Obligatory Post Blogher Post

There was a little bit of this

and a little bit of that

Yes, I am licking the blogher sign made out of Ivory soap. Sometimes, I like to lick things. That's not weird or anything is it?

and the weekend wouldn't be complete without a giant dueling unicorn cake courtesy of Sparkleron, now would it?

Oh, right and I attended some really wonderful panels by people like Susan, Britt and Sarah Maizes (watch her book trailer, it's hilarious). This year I felt like I took away a bit of an education for my future, something I lacked last year. I felt lonely at times though as it seemed half my blogging world-turned IRL world friends were missing. Still, I got to dance, room with Sarah yet again (hair, bags of hair to sell on ebay, Sarah. BWAHAHA...) skip sleep, see The Help early and enjoy some time with a bunch of women and even some men who are funny and smart. They make the whole trek cross-country worthwhile. Oh, and I got to meet Jurgen Nation, who I sometimes stalk on Mamapop, so that's cool.




*Unicorn cake image courtesy of surrenderdorothy.typepad.com

GoDaddy.com Super Bowl Commercial Equals FAIL

It is probably no surprise that I don't like GoDaddy.com commercials, especially during the Super Bowl. Their obvious attempt at using scantily clad women to draw people to their product isn't even tongue in cheek or even a cute, cheeky attempt at humor.  It's just dumb and contrived. 

Imagine my delight when I discovered the Network Solutions (I swear this is NOT sponsored) commercial starring Cloris Leachman.  Now this is an ad that makes me want to visit its website.



Adding in Blogher's very own Lisa Stone is just an added bonus.  I heart commercials that show people I have met and talked to and worked with IRL.  Who doesn't?  It's true too. We "geeks" want real answers to our tech issues and questions not women in leather flipping their hair and showing their tata's. 

GoDaddy.com commercial - 0.  Cloris Leachman Network Solutions ad-1

P.S. I really wanted to call this post, "GoDaddy Can Suck Cloris Leachman's Right Tit. "  But you know, I wanted to keep it classy. 

Blogher'10 - Good Times, Indeed

So I had like this whole post about how awesome Blogher '10 was and then Blogger decided to act like total a douche on me and I don't have it in me to rewrite it.  Here are some bullet points and let me just say, it was totally worth the trip!

-My roomie was awesome and summed up Blogher best in this post.

-I met women who have inspired me throughout this blogging and motherhood journey and I stand amazed.  Katherine, I'm talking to you. Thanks for all the kind words, even when you made me cry at one point. They were happy tears.  I'm honored to know you and work with you thus far.  Susan telling me I am an inspiration as I hauled ass around the conference was jaw-dropping to say the least. 

-Spending the day on Ellis Island was fantastic!  Liberty Mutual could not have treated us better. Check out their Responsibility Project.  If you are ever in the NYC, look up this tour guide and you won't regret it. 

-Sparklecorn.  I love you.  For the second year in a row that party was one of my favorite parts of Blogher.  Where else can a group of grown ass women still dance their butts off in glittery attire? It was like a high school dance without the nonsense.  Loved it.  Can't wait to do it again sans baby bump next year.  All the better to shake my groove thang.  Want to know what the heck Sparklecorn is (besides a totally made up name about sparkles and unicorns and awesomeness?) then watch this video.  Or get with the extended cut.  "Oh, indeed." by Omar Little is quite right.

-Blogher you have not jumped the shark.  This year it was all about what you made of it.  I went into the conference looking for nothing but good times with friends, making new ones and learning more about this world I work in.  I did that and more.  To all those who constantly complimented me and made me feel fantastic despite being 38 weeks pregnant.  YOU ROCK!

Blogher'11 in San Diego here we come!

Has Blogher10 Jumped the Shark?

A good portion of the blogosphere is all aTwitter (literally) about the upcoming Blogher 10 (#blogher10)Conference happening in New York City this week.  I'll be there with swollen cankles and full-on maternity couture.  Is H&M and Old Navy maternity considered couture?   No high heels for me at this point.  If you are taking bets on me giving birth (#BirthHer10) while there you can just put your money away now.  My OB is convinced I'll be right on time for a late August delivery.  I'm not buying the Hilton a new mattress.

