Oh my God, people. I am so tired.
This overwhelming sense of fatigue started when I woke up on Thursday--after going to bed at two o'clock in the morning--to update blogs, pack, clean, and shower before heading off to Chicago and has stayed with me ever since. My life battery, she's losing juice fast, and in addition to catching up on work and blog writing, there are seven episodes of All My Children taking up space on two VHS tapes demanding my undivided attention. There's also a husband who I missed very much and would like to spend some quality time with before I take off again this weekend for a family camping trip. Hopefully I can recharge before then.
But you didn't come here to listen to me bitch and moan, you want the 411 on BlogHer! (At least, I hope you do; if not, you're in for one boring week.) There's so much to talk about that one post couldn't possibly cover everything, so today I'll talk about the social aspects of the conference, while my next couple of entries will zero in on the sessions themselves.
Where to begin? I was so nervous on Thursday about meeting so many of the people I've connected with over the blogosphere. I feel most at home behind a computer, where I can craft my words carefully and Photoshop my acne, and I was afraid about not meeting everyone's expectations. But when Molly and I arrived at the W Lakeshore and caught Isabel, Stacy, and Lizarita chatting it up outside the glass doors, I felt myself instantly relax. I may not have met these people before, but I knew them. It was going to be OK.
For our first night in town, we all had dinner at Navy Pier and entertained each other with conversation. It was wonderful--no stumbling over words, no fawning all over ourselves, just talking like friends who hadn't seen each other for a while. Looking back at all the hustle and bustle that took place over the three days I was in Chicago, I so appreciate that we were able to sit in Charlie's Ale House for two hours and just be. And the spinach dip? Totally a bonus.
Left to right, starting from the back: Carrisa, Lizarita, Lizzy, Molly, me, Isabel, and Stacy
On Friday morning, though, the anxiety flared up again as I rummaged through my suitcase, wondering if I'd be dressed alright and how I'd make out interacting with actual strangers. When Molly, Lizarita, and I stepped outside to wait for the conference shuttle and I noticed all the skirts and heels, I thought maybe it wasn't such a great idea to don shorts and a tee shirt. I even had a sweatshirt tied around my waist, like I was a high schooler going away to summer camp. However, once at the Pier, I breathed a sigh of relief over seeing the wide variety of dress attire. And I'm pregnant, so comfort totally trumps sophistication. Right?
My big moment of geekdom took place after the last session of the day, "The State of the Momosphere," for which Lena of Cheeky Lotus, one of my favorite reads, was a panelist. After the moderator wrapped things up, I grabbed my camera and made my way to her like a groupie with a backstage concert pass to one of her favorite bands. I told her how much I loved both of her blogs and managed to give her one of my business cards without making a fool of myself. I also scored the picture you see below. I'm surprised Lena was even able to look me in the eye, what with all the oil patches radiating from my face.
Afterwards it was time for a cocktail party on Navy Pier's rooftop, where we all spent a couple of hours visiting. I was tired, hungry, and desperately needing a shower, but it was a great time. I talked to a few bloggers I never expected to meet, like Zoot! We bonded over Harry Potter, Christopher Pike, and our complicated history with Catholicism. Lucky for her I was able to swipe an oil-absorbent sheet at my cheeks and forehead first.
Another group shot, this time with the addition of Jackie, a fellow Saint Joe alum, and Angela of CPA Mom fame. They're the ones making a Molly sandwich.
Saturday was a little easier to get through, as there were only three sessions instead of four. I had lunch with my contact from Parents.com along with Emily from Not That You Asked and Lindsay of Surburban Turmoil, who also write for the Parents Web site. It was nice to talk about how the gig was going for everyone, and our editor assured us that the site's glitches will be ironed out soon, so those of you who've experienced trouble registering or commenting, please don't lose heart. Your call is very important to us.
Cool Moment for Saturday: Jessica of Kerflop came up and introduced herself! I've read her site since the birth of her daughter and commented a few times, but I had no idea she knew who I was. That rocked.
There's so much more I could say, but I'm not sure it's necessary. Some folks will roll their eyes over all the BlogHer posts and write the conference off as a hierarchial rah-rah love fest disguised as personal and professional development, but that wasn't my experience. I had a great time meeting everyone I came in contact with, regardless if they knew my blog, and nobody asked me to kiss their ring or curtsy before I spoke. I wish I'd been able to branch out a bit and meet a wider variety of people, but I also wanted to make sure I spent time with the bloggers I'd already established relationships with. Who knows when we'll see each other again?
But at least there'll be an "again." Freka can't wait to meet all her new friends in person.
Do you think the camera caught Lizzy by surprise? Fear not, Liz, this shot's much better:
It sounds like the conference was awesome! The past two years I was *really* turned off to read posts about (and see pictures of) conference-goers spooning and licking each other. "Is this an orgy or a blogging conference?", I wondered. I haven't seen any of those types of posts yet this year, and am breathing a sigh of relief :-D
Posted by: Katie | July 30, 2007 at 02:14 PM
How fun it was!! I can't wait to read all you have to say about it this week. I, too, plan to discuss more of the session side of things.
