BlogHer '09: The Aftermath

The BlogHer organizers warn you that you'll want to leave room in your suitcase for carrying your swag home. Someone even suggested packing an extra collapsible bag. Forget the extra suitcase: I need an extra car. Seriously!



This is the Day 1 stuff. Add in two more tote bags of goodies, including two free books, and you'll see my dilemma.

And this is not to mention all the food and drinks available every time we turned around. Before it was over, I was making a conscious effort to avoid making eye contact with anyone who looked like they might want to give me something.

I even passed up the free Levi's post-it notes! (And y'all know of my love for office supplies.)

While the swag is lovely and fun, the biggest bang for my dwindling bucks was participating in the community of it all. It's the strangest experience, alternating between feeling empowered and capable of achieving every single dream I've ever had...and feeling humbled, awed, and totally inadequate in comparison to some of the amazing accomplishments of others. But even that's good. If nothing else, I had the concept of infinite possibilities proven to me. Over and over and over again.

BlogHer'10: New York City Start saving now!

Today's a vacation day for me. After a swing by Mary's place, I'm off to the 'burbs for a visit with friends. I have no idea what we'll be doing, but I hope it doesn't involve walking. Or cookies. :)

Hope you're all having a splendid weekend!

BlogHer'09: The First Day

What a capital-I-Incredible Day! I'll give you the quickie rundown before I scoot out for yet ANOTHER day of craziness.

I did meet-up with that delightful and charming JC, who is every bit as wonderful as I thought she'd be. (I wasn't REALLY worried.) We keep passing in the hallways but have not managed, so far, to actually sit down and talk. I'm hoping that changes today!

I'd had the pleasure of meeting Carla, of MizFit, last fall in Austin and really looked forward to seeing her again. Fortunately, I got my wish! She's as fun and funny as ever!

My next treat was meeting the seriously gorgeous Sahar from Fat Fighter TV. In addition to being a passionate advocate of all things healthy and sharing her knowledge with the rest of us, Sahar also makes beautiful wine charms. Who knew?!

My walking buddy Mary dragged (yes, dragged, as in I would have kicked and screamed but I didn't want to cause a scene, plus I was too tired) to a room party sponsored by the Energizer-bunny people, where we received lovely party swag but even MORE importantly, I scored a trifecta in the people-meeting sweepstakes! Are you ready for it? Krissie from Questions for Dessert, Miranda from Fat Bridesmaid, and Lorrie from Token Fat Girl! We only talked for a few minutes, but it was enough for me to know that I want to move wherever they live.

Non-fitness bloggers who were suuuuper nice and fun to talk to:
Andrea at MommySnacks.net, a deal$ finding DIVA!

Carrie at Money Saving Methods, who said she could save us some serious money and after a quick glance at her blog, I think she may be right.

There were quite a few other folks, as you can imagine, and more than a few truly great moments. I'll have more to share in the days (months, perhaps) ahead, It's been a most awesome event, and we're only at the halfway point.

Bye for now...

BlogHer Starts with a Bang

Well, it hasn't actually started yet, but yesterday was so much fun I decided to lump it in with the whole event! I met MerryMary mid-afternoon for a much-anticipated walk through downtown Chicago, and oh my Lord, how we did walk! We covered Millenium Park, the Navy Pier (where we waited out a rain shower and yakked), Lake Shore Drive, the Gold Coast, and Michigan Avenue. I think we were up and walking for something like 4-1/2 hours. Due to our damp-from-rain-and-perspiration states, we opted out on meeting other bloggers last night.

So this morning it all gets official. I'm hopinghopinghoping to meet up with my other Southern sister, JC, at breakfast! And then even MORE bloggers! There are a couple of presentations I plan to attend today, along with the exhibitors area. I'm also hoping we fitness/weight management people got our own table for the community lunch.

Tomorrow will be more of the same, I'm sure. There are fireworks downtown tomorrow night, and I'm looking forward to that as much as anything else. :)

Hope you're all having a wonderful week! I'm being a lousy supporter this week, and don't think I don't feel badly about that, but I hope I can make it up to you later!