I'm excited about Blogher like I am every year.  The friends, networking, seminars, parties and chance to dress up a bit and have some fun in a way only we bloggers can, but I'm beginning to wonder about it all.  It's just so hyped now.  It's so huge it should be called BigHer. Not that there is anything wrong with that.  Has Blogher as a conference 'jumped the shark'?  It is truly great that the blogosphere has expanded this much in a few short years.  We can all come together with our different ideas and thoughts and discuss them in one space.  I love that about Blogher.  I love that sponsors want to be included too but I hate the hype that now surrounds everything to do with this event.  From what will you wear and pack to what parties you attend it is beyond the basic concept now and I fear it is all about the sponsors to so many.  Yes, we all like swag. I get many reviews from that stuff but I sort of hate how a coupon for a free can of soda creates mass hysteria.  It's chemicals in a can people not gold. 

Maybe it won't be like that this year. Maybe we all learned from last years debacle of frenzied, elbowing of babies and adults alike to realize that a free jar of teensy tiny playdoh isn't worth it.  Free vibrators aren't even worth that and I seem to come home with a new one each year.  Here's to hoping we can look beyond all that and get back to the real reason we are there.  Drinking with other bloggers. Heh.  No, really it's all about learning about our craft as bloggers and writers. It's about running whatever business we have created and not losing our freakin' minds. 

Blogher 2010, I'm Talking to You!

Blogher 2009 had the theme of "Blogher09 is People". Every time I heard that phrase all I could think of was a quote from the Muppets Take Manhattan, "is frogs, is pigs, is chickens and stuff... is New York!" Oddly, Blogher 2010 is New York.

Now that I am home, sticky with teething biscuit crumbs and out of the bubble that is every Blogher conference (I swear the world could implode on itself and the only way we would know is if it was on Twitter.) I can see beyond "BlogHer is going to hell in a swag bag..." and the bad and the ugly that happened. I see the mistakes that were made and all I want to do now is to fix them. I want to help in any way that I can. I want to make Blogher 2010 even better than it has been in year previous. If all I contribute is the much-needed start to this discussion then so be it.

1. The Networking- In the past, the representatives from the various sponsors at Blogher were generous with the swag but also knowledgeable about social media and what we as a blogging community had to offer. They wanted to work with us and forge new bonds and create breakthroughs in this new media realm. Frankly, it was exhilarating in a kick ass sort of way. This year I found almost none of this. The companies sent reps that sometimes even asked the question, "Oh, are you a blogger?" Huh. I do not want coupons for tires or CD's on clothes. Please refrain from schilling your products. I'm not at a trade show. I do not care about detergent samples either. I just want to form a dialogue with these companies and figure out the best way we can all work together. That is what Blogher is about for me.

2. New Bloggers- I love you! I want you there! We all do. However, BlogHer is not only about collecting loot and reuniting with your online friends only. You are there to learn, network and you can do all that other stuff. That is why this whole conference was created. It is not a Bachelorette party free for all. If you felt lost this year then speak up and let’s start discussing how to make things better for newbies.

3. Old Bloggers- Veterans to the whole shebang might have come off as slightly bitter this year and I can see why. Only in my second year at the conference (my fourth blogging), I consider myself an "old" blogger. A dinosaur if you will. I think Amy said it best on Saturday night and in the most well rounded fashion (please, please, please post on this Amy!) "We were young once too and people frowned upon us. There will always be some new media/technology that comes up and/or someone or something we do not like. We have to respect it though." I am totally paraphrasing but she is right.

When I think of the reasons why I love going to Blogher it is because I am there to network with other bloggers and the companies that want to work with us. I go to learn a few things and to be inspired. I want to hone my craft to a sharp little gleaming point too. Typically, by the time Blogher rolls around I am feeling burnt out. It is just the recharge I need. It is also a perfect chance to have fun, see your friends and revel in this amazing community that we have all created and share daily. It is a beautiful thing Internets and I just want to take it back to its roots. I know we can do it too. We can move beyond the commercialism and saturation that we all just experienced, because if anyone can find a good balance and new way to do things, it is we, bloggers.

