27 July 2009

The requisite BlogHer post

Maggie Dammit describes it as akin to Alice in Wonderland, down the rabbit hole. I think it's kind of like a college reunion - lots of people with whom you have commonality, but don't see very often or even like very much. For a few days, real life paused and I found myself in some parallel universe.

I had a great time meeting and seeing people - wonderful warm generous lovely smart people - like Cecily and Mel and Aurelia and Annette and Amanda and VodkaMom and Marinka and Jean and Lori and and Becky and Becky and Catherine and Susan and Ree and IzzyMom and Grace and Emma and if you're not listed, it doesn't mean I don't love you. I met Lisa Stone when I didn't have any cards on me. I gave Kelcey a ride to the airport and never saw her again - her humor panel room was overflowing. I met Florinda for the first time and she was a perfect roommate.

I found the sessions I went to inspirational - I wanted to give Kelly a standing ovation when she finished talking about the "transformative power of blogging", the community keynote made us laugh and cry, and the mommyblogging panel on balance with Lisa Belkin wasn't nearly as annoying as I thought it would be.

I was delighted to meet the Johnson & Johnson people who sponsored me; they were lovely and seemed genuinely happy to have been able to support the random handful of bloggers who won their sweepstakes.

I was happy to wear another hat when I got to thank the representatives from Method and Sprout. Several months ago, they'd come through generously when I asked for product for a silent auction charity event I was working on.

I didn't win a netbook (which I don't need anyway) or a washer/dryer (which I do). And I didn't win new tires, but I did have my picture taken with the Michelin man (and anyway I need two new cars, not four new tires, thank you very much).

I was tickled to be invited to a private party given by Nintendo, a swank party complete with horse-drawn carriages and a spectacular view of Chicago from the 95th floor of the Hancock building. Nintendo's outreach reps are charming, and all of the guests got a DSi in the slickest gift box ever - it opens up to a vanity mirror, with lights and applause.

That gift box was one of the best things I brought home for the girlie, but she did like the Strawberry Shortcake dolls and the Schleich white tiger and the toy car and the clown nose and the coloring books and the chocolate lollipop. And my husband ate all of the chocolates that came from the Room 704 party (but he hasn't seen the vibrator yet).

I even left the hotel on Saturday morning, and - with Gwen - went to the Art Institute of Chicago and walked back along the lake.

And there's a lot of shite floating around about swag and marketing and PR, but eh. For me, the weekend was fun, and maybe I'll post some pictures tomorrow. After all, I've got some downtime tomorrow - I'm detoxing from BlogHer by having a colonscopy. Joy.

32 comments:

Vodka Mom said...

I totally choked on my salad when I read your last line!


HAH! That's one way to celebrate coming home. Not one I would chose, mind you, but to each his own.


(It was a real pleasure meeting you and chatting. You are an amazing woman.)

Stimey said...

I'm so happy we were able to hang out and chat. You're way cool. I had a great time too.

S said...

You did it right, my friend. Can't wait to be among those you hang out with NEXT year.

alejna said...

I'm glad you had fun. Thanks for this recap of the events.

I hope I get to hang out with you next year, too.

For that matter, maybe we can find a time to get together before then. (I can't believe I missed your visit to Boston. Not that I get into Boston much myself these days, but I would totally have made the efforts. Just so you know. For next time. Or maybe we can manage something when I'm down at the in-laws.)

painted maypole said...

the art institute was one of my favorite things about chicago when I lived there.

and i say "shite" all the time! ;)

er... good luck?... with the colonoscopy. ugh.

Florinda said...

Right back at you with the "perfect roommate" comment. It was great to get to know you during my first BlogHer experience! Glad you had a good time and a good trip back home, and that your daughter likes her new goodies. (My stepson totally covets a DSi.)

Best of luck with your follow-up activity (hope that goes well!).

Ree said...

THAT is a serious detox. It was lovely meeting you. XXOO

Unknown said...

