short and save some money. She treated me like a King and provided me with a comfortable bed and my own bathroom. She also drove me to the airport and dropped me off when it was time to leave. Thank you so much Karen! (Photo of Karen Putz with her cute little dog).
Last but not least, I also want to thank Lorelle and Wendy for inviting 
me to Wendy’s house Monday night so that they could babysit me while Karen ran around like a headless chicken tending to Mom duties. I helped Lorelle clean and chop up the vegetables/fruit while Wendy cooked. The end result was a royal turkey feast complete with mashed potatoes, salad, fruit and cake.
After dinner was over we all sat in Wendy’s living room and picked each other’s brains, with Wendy and Lorelle asking me about my speaking career and me asking them about their respective businesses. It was a fun, engaging night!
Thank you Wendy for treating me like a member of the Piersall family and having me over dinner. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to connect with you and Lorelle on a deeper level.
Lorelle’s parting words were, “I love you.” Yes, I know. I love you guys too!
Well, that’s all folks. If I keep going, I’ll end up posting a million more words and photos and never get done. If you’re so inclined and you want to see more photos of the conference, head on over to Flickr. I have to warn you though, there are almost a thousand photos to sift through!
Simply put, it was an extraordinary 5 days in the Windy City, the experience of which I’ll never forget. Thanks to everyone who touched me and for opening your arms, welcoming me to a sea of new faces. I love each and every one of you.
Food for thought: Have you reached out and hugged someone today? That person will have one more reason to be grateful.
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Welcome! You've arrived to a newly renamed blog (formerly called Adversity University) specializing in personal development for spiritual beings having a human experience. To see a speaking demo tape and other information, please click 
9:18 pm on May 9th, 2008 1
Stephen, you are a living testament to getting back tenfold what you give out.
It was a joy to meet you and kind of a surreal thrill getting multiple, real-life hugs.
10:37 pm on May 9th, 2008 2
Thanks Colleen (communicatrix)!
I remember finally recognizing you the night of FuelMyBlog event. And then of course, the multiple, real-life hugs. They were awesome weren’t they?
6:02 am on May 10th, 2008 3
Isn’t it fantastic when you finally bump into some of your favourite bloggers in the flesh. Great Stuff!
Craig Harpers last blog post..Comfort Junkies
6:38 am on May 10th, 2008 4
Craig:
You bet! Maybe one of these days we’ll get to meet? You’re an awesome blogger yourself. I’d love to see you in action as a speaker. I’ll be you’re very engaging.
Thanks for stopping by.
8:58 am on May 10th, 2008 5
Stephen, I loved meeting you and Corrine and my new 100 best friends. I’m still on a high. As you can see from my photo above with Corinne, I was pretty happy! Thanks for this post to help me remember and stay in the gratitude!
Michelle Vandepass last blog post..Jai Lee Living Beyond Belief Podcast
10:17 am on May 10th, 2008 6
Stephen,
How terrific! The photos are great and what a wonderful time in Chicago. I’m so looking forward to meeting these wonderful friends of yours. Hopefully I’ll be doing that before I get to next year’s conference. I’d even be willing to volunteer some time in helping behind the scenes.
Thanks for sharing your extended weekend!
Lisa Callsens last blog post..Sometimes You Just Gotta Blog
10:43 am on May 10th, 2008 7
Michelle:
You definitely looked “happy” and so did Corinne. I’m just sorry that she came under dismal circumstances (friend dying) but it was still good to connect with her.
I think most of us from the conference are still on a high.
10:44 am on May 10th, 2008 8
Lisa:
Your comments and enthusiasm is always welcome. I just realized that I share a piece of myself every time I write in this blog. Isn’t that what we’re all doing?
It’s only a matter of time before our paths cross because the energy is so strong. Wouldn’t you agree?
11:23 am on May 10th, 2008 9
It was a great thrill to be with you and Michelle! (We could not stop hugging!)
Thanks for the picture! We had fun. A great break for me since I am facing sad times with my best friend – who is still holding on – despite all her systems breaking down. Please say a prayer for her swift and peaceful passing.
Much love,
Corinne
5:46 am on May 11th, 2008 10
Corinne:
Glad I remembered to bring my camera so I could take a snapshot of you and Michelle. I thought it was particularly interesting how Michelle never met you either even though the two of you communicated constantly (with her helping you with the mechanics of your site, etc.).
I hope your best friend has a safe, peaceful passing soon.
7:25 am on May 11th, 2008 11
We all need to spend a little more time appreciating stuff. Great to have met you and get your unique view on things. most appreciated, cheers!
~jon
7:36 am on May 11th, 2008 12
Ah, yes, I’m still on the SOBCon high– what a nice feeling! And true to form, I was running around like a headless chicken all week and now I’m waiting to head to the airport. I’m hoping to finally have time to collect my thoughts on the 8 hour flight.
There are so many people who I would love to sit down and get to know more– the conference can’t be measured by what was spoken there, it can be measured in the connections and the hugs.