There is No Holy Grail.

Ahem... is this thing on?

Right then. Listen up, Internets! It seems we have a few issues to address here at Blogher09. It's come to my attention through my own personal experience, plain viewing and accounts from other blogging friends and blog-strangers that there is a different sort of vibe in the air here at the conference this year. It's not a good one either.

1. The Swag Grab- Yes, free loot is fun. I'm not going to say that I don't like to get free stuff. I do. But I'm not about to go elbowing a few babies, stealing swag bags off of carts or run into a party just to pick up a free key chain, phone or what have you. It is not why we are here. We're here to talk shop, learn a few things, network and see our friends. The purpose of Blogher is people. Got it? It's not getting your hands on some 3 ounce sample of Tide and a pink All Lollipop as you shove another well-meaning blogger out of the way. That kind of karma will just kick you in the ass later.

2. There is No Holy Grail- I know it is overwhelming. You want to see your favorite bloggers, your friends and meet the cool folks over at Nikon and Sprout. Plus, you want to make yourself known too. Blogher seems to be the end of the quest. The best place to search for answers to all your blogging questions and find that elusive golden chalice that will bring in tons 'o blogging cashola. But it is just not like that. Sure, you can make contacts, get some work and learn a whole lot but the secret to making money at blogging is that there isn't one. There is no tried and true formula. The truth is while money can be made doing this it is not big bucks money. It takes constant effort and a whole lot of time. It takes balls. You can brand yourself and before you do that you need to know what you stand for and who you and your blog are. You don't go into blogging to make some coin. It's just that simple. You do this because you love it. It's your passion- be it food blogging, photography or simply writing. That is all. Embrace it for what it is.

3. Manners- This ties in strongly with the first two points. We may be online half the time but that doesn't give us the free reign to lose our manners. Don't ask a blogger if they are "well-established." Don't go around asking "how can I make money?" repeatedly. Don't ask someone you just met if they can help you find a fave blogger of yours so that you can meet them. It's a tad awkward. It's off-putting to the person and doesn't make them want to get to know you further. Blogher is a wonderful way to meet other like-minded people. However, it doesn't mean that manners no longer apply. Don't make me throw an Emily Post tome at your head.

Now go, have fun. Blogher is people. Remember that.

Can You Feel That? It's the Awesomeness.

Scene: H and I are enjoying a moment of quiet. Also known as bedtime for the kiddies. We're discussing upcoming events in our lives, including Blogher.

H: You know, you should really post more about how awesome I am.

I raise an eyebrow.

H: I should also leave more comments because my awesomeness would totally radiate out from the computer.


On another note I had what can only be described as a pre-blogher anxiety dream.

I was traveling to Chicago from Virginia by train. How much would that sucketh? I missed my connecting train and the station, which at some point was floating on a sea of icebergs, lost my luggage. To top it all off some blogger I hate (who does not actually exists) was on my train with an ex-boyfriend of mine. I decided to be sweet and nice and chatted with them.

Five minutes into the conversation I find out they are getting married. As I'm about cough out a stunned "Congratulations!" (why on earth anyone would marry this guy is beyond me.) I realize that he is wearing a dress and ladies belted trench coat. And? The most hideous purple wedge heels ever known to man. I can't make this stuff up people. I blinked. Looked at this blogger and realized she totally knew she was marrying a man who dressed as a woman and thought, "Well, OK. Better her than me I suppose..." and moved on.

Later I find out that TD has been kidnapped and I am posting about it on Twitter for leads. Twitter totally helped me find my kidnapped kid.

I kid you not Internets. That was one twisted social media mess of a dream.

