Thank God the Conference is over!

I was at a conference last week, and it was a really hectic week. As part of the Organising Committee we were constantly reminded to always smile and not answer a question with "Sorry, I don't know..." Throughout the conference, I had my "plastic" smile ready and (hopefully) with a friendly look ...i felt that i qualified to work as air stewardess after that! Good morning sir, madam, prof, doc ....can i help you? yea...i'll show you to your seat ...or, i'll be back in a moment and get the booklet for you ....no, sir you cannot present your paper today because your were supposed to present yours yesterday ...hahahaha ...a bit hard to maintain a perfect (albeit fake!) smile when you are facing funny and silly requests most of the times. Yeah, it is an international conference and the participants also have different requests - although most of them are really sweet and endearing, but there are a whole lot who are just plain demanding, bossy and with an attitude to match! Granted that they are the leaders in their own professions, but still, a little bit of politeness can go a long way!

I also had the chance to catch up with old friends at the Conference - Asmah flew all the way from Melbourne to present her paper, and Wan the jejaka few from KL for the same purpose. Sadly, the new mummy couldn't make it - we miss her!!! Plus there were other people whom I have met in previous conference in Samarinda as well as previous colleagues. All in all, it was a great conference - my paper was presented on Wed 6th August - with lively discussion afterwards, initiated by the Dean himself! I was so nervous before that but thank god, things went on smoothly ...though, on hindsight, I should be more prepared!