Good idea to get all that checked. I'm going down the list of all the things that need to be look at after 35 myself - from boobs to butt...

Good luck! (Hope it's just routine..)

Anonymous said...

I hear it's how all the rich & famous do it.

You certainly make the event sound like a good time. I'm sure I'll have mixed feelings as '10 rolls around right in my front yard.

shrink on the couch said...

So I like to ask, who seemed most like their blog persona .. and who seemed least like their blog persona.


I remember meeting some online-only friends in person and being amazed that the person who was the "quietest" online was the most loud in person. It made no sense. Never would have predicted it.

flutter said...

You were one of my highlights last year. Thank you for that.

Feel better after that um...detox *snort*

Don Mills Diva said...

SOOO glad I got to meet you this year!

Anonymous said...

Was nice to meet you, to always see a friendly face wherever I seemed to go. I really wasn't stalking you. Promise!! :-)

Maggie, Dammit said...

LOVED meeting you.

Enjoy the colonoscopy! ;)

Tatiana said...

Seriously, a colonoscopy... haha!

I love reading posts that are happy recaps of BlogHer 09. I'm looking forward to going next year!

Tatiana said...

Seriously, a colonoscopy... haha!

I love reading posts that are happy recaps of BlogHer 09. I'm looking forward to going next year!

Aunt Becky said...

I am in love with you.

1A said...

So glad I got to see you ... more than once, even! Hope the procedure goes well. Hmm. Might not hurt if BlogHer signed up for one too. ;)

Unknown said...

"not nearly as annoying as I thought it was going to be.." Thanks. I think, : )
Lisa Belkin

nonlineargirl said...

I think there are probably more enjoyable ways to detox, but that is just me.

I am sorry I missed it, and you, but glad you got to escape with Gwen for a while. (now I'm even sadder...)

ConverseMomma said...

It was such a pleasure to meet you. I am going to hold you to that coffee/chocolate date. Thank you for the compliment on the panel. I think it was really the audience who made the magic in that room. Thank you so much.

Marinka said...

Good luck with the colonoscopy! It was great to meet you, thanks for being my flight mate.

mayberry said...

Spending time with you was one of the best parts of the whole deal, no question!

And I hope today was, uh, not too awfully awful.

Gwen said...

Our Art Institute time was most delicious.

Sounds like you did BlogHer just right.

Jeff had a colonoscopy a couple weeks ago and now he's on this, 'let's everyone fast once a month!' kick. Weirdo. Hope you're recovering well from yours, the loss of roughage notwithstanding.

Sarah said...

You were like a beacon of serenity at BlogHer...a calming presence that I appreciated. It was great meeting you and having you along on our adventure in dining Thursday night.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I think yours is the first post I've read that made it sound like fun.

Good luck with the detox.

The Library Lady said...

I'd have loved to have seen Lisa Belkin--I am one of the folks who comments on her Mother Lode blog a LOT :D

BlogHer's going to be in NYC next time. I am not sure I could handle being there, especially since I'd have to come as myself. But having it where I've got free crash space (my parents) makes it tempting..

Hope all went well with the colonoscopy. Feh...

KC said...

I can't believe we didn't run into each other after that panel! it was great to see you though, for those, what 5 minutes???

Glad you had a great time!

Lori at Spinning Yellow said...

So fun hanging out with you! I'm with you on all the drama and such. Whatever. It was a blast. The people make the event. People like you. Next year you show us all the hot spots, 'kay?

Christy said...

Sorry I missed meeting you and shooting a photo of noras many heads on sticks. Bummer. Next year?

I was annoyed at that balance session - I left early in fact!

And that is soooo funny that you walked up to Danielle and asked her if she was the tampon woman. I think that probably happened to her all weekend! haha!

Danielle said...

A colonoscopy? You had WAY more fun at BlogHer than I did.

It was so nice to meet you, Maggie!

Cagey (Kelli Oliver George) said...

I decided not to write my post, but I did love reading this! Thank you for sending it to me. :-)