Computers in Libraries 2011

I just got back yesterday from my first Computers in Libraries conference in Washington, DC. OH MY GOSH. Best conference ever. I had such a great time and learned so much! I got to learn about all sorts of great searching tricks, and ways to add value to my work. I talked to some great people, and overall was just very inspired by the youthful enthusiasm I observed. So much of library talk these days is "doom and gloom," so it was great to be in a place where people are passionate about what they can do for their customers. And the focus was very much on things that CAN be done, not things that CAN'T be done. I was exposed to some phenomenal speakers, including *but not limited to* Stephen Abram, Lee Rainie, and the Librarian in Black. I left the conference feeling so rejuvenated, and I wasn't even all that demoralized before I started, so that is really saying something!
I bailed on the last 2 or 3 sessions of the conference because I had to be out of my hotel room anyways, so at lunch break I hit the metro and worked my way towards the National Zoo. It was so amazing! It was *free* and I got to see some spectacular animals. One of my favorite exhibits was of the lions, because the National Zoo recently got some new lion cubs, and they were all out playing when I was there. 2 adult females, 1 adult male, and 5? 6? 7? cubs... Who knows how many they were. Usually when I see big cats at the zoo, they are laying down or pacing, but these were so active. It was cool and humid outside, but all the kids were still in school, so I almost had the lions all to myself! I got some great pictures and video. There were other cool animals, but I digress.
After the National Zoo, I went to the National Cathedral, which was beautiful. I didn't get to spend long enough there because I was anxious about finding the metro again, and my feet were starting to hurt from all the walking. I made my way back to the metro and then to the airport, where I ate and bought a good book. Thank goodness I bought a good book, cause my flight got delayed about 2 hours. I landed in Knoxville ~12:15 this morning, and got to bed around 1. So I am sleepy, but I'm on an information high.
I hope I can go back to CIL sometime. I understand that budgetary constraints might keep me from going next year, but maybe in a couple years I can go back. Maybe I can even present there one day! Whatever the case, I definitely need to get the hubby to go with me to DX sometime. We might even try the MegaBus! OK, duty calls.