Gnomedex Trip Day 3

Friday started off extremely early for me. I was up at 6am to watch the sunrise over the Bay. What an amazing sight that was. When I first looked out the window, I automatically looked to the right… towards the mountains. I then turned my head to look left… and freaked out. There was the biggest cruise ship I had ever seen docked… RIGHT at the end of our hotel. Good lord where did that come from!? I didn’t even hear it come in. I, of course, grabbed my camera and shot a few pictures. This thing was simply ginormous!

Picked up Dave at the ferry at 7:30, and headed to the conference center. Ponzi grabbed me right away, and informed me I needed to be “mic’d up”. Yep, I had to wear one of the six radios/mics all day both on Friday and Saturday. I was in constant contact with Chris, Ponzi, Stuart, Maraym Scoble, and Kate (who works at the conf. center). Some of Chris’ commentary in my ear throughout the conference was hysterical. The funniest moment was during one break on Friday when Chris was yelling into the radio, asking “Kat where are you?!”. I replied “making use of the facilities”. It was very quiet, and then Chris said “oh. my bad. See you in a minute”.

I made my home at the back of the conference room, over in one corner. Stuart was in the back at the other corner, Preston was down front in a corner, and Maryam was down front in the other corner. This way, we were spread out and could be available no matter what was needed. I spent my time working the live chat during speakers, running errands for Chris/Ponzi, keeping an eye on Twitter feedback, etc and so on. I also got to watch each and every speaker.

The speaker highlight of Day 1 for me was definitely my new buddy Ben Huh… you know, the LOL Cats dude!! His presentation was great, and he’s just an awesome person. I was able to spend some time talking with him at different points, and there will be a video I recorded of him coming later on Chris’ blog.

All of the speakers were great, and well received. Lunch was delicious. I sat with Chris, Ponzi, Stuart, Eric Rice, Mom and Dad Pirillo, and Ponzi’s Aunt and Uncle. If I could even come close to spelling their names, I would. No way I’m attempting it.

I didn’t have much free time at the end of the speakers, as we had to hurry over to the Showbox for the party. The highlight of this for me was meeting and talking with Robert Scoble. I had met his wife, Maryam, and been working with her throughout the conference. I went to introduce myself to Robert, and was speechless when he already knew who I was. Me. Holy crap! I was floating on cloud nine even more about a half an hour later, when he sought me out at the party to talk a bit. Had an excellent conversation with him, and realized he’s as much “just another guy” as Chris is. That’s what the “fan boys” don’t understand. Chris and Robert are not demi gods. They’re just regular guys who have a lot to say… albeit loudly at times. Robert was very friendly and down to earth, just like his sweetie of a wife.

I left the party early with my good friend Aryeh Goretskey. Aryeh works for an Anti Virus vendor, is a Msft MVP (we met in Seattle last April at MVP SUmmit), runs the Lockergnome Forums, and is a HalfOp in the live stream. Aryeh took me to dinner at the uber awesome Salty’s restaurant. That was the best steak I’ve ever had, complete with an amazing view of the downtown skyline at night. Thanks again, Aryeh, for a great dinner and fun conversation.

By the time I got back to the hotel, I was exhausted. I felt so bad yawning through the end of dinner. I didn’t even bother with a shower (I normally take two a day, morning and bedtime), I was THAT tired. I put on my jammies, took a last look out the windows, and crashed.

And that, is my day 3!