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Note: I had so much to say about BlogHer I’m posting two segments. Part II will have most of my photos and will detail the funny stories. It’s titled: BlogHer ‘08 Part II: What can I say? Hot Canadian woman just keep making out with me!
(And you think I’m kidding.)
This is ass-long but you really should just read the damn thing. I will be quizzing you later, Sarah.
**
The first five minutes into my BlogHer experience, I thought about going home.
I snotted a booger on the dress of one of the best and biggest bloggers on the planet.
I had nightmares that some how, some way, I was going to electrocute Dooce when I mic wrangled the closing keynote session.
We’ll talk about all these things later, though.
I will state right now that I had one of the very best trips of my life. BlogHer ‘08 blew every expectation that I had out of the water. I loved it. I’ll write about all my squeeing, making out and funny stuff that happened in Part Two of my recap, but for today I want to talk about the challenges of attending a conference of this magnitude and craziness.
I’ve been reading BlogHer recaps for two years and there is always one common thread that pops up amongst the posts with photos of happy people and parties and hugging. Some people write that they did not have a good time. They felt awkward, ignored, or slighted or that BlogHer wasn’t what they thought it would be.
For whatever reason, their conference was lacking.
I haven’t read any posts like that yet, but I am making a preemptive strike here. I want to point out to those people who didn’t have the best time that BlogHer isn’t always a bed of roses for people who had a GREAT time.
(That would be me. In case you were wondering.)
After one of the sessions I mic wrangled (ie-ran around like a crazy person thrusting microphones at people who had questions for the panel speakers in different sessions), I was speaking with a blogger who seemed to be having a particularly unhappy experience.
She said, “It must be so easy for you here. Everyone seems to like YOU.”
Well, yes. I can see that. I am outgoing. I am bubbly. I stand out in a crowd and can be silly. I had a great time and there were a lot of people who seemed to like me just fine. Was this conference a cake walk for me, though?
HELL, NO!
I think that the end experience you have greatly depends on how you deal with the situations you are given. I have a hard time in this area in other areas of my life, but I knew there would be negative things thrown at me at this conference and I was determined to do my best to turn them around. It went really well. Here’s a list of examples:
The first encounter I had at BlogHer made me seriously consider turning the hell around to go home.
I flew in at the crack of dawn and tagged along with my roommate Scribbit on an video interview she agreed to do for 5 Minutes for Mom. I was scraggly, tired, and had managed to dump half a can of Diet Coke on myself during the plane ride. When we got there, there was a makeup/hair artist, wardrobe racks, a production crew and I was met by three gorgeous, immaculate women who were the equivalent of Vogue- pages one, two and three.
They were very polite but I just felt so damn intimidated and felt like I should have “INSIGNIFICANT HICK FROM UTAH” tattooed on my forehead. I thought, “If this is how the whole conference is going to go, I can’t do it. I can’t walk around feeling this frumpy and lame and stupid for four days.” Luckily, I met someone who knew me and was also planning on hanging out in jeans the whole trip so I was much more comfortable and could relax.
Later, I had the opportunity to meet up with Janice from 5 Minutes for Mom and I told her how intimidated I was of the whole experience. SHE WAS WONDERFUL. Janice and I were joined by Jenny of Absolutely Bananas (who I pink puffy heart) and we had great conversation for three hours.
If I hadn’t approached Janice, I would still have this intimidating image of her in my mind and she is so easy to talk to. I’m glad I took that leap. I just wish that I knew that the young 20-something blogger that was hanging around our table was attending HARVARD in the fall before going on and on about how I write about my hoo-hoo on the internet.
My volunteer duties as mic wrangler had rocky moments.
I did a LOT of mic wrangling for sessions. I was so nervous about it because I wanted to do a good job for an organization that has been so good to me. It was a hard job, but I would do it again in a heart beat. I loved it. What I did NOT LOVE was during my very first session, CONTROVERSIAL TALK RADIO STARTED BLASTING THROUGH THE SPEAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the midst of listening to a broadcast of political people saying things like, “Obama! You don’t know what the HELL you are talking about! You are an piece of poo in the flotsam and jetsam of the world’s sewage system!” I was frantically trying to figure out what the HELL was going on.
