Well I've had a very hectic month - some amazing things happening -announcements in the next couple of weeks of some of the things which are relevant to DNN community members.

I booked my ticket - it was a stretch - by the time I get there and back, including accomodation, it's the best part of 4,500 - 5,000 but worth the stretch.  I'm arriving in the US 9th March and have booked to stay until 20th March - but may extend the stay depending on the different things I have to coordinate.

I attended the MVP webcast held by Brian Bostin last week and was very excited to hear about how it's all organised and put together. Regardless of what anyone may think about Microsoft - eg.. they do get some flack from so many people from time to time, I can't say enough about how excited I am that Microsoft values the efforts others put into the community and their contributions - which makes everything go round I guess.

I've been quiet on the public front since being removed from the core team doesn't really inspire me to support the forums but to focus on my own dnn community which amazingly is still growing at a faster rate than when I was spending 4 - 5 hours per day every day on dnn core work like testing and forum participation. It's been nearly 7 weeks since I was kicked off the core team, and will be putting my thoughts online about this before I go to Seattle, since I think there is alot to be said on the current direction of the DNN project, based on what I'm reading about in the forums.  But it's taken me this long to not be so upset about it - on a personal level and I guess that's just how I deal with things, but I will sharing a few 'home truths' about the reality of being part of the DNN Project.

Now, back to the exciting news about going to the MVP 2007 Summit - well... I learnt about the weather, the way it will work and OMG - the early starts... 6.30 am to get the bus ... I wonder how much sleep people get? I'm suspicious... and of course on the lists, I'm reading about the 'participation' on another level to show your talents ... I think I'd have to have so much to drink before I'd consider that - believe me I'm not one to draw attention to my self on purpose but I sense there are some closet 'party animals' who will be enjoying this event to the max.

I hope to be able to write some blogs about this while I'm away.  Currently I'm wondering about getting another credit card so I can get me a new laptop.. I confess, I have a 2000 model Toshiba.. it's an official boat anchor - but still works, and honestly it's never missed a beat. I have been very impressed, but feel that now, it would lead to embarrassment to take my celeron laptop anywhere.  But it's hard to justify getting a laptop just for this trip so I thought I'd get one that allows me to do more presentation and training, which I'm doing alot more of.

I was really impressed at the detail that Microsoft has gone to in making us all feel welcome and special and I attended an MVP get together in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago and the one thing I noted from all these people was the passion within their scope - from Office, through to SQL, through to WORD and OUTLOOK, they knew their specific areas inside out and are very happy to share the information.  It was exciting to speak with them about other things too.

On the work front I've been very busy getting some projects done / completed and of course - I've had to rebuild my network - which is still being done. I had a failure on my system which set me back a bit - but I guess I can't complain, 2 years without a format - what do you expect! I was happy to get that long.

So, if you're wanting to catch up with me while I'm the US drop me a line - I have a few things planned but also looking forward to a bit of a break ... like sleeping .. I think I could sleep for a week sometimes.

That's about it - I didn't realise I've not even written my thoughts down for so long and realised how fast time flies, but believe me -then next few weeks will be very cool. 

Nina Meiers