A week from today I will be kicking it with my homies at BlogHer 2012 in New York. I can’t wait to get away from everything for five days.
Last year I was more freaking out from excitement, but this year it is a more laid back type of excitement. I’m not hurtling into the unknown and that’s a nice feeling. I kind of know what to expect when I get there, and I’m not obsessing over every little detail as much as I was last year. This year I’m more focused on the things that are really important to me and what I would like to accomplish while I’m there. So what are those things?
Being with friends.
This year I’m rooming with Elaine, Erin, and Tracy. I roomed with Elaine last year and had previously met her at Bloggy Boot Camp in Austin. We’ve become pretty good friends and I can’t wait to see her again. We are flying up together, and I’ve already warned her that I may tackle her in the airport. I also met Tracy last year at BlogHer and I just love her. She is so much fun. This will be my first time to meet Erin, but her writing is so open and honest I guess you could say that I’ve already “met” her through her words. I can’t wait to do it in person.
I also can’t wait to see my good blogging buddy Amanda. I love her so much! I have a pretty long list of other people I want to hug, like Kat, Jen, Jill, Roo, Kelly, Allison, Kir, Melissa, Jo-Lynne, Julie… Just to name a few. And I’m sure I missed someone. Also I have to say that if I get to meet Brittany I will probably have a total fan girl moment because I love her so much! Not to sound like a stalker freak or anything.
I’m also going to get to see some in real life friends that live on Long Island. Frank owns Hoopla Doopla* and they are one of the sponsors of BanShe. He is bringing his wife, Jeanine, who I’ve been friends with since Cady was a baby. I can’t wait to see them again.
* Dude, that’s an affiliate link. You should sign up and check out their affiliate program.
Learning new stuff.
There are a couple of writing sessions that I’m looking forward to and one on media training for Bloggers. I wanted to get into at least one Writing Lab, but they were all booked before I got the chance. I’m also really looking forward to the keynote speakers, Martha Stewart and Katie Couric. I’m hoping that Martha talks about how she created her brand. I’ve also signed up to attend an all day photography course on Thursday that is hosted by Adorama. They have some fantastic instructors lined up. I’m hoping that I’ll come home with a ton of new tips for how to use my camera and how to take better photos.
Having fun.
Last year there were some pretty fun activities in the Expo hall and I’m sure the sponsors have some great ideas this year. I’m really hoping that Retail Me Not has their “cash” booth again this year. That was so much fun.
Also, the parties at BlogHer are always amazing. I can’t wait to get my glow on at SparkleCorn and hang out with everyone at BanShe. I know the hosts of both of those parties have put in a lot of hard work to ensure that we all have a really great time.
Protecting my feet.
That one might make you pause, but after last year’s experience I’ve put a lot of thought into what shoes I’m wearing and how I can make sure I don’t sport a “sixth toe” again this year. I even found this Friction Block stick made by Johnson and Johnson that I’m going to use. Fingers crossed that it works.
Representing a great brand.
This year I will be representing LifeMarker at the BanShe party. LifeMarker makes QR codes for memorials. I would love it so much if you could follow them on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook. I will be writing more about them when I get back from BlogHer.
Well there you have it. Those are my goals, be with friends, learn stuff, have fun, protect my feet, and tell people about LifeMarker. They may not be lofty, but they are all mine. If you are attending this year, what are your goals? For those of you that aren’t, I wish you were so that I could give you a great big hug!
I need to get some of that friction block stuff!!! i am worried i’ll have the 6th toe going. SOOOOO EXCITED!
I’ve got some. We can share. Well, we can share if you don’t mind rubbing on your feet what I’ve already rubbed on my feet. LOL I got it at Target. It is in the aisle with the bandaids.
I can’t wait to see everyone again. I know it’s going to be different than last year but still totally awesome fun .
It is going to be different, but it is going to be awesome!
Can’t wait to hear all about it! How exciting…you’re going to have such a great time, I’m sure!!
=)
And then WE will be having fun in Dallas!
No SIXTH toe this year!!! (BTW, can I borrow some of that?!?!) ;p
And look at us in our James Avery must sponsor us picture, we’re so cute. Can’t wait to be tackled in the airport next week! xo
It really stinks that they don’t sponsor people.
You can totally borrow some of it if you don’t mind that I’ve already rubbed it on my feet!
You are going to have so much fun and that is just in your room! Add in the actual convention and it may just be the best 5 days all year
I hope you have an amazing time. I wish I was there to meet you and give you a hug! It would be an honor!!
I wish you were coming too. This may sound weird, but sometimes I actually physically miss my friends in the computer even though I’ve never met them in real life. Especially when they are going through something rough and I just want to give them a hug and a cookie.
Oh… and what a great blog name that would make. A Hug and a Cookie!
I hope you have a blast. Please give Amanda a huge hug for me.
She is actually rooming with us Wednesday night so I will definitely do that!
I’m SOOOOOO excited to *finally* meet you!!! Can.Not.Wait. Is it Wednesday yet? Is it Wednesday yet?
My one hope after reading this… is that now I don’t have a 6th toe after all the thought I’ve put into my shoes. I’m going comfy… just hopefully it all turns out that way!
Tomorrow! I cant believe it is finAlly here.
I’m so excited for you! Have so, so much fun!!
So sad that you won’t be there this year.
You and me both, sister!
But oh the fun that y’all are going to have – I can feel it from here and am *so* excited for you!!
Have a great time!!!