My first SXSW

March 30, 2019March 31, 2019 - Mel

Going to SXSW was on my 30s Life List (aka Bucket List), which I had basically thrown out the window because, um… I’m now in my 40s. BUT I finally had an opportunity to spend four days in Austin, Texas for the infamous SXSW conference.

SXSW 2019

Being that it’s my first time visiting for the conference (my second time in Austin), I don’t really have a lot of “advice” for doing your first SXSW. I can tell you some of the things I enjoyed and would likely do more of in the future. Because, yes, I am DEFINITELY going back! We had an unfortunate series of flight delays and reroutes that had us landing in Austin around midnight – causing us to miss the entirety of the first day we planned to get there, settle in, get our access badges before the conference started, and meet up with friends. It ended up feeling like a long weekend, which felt like both long enough and not enough time at all.

SXSW Austin conference

I should probably state this before getting super into my experience that I am the type of human who LOVES conferences. If I ever have the opportunity to travel for one, even better. Love of Learning is my top character strength, and SXSW sincerely brings value if you want to learn about something new. Technology is my jam. I don’t work in the industry – but there are events and sessions at SXSW geared toward both the industry professional to the novice nerd who is obsessed with the intersection of wearable tech and sports industries (hello, I’m a sport psych student!). There is so much to interact with!

SXSW LG interactive sign language wall

And this is the kind of conference where you could make it what you wanted. SXSW is both a conference and a series of festivals. If I return, I would like to take part in either the film or music festivals. Unfortunately, since I was there during the first weekend, the music festival wasn’t to start until the following week.

SXSW houses rainey street austin

Being there on Day 1 of the conference allowed us to explore some of the SXSW Houses on Rainey Street – before many of them closed for private parties and before the bulk of the crowds came in for the weekend (I could never figure out how to get Twitter House access, whomp). I was initially freaking out a little bit about the possibility of crowds. Look, I like to socialize but I get overwhelmed pretty quickly at events with a lot of people. I was nervous about waiting in lines (yes, it will happen – but for the most part, they move quick!) and being crammed into spaces with people only looking to gain entry for free booze (have money, will travel to the next place without a line where I can purchase my own, thankyouverymuch). Whatever your method of self-care is – meditation (we did that at the lululemon sweat house!), naps, eating a bunch of street tacos… make space to recharge.

SWSW lululemon sweat house

We also had an access badge that provided a quiet retreat (and guaranteed entry) from the crowds. Admittedly, our group was having a BLAST and we hit the day-long party opportunities often. And honestly? That is something I would definitely do differently when I go back.

SXSW austin happy hour

For the most part, we started our days at a big session – the first day was Jonah Peretti of Buzzfeed (his session was #presentationgoals), the second day was a session with Malcolm Gladwell about autonomous cars. For the follow-up sessions of our day, our group split up.

SXSW jonah peretti session gifs

I was really interested in the women in sports sessions – I found one that had the executive director of roller derby on it! And another with women athletes talking about their experiences as being part of The Body Issue of Sports Illustrated (the editor was also on the panel!). I was super bummed that I didn’t know about the earlier WWE sessions of the day until I arrived at the conference space (WWE also had some really interesting topics surrounding women in sports entertainment). Hey, at least I got to GIF myself with the championship belt!

Collectively, we seemed to tap out at 3 sessions and then sought entertainment (and food… and some of us, naps). Despite not being there for the music portion of the festival, we saw awesome live music every night! (I mean, it IS Austin.)

SXSW drink vouchers

So, yes, on to my “advice”…
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. I cannot emphasize that enough. If you’re not walking, you’re taking super awesome (and convenient!) scooters all over the place. I was partial to Lime. I would also recommend a backpack if a) you enjoy taking scooters everywhere and b) you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to return to the hotel room in between every session and c) you are also the person who seems to pick up swag everywhere you go, and d) duh, hands-free to play with all the interactive stuff! Also, bring a refillable water bottle, please?

SXSW Lime scooters austin

Our trip allowed us both to experience the conference and explore a bit of the Austin hangs. Late nights and early mornings… man, it takes a special person to do that for a 10-day conference. Have you ever been to SXSW? What advice would you give to someone attending for their first time?

SXSW LG interactive

Weekly Therapy: Jetting forward and lagging behind

January 22, 2016 - Mel

the week:
Well, I am positively exhausted. And I missed out on both Sunday Lately posts with my Blogger Tribe and am holding off on my Accountability Monday post until next week because… well, because last week’s training blog didn’t deserve its own post.

I’m catching up but now saddled with some extra, stressful shit on the homefront. SIGH. Also, I think I still have jet lag pretty bad or residual physiological exhaustion from my travel anxiety.

weekend:
This Sunday is the 5th Annual Yoga Expo at Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip District. I honestly don’t remember how I found out about this event (or remember even paying for it), but I did! My participation depends on the weather/driving conditions and if I can get a long run in on Saturday instead.

