Whew…I’m exhausted. I’ve been home for over about 24 hours, and to be honest, I’ve been a little distracted with my sweet little boy who I missed terribly. So much so that I ended up bawling on Saturday night at BowlHer as I was talking to a rep from Pepperidge Farm (I am so sorry and I can’t remember your name!). But those tears of homesickness and remorse over leaving my little boy were replaced with tears of joy when the announcement came that I had won a Toshiba laptop from 5 Minutes for Mom and Toshiba. Can you say SQUEE? I’ve never won anything like that and it was a little surreal.
I have a lot to share…both good and bad (but mostly good because I try to be positive that way). I doubt I’ll get it all written in one post. Maybe it will take 3 or 5. I just don’t know. All I know is that this year was different. Since I had attended last year, I thought I knew what to expect. I thought I was a BlogHer pro. Boy was I wrong. All I have to say is that I’ve learned a lot this year. Many changes to come (good, of course!).
I’ll start with day one today and post over the next week. But before I do, I want to thank my sponsors once again. I hope that I promoted them appropriately and tactfully. I definitely did not want to be annoying and believed that I promoted them with both tact and professionalism. I will be posting my thoughts about the brands that helped make BlogHer a possibility for me in the next week.
Going to BlogHer this year was difficult in every imaginable way. My husband had planned on coming with me so that we wouldn’t have to leave my little boy with the grandparents, but ended up having to work at the last minute. We also didn’t expect that I would be pregnant at this point. Or that I would have been so sick for the first 3 + months. Up until about a month ago, I wasn’t even certain I’d be going because of how sick I was. You may remember I was initially planning on carpooling. My OB thought that was a bad idea, seeing that I’m 4 months pregnant and high-risk. Oh…and did I mention that Chicago is half-way across the country? So yes…going to BlogHer was a struggle…financially, emotionally, physically, geographically… But then I remembered last year. I remembered the friendships that were solidified in person and the networking that resulted in relationships, and I decided that it was worth it to me to go.
Blame it on pregnancy hormones if you’d like but I almost didn’t go through security at LAX on Thursday morning. When my little boy looked at me with tears in his eyes, his arms outstretched, and cried out to me not to leave, it was heart wrenching. With tears streaming down my face my mother made me get on that plane because she wanted me to go and “have a good time.” I would have stayed that day had it not been for her. So mom, I owe my first born thank you, to you.
I went through security, joked with the workers about not needing a pat down in my pregnant state (apparently that is an available alternative to metal detectors for pregnant women), and went to meet Liz, Steph, and all of the other LA bloggers on the #partyplane. I have to say THANK YOU to Southwest and @SouthwestAir for putting up with us accomdating us (oh, and for getting us there and back safely!). I also want to thank Megan for arranging a LIMO from O’Hare to the Sheraton (which is gorgeous by the way). It was awesome cramming 20 bloggers into one limo. But back to the plane ride. It was wonderful meeting so many funny, smart, and talented bloggers who are all right here in LA/OC. Why does it take a blogging conference half-way across the country for us to meet? Jennifer is so smart and I have to apologize to her formally for bombarding her with “green” questions. She finally gave me her book to read since I left my copy at home (was that a hint? LOL!). I also had an opportunity to chat with Heather and her husband on the plane. We talked about pregnancy and well…life. She has this quiet spirit about her, yet she’s not shy. It was a joy talking to her. And Liz? She’s so down to earth it’s refreshing. And we clicked in seconds. Steph truly is the kind of friend you want to stick around forever. She’s kind and gracious and giving…and super smart! And Kim? She’s just a riot! And an incredible writer (read her blog!) I met so many people just on the plane which really helped ease my nervousness about traveling alone (something I rarely ever do).
Landing at Midway was a bit overwhelming. I’m from LA so I’m used to large, international airports. But seriously, the only word to describe my experience there was chaos. Thankfully we had a limo waiting for us so I didn’t have to hail a taxi or catch the train to the city. The President was in town so what should have been no more than a 30 minute drive, ended up taking almost 2 hours. But we had lots of fun chatting (all 20+ of us). The result was that those of us who had aspirations of attending the Swiffer Social Luxe Lounge did not make it. That’s ok…I’m reliving the experience through their amazing photo stream on Flickr. I did, however, have a chance to catch up with some of the Mom Central team for a chat. It’s always nice to put names with faces. Their get-together was relaxed and small enough to actually converse. Some of the parties I attended were so packed with people that it was impossible to connect, let alone hear anyone speak.
I was invited to a Crocs party to preview their new line, so with Liz and her roomie in tow, we ventured via cab to the store (that was closed for the party…how cool is that?). As a nurse, I wear Crocs for work on the unit. If you’re thinking that Crocs are limited to the clog-style they launched with, I’ve got a surprise for you. From casual flip-flops to dressy heels, and everything in between, Crocs‘ new line will change your opinion on the company. Check out some of the pictures I took at THE largest Crocs store ever:
Next up, a much needed and appreciated dinner with the crew from Team Mom at Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush. It was wonderful meeting Stephanie and Marie from Team Mom. I think one the best things about BlogHer (which I mentioned last year), is meeting the people you’ve worked with and connected with over the past year in person. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Nicole, Angela (who is also pregnant with her second!), Christine, Mariana, Vanessa, (her and her sister are from France!), CanCan (in her lovely dress), and Deb (if I missed you my sincere apologies). Thank you girls for making sure I the baby had enough calamari! We were sent home with some kid’s products from Safeway’s new line entitled Eating Right (more to come when I actually receive it since I had to ship it home to myself). We had high hopes of attending the Room 704 party but I was exhausted and there were way too many people so I went back to the room. And I learned from my roomie about the “swag” and I was more than ok not going or getting it.
Despite the fact that it was a long day it was very rewarding. I was able to meet so many incredible people and overall we just had a great time. I definitely overdid it. But more to come on subsequent posts.
Things I learned today for next year (provided we can venture across the country):
1. Don’t over commit/overbook/over schedule. Unless you have a twin!
2. Wear comfortable shoes. I packed a pair of heels for the evenings, put them on for 5 minutes, then stuffed them back in my suitcase where they still remain.
3. Get in a day before the conference (to rest!). It was very stressful trying to get to events I had RSVP’d for. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
I’ve taken a few days off to rest and spend time with my son. It was very difficult leaving him and he and I have needed a few days to get back to our routine. If you have emailed me, I promise I’ll respond just as soon as I am able. Tons more to come. I also have some exciting ideas on the horizon which I’ll share just as soon as they’re starting to come together. Oh…and winners? I haven’t forgotten you!
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you my dear are amazing and I totally feel like I jsut walked in your shoes for the entire day! I feel like I missed so much LOL.
I wish we could have flown together though!
Thank you for the very nice review…. I’m so happy for you that what began as a very stressful day turned into a wonderful experience.
Thanks for the tips for next year, I am trying to find a way to attend.
That’s a pretty good recap, girl!
I’m exhausted for you. Thanks for the recap.
sounds like a great time & i love the crocs preview. i love ’em for my little guys & the “shoes” are great from me (i don’t dare wear the clog type). It was great seeing you again tonight!
xoxo, Kelly
Wow! You’ve already made me tired! I don’t know how you made it. But, it does sound like fun!
BlogHer ’08 was the first time that I left my little girl too (she was just shy of two years old at the time). Although the conference was fun and productive and I met lots of wonderful people (including YOU!), it was also hard. I haven’t left her overnight anywhere since… 😉
I remember walking into the Team Mom dinner and seeing you right by the door. So sweet! Glad we finally met!
Oh and your chocolate! LOL