My Whole Expanse I Cannot See…

I formulate infinity stored deep inside of me…

Jan 18

TweetUp 1.0

Category: Life

I’m kind of on a quest to be more social. I mean, I’m friendly, outgoing, not socially awkward, but I want to be able to go somewhere without my computer and be able to meet new people. Sometimes, I need a break from typing. It’s been just about two years without old-school talking, yet I still feel awkward sometimes talking to people with the alphabet, especially trying to meet new people. I want to change that, I want to feel less lonely in a crowd.

So, just for kicks, I dragged my friend, Sarah, and my assistant, Sarah, to a TweetUp at Tampa’s MOSI (museum of science and industry). A TweetUp is a gathering of Twitter users who often belong to a specific group. Last night’s get-together was for members of tampabloggers.com. I’d never been to a TweetUp before, and neither Sarah had ever used Twitter, so none of us had any idea what to expect from the evening. It was definitely an interesting experience.

There was a room full of people, all rather friendly, all seemingly familiar with one another from previous TweetUps. My little trio were definitely the “outsiders,” not quite so hardcore into the “Twitter lifestyle.” I mean, technology’s obviously really important to me. Back in the day I was quite into technology conferences and what-not, and I did enjoy much of it, yet deep down it never felt like “me.” I think I got so into tech culture because it was easy, it made sense to everybody. Yet, the me that I am today feels right and honest. I love my black nail-polish, my piercings, my fourteen tattoos, my dark books and music, the way I write. I’m home at goth clubs, dive bars, coffee shops, talking with other writers. I know technology so well because I require it, not necessarily because I love it. These things really kind of hit me last night, I saw how much I used to pretend to be someone else.

Still, I did like the people, I do want to go again. It’s good sometimes to be “out of your element.” I had a couple of short, but decent spontaneous conversations. I need to get better at introducing myself to people, rather than always waiting for people to come to me. Not being able to “talk” is still difficult for me in group situations. MOSI has a huge domed IMAX theater, at the top is an outdoor terrace, we hiked our way in the cold to gaze upon the majesty that is Tampa. I didn’t really care for the cityscape, but the sky was absolutely clear and gorgeous.

Now, pictures…

Me and Sarah, TweetingUp.

Me and Sarah, TweetingUp.

 

Sparkle Hat Guy.

Sparkle Hat Guy.

 

Whole expanse.

Whole expanse.

Oh, and for those new to the blog, I type it all by myself, really.

5 comments

5 Comments so far

  1. Philip Dhingra January 19th, 2009 12:19 am

    I really like this post. And I’ll leave it at that.

  2. Jeff January 19th, 2009 2:57 am

    I’m jealous… I wish we had such interesting things in Detroit.

  3. Evie January 19th, 2009 9:17 am

    Most awesome and excellent WOW and ALL RIGHT!!! I know how you feel with introducing of ones self … words are SOOOOOO much easier when we are able to write them down and backspace when needed 🙂

    I am looking forward to future TampaBlogger TweetUps – I didn’t become aware of this one until the evening it was happening 🙁 But I am aware to watch for future ones now 🙂

    2emc on Twitter ~ May your week be one of awesome WOW 🙂
    Evie (the evil Evelyn)

  4. Jenn January 19th, 2009 5:31 pm

    Wow, I need to see if they have TweetUps in my area. Sounds like fun!

  5. Tomika Baker January 27th, 2009 9:06 am

    Hi. I envy u. You have my respect to the upmost… As a person in your condition you dont let anything or anyone get you down and that is powerful. Keep your head up and may GOD give you strengh.