N’Ahleans

It’s hard to believe the New Orleans weekend is already here.
We’re on Interstate 10 just west of Mobile. We left about an hour ago. This little blue Volkswagen Jetta is running smoothly; trucking along I-10.
We’re staying at the JW Marriott on Canal Street. Canal Street is apparently the heart of New Orleans. We’re staying (literally) right next door from the hotel that is hosting the conference.
Oh yeah… Thats why I’m headed to NOLA It’s not a pleasure trip; well, it’s not intended to be. The Society of Professional Journalist and the RTDNA (Radio and Television Digital News Association) are co-hosting the 2011 Excellence in Journalism convention.
This could be the single most important thing I do this year. SPJ is THE organization for journalists, according to one of my professors from last semester. I can’t believe I’m going to a professional convention. Soledad O’Brien is hosting the opening “super session” tonight. This weekend will be the second time I have met her. Now I can even name-drop her friend Bina, whom I met while covering the Rick Scott inauguration. She works for CNN and CNN Español in Miami.
This convention could be my “big break.” We’ll see though; I don’t want to get my hopes too high and fall hard. If anything, this is my weekend away from school and away from all the stress that comes with anchoring, editing and managing three different media on campus.
Actually, I just texted Bina. She asked me to send Soledad her regards and tell her Bina is glad her knee is better.
I cannot believe I’m going to this convention. I really could not be happier with my life right now.
More updates to come from the convention.