ALA Weekend: Week or Weak?

I'm off to another fantastic ALA (or Awkward Literatureaholics Anonymous) Conference in DC this weekend. I'm braving the train with my author/agent autographing pad, extensive spy gear, a big empty suitcase to fill with free books, and one of my most favorite writer friends. (Not Veda Bee. And no, my friend is NOT invisible this time.)

DC or bust, dudes.

I suppose I'm getting to that ripe age in my life (19) when I no longer care what others think of me. Go ahead. Call me a dork, a worm, a nerd, a geek (I wish!), or make fun of my awkward hobbies, or even my looks. I'm not going to waste time wondering why my interests don't always align with the masses or the popular kids, or whether or not I really do resemble an endangered hairy-eared dwarf lemur at all because I don't. (Thanks, Mom!) At the end of the day, I just can't help it....I love books! I'll happily admit it. I'm a dork! And yes, I know I know,...not the cool kind either. I just love the feel of new glossy covers and the sound of crisp page turns. I love dog-eared corners. I obsess over my own collection of favorites that bring great memories, that have worn with age, with scribbles, and saliva. And I love the familiar musty smell of ink on paper at the library, imagining all the other people and places they've touched and seen. And not to mention, books make me feel brilliant and alive, especially when I find print errors hidden in published pages. Ahh, I can't emphasize more; I love books! (And yes, I'd totally marry them if I could...)

Now go be off with your hobbies and your bad self. Who cares what others think? They'll worship you when you grow up to be incredible. I know you will!

My weekend conference goals:

-to catch my train on time and not lose my friend in the crowds.
-to arrive without getting too lost.
-to stalk at least one great famous author for an exceptional amount of time.
-to scout out all literary treasures and get them home legally.
-to NOT roll over anyone with my filled suitcase.
-to make an impression after "bumping" into agents like Arthur A. Levine or Jodi Reamer or Anyone else.

The goal in making goals is to keep the list short, specific, and attainable. I will accomplish one or more of the above. I will. I will. I will.

Let the nerds unite!

And PS on those lemurs mentioned above: They are one of the rarest mammals in the world. People steal them because they're so darn cute.