People were looking at me like I should know what I was doing and all I could do is give them a look that said, “I DON’T KNOW NOTHUN’ ABOUT FIXIN’ NO AUDIO SYSTEM, MISS SCARLETT!” and announce, “Never fear! I have a card with a telephone number to call!! YAY!!!!’
Problem? Number was out of service.
I played with some buttons and made it all much worse before the audio people finally showed up to save the day.
While I think I was sort of known as the Vanna White of mic wranglers and was really visible for the conference, I also looked pretty damn stupid some of the time.
I did some embarrassing things pre-conference and knew I would be running into the people involved.
Nobody likes to fess up to being an asshat. It was hard to do, but I found all of the people I had internet faux pas with and spoke to them. Every single situation ended up being good in the end. I don’t mean that I was ready to join the ya-ya sisterhood with all of them, but we all left on good terms and they were all understanding once I spoke to them and explained myself face-to-face.
I was a dork, scared, anxiety-ridden, insecure and felt intimidated a lot of the time.
While talking to the lovely Jess from Drowning in Kids, I turned around and found myself face-to-face with Schmutzie the fabulous.
In my head the introduction was supposed to go like this: “Well, hello, Schmutzie! My name is Loralee. Thank you for graciously featuring one of my posts on Five Star Friday. I am a fan of your wonderful website and that amazing birdie masthead that you designed.”
What came out of my mouth was garbled, high-pitched squeeing and “Oh! Oh!! Oh!!!-ing” that was accompanied by me pointing and jumping up and down while waving my name tag in her face.
Dorkish, indeed.
However, she was lovely and relating the experience to Some of us are clowns put her at ease because she felt HER introduction to ME didn’t go “as planned”, either!
I was scared to start talking to people I didn’t know. I made myself and it was great. Striking up a conversation about blogging platforms makes waiting in line to pee so much more enjoyable.
I was anxiety-ridden about my blog. I often had thoughts that my blog was “just a personal website”. One morning my roommates and I were at breakfast with a bunch of people from a global PR marketing firm. My roommates are an impressive lot of people. Plus, they are all gorgeous. Just look at them:
Besides being hotties, they are also quite accomplished in the bloggity world. Introductions went like this:
“My website is Scribbit, a one-author site that functions like a web magazine. I run my own advertising and am looking different ways to expand my business opportunities.”
“Hello, I am Amber. Aside from my personal website, I am the creator and editor of Mile High Mamas, a blog magazine that is sponsored by the Denver Post.”
“I’m Jill of Glossy Veneer. I have been blogging since 2001 and also have a website that chonicals my participation in a marathon to help lukemia research.”
Then it was my turn.
“HI! I’m Loralee! I write about my ta-ta’s on the internet!”
I am super awesome.
However, it made people laugh, which makes me happy, so I was good. I just embraced my blog and realized that I love it even if it doesn’t look as good on paper as some. I LOVE my roommates. We had the best time together.
I didn’t let my anxiety stop me from showing of my ‘Stellar’ dancing skillz. Even though there were only about 5 of us busting a move to sucky music on the dance floor. we had fun. If I had been drinking it would have made the situation a little bit less painful but I got to get a photo with Moosh In Indy, V Dog and BOSSY, and I had a great time, so it’s all good.
Intimidation was probably the biggest issue I had that was getting in my way. In a way it led to one of the most embarrassing but WONDERFUL moments of the whole trip:
I found myself in a puddle of tears surrounded by a semi-circle of some of the most amazing and well-known bloggers out there (who also intimidated the living hell out of me before BlogHer) and I also managed to snot a booger on the dress of a blogging goddess of the internet.
This moment sort of saved me and my blogging life. My favorite session of the whole conference was about “Taking back Naked Blogging”
The reason I went is that it was led by Sweetney and I had a question for her. I knew if anyone knew the answer it would be her, but I am the type that is way too gun shy to send her an email. So, I went to the session.
It was amazing.
It was one of those “What happens in this session STAYS IN THIS SESSION” so I will not go into detail, but I asked a question and found myself breaking down and sobbing. I am the most overly dramatic person on the planet but it takes a whole lot to actually make me cry.
