Sorry for missing a post yesterday.I promise I will more than make up for it by week’s end.

All yesterday was spent packing and prepping.I won’t bore you with the details of that, but just pass along one word of advice- you should never be far from a lint roller or Downy Wrinkle Release when traveling with dress clothes.Unfortunately I remembered that after my Wrinkle Release ran out.

Driving up here today there was a lot to think about, and more than enough time to think about it with just me, the radio and sprawling green hills between Jax and Charlotte.Over and over again I mapped out an idea of just how I would cover the week, how I would tweet, blog, etc.But the best things you find are often ones uncovered when you go off-script.I had many of those moments today.

Granted, being in journalism means it is not difficult for me to try to strike up a conversation with someone I don’t know.When I cover the big events though, people are not just willing to answer but really have a conversation.

The first instance was with two ladies volunteering for the convention.We were all waiting for the LYNX (the light rail train here that was really convenient and what I will rely on all week).They were wearing polos and buttons and lanyards, so I figured it was safe to strike up a conversation about the DNC and the first thing they did was see the call letters on my shirt and say they had been warned to be wary of the media.(Thanks, volunteer trainers.)After convincing them that I was not trying to sneak in anywhere or badger them for an interview (yet) they opened up about where they were from, their excitement, and even choice of shoes.

When we got off the train I headed to the hotel where the Florida delegation is staying so I can get the lay of the land for the rest of the week, and they went off to their checkpoint- hopefully with a better impression of my profession.

Then I ran around for a while and, around 2 PM, realized I hadn’t eaten since 5:30 AM when I hit the road, so I stepped in to Panera.There was a man standing in front of me who wasn’t as obviously here for the convention (it’s easy to forget people just live here because of all the security and credentialing, etc), but we eventually started talking anyways.Neither of us had a lunch buddy, so I spent some time getting to know a part time producer/part time aluminum rep/part time a few other things guy from DC and avoid that awkward feeling of looking through my Twitter feed on my phone for the 500^th time while eating so I don’t feel like people are staring at me for being alone.

After covering a march/protest and picking up my credentials (and finally getting to meet Jamie Dupree who is also following the convention for WOKV), I headed back to my room and, after a little work, went to grab dinner.

I wound up at a Firehouse Subs- I know, I’m not really an adventurer when it comes to food, remember I’m a vegetarian so experimenting is tricky.There were paper boxes laid out on several long tables and many more that hadn’t yet been opened.At the counter was a cluster of managers and the sandwich makers/associates were hard at work behind the counter.

Again, I’m a little curious/nosy, so I asked the associate if the sandwiches were going to the convention.The answer was that, and more.

13,000 sandwiches in total going to the convention for the National Guard and other service organizations.She told me the managers hadn’t slept for three days trying to put the order together.I then overheard the managers say the business was nice, but it was tough.Nonetheless, they were working as hard as ever and trooping through- although the associate was relieved they had only ordered cold sandwiches.

I like telling these little side stories because, I think it helps put the big picture stories in perspective and lifts up a curtain so to speak.Maybe it’ll also encourage you to ask some of these questions and find some stories of your own.