Now that I'm (almost) recovered from BlogHer, I figured it was about time that I wrote a complete recap of the weekend.
Obviously, I have to talk about my fabulous roommates first. They were honestly all I could have asked for and more. The day before I left, my dad said to me, "You're much braver than I am; I can't imagine rooming with complete strangers." This is coming from a man who has spent the majority of his adult life traveling to hundreds of foreign countries as a NSA employee without any qualms. My mother-in-law also said to me that she couldn't believe that I was doing this, probably in reference to my "in real life" shyness.
But to me, there was no bravery involved. Sure, I was a little nervous on Thursday morning when Jon dropped me off at the airport, but I really think those were more flying nerves than anything else. (Have I ever mentioned how much I hate to fly?) More than anything, I was so excited to meet everyone in person, to hear their laughter and see their smiles and to just say "Hello, so you're the person I've been reading and exchanging e-mails with all this time!" My roommates were genuine and funny and the type of girls that you would want in your closest circle of friends.
And the actual conference? There was inspiration everywhere. I think it took going to BlogHer to realize that there are all of these other women out there who love writing and sharing their lives as much as I do. And that? That makes me want to be a better writer. It makes me want to have more meaning behind these words and to make more of an impact with these words. And no, I'm not promising to be the best blogger you'll ever read, but I want you to want to read my words and to get something out of it. I'll try, I promise.
One of the best things about the weekend was learning that I had something in common with all of my new (old?) bloggy friends, besides the obvious answer (blogging). I learned that Slynnro, Ali and I all love a classic trench coat. Raven and I are adventurous, and yes, we will come to the lesbian bar with you if you ask nicely. (And Raven, I'm so sorry for kicking and elbowing you in bed all weekend!) Kristie, Sarah and I are suckers for free schwag and will load our backs with bags to carry it all home. Kristie also makes a fabulous yoga buddy because she totally won't make fun of your ineptitude. Sarah and I also share the evil, greened-eyed monster called Jealousy, but we're working on it, people!
Jennie and I are most likely going to end up with children with the same first name and gosh darn it, we really just love our husbands to bits and missed them like crazy! Kristin and I shared the same feeling of "Dude, am I the onlyperson who doesn't shop at Anthropologie?", but we shared the smarter, "Who cares, pass me a glass of wine!" sentiment as well. It assured me to know that someone as brave as China-traveling Emily could get anxious in social situations just like me, and as usual, was amazed by her and fellow Exposaroonie Ashley's photos all weekend. Speaking of Ashley, if you're ever feeling like buying a fancy DSLR was a mistake because you take crappy pictures, just let her take you on a photo tour of San Francisco and she will totally boost your ego by telling you that your pictures are good!
I was so amazed and excited to meet Nanette in person and I even refrained from touching her oh, so cute pregnant belly; she's such a sweetheart that she probably wouldn't have even been annoyed with that! I'm sad that I didn't get to spend more time with Jamie, since she was working the BlogHer desk, but she really is as lovely as she is on her blog. Janet was so graciously nice and effortlessly chic (I want her haircut!), and I hope I didn't scare her away by always running up to her and saying "Hi, Janet!!" every time I spotted her. And Katelin? So gorgeous and one of those genuinely nice girls that could be friends with everyone. I already said this on Elizabeth's blog, but her visit to our room with her husband and son made me realize that yes, I can totally handle having a boy and not a girl when Jon and I get pregnant because her son was such a joyful little person of all his own.
I know I've probably missed people, but I just had to link to all of those lovely ladies above because they all made my first BlogHer experience amazing. I'm really lucky to have friends like them, and yes, I can totally call them my friends now that we've met in person! To the BlogHer co-founders, thank you. Thank you for bringing all of these talented women together and thank you for letting me be a part of it. It was truly an experience I'll never forget. And now for some photos...
Kristie, Me, Raven and Jennie (stolen from Kristie)
Cocktail Party at Ruby Skye with Katelin, Ashley, Emily, Me and Raven (stolen from Fling It Girl)
My lovely roomies, Kristie, Jennie and Raven in front of the Full House homes
My California twin, Sarah, and me with Grover!
Me and Pleepleus (I'll share that story tomorrow) (stolen from Raven)
