Fit Bits and Suitcases

There are many more sessions to post about once I get home. For this morning, I want to talk about Fit Bits and Suitcases. The events surrounding these things are analogous to my overall conference experience.

Most people know that I purchased and promptly fell in love with my Fit Bit Flex. Bertha tells me how I'm doing with data and longer term statistics on everything from sleep to steps. (Yes, I named my Fit Bit. Doesn't everyone? No one tells me what to do if we don't have a relationship!)  I diligently charged her before I left Fort Wayne assuming that would be enough for six days. Last night, she congratulated me on 10,000 steps for the day and kept me on-time and on task. The battery low indicator is flashing this morning. She is keeping time, but I know the inevitable is that she will cease to work. Her power is depleted. Today, I am my Fit Bit.

Many of you know my planning nature. Mentally, I packed and re-packed for weeks. My final decision was to travel with the smallest suitcase and least baggage. For a six day trip, I took the smallest suitcase! You know; it's the one that is small enough to carry on the plane. I also brought a computer bag and my SMALLEST pocketbook. I didn't want anything to drag me down or burden me. Today, as I attempted to pack, I realized my folly. Where do I put all the books that I bought? Before you say, "Ship them home," know that I dismissed this idea yesterday when I had the opportunity to do so! Last night, I was pleased with my decision! Success, it all fit. Yes, it was tight. The suitcase was stretched to its maximum, but all I had to add in the morning was my toiletries and pajamas! The Brazilian Bombshell lotion was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. It all zipped up nicely. Yes, I had to force it, but these things are sturdy, right? Seconds later, two zippers, having jointly agreed that enough was enough, broke. The kind of zipper break where it simply unhooks itself , the teeth let loose, and the sides spread. The first things to fall out were my cosmetics and Posh. Next, the portion of the suitcase with my clothing let loose with Marzano, Kafele and Jackson's books escaping to the floor. How do I get it all back together and home? There is nothing to do but buy another suitcase.  I came with expectations. They were far surpassed. I've left with information and ideas that will spill out and be messy for quite a while. I have to wrestle with how it all will fit and best ways to transmit the material from me to my teachers. I came with a mindset, a preconceived set of beliefs, and my own knowledge. I can't simply stretch these to fit what I have learned; in some cases I need to start anew. No, I don't have to throw away all that I know, understand and do. However, I need to reframe much of this with new ideas and concepts. In many ways, my mindset has become too static and fixed; it is time to upgrade. I am my suitcase.  (We'll find out at the airport if my suitcase is as overweight as I feel after a week of fine food and binges!)