Relevant - The Plan

Have you ever wanted something so much, but then you couldn’t have it?  In 2010, I planned for it but didn’t get to go to the Relevant Conference in Harrisburg, PA, partly due to health reasons.  Not going was a complete bummer but ended up being okay with me as I knew it was part of God’s timing for me to wait and heal. {Which I did, thank you Jesus!}  Waiting can be a drag sometimes but so worth it in the end, especially when good things follow close behind.  Like the Relevant ’11 Conference.

This year Relevant’11 is already on my horizon.  Even though my inner ear is better, I still cannot fly so I’ll be driving.  But I won’t be going alone…my daughter, Catz, is coming along!  We already have our tickets to the conference and now we have lots of planning ahead for sponsors, blogging, and traveling there and back.  

So why am I bringing my daughter?  Well, for two reasons: first, she fits the description of who this conference is meant for, a “blogging Christian woman,” quite well and is possibly the youngest one who will be attending…who can type. {grin} Going to the conference will give her the golden opportunity to meet and hear from other women about how they juggle blogging, raising a family, and serving Jesus Christ.  What a benefit this will be for her now before life gets busier.  She’ll also get to make connections with those women who focus on niches she loves {handmade, photography} to give her an idea on how to best handle her future Etsy shop.

And the other reason?  Catz is a lot of fun!  The relationship she and I share has developed because of intentional parenting.  I know, the word “intentional” has been hugely popular over the past few years, but I’m not jumping on any pop-culture bandwagon here.  Being deliberate as a mom has made a vast difference in my family, and this trip is one way for Catz and I to celebrate that mother-daughter bond.  And are we excited!!

So far our brainstorming sessions have made for great ideas and awesome snack opportunities.  {Psst! Cue the dancing cupcake.} While we munched on these incredible chocolate bits of heaven, my girl and I came up with an enormous list of projects we’d like to do in prep for our trip.  Here’s a handful:

• sew some necessary accessories {makeup bags, iPad case, iPhone pouches, giveaway bags, pj’s}
• have stationary goods made {business cards, labels, etc.}
• plan out roadtrip visits on our drive from Orlando to Harrisburg and back {burger shacks, bakeries, fun family spots, Chik-Fil-A, Cracker Barrel, Washington D.C., etc.)
• plan suggest someone else plan a get-together with any early arrivals at the hotel {Something chocolate related sounds fun!}
• complete redesign of our blogs and move to Wordpress {by June 1^st, hopefully}
• find and woo sponsors {C’mon, you know you’re out there!}
• secure a car for the trip {Ford? Chevy? Any takers?}
• craft a surprise for each attendee

Yes, we have quite a list here, but there are 23 weeks left before Relevant ’11…and I love a challenge!  But I’d also like to know what my sister-conference-goers are doing to prepare for their trip.  Will you be flying or driving? What are your plans before you leave? Will anyone be traveling with you?  Are you selling any handmade items to raise travel funds? Who are your roomies?  How are you biblically preparing your heart for this event?

I can think of a zillion more questions, but what I’d love more is to read what you ladies are up to!  Wouldn’t it be fun to share our plans?  I think so. So starting today and over the next 23 weeks I’ll be hosting a Relevant link-up every Thursday!! {This is not sponsored by the the hosts of the Relevant Conference.} Just attach the url of your Relevant-related post to the linky at the bottom of my post.  You can link up as often or as little as you like.  And please be sure to visit some of the other girls' links and leave some comment love.