The obligatory pre-BlogHer post.
It’s a week prior to BlogHer ‘08 and a flurry of posts are being published in preparation for the conference. There are some great posts out there, including, to name a few:
- Christina, of A Mommy Story’s: First Year at BlogHer? Read on.
- Seattle Mom Blogs’ Survival tips for meeting blogers IRL (In Real Life)
- Cry it Out’s Local Guide to San Francisco BlogHer ‘08
I thought I’d throw my two cents in, too, having learned a few things last year in Chicago.
- The anxiety factor. Accept the fact that everyone is just as anxious about meeting one another as you are. I am much less nervous this year than I was last year, but this is probably just because I’m not a newbie this time around. I have more reasonable expectations this time around. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, and then don’t be surprised if, when you do, the response is, “Oh, it’s you!” I was surprised that more ladies were at least vaguely familiar with Assertagirl than I ever expected. I even wrangled a squeel out of Bossy, which proved to be one of the highlights of the trip. That, and driving through Climax, Michigan.
- Get excited! It’s going to be off-the-charts fun. It’s no wonder so many people attend this event year after year. Yeah, there’s a lot of talk of licking and boob-grabbing and groping, but that’s just our way of admitting how jazzed we are about seeing one another.
- Be comfortable. If I had to make only one rule for myself, it would be not to wear anything that makes me feel self-conscious. I do a good enough job of that as it is, and wearing something I feel silly or uncomfortable in would just make matters worse. I might not be wearing the snazziest shoes in San Francisco, but by god they’ll be comfortable. The item of clothing I was complimented most on cost $19.99 and was purchased at a grocery store.
- Bring along some cards containing your blog address, your name and e-mail address. This truly is a fantastic idea, and I’m so glad I did so last year, because otherwise I would never have met Schnozz, who almost made it up to Toronto for a visit this winter. We did meet briefly in Chicago at the party at the Children’s Museum. I believe that in my free wine haze we had a discussion about pubic hair. The phrase “landing strip” may have even made an appearance. I gave her one of my cards and she came to visit my blog shortly after the conference.
- Look for me, will ya? I’ll be wrangling a microphone during these sessions (likely wearing an outfit purchased at the Superstore):
Friday, 10:30 Mommyblogging: Is Mommyblogging Still a Radical Act?
Saturday, 1:45 What We Believe: Tools for Online Fundraising and Activism, featuring Her Bad Mother and our very own BlogHers ACT Canada
Saturday, 3:15 What We Believe: Blogging Community as Healing Force
The rest of the time is mine to attend sessions, shop, gab, drink and grab some boobies. (See? I told you.)
Does anybody need a Canadian candy bar fix? Coffee Crisp? Aero? MINT Aero? Smarties? Wunderbar? Pick your poison. My suitcase is looking full, but I’ll stuff ‘em in my bra if I have to. Mwah.
I’m getting so excited – I’m gonna go check out those links…
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..One for The Man
ooooh! me! i do! what’s the cadbury – is it called flake? oh dear baby jesus, that’s a good candy bar.
also, you’re sweet for offering. anything oregon-y i can get you back with on the turnaround? maybe a nice bottle of pinot noir that we could all take swigs offa, all classy-like?
deb’s last blog post..quick, quick, out with it before it quicksilver-slithers away.
i’m actually not feeling nervous.
but everyone’s pre-blogger posts are starting to make me think i should be…
Ha! I have had a plethora of requests for Canadian candy. I’m wondering if I need to bring a second suitcase…
Angella’s last blog post..Introducing Myself
Ha! I forgot that we really did randomly discuss pubic hair in a 1.5-minute interaction.
It was the weirdest feeling, loading your blog and being all I LIKE THIS PERSON! (Not that I didn’t like you at the time, but, yeah … 1.5-minute interaction.) Better late than never, right??
HAVE FUN!!
mamatulip’s last blog post..Summertime glory
Coffee Crisp, please.
I can get them at a few specialty stores down here, but if a strange woman just hands me some candy at a hotel in San Francisco I can tell that story forever.
Backpacking Dad’s last blog post..Suburbanity and the Future
I can’t wait! to meet you. And maybe not talk about pubic hair, but who am I kidding? There are no conversational limits with me.
(Also: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hedgehogs, but I’m currently trying to sweet talk my way into Ms. Angella D’s suitcase, so don’t worry if you don’t have room. Although any candy bar that’s been smuggled into the country in your bra is sort of awesome.)
Kerri Anne’s last blog post..Reasons To Love Him, #39: Oh So Musically Patient With Me
Hope you have a great time!!!!
Helen’s last blog post..Hi my name is Helen and I don’t turn the channel when Supernanny is on!
Coffee crisp, please?! YUMMO.
See you next week!
Kyla’s last blog post..Limbo…
I’m loading up on Canuck chocolate to dole out to our American friends too–thanks for the reminder.
I was so nervous last year when I went, but look at me now: I’m rooming with you and Kyla, who I met at BlogHer. Ain’t life funny?
mimi’s last blog post..A little Hawaiian punch …
Wahhh! I wanna go too.
manager mom’s last blog post..Anatomy Of A 5 Year Old Boy’s Crap-Taking
I’d also suggest taking a break from your group of friends and heading somewhere on your own at least once during the conference.
That is exactly how I met a charming Canadian blogger named Assertagirl.
Have a great time!
I never heard of a Coffee Crisp before, so I googled it, and supposedly they are about to be introduced in America. They look good. Thank you, Canada!
Neil’s last blog post..More Grouchy Rants About Corporations
Oh I feel like I might hurl…I am so nervous!
flutter’s last blog post..On the process
Will you bring chocolate for a fellow Canadian???
LOL.
So jazzed to see you there. And this year, I’m only wearing comfortable shoes…fashion be damned. Last year my feet swelled up and I was miserable.
Redneck Mommy’s last blog post..For The Love of A Good Power Mower
Can you not get Mint Aeros in the US? Seriously? Wow, then I shotgun some. I’ll swap you some Vegemite for them.
Missy’s last blog post..Six Random Things: The Night Before
So glad you will be there with me to help me navigate the waters. Am totally nervous as the day approaches. Will need alcoholic sustenance to compensate.
Nadine/Scarb’s last blog post..Big Fish