BlogHer - The Recap (Part 1)

Unbelievably, I did manage to survive BlogHer11 - otherwise known as… three wild and crazy days of women bonding and acting like they are back in college. In a word: FUN! This was my first BlogHer Conference and I am so glad I went. Not only did I have the time of my life, I met the most amazing women and built up my blogging confidence. Well worth the price of admission.

BLOGHER - THE ROOMMATES

Let me just start by saying that BlogHer would have meant nothing to me without the three incredible women I shared a room with. While we have tweeted and emailed each other prior to meeting, none of us had ever met in real life. It’s always risky when you share a tiny hotel room for three days and nights with strangers, but from the moment we met… the word “stranger” never entered our vocabulary. I could not have chosen three better roommates if I tried.

Monica - it’s hard to put into words what you mean to me. You are the very definition of the term “true friend”. You are honest, compassionate and just plain fun. Remember that lump in your throat when I left on Sunday? I had it too. We MUST get together soon. Some way… some how. I love you.

Heather - from the moment I picked you up at the airport and heard that sweet little southern accent, I knew I would love you. It was a pleasure sharing this weekend with you and you are going places, girlfriend.

Suz - Suz Rocks! says it all. You are beautiful, skinny, smart, philanthropic, energetic, enigmatic… in other words, we all hate you. Kidding! We love you!!!! Is there anything you can’t do? You are definitely the one to take to a party. I think our next trip might be rock climbing with you in Colorado.

Ladies… you all mean the world to me. Thank you for making BlogHer such a memorable experience for me.

BLOGHER - THE PEOPLE

I am not the most outgoing person in the world. I know, it’s a shock isn’t it? I don’t go up to people and say Hi… I don’t like to introduce myself and I get very intimidated when I see a “big time” blogger. But… this was probably the only chance I would have to meet some of my favorite bloggers and I didn’t want to kick myself the next day for NOT meeting them.

Scary Mommy - Believe it or not, she isn’t a bit scary. She is perfectly lovely. I would never have had the nerve to talk to her but we just happened to be passing through the hotel lobby and she was standing there… alone. Bingo! I sucked up my courage and said hello. Jill Smokler is honestly one of the first people I followed when I entered the blogging/tweeting world and I love her just as much today as I did back then. I had to have a picture of the two of us or else I wouldn’t have believed it ever happened.

Stay at Home Babe - I had seen Lerner from a distance and just never really had the opportunity to go up to her to say hello. Lerner came all the way from England so it wasn’t like I was ever going to get another chance to meet her. Finally, at the Aiming Low party I got to say Hi. What struck me is how incredibly beautiful she is in person. Her online photos are beautiful but they do her no justice. And she was incredibly nice… so glad I had the chance to meet her.

All Things Fadra - I apologize profusely for pronouncing your name wrong… not once, but twice. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. I’m an idiot, I know. Fadra, you are the nicest person and thank you for coming up to ME and saying Hi. I might have just stalked you around San Diego before I got up the nerve to say hello.

The Next Martha - OMG this woman is hysterical. Love her! I kept running into her (you know, the party animal that I am) and honestly, I don’t know if I ever really introduced myself but if you don’t follow her… you really must.

Miss Britt - Besides being so cute and tiny, Britt was another blogger who I felt a little intimated speaking too. I shouldn’t have. She was wonderful. I gushed… told her I was following her adventure across the U.S. in an RV with her family (I have read every blog post). Wish I could have talked to her more, but oh well…

ITSmallMoments - So so glad I finally was able to meet Nichole. Took three days but we finally caught up at the last party on Saturday night. Let me know the next time you plan a Napa weekend… I’ll be there.

The Blogging Angels - I don’t even know where to begin with these women. I was so fortunate to be invited to attend a breakfast they had on Saturday morning. Amy (SelfishMom) was one of the first people I followed as well and it felt like I was getting to meet my big celebrity crush. Okay, Amy IS my big celebrity crush. The best part is, I know she’ll see this and wonder why on earth I would feel that way about her… she is so damn nice… and humble… and down to earth… and nice. Nancy Friedman (From Hip to Housewife) - I love you. You don’t even know what it meant that you actually knew ME. Little old ME. And Rebecca (Beccarama) and Heidi (Coast 2 Coast Mom), my only regret is that I couldn’t just sit and talk to you 4 ladies for hours and hours. Being included was a huge boost to my confidence and I thank you all for giving me that.

BLOGHER - HIGHLIGHTS

If you missed the BlogHer Flash Mob singing to Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” on Friday, you missed ME! That’s right… I was a part of the conspiracy and loved every minute of it. Thank you Theresa and Mary for letting me be a part of your Bucket List.

Meeting the Blogging Angels was HUGE for me (I know, I’m gushing about them way too much). Seriously… follow them, listen to their podcasts and you will totally understand why they are my blogging mentors.

Dinner at La Puerta on Saturday night with my roomies was a blast. It was nice to get away from the craziness of the hotel and convention center and just get to kibbitz over great Mexican food and Margaritas.

Ford Family Day on Sunday was lots of fun. The kids had a great time with all the crafts and Mommy and Daddy had fun driving the cars. Ford… if you are out there we are definitely in the market to purchase a car. Call me… I might just sell my soul to work with you guys. (Hint: the Flex Turbo Boost in red with the black top.)

Seeing my family at the end of it all. While I had the most amazing time in San Diego… I was ready to go home by Sunday. There is only so much fun this 45 year old body can take.