FF takes on the SRLC

I think I am finally recovered from the whirlwind that was the SRLC in Memphis. I had never been to anything like that before, but I learned a lot, listened to many great speakers, and had a great deal of fun in the process. Republicans know how to throw a great party. Thanks to all of those who encouraged me to go.

Now, because I was unsure of what I would do with all of my time coupled with my ADD tendencies, I decided to volunteer. This was perhaps the best choice I made because I got to know lots of people from the county party. What a mix of personalities! My job was in the volunteer center a.k.a Gossip Central. I also managed to get a great deal of knitting accomplished. (I finally finished Aleah's scarf!)

Here is a rather windblown pic of me volunteering and knitting on Friday. Drew held a happy hour YR gathering at the Flying Saucer, and it was great to see Brock and Chris attend. I did manage to make it to the speeches on Friday night, where we heard Marsha Blackburn, Haley Barbour, J.C. Watts, and John McCain speak. I personally liked J.C. Watts the best. He would make a great vice president or something. I really admire people who found success despite huge obstacles. John McCain told a great story about when he was a POW and a fellow prisoner sewed an american flag on the inside of his shirt. Every night they would pledge allegiance to the flag in their cell. One night the prisoner who made the flag was beaten, and the shirt was burned. Later that night, the guy started sewing another flag into his new shirt because he knew what it meant to his fellow prisoners. McCain was very conversational and easy with the crowd.

Thursday night, my old friend Adam came to town for the conference. He had a rather interesting Memphis experience on Friday night, and I hope that it didn't turn him off to the city. He met some friends from Knoxville and hung around with them mostly, but we still had a bit of time to catch up. Saturday night, he managed to drag me out on Beale St. where we went to Pat O'Briens. If you want the rundown on what the speakers said, I suggest you visit his blog.



Saturday was the big day for Tennesseans. I skipped the morning session because at that point I was majorly exhausted. I did help volunteer a bit and poked some fun at the three protesters who were across the street. Then I went to the Rendezvous where Frist hosted a luncheon for all Tennesseans. I love ribs! I came back and voted in the SRLC Straw Poll put on by the National Journal's Hotline. The afternoon was a flurry of me running around the Peabody with friends attending different receptions and YR meetings. I signed Brian's petition, and met my parents after the Tigers game. Saturday night included a huge gala bash complete with Ruby Wilson in a red leather dress and Gov. Huckabee playing some Memphis favorites.

Sunday, Adam and I had lunch with fellow YR and friend Don and then I came home and totally crashed.