This week, I’ll be attending a blogging conference, IzeaFest. The schedule is full of learning and networking experiences. Normally I’d be worried about being fatigued and not feeling well but after attending the Affiliate Summit I learned how to balance having a chronic illness and being a conference attendee.  Here are the Top Ten Tips To Get The Most Out of a Blog Conference When You Are Chronically Ill:

1. Rest Up the week before. Get yourself into a good sleeping pattern and even take some naps during the day so you can feel well rested before the conference.
2. Schedule Your Time at the conference. Go through the schedule provided including the speakers, events and parties. Prioritize what is most important for your needs. In case you need a break, you can take it during the least necessary events. Although being there in person is the perfect scenario, most conferences are available on video later so you can take advantage of viewing what you missed.
3. Eat Healthy Meals so that you are taking good care of yourself. If food is provided, take fruit or some other snacks with you. Also, remember to keep well hydrated.
4. Take Advantage of Breaks. If you are going to attend parties and other networking events, then use the allotted break times to either nap or just find a quiet place to close your eyes and it easy for a few minutes.
5. Take Your Medications on Time. Keep a timer to remind you to take your meds. I use the silent alarm clock on my cell phone. It can get so hectic that it’s easy to forget to take your prescriptions.
6. Find a Buddy. A buddy can take notes for you, pass out your business cards, let people know that you needed a break, etc.  There are many things that you can do in return – write a blog post about that person, mention their help on Social Networking forums, write a reference for them, etc.
7. Be Prepared to Miss Something. Even people who are healthy end up missing an event or even more. Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming. Travel problems may occur. Healthy people get sick too. There are many reasons. So don’t be disappointed if you don’t hear a speaker or attend an after party.
8. Take Lots of Photos. Keep your camera with you at all times and take photos of the people and happenings around you. Try to write down a short note about the photo so you’ll remember the details later. This will allow you to post about the conference later and create lots of memories.
9. Hand out Business Cards. Don’t push them on people, but after you start a conversation about the other person, ask them for their card, write down some notes on the back and then give them yours. If you can’t do a lot of networking, you can quickly introduce yourself, say that you need a break and really want to get to know them. Ask for theirs first again.
10. Relax and Enjoy! You’ve made it to the conference and that in itself is a big accomplishment. Have fun, meet new people, network and focus on the positives.

My advice for photos is to use an xshot so you can be in the photo too. Plus, using this camera extender will get people to notice you.

What a day it’s been. I hardly had any sleep the past few nights and my body was telling me that it’s time to slow it down, but I had already made plans to volunteer at my daughter’s school to help with the Christmas shop. This is a place where the children can buy presents for their family. The items don’t cost very much and the teachers and volunteers help to make sure that they are not overspending or buying for themselves.

Today was the first day and it wasn’t very busy, but we still had a few classes come in mainly to look at what was available. It wasn’t very hard work but I came in tired and left extra tired. I also had my support group scheduled but no one had said they were coming. I left a message at the church that I was across the street in case someone showed up.

I had a few errands to run after the school time. I had no choice but to do them. I knew if I went home I’d just fall asleep so it was better to move around. I busied myself until it was time to pick up my daughter from school and then I just drove over there and sat in the car in line. I felt myself falling asleep a few times, but thank goodness she was in the car very quickly.

My body was aching when I got home so I did some stretches to work out the kinks. It felt good to just let my muscles stretch out. After getting snacks for me and my daughter and helping her with some homework, I ended up taking a short nap.

I spent some time watching tv and relaxing tonight. I knew I did a lot of walking today so sitting was a good idea. Now I’m just going to work a little while longer and get that good night’s rest that I need.