Category Archive for BlogHer 07 in Chicago

Yeah, I said I was done with BlogHer, didn’t I? Oops! So sue me. I’ve been noticing a lot of discontent about the conference around the web lately, and it reminds me a lot of the discontent that wafted around after last year’s conference. For the record, I was a lot happier with this years gathering. I felt a lot more comfortable this year, and I felt like I absorbed quite a bit more from the sessions and my fellow bloggers. I had a great time and left exhausted and satisfied. Truly, that’s a good thing, right?

There’s been some discussion about the “swagtroversy.” Since I was at that particular shindig (though I didn’t crash, I was actually invited (I was surprised too)), I felt a connection to the story. And while some of my most favorite bloggers EVAH were involved, I had a hard time seeing too much conflict there. Yes, the party organizers could have handled themselves a little better but they didn’t. And these people, fabulous as they are, weren’t invited. It’s a shame that it had to happen at all, but I can’t fault the people throwing the party too much. But hey, they did get free alcohol, right? Considering I had just the night before paid $11 hard earned dollars for an appletini, I think free alcohol is a pretty good deal, even if you were cut off at the end.

There are also people who have complained about different items in their swag bags. Such as the Butterball turkey pot holder. My thought? BIG DEAL. It was free. You can feel free to see it as a negative statement about your femininity, but I see it as… a free pot holder. SCORE! I don’t do most of the cooking in the house so I gave it to my husband and my seven year old was very excited to have yet another pot holder with which to get hot pans out of the oven with (he won’t even open the oven door without a pot holder, if that tells you anything). I think if someone wants to give me something for free, regardless of whether it’s something I will use or not, I’m going to be grateful. I was literally ecstatic about each and every piece of swag I got and became a total swag whore because it was all FREE. And I loves maself some free stuff. Same goes with the ’swagtroversy” goodies. I wasn’t even expecting any swag from that dinner party and imagine my delight when I saw that I would get to take a little something home! I didn’t poke through it until I got back to my room and was floored at their generosity. I go to BlogHer not really expecting a lot, I guess, and so I’m always over the moon about what I do get. And I think that’s the way it should be. As soon as I start feeling entitled to something, that’s when I’m going to have to take a step back and re-examine my priorities, you know?

There’s also been some rumblings lately about the “high school” issue. Before I go on, let it be known that I think both of these bloggers are fabulous and I love them much. And I don’t think they’re entirely off base. While the cliquishness of it all was a lot more subdued this year, it was there. But when I sit down and really think about it, I know that it’s pretty much unavoidable. I put myself in these womens shoes, the ones who may or may not have been doing the excluding/preening/cliquing. And I think, what would I have done differently had I been there as a more “popular” blogger. Would I have stepped away from my comfortable group and mingled with new and unfamiliar faces? Or would I have counted on “safety in numbers” and instead enjoyed my time with my small group of good friends? I’m an introvert by nature and have a very difficult time stepping outside my comfort zone. I would definitely have been the sort who would want to remain in my little group. Not because I think I’m better than anyone else, but because that is where I feel the most at ease. And so when you take a “popular” blogger who feels pretty much the same way as I do (and a lot of bloggers do, it comes with blogging as a medium), and you add me who isn’t likely to step forward and make introductions, there isn’t going to be a lot of “intermingling” going on. They’re going to stay in their little group and I’m going to stay in mine. And I’m going to make an effort not to feel resentful about it because it is as much my issue as it is theirs. What should they do, just not go? I don’t think that’s a good answer because a conference like this relies on “the more the merrier.” These “popular” bloggers have a lot to contribute to the community and I think they should be encouraged to do so. I’m disappointed there weren’t more of them there, to be honest. I don’t believe I would have had the nerve to step forward and introduce myself but maybe I could have benefited from their knowledge in the various sessions I attended. That would have been worth it, I think.

So all in all, I think no one is ever going to be 100% satisfied with these BlogHer conferences. That’s just far too much to ask of such a large and diverse community. All we can do is enjoy what we are given and what we take away.

Filed under BlogHer 07 in Chicago |

Yes, it’s time to leave BlogHer 07 in the past. Truthfully, it was better than I expected. I wasn’t expecting much from this years conference because some there were going to be some notable absences from the guest list (and yes, Brit, I’m talking to you) (you too, Cagey). I didn’t feel the same excitement I had felt before last years conference. Maybe it was my lowered expectations that helped me to really, really enjoy myself. And I find myself feeling a little sorry for those who didn’t attend (not the ones who COULDN’T, the ones who DIDN’T; there’s a difference) even if they don’t themselves feel sorry (perhaps more so if they don’t). If they judged this year on last year’s conference (like I was doing, admittedly), then they missed out. But anyhow, my point here is that it’s time for me to put BlogHer 07 in the past and move on with my life. I feel as though I’m stuck in quicksand. I don’t quite know what I can say but yet I’ve been saying a lot, you know? And you all are probably beyond bored with my nonsensical musings by now.

