Laurie's Blogs.

What did I learn this week at the STAAR Conference?

Hi everyone!  This blog is being written at midnight… like so many of my blogs are!  And I stewed about all afternoon (when I actually had more time) trying to figure out what I might write about in the blog.  I lacked inspiration, or perhaps had too much, and alas, and more likely to the point, was too tired to feel creative.  So I went to the bar in the hotel and met with a couple of friends (still here in New Jersey… I fly out at the crack of dawn on Monday).  And I brought a pen and paper… in case I came up with ideas.  So here’s what I came up with… 

I didn’t’ learn anything typical!  I didn’t get to attend any of the lectures!  Boo Hoo!  But I learned plenty of other stuff!  

Firstly, I met or reunited with some fabulous people.  I absolutely love this conference!  I love that everyone is here to learn to BE better, think better, do better!  If you were here, did you notice that your credentials were NOT on your nametag?  Uh huh!  That’s because the intension is that we are all here for the good of the animal… no posturing or pretenses… we are all needed.  Did you notice how collegial everyone was?  Did you feel a sense of ‘group’, or ‘belonging’, or ‘commonality’?  Aren’t we all better behaved when we see each other as human beings… with a common goal!? 

Secondly, I learned an adaptation to one of my tried and true techniques (I’ll do a video to show you one day).  The funny thing was that it was entirely by accident… there was a misunderstanding from one classroom to another… and so I tried the new technique (what I thought was what the other instructor was showing students), and ‘Voila!’ this new technique worked well.  It turns out that the other instructor was not showing that… and so all in all we inadvertently devised a new technique (for assessing motor control & timing).

Thirdly, (and beyond), I learned about ‘poo transplants’ for irritable bowel syndrome (google it... it’s real!).  I acquired a bottle of ‘Dirty Sue’ for making martini’s at home.  I learned that if you have to go to the washroom during a break, you have to demand that you be allowed to go first, before anyone asks you questions!  On a dinner into New York, I saw that most NY men dress ‘prettier’ than I do… but OMG, the food was fabulous!!!  It was reinforced to me just how much food makes me happy!  I learned that my back hurts if I wear a heeled shoe for too many days in a row.  I learned that NJ gets and ‘actual’ spring (it snowed in Calgary this weekend)!  I enjoyed watching and appreciating the differences in everybody.  People are fascinating creatures!  I enjoy people so much (in short bouts… I do have an introvert side as well.)

And… most dear to my heart, I learned that I am making a difference!  I learned that you guys are benefiting from my website & teaching… even if you are behind in watching video.  And I am humble.  So thank you!  Now good night!

Cheers!  Laurie