And cry I did.
Big, fat, mascara-ridden tears kept coming and coming and coming. Thankfully, Jen and Tonica and Ink thinker had tissue and LeahPeah gave me chocolate. Backpacking Dad and Mr. Lady were wonderful as was the blogger wearing black whose business card I lost.
Before this conference I was down right SCARED to talk to a short list of specific bloggers. I was scared because while I know that I have talent and intelligence and excel in a lot of areas, the face and public side of me is very silly.
While being extremely theatrical, silly, and extroverted can be a plus a lot of the time, it can also make you look like a big dork to people of a more serious nature.
These are such strong, wise, blunt women who write damn well and really know their stuff and I was worried that they would see me as this dorky, flighty, silly person who well…worries and is insecure about coming off as dorky, flighty and silly. (If that makes sense.)
I even made a list of six women and made a goal that at some point I would try and introduce myself to them. Because I don’t want to feel intimidated. They certainly don’t make me feel that way, it is MY problem and my problem to resolve. I really wanted to tackle my fear because well…that is what I do with fear. I tackle it. Why the hell do you think I jumped out of a plane?
After the session, I looked up to see Sarcastic Journalist, Sweetney and Her Bad Mother standing in front of me with kind looks on their beautiful faces. Without dripping sap all over you…damn. These women were so kind. Generous. Helpful. HUMAN. Especially Tracey and Catherine. I just can’t even illustrate in words how much they helped me and how kind they were.
It helped to know I wasn’t alone and that all of them knew exactly what I was talking about and they didn’t see me as silly or flighty or spineless, just as another human out there that was looking for help, advice and understanding.
It made me smile and cry harder at the same time.
Someone I was crying too hard to notice before squeezed my right arm and said, “My mom always said, “Amy, when you have tough situations you just pull yourself up by your big girl panties and keep going!” and then she handed me her card.
I laughed, squeeked out a “Thank you”, asked if I could blog that her mother told me to pull myself up by my big girl panties and watched in horror as a small piece of booger flew from my nose onto her striped maternity sun dress.
No one seemed to notice and I was relieved that this fabulous blogger named Amy would never know that the snotting blogger she was so kind to left a genetic piece of the action on her dress.
I looked down at the card.
It was cute.
It was pink.
It was from…AMALAH.
Oh. THAT Amy.
Dear God above. I JUST SNOTTED A BOOGER ON THE DRESS OF AMALAH! ONE OF THE MOST AWESOME BLOGGERS ON THE PLANET!
Way to go, Loralee.
It made me cringe. Then I got over it. She was so nice, I’m sure she’ll forgive me. They were all so wonderful and in one fell swoop I saw all the crap and perception of big bloggers and smaller bloggers fall away. We’re all just people who blog. Or better yet? We’re all just PEOPLE.
It was such a great moment. I’ll never forget it.
And finally…
Crazy Blogging Canuck made me eat bacon mints.
They SUCKED. At least I wasn’t alone. Velveteen Mind had to eat them too.
In conclusion, I went into BlogHer DETERMINED to have a good time. I tried as hard as I could to walk away feeling positive. If I felt like an ass, I went and talked to the person I was an asshat in front of. If I was scared of someone I went and talked to them and tried to get that feeling to go away. If I was an idiot and forgot someone’s name I tried to tell them it wasn’t because they weren’t great, it was the limitation of my brain. If I felt neglected or if I didn’t connect with a blogger I was hoping to meet, I tried my best to remember that it was a crazy trip, people are human and sometimes things don’t work out.
I know that this doesn’t always work. Sometimes the “Oops!” is too big or the person you are dealing with just isn’t going to change their mind about the situation, but my point is…TRY. Then try AGAIN.
Oh, and get your ass to BlogHer ‘09. I WILL SO BE THERE.
Sarah @ Classy 'n Fab says:
I’ve been lurking on here for a while and just had to tell you how beautiful this post is. Honest, real, and funny at the same time!!
Thanks for the lovely BlogHer recap… can’t wait for the hilarity of part 2.
Sarah @ Classy ‘n Fabs last blog post..Hillbilly Golf is <, >, or = BlogHer08
July 21st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Rhi says:
YOU! Are fantastic and I loved meeting you A WHOLE LOT.
