I have never been able to attend HiveFest. At first, I thought that I was too new to join. I didn't know anyone and being as awkward as I am I didn't feel comfortable just approaching people and introducing myself. Then it was either too far away or I already had another plans for exact same days.
Every year, I regretted my decision not to go and told myself that next year I would do anything to join. But the vicious circle continued until now!
I'm coming to HiveFest this year!!!
Truth to be told, I was only planning to come in the evening to meet some people that I wished to meet in real life for such a long time. My mother-in-law is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and I was supposed to help her during these days, so I wouldn't be able to make it to the conference but as she lives only an hour away from Amsterdam I could still make it for some drinks. It's also a stressful period at work, so I didn't think that I could take a day off and attend the conference on Friday.
My plan was to come to the Netherlands on Sunday (week before HiveFest), work and help my mother-in-law, and drive to Amsterdam on Friday/Saturday.
Unfortunately, she is not handling her therapy very well, and therefore her oncologist postponed the next cycle by one week. She asked us not come this week as she needs to recover and feels that it's the best for her to be alone for some time. We accepted her decision even though we are concerned about her but suddenly I had a free weekend in mind!
The next day I gave it a shot and asked for a day off which was approved and my excitement started to grow. Is this really going to happen? Am I finally going to attend HiveFest? YES!!!
My husband will join me in Amsterdam as he has some friends there, so he can make his own plans. I purchased my ticket and we agreed that we will travel on Wednesday after work, I will work from the hotel on Thursday and then the fun can start!
I can't wait to meet people I've been interacting with since years! I'm also excited about the entire program of the conference, and now I'm even sure that I will get something to eat after I filled in the dietary form 🙂
If you see me at the conference, please come and say hi. It might be a bit awkward as I'm not so good at chitchat but it only takes me a few moments to get more comfortable, so don't be disappointed with me too early 🙂
I'm looking forward to meeting new people and spending an epic weekend in Amsterdam!
Cheers,
Martina