Scary stuff I've handled the heck out of this week

[NoraB]

Nice work, Blue!

[BlueIris]

I downloaded his screenreader to try and get used to it myself, but had to uninstall after I couldn't switch it off Have now found the off switch, so will reinstall later on today.

[BlueIris]

Okay, gang, could I have some emotional support, please?

Tomorrow I'm chaperoning a bunch of students on a minibus down to London, to the biggest educational tech show in the UK. I really, really want to go, but such a long day with no control about travel times is kind of terrifying, especially when the crowds are factored in.

I've got this, right?

[Darksky]

Of course you have. You handle stuff that would make a lot of us quake..me included.

Youre going through anticipatory anxiety right now. We know it’s the pits and is very often far worse that the actual event.

The fact the you really want to go will get you through it. Focus on the students, the sights and the show. Deep breaths. You’ll come back on here saying, yes it was a bit scary but I actually nailed it!!!

Go get it

[Carnation]

You go girl
Whereabouts in London? If you can say.

[BlueIris]

The ExCel arena. It's huge, but I've found out about a tiny community cafe right next to it where I can go for a breather if I need.

Darksky, you're so kind, too

[pulisa]

Is there a schedule for the day? Something visual you can refer to so that you can break the day down into chunks? How many students are going and are you supervising a group of them?Can you find out about travel times so that there are no "surprises" tomorrow?

[Carnation]

That's what I was basically going to look up for you.
I'm also looking at the positives. It's going to be a fine day tomorrow, you will not be alone, you will definitely be distracted. You know you are capable and you know we are here for you if you need support beforehand, during and after. x

[BlueIris]

I've set myself up with a schedule, I'll be pinged every time there's a session I want to attend. I've also got a list of exhibitors I want to speak to, and I'm going to be colour-coding the entries according which rooms they're in so I won't be wandering around aimlessly.

Don't think there'll be that many students, they're older teens (16-18?) and I'll only have to keep an eye on them while their teacher's speaking on a couple of panels - she's very well-known within her field. We're taking a minibus, so my only worry is being in the right place at the right time.

My boss has asked me to make some videos, which scared me initially but then she admitted it was just a random thought. By that time I'd actually done some prep and research, and I may actually make some anyway.

Can't plan this one to within an inch of my life, unfortunately, I'll just have to take some deep breaths, float on by and ignore the nagging voices about bombings, bus crashes and the like.

[BlueIris]

By the way, y'all are awesome, in case you needed to hear that today.