And that last picture I'm in? That's right after a cold tornado from hell came out of nowhere and swept me and cows and sailboats alike right up into it's gusting fury, and then it kindly plopped me back down with my hand on your belly. Or at least that's the way things appear, no?
Posted by: Molly | July 30, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Frema! You look absolutely adorable!! What a cute pregnant girl you are!
(and I can totally empathize with you on the greasy face situation. I'm always shouting out, "Wait! I need to degrease my face!" before anyone takes my pic. Poor us. Us shiny faced ladies must stick together!)
I'm glad you had fun! I can't wait to read the rest of your posts about BlogHer.
Posted by: Brittany | July 30, 2007 at 03:07 PM
I will forever be grateful to Frema for letting me use her oil-absorbent sheets. Seriously. Saved the day.
I didn't get the feeling that the conference was all about "who's cool and who's not cool". Everyone I met was so nice. Seriously, I couldn't make that crap up.
Looking forward to reading you talk more about the actual sessions and how we got NO TIME between the last session and the parties. Note to next year's planners...give us time for a nap and to brush our teeth.
Posted by: Isabel | July 30, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Gee, I have a fair number of Lizzy pictures like that, too.
Frema, I loved loved loved meeting you. That first night's dinner could have been awkward, but it just felt right. I had a blast with all ya'll.
Posted by: HollowSquirrel | July 30, 2007 at 03:30 PM
Sounds and looks like you had a great time (and look at that pregnant belly being touched!).
Exhaustion seems like a great excuse to not go camping...but maybe that's just me. Dirt and bugs, ick.
Posted by: VirginiaGal | July 30, 2007 at 03:35 PM
So who got their ass kicked first for touching the belly?
Lol. Sounds like you had a good time!
Posted by: Rachel | July 30, 2007 at 03:39 PM
I'm actually enjoying all the BlogHer posts this year. They are much less cliquey and drunken picture-heavy, it seems to me. Not that I don't like a good drunken picture post, but you know what I mean.
Posted by: Operation Pink Herring | July 30, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Looks like a great time -- you all look so gorgeous!
I'm hoping to make it to Blogher one of these years. Until then, though, I'm having a great time reading about everyone else's experiences, even if I am really jealous!
Posted by: Audrey | July 30, 2007 at 03:43 PM
It was so great meeting you! I'm going to be keeping up with your pregnancy and what ensues... :)
Posted by: Suburban Turmoil | July 30, 2007 at 03:58 PM
See, I'm very upset that I didn't get a chance to meet you there! I was even sorta looking for you. I was the one hiding behind Zoot (she was my roomie! ahh!) the whole time but the ONE TIME I did something different was the cocktail party on Friday night so I missed meeting you. BIG bummer. I did meet all of your fabulous friends though and I now love and cherish all of them. :)
Dude... Christopher Pike?? My favorites were "Remember Me" and the "Final Friends" trilogy... TOTALLY.
Posted by: Marilyn | July 30, 2007 at 04:05 PM
"A Molly sandwich" I love it!
The belly pic is too cute. You look so adorable and also, Isabel looks like an f-ing model in that picture!
I knew you were going to post that picture from Thursday, the one that you are all posting. It's the one picture that really makes me sad (so very sad) that I wasn't there.
I can't wait for you to share some valuable info that you came across. ("Yer mam" comes across valuable info.)
Posted by: Silly Hily | July 30, 2007 at 04:28 PM
Sooo jealous! Looks like you had a great time, can't wait to hear more!
Posted by: Stacey | July 30, 2007 at 04:31 PM
That last one of Lizzy laughing... was that when I made the comment about the treadmill? That was like the best laugh ever.
And I'm so lucky to have met the author of TLF!
Posted by: Carrisa | July 30, 2007 at 07:57 PM
It looks like a good time was had by all. There was a lot of good learning and it was all positive. I love the great smiles all the people had in their pictures.
Posted by: daddy d | July 30, 2007 at 08:31 PM
That may well be the most embarrassing photograph of me. Ever.
But oh my stars, my sides hurt from laughing so hard. Or was I horking up a hairball?
Seriously though, thanks for not knocking me out when I instinctively went for the Belly Rub.
Loved the dinner on Thursday night, it felt so..so..so comfortable. Love & hugs from Brooklyn!
Posted by: Liz | July 30, 2007 at 09:35 PM
I'm so glad that you had a great experience. I knew everyone would love you Breain. The pictures are great and it was nice to see some of the people you talk about. Writing has always been your passion and I love that you have friends who share that with you. I am so proud of you and I love you so much!
Posted by: Sissy | July 31, 2007 at 01:13 AM
Someday, when I grow up, I'm going to BlogHer, too!
What a wonderful experience - glad you had a great time!
Btw, you are so dang cute I could just pinch you. But not hard, just a little. :)
Posted by: Redneck Diva | August 14, 2007 at 11:05 AM