I spent this past weekend in Chicago attending the BlogHer Conference.
And while last year my post-BlogHer post was about stepping outside my comfort zone, I made an amazing discovery this year.
I didn’t step outside my comfort zone the moment I arrived at the Chicago Sheraton, I stepped into it.
These are my people. My community. My cohorts. People who get it.
I’ve never had to remove my shoes to count the number of people I’m comfortable around. Or unclench one of my fists, if we’re being realistic.
There in Chicago, I realized that the way I interact with my internet friends can easily translate to real life. I know not everyone “gets it”, this blogging thing, and that’s OK. I don’t get the NASCAR craze, but I’m not knocking people who drive around with the number 3 on their bumper. Or is it the number 8?
I got to be myself for three whole days. I talked endlessly with people about their passions, their hopes, their writing styles, their kids or lack thereof. We talked about weight issues and depression and parenting. There was talk about what blogging adds to our lives, and how we try to find balance. But mostly, there was camaraderie.
And only a little bit of drama. But, in the eloquent words of my friend Fran, “In a group as large as blogher, there will always be flawed motives. Human nature. I choose to focus on the good.”
And good it was. I learned so much. I came home with a renewed passion for writing, a few new tricks up my sleeve, a huge stack of business cards, and a happy heart.
Thanks to everyone who made it so very, very amazing.
*And if you’re looking for a post with pictures of my crazy time? It’s coming, baby, it’s coming.*
And just to hold you over:
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13 replies on “The Comfort Zone”
If you need more photographic evidence of the trip I’ve got your back!
I absolutely LOVE you. You were such fun to be around and I’m lucky to call you my friend. Chicago was a blast and I hope to do it again in NYC in 2010.
Thanks for letting me hang with you and keeping it all FUN.
We should definitely get together again before next year. You know, if we can afford to do it. I’ve never been to CALIFORNIA you know. LOL
XOXO
It was an amazing time. I’m glad I met you but sorry you missed out on flappy. We’ll have to come up with something equally as fun next year.
Yes. It was just like that. I adored you, wish there was more time to spend, wish we all lived in the same city, or even state so we could meet more often.
A few new tricks huh? I’ll keep an eye out for them!
Andrea, I had no idea you were seeing other people…
Loved getting to meet you this past weekend!
If I’d known that’s what she was doing to you I wouldn’t have helped with her dress. Trashy whore.
Glad you had fun and I am looking forward to more scandalous pictures.
ok, so I was not even there but between this post and the tweets I can tell hanging with you is def a good time 🙂
I LOVE that picture, but I think I love that I TOOK that picture even moreso!
I promise you will hear the flappy story. I only wish you were there to hear it in person. We may even need to throw a flappy party next year or something. Hahaha
I want a signed copy of that picture! The idea that I was with people who get it, who get me, is totally central to my feelings about that weekend. There’s nothing quite like it.
With that one picture, I’m thinking I missed a great party. I think that was the night I went to bed early. Gah. Had to though, I kept running into walls.
Andrea, I think you just nailed it, the reasons I will go next year. Dam you.