Oh, my gosh! Just a few more days until...

...until I leave for New York and the Highlights Foundation writer's conference at Chautauqua, New York.

My mind has been whirling for the last couple of weeks. I keep making mental lists, but because I don't make a physical list, my mind keeps buzzing with the same information over and over and over. Like, what should I wear? Do I have enough clothes, even (for 8 days)? What things do I need to take - bug spray, mini-fan (I've been told the weather is hot), cell phone charger, computer, etc.

What about my mentor? Will he like my story? What great suggestions is he going to make? I feel intimidated by the credentials he possesses. I meet with him two times, for an hour each time, during the week.

The conference center is large. Will I be able to get around okay? Will I meet people okay, or will I be shy? What does one say to people they've never met before. I'm sure that once I get there, these things will resolve themselves, but until then, I worry.

Then there are the break-out sessions: three sessions every afternoon. That's fifteen sessions right there! Did I choose the right ones?

I don't know what kind of meetings will having in the morning, and there are cultural events happening in the evening.

So it all sounds great, doesn't it? I plan on learning a lot, meeting some great folks, and having a wonderful experience. After all, for me, this seems like the experience of a lifetime, so I'm thrilled...and nervous!