Chicag-a-go-go.
So we just got back (last night, actually) from Chicago and the CCCC. What does this C-based acronym stand for, you ask? Well, I’m not completely sure…but I think it has something to do with “Conference on College Composition and Communication.” I think. Don’t hold me to that.
I learned many things about conferences. They have really long programs (300+ pages) that look like novels. Novels without a plot. The more interesting your panel name, the more likely I will visit it (also, it’s a personal challenge for me to come up with a better name than “same shit, different year”). Not everyone is a good presenter. It helps if you put your presentation name and point on your handouts. Passing out baked goods is allowed at conferences, though surprising to everyone. Conferences get old after about four hours. There is no good way to sneak out of a conference presentation unless you’re wearing someone else’s name tag.
I learned some things about myself, as well. I’m not good at speaking with people my major prof introduces me to and then abandons me with. It’s just too awkward for me. I can’t come up with questions on the spot. I don’t like wearing name tags. I become easily lost in a labyrinth. I will not pay $8.50 for a rum and coke, no matter how much I think I need it. I have nice hair. I get cell phone reception in the lobby of Palmer House Hilton, and Private Dining Room 9 during presentations. Of course, I am smart enough to have the phone on vibrate. Also, my phone is never in the logical place when I need to find it fast. I like big, shiny, reflective pieces of art, probably due to my obvious attractiveness. Or my narcissism. Hey, I write a freakin’ blog. Is this really a surprise?
I learned that Chicago is an okay place to visit, but there’s a reason it’s called the “Windy City.” And yes, that reason does have something to do with wind coming off of Lake Michigan. Homeless people are abundant, and they scare me. I think it’s either because I don’t know if they’re really homeless people or predators, or because I could be one of them someday. Probably both. There is a McDonald’s on nearly every block of the city. This comes in handy when you’re starving and you only have three dollars. And finally, if it looks like a far distance to walk, it’s probably even farther. It’s even more far if it starts raining and snowing at the same time.
I still have no decisions about where to attend grad school. Suggestions are welcome, though you should probably email them to me if you have a scoop on something. (I’m considering Texas Tech, ISU, East Carolina, Minnesota, and Utah State, in no particular order.)