Also: I took a photo for you: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhirhi/2690328781/
Rhis last blog post..I love it here
July 21st, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Mr Lady says:
I’m still swooning over you. Sorry I don’t have a better comment. *sees stars*
Mr Ladys last blog post..Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows?
July 21st, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Sarah says:
Can I just look at the pictures? NO? DAMMIT! Fine, I’ll read the whole thing. AND I’ll expect a prize, like maybe a visit when we don’t lose the car in the parking lot? Love you!!
Sarahs last blog post..My New Slogan–Think Before You Drink
July 21st, 2008 at 6:59 pm
amy @ milk breath and margaritas says:
This is the best post about BlogHer EVER WRITTEN.
When I go next year (hopefully) I will try to remember to re-read this. And you will be on my list of people I must meet!
I can.not believe you boogered Amalah. I.would.die.
amy @ milk breath and margaritass last blog post..She Flys Through The Air With The Greatest Of Ease
July 21st, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Jill - GlossyVeneer says:
And while we were eating breakfast with those PR folk, who’s Twitter feed did they immediately open on their iPhone to start following? The one that writes about her ta-ta’s…. I think you’ve got the impressive blogger thing down too!
Thanks for the compliments, I loved rooming with you and I enjoyed this recap.
Jill - GlossyVeneers last blog post..Marathon Monday: Just $1
July 21st, 2008 at 7:10 pm
HRH says:
This was fabulous even though I am even more distraught that I couldn’t be there. I would have flicked that booger off of Amalah for you. I love you that much.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Jill (CDJ) says:
That sounds like so much fun! Reading everyone’s posts from this year really makes me want to go next year even if nobody knows who the hell I am! I want to party with you chicks!!! Do me a favor and re-post this around the time of BlogHer registration next year to remind us all how awesome it is!!
Jill (CDJ)s last blog post..Because I’m just in that kind of mood
July 21st, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Bridge says:
PICTURES! Get the next post up so I can see more PICTURES!!!
I am glad you had fun. I am just thankful you didn’t snot on me. /whew
Bridges last blog post..Something is missing here…
July 21st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
The Over-Thinker says:
BlogHer ‘09!!!! WHOOHOO!!!!!!!
And you can blow boogers on ME anytime
(Don’t mind me if I’m wearing a rain coat the next time we meet) 
The Over-Thinkers last blog post..And then I became Canadian….and it didn’t even involve alcohol!
July 21st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
heather says:
I just looked through my pictures and I realized I didn’t get a picture with you. SO sad about that. You were even more fun than I hoped you’d be! I just wish I could have hung out with you more. Big kisses coming at you.
heathers last blog post..What I Learned At BlogCamp
July 21st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Auds at Barking Mad says:
What an amazingly open and refreshing post-BlogHer essay. It’s by far been the best one I’ve read in the last two days.
Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts and experiences from this year’s conference.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Jamie says:
You are awesome.
I loved your recap.
I don’t do well in huge crowds and I think you did much better than I did with booger flingage to boot.
Jamies last blog post..The Day A Donkey Nearly Ate My Purse
July 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Connie says:
I’ve been waiting all day to read your post and you do not disappoint!
I feel like I was there!
Connies last blog post..Weapons of Mass Destruction
July 21st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Deb (Missives From Suburbia) says:
Fantastic recap! You handled the booger thing much more smoothly than I would have — I’m CERTAIN I would have pointed it out, then tried to wipe her boob clean… it would have been epic.
I confess you have totally freaked me out for BlogHer 2009 (where I WILL be, damnit, even if I have to nurse my baby on a dance floor). You named all these bloggers you were intimidated to meet, and I haven’t heard of half of them!! Holy cow, do I have some homework ahead of me!
Deb (Missives From Suburbia)s last blog post..Gender Intrusion
July 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Queen of Shake Shake says:
It sounds fabulous. So fabulous that I must go hump my new computer again.
Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..We Interrupt My Dry-Humping For a Post NOT About BlogHer
July 21st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
ali says:
haha. she’s a mom. i’m sure she’s had way worse than boogers on her.
you = the hottest wrangler ever! i’m so glad i got to meet you and be serenaded. *swoon*
alis last blog post..bear with me. it is only 4am in San Francisco
July 21st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Camille says:
I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE BACK and I can live vicariously through you and your BlogHer experience. I will do everything in my power to make it there next year–I have a lot to learn before I will even feel SEMI-legitimate, but you’ve gone and inspired me.
Plus, I hate feeling left out.
Camilles last blog post..Here’s How I Lost my Faith in Humanity
July 21st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
slynnro says:
I was in the Naked Blogging session and I mean, wow. You are very strong. That is all.
slynnros last blog post..IIIIIIII haaaaaaaad the time of my liiiiiiiiiiiiiiife.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Kerri Anne says:
It was so fantastic to see! you, and get to hang out, although I really did wish there were eight of me this past weekend, thereby allowing me to spend more! time! with you and all the other rad women who were in the vicinity. Feel free to shoot boogers on me any day. I mean…Well, you know what I mean. : )
July 21st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Adventures In Babywearing says:
Loralee, I’ll always remember you as one of the very first people I met at BlogHer (in the makeup room!) and I never would have known your anxiety about it at all… about any of the weekend. I thought you were fabulous!
Steph
Adventures In Babywearings last blog post..Golden
July 21st, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Mrs. Schmitty says:
I’m SO going to BlogHer ‘09. Will you hold my hand? Because I have a feeling I’m going to be a little like you were this year.
Mrs. Schmittys last blog post..Every Mom Should Own One
July 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
crunchy carpets says:
the naked blogging one is the one thing I regret missing….
and not finding you on the first day…
and all the other people I wanted to find….
I was too shy and tense….but that is me and I don’t blame it on anyone else…
July 21st, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Kristin says:
It was so great to meet you - you are stunningly beautiful and I just wish we had a bit more time.
Kristins last blog post..Heartfelt
July 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Britt says:
Did you notice I was sitting right behind you at that thing with that one girl? I was hoping you would recognize me, and I kept clearing my throat to get your attention…. okay I lie. I wasn’t there.
Britts last blog post..The Truth About Cleaning a Little Boy’s Room
July 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Elizabeth says:
Your honesty is admirable, Loralee.
Elizabeths last blog post..Home Sweet Home
July 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
loralee says:
Sarah @ Classy ‘n Fab:
I love lurkers. They make me happy. I love it more when they pipe up! Thanks for doing that.
Rhi:
That photo makes me laugh. I am such a klutz. Only I could get whacked in the head by a revolving door!
Mr Lady:
Back at you gorgeous woman! WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT POST. Heh. Heh. Heh.
Sarah:
Yup, you have to read the whole damn thing! If you and I are going to room together next year you had better be damn prepared, woman!
amy @ milk breath and margaritas:
It definitely was memorable, that is for SURE. GAH! Still, if it had to happen to have the experience I did in that situation, I would do it again in a heartbeat…Boogers or not.
Jill - GlossyVeneer:
You are one of my favorite people. I loved rooming with you. I’m sorry I am the disorganized slob from hell and that I practically shoved you off the bed!!! WUV your guts, woman!
HRH:
See? I KNEW you had my back! You have to come next year. It was the BOMB.
Jill (CDJ):
I am going to be posting a list of all the bloggers I met at BlogHer. Some people did the same thing last year and that is how I met sooooo many of the people I grew to love and squee at at the conference this year.
Bridge:
I HAD THE BEST TIME, but I sucked at taking photos. If only I had an awesome camera like yours!
The Over-Thinker:
I think that the information love fest I flung at you when we met MORE than surpasses any booger experience we could have!
heather:
I KNOW! I sucked a duck at taking photos this trip. Next year I will get a better camera and USE IT! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED meeting you!!!!!
Auds at Barking Mad:
Well, so many people feel awkward or look at people like me and think, “I wish I was that silly or fun or confident” and they don’t know how scared I can get.
EVERYONE can have fun at this conference.
Jamie:
I really wish you had been there. I hope you come next year because I really want to meet you!
Connie:
It took me all damn day to write, I swear! I’m glad I’m back, but wish I had had time to grab coffee with you while I was down there.
