life|cubed

Decompressing from Podcamp Boston

My decompression from Podcamp Boston has started as I wait here in Logan Airport a couple of hours before the first leg of my flight home to Florida, sitting within view of the gate for my flght, letting my phone and my laptop charge from a nearby outlet. I had to skip the final sessions of Podcamp in order to get to the subway and make it to the airport, get through security, et cetera.

It’s been both an exhilarating and a difficult weekend for me. This has been my first personal trip entirely done on my own, and for someone with social anxiety, it has been a major step—perhaps I should have tried a smaller step before booking a plane ticket to Boston. I’ve been able to see just how far I am from learning how to be an "adult." It was the first time I had set foot in a bar for a purpose other than using their bathroom and leaving (I didn’t drink; I ordered dinner and a few sodas). I ended up leaving Tequila Rain early Saturday night because I just didn’t know how to handle the bar atmosphere. Almost had a breakdown in public.

Boston is an incredible town, but nearly impossible to navigate unless one’s a native (and I’m told even they get lost). It didn’t help that I broke my Garmin GPS when I was unloading the scooter at the airport in Orlando. The subway system here, which is the oldest in the nation, having been built in 1914, was more than adequate to help me get around Boston. I’ve probably done more walking this weekend than I’ve done in the past year. Harvard University is a gigantic place. There is history on every street corner.

I had the chance to help someone get their podcast into the iTunes Music Store. I passed out a number of my "QRCode" contact cards and received several business cards from others, which I hope to follow-up on once I’m safely back in Plant City. I had some great conversations and learned from many people here in Boston. I had the chance to hear people like C. C. Chapman and Chris Brogan in person, and got to feel the excitement for myself, even if I didn’t have the courage to step up and shake their hands face-to-face.

Thanks to Stephen Sherlock and Michelle "Chel Pixie" Wolverton, who donated to help cover some of my costs (their combined contributions paid for my Podcamp Boston registration and part of what I needed for the trip). The trip is a long way from fully paid for, but I’ll deal with that as the bills arrive. Chel also went out of her way Friday night at the preparty to help me feel welcome, and I sincerely appreciate that. I’ve gained new knowledge, new contacts, and a new friend or two along the way.

I kind of wish I could take you all back to Florida with me.

It’s about time to shut down and pack up the laptop and head to my gate. Thanks again to everybody at Harvard and the Podcamp Boston team for making my stay here in Beantown an enjoyable experience.