We’re also visiting A BABY – and dropping off some homemade food to friends (parents of said newborn). Pending the seriousness of this incoming storm, we’ll likely enjoy some beverages with some neighbor friends.

seven things, seven days:
1. Not a lot about myself this week, but the rest of the Internet made up for it!
2. That said, I’m having lunch at Smallman Galley today and OH LOOK AT ALL THOSE GF OPTIONS! What an awesome project this is, btw.
3. Well, here’s a different perspective on procrastination. {via NYT}
4. Oooooh “hunger [as] a motivated state of mind”. What say you? {via Aeon}
5. Research on boredom – I want to read more about its effect on performance. Boredom as related to performance psychology (and its counterparts, apathy and burnout) are particularly interesting to me, and what I hope to study when I go back to pursue my graduate degree. {via Nature}
6. Got stress? You should be paying attention to your body. Includes interesting research, too, about resilience. {via NYT}
7. Have you ever ghosted your therapist? {via Psychology Today}

Weekly Therapy: Setting intentions to LISTEN.

August 14, 2015 - Mel

the week:
Um, guys? I’m so bored! hahahahahah

But seriously, my week started off with a confirmed broken pinky (chip fracture). And after a couple days off (and one serious day of pain and crankiness), I feel better. A little emotionally drained but better. I went back to run//yoga Wednesday night too, and aside from not doing any floats or crazy inversions, yoga seemed OK for my finger. I definitely had to listen to my body a lot in this practice to be conscious of where I placed my weight. Kind of a welcome change in pace for me.

weekend:
Podcamp PGH X! My intention this year is to learn all that I can about podcasting. I think it might be something I want to dip into this year.

We were also asked to include our garden/courtyard in a strolling poetry reading throughout our neighborhood, in a collaboration with City of Asylum. Each reading is from a specific poet who wrote about the individual gardens in which they are presenting. The collective experience sounded amazing to be a part of, and the boyfriend has been tirelessly prepping the garden (while I write out to-do lists and requests, of course).

52 books in 52 weeks:
Finally finished a book (decided to put the other one to the side, temporarily), which leaves me a couple books behind on my goal, but I have nothing but time to make it up!
#28: The Connection Algorithm: Take Risks, Defy the Status Quo, and Live Your Passions
I was able to finish this book quickly, and there were a few life-affirming gems within it — but I felt the content skewed more towards tech/entrepreneurs and their livelihoods. Interesting read though!

seven things, seven days:
1. Ice wine chocolate, yeah. I just realized today too that maybe these aren’t appropriate for the office?
2. Also, we brought home three bottles of ice wine from duty free.
3. We have approved “jeans day” for the duration of August at work (however, those dang August temperatures aren’t very denim-friendly). I’d like to have Yoga Pants August, please.
4. Would you be surprised that I filled every single night of my week with socializing? (If you saw my face right now, you would *know* that I overdid it.)
5. First post-degree-completion meltdown: CHECK!
6. Why telling kids to dream big is a BIG FAT LIE {via aeon}
7. How my therapist gave me the best career advice {via The Financial Diet}

Vacation flashback: LA to Phoenix road trip

June 19, 2013 - Mel

road trip from LA to Phoenix

On road trips, I usually drive. One, because I get extremely car sick; two, because I generally hate being a passenger (thanks anxiety!). I don’t know if it was the car or the scenery or my general well-being, but I didn’t not get motion sickness on the entire trip around Southern California and Arizona. I also never got to drive our awesome rental car. Alas, not driving provided me the opportunity to really take in my surroundings. These were taken during the final leg of our adventure — driving from Los Angeles to Phoenix to visit my siblings for a couple days before heading back home.

Just… beautiful.

Also, that bottom picture with our shadows? Totally getting it framed.

Group Therapy: I’m blogging for Mental Health #mhblogday

May 15, 2013 - Mel

Mental health is the foundation of our thoughts, feelings, self-esteem and behaviors and how each (or all) affect our life. Having good mental health provides a feeling of general well-being, helping you make better decisions and coping with everyday stressors. Sometimes, you may need assistance from a professional to take care of mental health — especially if emotions or problems seem beyond your control. I have a family history of (mostly undiagnosed) mental illness and have been personally treated for my own anxiety issues (a cluster of social anxiety, agoraphobia, OCD and panic disorder).

Being open about mental health can often lead to even more anxiety because of the stigma, rejection and lack of empathy or understanding for those of us living with mental health issues. Before you judge, educate yourself.

Some mental health facts:
– One in four Americans experiences a mental health disorder every year, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.
– Chronic stress can affect both our physical and psychological well-being by causing a variety of problems including anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.
– Research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior finds that 68 percent of Americans do not want someone with a mental illness marrying into their family and 58 percent do not want people with mental illness in their workplaces.

Congress designated May as Mental Health Month in 1949 to illustrate the importance of mental health issues to the overall health and well-being of American citizens. Each year, bloggers will join APA for a Mental Health Month Blog Day to educate the public about mental health, decrease stigma about mental illness, and discuss strategies for making lasting lifestyle and behavior changes that promote overall health and wellness.

Stop the stigma of mental health disorders — and don’t hesitate to get professional services if and when you need help.