Deb (Missives From Suburbia):
I was pretty embarrassed when it hadn’t sunk in who she was. THEN I was MORTIFIED. But honestly…she was so freaking nice and lovely and real that I just have a feeling she would think, “Shit happens, you know?”
Queen of Shake Shake:
YOU HAVE TO COME NEXT YEAR. Even if I have to fly my ass down to buttfreakingbayouAlabama (Or wherever) to haul your ass there on my freakishly weak shoulders!!!!
ali:
You were freaking gorgeous and itty bitty! I am glad that I didn’t have to sing for a bunch of people but you may have to verify that I can actually carry a tune!
Camille:
You’ll be fine. You are gorgeous and tall and will make a great impression. People will love you.
slynnro:
THANK YOU. Really, I mean it.
Kerri Anne:
I freaking LOVED you. And that Stache is getting a huge feature tomorrow!!!
Adventures In Babywearing:
I loved meeting you and you are one gorgeous woman. I’m glad that my nerves didn’t blast through. It’s just a little lesson that sometimes the most confident people can have stuff going on behind the scenes!
Mrs. Schmitty:
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I had one of the best times of my life. If you do your research and get to know people that are going you will have a much better chance of having a good time!
crunchy carpets:
You were FABULOUS. And hello? I love your accent. You must leave me a voice mail on my phone!
July 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
loralee says:
Kristin:
You were a completely lovely (And HELLO! GORGEOUS!) person. And yes, I would have loved to talk to you a whole lot more!
Britt:
THIS MADE ME LAUGH MY ASS OFF. Just so you know.
Elizabeth:
Someone has to fess up to being the dork in the room.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Dawn says:
I luff you!
Dawns last blog post..A couple of props to a couple of BlogHers
July 21st, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Maria says:
It was great meeting you. You are gorgeous, funny, and oh so nice! Glad you didn’t strangle Dooce.
Marias last blog post..Stop Hatin’.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Sleeping Mommy says:
Can I hang out with you if I go next year. I’ve been working up the nerve (and hoping to save the money) for the last three years. Next year, may be the year I follow through.
Sleeping Mommys last blog post..Tickets to the gun show
July 21st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Sra says:
So what I really want to know is this: did you order enough business cards?
Sras last blog post..Art in the Middle of Nowhere
July 21st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Y says:
Hey! I met you in the Naked Blogging Panel? Remember? I was all “OH MY GOD I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU!” and I ran up and hugged you?
No?
Oh noes! I’ve been snubbed!
Ys last blog post..Oh San Francisco, You so Crazy.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Y says:
(p.s. I was kidding. about the being snubbed. you knew that, right?)
Heh.
Ys last blog post..Oh San Francisco, You so Crazy.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 am
Michelle at Scribbit says:
You made it so fun–I’ve made Andrew listen to every little detail!
Save a bed for me in 2009!
Michelle at Scribbits last blog post..Losing the Lottery (or: Publishing the Hard Way)
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
Genie Alisa says:
This entire entry kicks ass! I’m so glad you came to BlogHer and look forward to reading your blog and hearing more about your ta-tas.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 am
loralee says:
Dawn:
I luff you, too! Even if I was an ass and didn’t know who the freak you were at first.
Maria:
Awe, thanks! I have to admit that keynote and being the only damn person STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM during the awkward was a bit of a “GAH!” moment. Not that anyone gave a damn about me, but dude…it made me feel a little bit naked, if you know what I mean.
Sleeping Momm:
Heck yes you can hang out with me at BlogHer. You really need to just come next year. Get to know people who you think will be attending and start reading them now. It’s what I did and last year I knew maybe three people who attended.
Sra: OMG, I have so many cards left! I ordered 500 because I got a great deal on them. Thing is, I really liked them so I won’t have to order them for next year.
Y: Ha, ha, ha! Of course I know you’re kidding and you are totally in part two.
See, you WOULD have been in the category of “Bloggers that I may pee myself over if I am brave enough to talk to” if you hadn’t taken the time to be a lovely and write me an email saying that you not only knew who the hell I was but that you thought I was the most amazing blogger in the universe and that you wanted to make out with me and have my babies. (Ok, I MAY be exaggerating. But only a little bit.)
