Well that's what I think anyway.

Umbrella Report

2007-07-30T06:20:00.001-07:00

I've finally submitted my reports from some of the talks I went to whilst at the Umbrella conference (http://clippers2007.pbwiki.com/Reports). Sadly, I have only written up a report on two of them - they were the two that really interested me and stuck in my mind vividly, and as it has been a while now (and I have the memory of a goldfish) I don't think I could give a fair review of the others I went to!

It was such an interesting, fantastic experience and I really hope I get to go again in 2009.

Back at work

2007-07-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

Well Umbrella is all over and done with now and I'm back at work - it was fun while it lasted! I've had a really good time there and hopefully I will get the chance to go back next time.

Some of the talks were truly inspirational - especially the one by Bali Rai. I got lots of freebies - the grand total is as follows:

10 pens
3 pencils
1 notepad
5 sticky note pads
1 candy cane
1 sponge cake bun
2 packets of mints
1 eraser shaped like a book
1 yo-yo
1 fluffy sticker thing

These have all been shared out (very fairly) amongst family and work colleagues.

The meals were really nice and the Elizabethan banquet was such good fun - I enjoyed it immensely.

My return journey home went well and I got upgraded to first class for nothing! Can't be bad.

All in all it's been a great experience and I want to do it all over again.

Umbrella so far

2007-06-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

It's now underway and I've been to a couple of talks. The first was the opening talk of the conference from the Chief Executive of the British Library and the second was on customers/clients. I found both really interesting and it's made me really look forward to the next batch tomorrow.

I've met up with David Bruce from http://clippers2007.pbwiki.com/ and he was very nice. Still keeping my eye out for the others listed on there - it's always nice to meet in person.

I've had a look around the exhibition and come away with some freebies - always good!

List so far is as follows:

1 notepad
3 sticky note pads
9 pens
2 pencils
1 candy cane
1 box of peppermints
1 yo-yo
1 fluffy sticker thing (I'm sure they have an official name but I don't know what it is!)

Not bad for a first attempt (I've never been to anything like this before).

Just been in the shop and the assistant says it's a good menu for tonight, so I'm looking forward to that!!!!

Umbrella (arrived!)

2007-06-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finally here. It took me from 12.30pm to 7.00pm to get from Workington in Cumbria to the halls of residence where I'm staying, but it wasn't a bad journey. My room's not bad either. No television, but I do have my trusty laptop and an internet connection so it's not all bad! I have to note though that the water down here is disgusting - my cup of tea has scum floating in it!!!!! I've definitely been spoiled with the water back home. Ah, home.....

Going away

2007-06-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

Well, my husband is not looking forward to me going away to Umbrella at all! He's been moping about for days looking sad. Still, at least it's nice to be loved. I'll really miss him and our little rabbit, Luke - I'll also miss television (as there's not one in the room!). Don't worry, I've got my priorities right - it is in that order!!!!

Umbrella 2007

2007-06-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost upon us. I received my name badge and meal tickets through the post, but my name badge doesn't have an orange noob sticker on it - does that matter?

I'm a bit apprehensive but I'm looking forward to it at the same time - it should be an interesting experience.

Not sure exactly what to expect having never been to something like this before.