Karen Putz / DeafMoms last blog post..What I Learned From a Bunch of Things
7:42 am on May 11th, 2008 13
Stephen
You certainly write with enthusiasm! Trouble is you just leave us green with envy…. or working out how we can get there next year! Others have written about SOBCon08 but you are giving it such a great atmosphere. David
David Rogerss last blog post..Cyclone Nargis – what can be done to help?
8:08 am on May 11th, 2008 14
Jon:
Thanks for the reference to “unique perspective.” That’s what I’ve been cultivating for quite some time now. I love talking to people how perception is what creates your reality.
By the way Jon, I went to your blog and looked you up on the About page. Where is your picture? You’re a charismatic person and I bet it would show through with a nice photo of yourself. Just my two cents.
8:50 am on May 11th, 2008 15
Karen:
When I wrote “headless chicken” I smiled because I knew you would “get it.” That’s why I kept it in there.
I’ve been thinking about you because I know you’re now flying to Hawaii with your Mom and Dad. Have a great trip!
Don’t forget to Twitter, etc. Hey, wait why am I reminding you? You’re addicted to it. LOL (And so am I, thanks to you. LOL).
8:54 am on May 11th, 2008 16
David:
I appreciate you telling me how I write with enthuasism. I tend to let my emotions flow onto the paper. It just happens – i don’t force it and b/c of that I am able to express my emotions, somehow, for you to pick up on. I’m glad you’re sensing this. It tells me to keep on going and to stay open to what comes through. Thanks!
I’m glad to be giving the SOBCon08 “great atmosphere.” Well, like I said before, my intention is to tell it like it is. It’s worth the investment (SOBCon08). It’s too early to tell but my investment of about $1500 (total) will pay off sooner rather than later because of the connections I made. I figure if I got one, just one, speaking engagement from the connections I made, somehow, in some form, way or shape, then my initial investment will pay for itself. I saw it as a way to invest in my future. And I now know it was worth a shot.
Thanks for following – by the way, I am now on Twitter. Can’t believe it but here’s my Twitter address http://www.twitter.com/sjhopson I’ll write a post about that at some point in future time.
12:08 pm on May 14th, 2008 17
Greetings from beautiful Hawaii, where this week, I’m not running around like a “headless chicken” and I’m really enjoying it. 80 year olds enjoy life at a slower pace, did you know that? We finished day two of Pearl Harbor and took a sunset cruise last night. It has been incredible so far.
And Corinne–it was wonderful meeting you!
2:32 pm on May 14th, 2008 18
Karen:
How cool it is to hear from you when you’re still in Hawaii. Are you using a laptop? Remember, I still don’t own a laptop, which is why I’m asking.
Yes, I always thought 80 year olds enjoy life at a slower pace. Isn’t that true of everyone at that age?
Can’t wait to see pictures of your Hawaiian trip. Been following your blog, desperately seeking photos to live vicariously through you. LOL.
4:06 am on May 15th, 2008 19
Stephen:
Wasn’t it a remarkable opportunity to come together as a group in Chicago. I still feel the after effects of motivation, curiousity and encouragement from the event. I really enjoyed getting to know you better too!
Chris
Chris Browns last blog post..Easy, Fast and F*R*E*E Web2.0 Marketing Tools for Your Business
5:11 am on May 15th, 2008 20
Chris:
Me too – I’m still on a high from the conference, furiously networking and keeping in touch with those who I met there. I’m so glad I went, aren’t you? I will definitely go next year.
I think that based on what many of us wrote after coming back from the conference, we will see increased attendance at next year’s conference. Looking forward to it.
And yes, I’ve also enjoyed getting to know you more as well.
11:07 am on May 16th, 2008 21
Ah, thankfully, my sister brought her laptop. I get up at 5 each morning and work in the open air. Bliss.
I finally got into the ocean yesterday afternoon and tried surfing for an hour. I didn’t get very far on the board, the waves were too gentle to ride them. Still, it was a nice experience to hang out there and enjoy the sun.
Today, I head to the school for the deaf to do a story for Disaboom and Hands & Voices.
11:51 am on May 16th, 2008 22
Karen:
I can just imagine you sitting by the ocean with a laptop and sunning yourself. Sounds enticing – the beach. Hmmm…maybe I ought to pack my bags and go down to Fla for a few days? LOL.
When you said you didn’t get too far on the board, my first thought was maybe you had been out of practice but then when I saw that the “waves too too gentle to ride them,” I was like: Wow, you can surf better than me! Put me on a board and even with a small wave, I’d topple over in a second. LOL.
Have fun with your presentation at the school for the deaf. I’m sure the kids will enjoy you.
12:49 pm on May 16th, 2008 23
Hey Stephen, it was my first day on a surfboard! I think what helped is all the years of balancing on a kneeboard to barefoot. Still, no easy thing for a gal my size. Like you, I’m committing to shedding some pounds!
5:47 pm on July 8th, 2008 24
[...] to meet her over dinner after SOBCon08. You can see the photo with Corinne and myself over at Stephen’s Adversity University Blog (scroll down under [...]