In fact, I was so glad that you were sitting in proximity because I didn’t realize I had plunked myself down by Jenandtonica and LeahPeah and it made me even more nervous to ask my question. (They turned out to be LOVELY, but I didn’t KNOW that at the time, you know?) It was reassuring to me that if it all went to hell, someone I already “Knew” was near by. You rock my world.
Michelle: I tried to get Jonathan to listen to my every detail but he wouldn’t. UNTIL I HELD OUT THE SHINY, PRETTY BLUETOOTH HEADSET IN FRONT OF HIS NOSE AND USED IT AS AN “INCENTIVE”. Heh. Heh. Heh.
Genie Alisa: Oh, yes. My ta-ta’s are one of my favorite subjects.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 am
Amber says:
NOOOOOOO really. What a FUN ride! I already wrote my Part II recap that I’ll publish on Thursday and your “ta-tas” will get double exposure on my blog.
You’re A HOOT and I loved playing with you!
XOOXXOX
Ambers last blog post..Blasting at BlogHer ‘08–Part I
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
Miss Britt says:
I wanted to go this year really bad, but things happened blah blah blah yada yada yada.
Now, for the last couple of days I’ve been reading the recaps and thinking “thank GOD I didn’t go! No one would have known me! I would have been the world’s biggest idiot!”
Miss Britts last blog post..Nasty Internet Rumors
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 am
natalie says:
next year i am going to blogher. i have to. you guys looked like you had so much fun. and i am in desperate need of some fun! can i wait a whole year? i guess i have to!
natalies last blog post..Things you wanted to know.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 am
rachel says:
I want to go to BlogHer09 even more now! Sounds fabulous. Thank you for writing such an honest post, I adore you and all your ta-ta and hoo ha sharing wonderfulness!!
rachels last blog post..700, A Rookie Mistake, Vegas and Dolly
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
Her Bad Mother says:
I was *honored* to play some small part in making you feel good this weekend. Really.
Stay awesome.
Her Bad Mothers last blog post..By Guy Kawasaki’s Swimming Pool I Sat Down And Wept
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 am
Christine says:
What a fab post…I wuuuuuved meeting you.
Dude, totally BlogHer ‘09! Maybe I won’t be PMS’ing!
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
Amalah says:
Considering I just march up to strangers and start giving them advice from MY MOM about BIG GIRL PANTIES, I think sharing boogers is about an even trade, no?
(I sure as hell didn’t notice, and honestly? It wasn’t even a dress. I got it in the PJ section of Old Navy and just did the “oh, no one will notice that I went to Blogher wearing my pajamas” thing.)
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 am
Raychelle says:
What a great recap! Looks like it was an amazing time! How many people can say they snotted on Amalah!? Pretty sweet!
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:48 am
Christine says:
Oh, and thanks for helping me score me the Bluetooth.
(BTW, if you have any photos w/ me in them, will you send them my way. Not having a camera there SUCKED.)
Christines last blog post..BlogHer Recap
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 am
SparklieSunShine says:
This sounds SO amazing. I am thrilled you had a great time despite these moments and hopefully they helped you open up even more.
Btw, I am SO in for next year. For reals.
SparklieSunShines last blog post..I can hit a target through a telescope
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
holli says:
I’m so glad we finally found each other - and I’m glad you pointed out that even when you have a blast, it isn’t perfect the entire time. And sorry - my pic of the two of us BLOWS!!! I guess that just means we’ll have to find some other time to get together very soon, because I didn’t get nearly enough time with you.
xo
hollis last blog post..I’m lagging.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
In the Trenches of Mommyhood says:
Loralee,
This is one of the best recaps I’ve read so far.
I want to read this again before I attend BlogHer ‘09 for the first time. I think I’ll need it!
In the Trenches of Mommyhoods last blog post..Another Book Giveaway!
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
Julie says:
So I enjoyed this post, but am quite disturbed by the last bit. Ummmm…bacon mints?? What the hell are those? I am Canadian, and I have NEVER heard of, nor would I want to taste, bacon mints.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 am
Angella says:
You were even more amazing in person than you are on your site.
