So...What Did You Do This Weekend?

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about not attending this year's Life, The Universe, And Everything (LTUE) writing symposium. It was a bittersweet post to write. I actually love that convention. There's so many good friends there, but this year, it didn't seem right for me to go.

I spoke to my wife earlier this week about it. We figured out that attending a three-day event so soon after doing back-to-back shows was too much. I hadn't thought of that when I decided not to attend LTUE, but it made sense. Putting in between 15-20 hours a week, in addition to a full-time job, since last September can take a toll.

So, as many of my friends were having a blast going to panels and selling their goods, I was moving and installing appliances. Our house is turning fourteen-years old this year. We've had to replace somethings (need to replace others...), but our fridge and dishwasher were still running.

But, when family calls and says they're buying all new stuff and do we want their old stuff, we said, YES! Their fridge is a decade newer than ours, and their dishwasher was not falling apart like ours literally was.

Thursday we moved the fridge; yesterday we installed the dishwasher. The last time we did that, I was younger, and my muscles were in better shape. There were other things that happened around the house that made me glad I stayed closed to home these last few days. Skipping LTUE this year--it was just meant to be.

LTUE, I Love You, But I Probably Won't Be Attending This Year

I think it's been three years that the wonderful people at the Life, The Universe, And Everything (LTUE) literary symposium have invited me to be a part of their event. It is truly an honor to be asked to come and be a panelist. It's something I've tried to take seriously, do my best on the panels, and help make the event the best it could be.

But this year I'm probably not going.

I was talking to my neighbor the other day; she's going. I told her I wasn't, and said she took a break a few years ago and it was a good thing. It let her recharge. I think that could be a good thing for me to do, too.

I remember when I was first asked to participate in these things, first for the Salt Lake Comic Con, then LTUE, then a few others. Those of us asked formed friendships and professional contacts. I've had one short story published because I've attended the events, and I'm working for more. I hope to see good things from other projects in the future. Time will tell.

There have been other conferences that I've not attended. I see posts from so many of my friends telling me how great the events are and how much fun they're having. I'm sure I'll feel bad for not attending LTUE this year and wish I could be there. But then I remember how much I gush on the events I join. I post pictures, videos, feelings I'm having. I do it all the time. Maybe I'll tone that down from now on.

Yes, I'm sure it will be another wonderful gathering of amazingly talented writers, editors, artists, even musicians (I'm talking to you, Mr. Nybo who is actually all of those things...). I know it will inspire both beginners and the battle-weary alike. For those going, have the time of your life! We'll see what next year brings.