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Thursday 13 March 2008

I'm the Quiet One in the Corner

I tend to be something of a homebody. There are few places I like to be better and very few places where I feel as comfortable. Despite the many efforts I've made over the years, I just can't seem to become the outgoing people person I sometimes wish I was. My husband encourages me to be involved in the community, partly because we both believe it's important to give back to the place we love, but also because if he doesn't give my those gentle nudges, I'd be quite content to stay deep in the shadows where no one can see me.

Just recently, a neighbor invited to me to become involved with our public library board. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. The library is one of my favorite places and I am excited at the chance to help in that area. I'm still getting to know the job, but I enjoy the meetings and the people I get to work with.

I also serve on our elementary school parent council. This is the second time I've taken part in this group. I love going to the meetings and knowing what is going on in the school (because my daughter never remembers to tell me anything). One of my favorite people on the council is the principal. I love her optimism and rosy outlook. If I hadn't served in this capacity, I never would have gotten to know her.

Both of these groups work hard to make things better in our community and I love being a part of that. Unfortunately, I'm too quiet most of the time and don't tend to speak up a whole lot when I am in a large group, so I don't get to know the people there as well as I could. (Although, one-on-one, I could talk your ear off.)

In March 2007, I attended the LDStorymakers conference for the first time. Last year I just stuck the tip of my big toe into the conference pond. I'm not exactly the dive in type of person, but this year that's what I want to do. There are so many people I would like to put faces to and even a distant cousin I want to meet.

Most likely my quiet nature will take over and I'll have a hard time going up to people and saying hi, but I'm working on getting past that. Hopefully I'll come home with many memories of new friends and a camera full of pictures to show the family. But if any of you are attending the conference and see a quiet person in the corner, come on over and say hi. Sometimes the quiet people just need a little push.

5 comments:

Laurie said...

I think it is great that you are attending LDStorymakers! I am so much like you, I've ALMOST attending several SCBWI conferences! But I always chicken out at the last moment. Be brave - you can do it!

C. Michelle Jefferies said...

You can sit with me and my BF at the back. :)
Michelle

Marcia Mickelson said...

I'm very much the same way. This is my first year coming to the conference and I completely feel like you do. I'll come say 'hi' for sure.

Unknown said...

Come find me! Boot Camp and the Internet Marketing Class. (In charge, with Tristi, of Boot Camp and she and I are teaching the internet marketing class.) Can't wait to see you!

Sheila said...

Hi stephanie. I just made myself a blog. It is sheilahatch@blogspot.com

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