MY ASS WILL BE AT BLOGHER 09!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Cory says:
I felt like such an ASSCLOWN meeting you! Not only had I been telling the people I was with “man I want to find Loralee” THE ENTIRE DAY, but I think when I finally DID see you (at the worst time possible for you, just as you were about to have to mic wrangle for Dooce-SO sorry about that) the words “I’ve been stalking you all weekend” fell right out of my mouth. Real nice. Anywhoo, you are wonderful and beautiful and I’m so glad I did get to meet you, and I hope that next year we can hang out a bit more-if you haven’t gotten a restraining order before then. Mua ha ha.
Corys last blog post..BlogHer ‘08
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Jessica says:
Enjoyed reading your recap of BlogHer. I’m glad I got a chance to meet you in person at the event.
See you at BlogHer09
Jessicas last blog post..Make Guitar Picks out of Gift Cards
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Mrs. Flinger says:
You were such a highlight to me at this trip. You were. Like a CRAZYMOTHERFUCKING highlight if I do say so myself. starting with the elevator and all the way through when the three of us mamaspod girls decided to keep you forever. We all loved you to bits. Be who you are, boogers and all.
And you better damn call me this week.
Mrs. Flingers last blog post..BlogHer 2008: A (not so) brief highlight
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children says:
Best recap of BlogHer, I couldn’t agree more!
And OHMYGOD, AMALAH commented!!!!!
Yes, I’m jealous. I met her, but was suddenly struck “idiot” and had a very awkward meeting. She was incredibly sweet, but I was such a dork.
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for childrens last blog post..Reverting to my old standby of ALL CAPS!!! And EXCLAMATION POINTS!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
andi says:
Bacon mints? Ew!
I agree with Jennifer - this is my favorite recap so far. You captured it so well. I LOVED meeting you. You are even more awesome than I imagined (not that I didn’t think you were awesome, but seriously you are amazing in person). See you next year?
andis last blog post..The first of many BlogHer posts
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
agwylyk says:
I just LOVE YOU!!! So…is asshat pronounced “ass-hat” or “as-shat”?
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:49 am
Headless Mom says:
Great recap, LL. I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said.
I loved meeting you. Standing outside of Macy’s on Saturday night was one of my favorite moments of the weekend! Insignificant, maybe, but I loved our laughter.
Headless Moms last blog post..BlogHer ‘08 from MPOV- Part One
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:48 am
lildb says:
it was nice to meet you. wish i could’ve had time to talk instead of just scurrying away b/c i was rather late, as in, OVER AN HOUR LATE to dinner. sigh.
at least you got to hang out and talk with Aimee (mammaloves). she’s rad.
xo lildb
lildbs last blog post..pity partying: the inexpensive way to get down.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Mom101 says:
I really love this post. Really love it. Especially the part about “we’re all just people.”
Or as I like to think of it, “we’re all just dorks with a computer and a free blogspot account.”
Except for the woman dripping Vogue. I don’t know who that is, but sounds scary.
I’m sorry we didn’t get to hang out. You sound adorable.
Mom101s last blog post..From San Francisco to Wonderland to the Land of Jesse Helms. Quite the Week I’m Having.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
rimarama says:
Thank you for such a sincere and juicy recap (and I’m totally not referring to the booger incident there). Seriously, reading it almost made me feel like a fly on the wall at BlogHer ‘08, and that’s a good thing!
rimaramas last blog post..I’m Just a Kid
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Robin says:
After reading this, I totally want to go to BlogHer next year..Appreciate how real your post was. I have the same personality as you do. I love making people laugh (mostly at my expense) so your post cracked me up.
From a fellow dork!
ps. I’m having coffee with your roomie Jill tomorrow! Small world!
Robins last blog post..Starbucks and a Greasy Salesman
July 24th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Tiff says:
It sounds like an amazing time.
So Blogher is coming to Australia…when?
July 25th, 2008 at 6:08 am
VDog says:
Thanks for making me look gorgeous. You are FABULOUS. Don’t you stop being FABULOUS.
mwah!
VDogs last blog post..We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled *BlogHer Recap* Programming For A Mommyblog RANT
July 25th, 2008 at 10:46 am