You’ll be surprised to know that after all my agonizing, last night I finally registered for #BlogHer13! On the verge of pushing the button to submit, I was overcome with a set of nerves. I stepped away from my laptop for awhile and came back and took the plunge. Hubby is very supportive and says he’ll help me in any way he can. That means a lot. He also joked that it’s a big deal for me to do this since I’m “2 days away from being an agoraphobic or a shut-in.” I laughed so hard when he said that. It’s not true but it’s kind of true. I do go out of the house, just not as often as others. (See my last post for my fears about going to #BlogHer13.) I got to thinking how when I need to take my mom out to the doctor, I can do it. Maybe I just have to pretend I’m taking her to the convention (even though I’m not) because it would be easier to take her than go alone. Now I sound even loopier than I really am.
Today I woke up alternately thinking: “What have I gotten myself into?” and “What next?” I’m mostly filled with excitement now and know I will learn SOMETHING. Probably more than I even realize now. I also hope to meet people and out of 5,000, there’s got to be a few that I click with. Actually, I can get along with most people even those vastly different than me. It’s only the know it all and exclusionary types I have a problem with.
I also ordered my first Mini Moo Cards for pickup at #BlogHer13. In my last post I’d told of working on them and not being happy with them. Well, I went back and did them from scratch so I could get the free ones they offered ($4 fee). I copied the style, size and color of text but changed the background from black to gray. Also changed my email address to black. The dog picture is the same but the white space actually leaves room for the Moo logo they put on the free cards. I think I’ll be happy with them. I just hope 100 is enough! 🙂
Last night when I shared my joy on Twitter after signing up, the first to welcome me was another newbie named Di Ranere who blogs at freesamplemomma.com We are as different as night and day but what matters most to me is how genuine and friendly she was. I won’t ever forget how inviting she was and made me feel like I didn’t have to worry about going alone. I have a feeling I’ll be going up to anyone that’s by themselves and chatting up a storm. I just naturally don’t like to see others off on their own (unless they want to be) without offering them some support.
I’ve got to say I’m taken aback at how many people mentioned using Facebook groups to organize people they want to meet in person. I know tons of people just LOVE Facebook but to me, it’s the Axis of Evil. I’m not going to get into a rant against it because I don’t have a problem with others using it. I just don’t want any part of it. That puts me in the minority. I feel like I’m at a huge disadvantage not belonging. Yet, it doesn’t make me want to compromise my strong dislike for it by joining just for this reason. I’m not someone who joined, was really into it, got turned off and left. I NEVER joined but have seen some of what goes on and it’s just not for me. I know I’ll survive this without belonging but why isn’t being on Twitter, Instagram and having a blog enough?! Maybe people think the more social media sites they’re on, the better. I don’t agree. I try to do a couple and do them well.
I downloaded the #BlogHer13 app but there’s still so much I can’t figure out. Like how to sign up for the sessions that they have in the morning and afternoon. How do I get my name listed among the attendees? When do people go to the Expo hall to meet the sponsors? Are all the provided meals served AT McCormick Place? I want to go to the Newbie Breakfast on Friday but they don’t mention where it is. I assume it’s at McCormick Place. Now trying to figure out how to get there by 7:30 am and if I need to go to the hotel first or if I should simply go to the hotel to get the shuttle bus. Luckily, I have a big mouth and I can ask and keep asking until I get answers….
I don’t know if I’ll have time to blog anymore prior to going. Hubby has a diabetes class (which I’m going with him) on Tuesday night so what little free time I have between now and then is slowly evaporating. I want to be like a sponge and take in everything that happens at the conference so I can blog about it later. Hopefully, I’ll get lots of pictures too. Wish me luck as I tackle this totally new territory! 😉
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Yay! I’m sure this will be a fun adventure and you’ll be happy you took the plunge!
Thanks, Missy. I’m hoping it’s a once in a lifetime event. I love your blog name. I hope you someday go back to writing under it! Or at least link it to your new one.
I’ve heard there are plenty of “mean girls” types who attend BlogHer – but then again there are plenty of “mean girls” types everywhere you go in life so that’s no big deal. I’m sure that for every one of THOSE, you’ll find three awesome people! I hope you have the best time, and DO take lots of pics!
Louise, I’ve already gotten that Mean Girl vibe from a few. All I can do is put myself out there & hope for the best! At the very least, it will give me something to blog about. 😉
I understand your apprehension on Blogher13. I had the same concerns before I went to ’12. I actually went as a volunteer. I tried my best to take as much advantage as I could. My experience wasn’t the greatest, but I’m very sure yours will be wonderful. You seem to be a lot more personable than I am. I did get to meet Schmutzie & Neil Kramer when I worked their panel. I also met “@uncommonchick”.
Conferences are all about the experience. Take advantage of it. Have fun. Make personal and professional relationships. Learn, learn and learn. Have fun. Looking forward to a recap post.
Colette, you have the most beautiful name! 🙂 Thank you for the encouragement & sharing your experience at last year’s conference. Oh, how I wish you were going this year! I actually did volunteer to work at BlogHer13 but they had too many applicants. I thought it would be an easier way to meet people plus be busy. It will be over before I know it!
From reading the #BlogHer13 Twitter feed, it almost sounds like a lot of people blow off the sessions! Spending more time socializing, etc. I’m keeping an open mind!
I’m planning on going to the newbie breakfast too! I’m coming in from the suburbs that morning, so I think I’m going to try go straight to McCormick Place. I’m pretty overwhelmed by the whole conference, but I’m going to try to get the most out of it! 🙂
I’m really glad you attended BlogHer13 and that we made a connection there! Surely you had a better time than you thought you would (cuz you met me! Just kidding)! Looking forward to your recap post. I’m still thinking about mine, so, maybe in a couple of days.
Thank you, Sandra! Meeting you was definitely a highlight for me. Thank you for visiting my blog. I’ll be checking out yours this week!
I was so happy to meet you at BlogHer! I actually had a really rough go of it last year (which was my first year), so I understand the trepidation you had because it really can go both ways. But I’m so glad you went for it and had a good experience!
I felt so relieved when you told on the panel about feeling overwhelmed last year. It was shocking to me because you looked so at ease. You are so right about needing to find your own people. I still need to find mine. 😦
Tabatha, you seriously kept me from feeling like I didn’t belong. It made all the difference & you have my undying loyalty. You are my blogging role model. Just know what an impact you had on my life. I’m sure you affected others you interacted with similarly.
You will find them, I promise! It may take a while, but I know without a doubt they’re out there.
The thing that overwhelmed me last year was feeling like everybody already knew everybody and that I was just a big outsider trying to sit at the cool kid table. To a point, a lot of people already knew a lot of people, but a lot of people didn’t know anyone either. And what it took me a while to realize is that bloggers go to conferences not just to learn and see their old friends, but to meet new friends and discover new blogs and grow as a community. It’s super hard to put yourself out there over and over again, but once you do you, it’s worth it. I had an absolute blast this year and I am so glad I didn’t let one overwhelming experience stop me from trying again, because this year truly inspired in so many ways.
And thank you for the kind words — that’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about me. I’m not sure how much of a role model I am, but I’d be honored to be considered your friend. 🙂
Oh my gosh, you are just amazingly warm and wonderful. Now I need another hug and I’m so sorry the weekend is over.
I feel the exact same way about you, Deb!