(I can’t help but wonder why some have stayed very quiet, for the most part, about BlogHer and I think it must be because of the overwhelming nature of it all. That or the knowledge that it is a boring subject for those who weren’t there. I just want anyone who is reading who wasn’t able to go to know that YES, it is worth it. If you are considering going next year, PLAN on it. It’s so, so worth it.)

I can’t believe that I’m leaving home yet again on Friday. I feel like I’m only just now getting back into the groove of things here in Reno and now I’ve got to pack my bag (not that it’s been entirely unpacked yet) again and leave home. Again. True, I’ll be leaving with my family and we’ll be going to see more family. And it’ll be fun, yes. But I’m a homebody at heart and leaving my home makes me feel all icky inside. Especially since I feel like I just got back here, you know? And I hate living out of a suitcase. I desire stability and living an unstable life just doesn’t jive with me. At least my parents have DSL now that I can hack log into. I won’t be entirely shut off. And they have a pool which is definitely the highlight of Harry’s visit right now. And it won’t be too long (Monday evening) until I’m back at home and things can (really) start getting back to normal.

And I definitely won’t be talking about BlogHer next week either. Count on it.

Filed under BlogHer 07 in Chicago, General Snark |

It’s no small mystery that I’ve had a rough time adjusting to every-day life since returning home.  It has been very hard to go from GO, GO, GO, FUN, FUN, FUN! to… nada.  Even as tired as I was on Sunday, I still think I could have kept it going for another day or two, you know?  And now I’m here back at home and there is just NOTHING going on.  Well, unless you want to count the fact that we’re traveling to my parents house in a couple days time (and I sure don’t).  I was surrounded by friends and giggling and stimulation and now I’m… not.  It’s almost like how you feel the week or two after Christmas is over.  The best part is done and what is there to look forward to?

Don’t get me wrong.  I love having my family back.  Seeing my boys as I walked to baggage claim on Sunday was the singularly most awesome moment of the weekend.  The way Liam literally grabbed me and held on tight brought tears to my eyes (still does!).  And I love being able to sniff his baby fresh head whenever I so chose.  But the every day life is rather mundane by comparison and it’s hard to go from 60mph to 0 just like that, you know?

Doesn’t help that my best buddies here at home are otherwise occupied this week.  I miss them too, but real life does intervene.  So where normally my days would be somewhat filled, they’re rather empty and lonely.  I probably need it though, to adjust back to real life from the SUPERlife that is BlogHer.  I’m just having a hard time feeling any sort of enthusiasm over anything and with the cold I think I’m brewing (thank you AGAIN, coach class), I’m just completely devoid of energy or drive.

BAH.  How many days is it going to take for me to come down off this cloud??

Filed under BlogHer 07 in Chicago |

There aren’t many this year.  Last year, there was a lot that I felt was missing and the letdown afterward was sharp.  This year, the only letdown I feel is the constant notion that I’ve left behind something valuable.  And that is?  Friends.  God, I had such a good time.  I was exhausted beyond belief a majority of the time, but even at my most sleepy, I was having an absolute blast.  I missed my family with a sharp fervor almost every moment, but I was surrounded by beautiful women who also missed their families with a sharp fervor and we commiserated in that together.  Can I get an “Amen”?

But I do have regrets about the conference, now that it’s over here.  Here are a few of the notable ones.

• I didn’t get to meet Frema!   I was looking for her, I swear.  But I didn’t go to the Day 1 cocktail party and I fear that was probably my best chance.
• I missed a lot of the panels on Day 2.  I was just trying to stay afloat by then.  I also missed the lunch with Jillian Michaels and I now sorta wish I’d done that.  I wish I’d been more on it and gotten in on the Ways and Means panel.  The last panel I went to was cute, but a little too touchy feely for me and I think I could have found a better one.
• I didn’t try to at least get an up-close picture of Elizabeth Edwards when she stopped by the cocktail party on Day 2.
• I also didn’t investigate the t-shirt creation station at the Day 2 cocktail party or do any of the nifty Dove things they had there.
• I regret that stupid $20 cab ride from the W to the City Centre.
• I regret not talking Zoot into coming along with me to the W for the Real Simple dinner/party.  I think she would have enjoyed it and as much as I enjoyed it, I might have enjoyed it even more if she were there.
• I didn’t get to explore Chicago more, or even browse around on the “Magnificant Mile”.
• I don’t feel that I took near enough pictures.
• It would have been nice to stay at the W, but considering the deal we got on the City Centre, I am NOT going to complain.  But it sure looked swanky!
• I didn’t see Nancy from Mom, Ma’am, Me this year.  :(
• I’m not sure that I partied nearly as much as I should have.
• I regret not realizing that a flight that is going to be over 3 hours long should really only be attempted by riding in business or first class, not coach.

I think that’s all but really, that’s enough, isn’t it?  For what it’s worth, I have a lot more “I’m glad’s” than I do regrets.  And if you’re tired of hearing about BlogHer from everyone already?  My apologies but for the next day or so I’m unlikely to have much else on my mind.

Filed under BlogHer 07 in Chicago |