Zen in the Locker Room

The ladies locker room at my gym has never been a place I frequented until recently. Sick of driving home stinky and coated in sweat post-workout I decided that it was easier to pack a bag and shower there. My first venture into the locker room wasn't the best. I'm not down with being surrounded by other sweaty bodies (it's the germophobe in me.) or when people just leave their underwear on the floor outside their locker. Yes, really.

Today however was different. After running a particularly tough turn on the elliptical (intervals can be such a bitch) I sauntered in and decided to use the TV room (why there is a room with a couch and TV in the locker room I'll never know) as my personal space. I stretched, did a bit of yoga and then decided, "Screw it." I'm just going to lay here on the floor. I cranked up my ipod and closed my eyes. It was only about ten minutes but I swear I felt my blood pressure drop with each cleansing breath. I had managed to block out the world and carve a small piece for myself where my mind shut off ever so briefly and everything was still. It was magic.

Showering, dressing and doing my hair and make-up without so much as a toddler peep or infant trying to eat hairballs off the bathroom floor was just a bonus.

And now? Now, I'm excited to go back to the gym tomorrow just so I can find my moment of zen in the locker room again. Next thing you know I'll be throwing 'rat tails' at passersby.


I'm gearing up for the Blogher 5K next week. I feel my time will be slow as I haven't had much run time in the last few weeks. However, I have composed a new playlist (30 min.)that is helping to keep me motivated. Use it if you wish!

Slow Ride, Foghat (I find this to be the perfect opening to a run.)
Life Less Ordinary, Carbon Leaf
Maneater, Hall & Oates (yes, I'm a H&O fan. Shut it.)
American Boy, Estelle-featuring Kanye (of course!)
Bad Reputation, Joan Jett
Heavy Cross, Gossip
The Denial Twist, White Stripes
Fight the Power, Public Enemy (so good for when I'm feeling tired and like I can't go on.)
Don't Stop Believin', Journey (I hate Journey. This song though makes me think of singing in bars with girlfriends, puts a smile on my face and is a good way to end a run. To me at least.)

Crap! I forgot to pack my fat pants!

I'm headed to BlogHer tomorrow. It's my first time. Be gentle with me. I realized this morning amidst my cramming in other blogging stuff and figuring out what to pack that the last time I was in lovely and chilly San Fran I had to buy fat pants to board the plane.

That's right. You heard me. FAT PANTS. I think it deserves the all caps.

Never before had I gained weight like that so fast. Two weeks in S.F. eating at Mel's, on Bay Street, The Garlic Rose and more and all I came back with was a taste for fine food and an expanded waist line. I remember trying to squeeze into my jeans and having to head to the nearest Gap in horror as I bought a pair of men's drawstring cargo pants. I still own them too dammit and that was back in the year 2000. I use them as snow pants now so I can layer up.

This go round? It's a new type of fat pants complete with an elasticized waist of what feels like steel. Maternity pants. Yippie damn shippymacflippyshadippy. I keep reading all these posts about what to wear and pack for BlogHer and all I can think is, do maternity capris count? If I wear an extra pound of make up and mousse in my hair maybe it will distract others from the fact that my shoes no longer fit and I only wear flip flops now? As for keeping warm in the colder climes of NoCal (is that a word?) I have a light sweater. I possess my own furnace right now and am hardly cold. If anything I might shove someone for simply standing too close and sucking heat off me.

I'm nice I swear.

I smile sometimes too. Just ask these fine ladies.

Speaking of traveling, MPR is holding a giveaway of some handy dandy road trip products- Blink Smudge wipes, Prestone fuel cleaner and more! Go ahead - you know you want to enter!

Confirmed! Am Not Crazy!

After polling my neighbors and pestering them with questions (because that is not crazy lady behavior)yesterday about strange rattlings, tremors, and general thumps and bumps in the night I found one neighbor who confirmed that the house did shake and there was a tap, tap, tapping sound. Or as he put it, "as if someone was moving furniture in front of the house but outside..."

Yup.

So glad it was not a poltergeist or something full of fun like that. Heh.

Now I'm off to suck down coffee in large gulps and munch pastry while listening to songster Mr. Skip and hopefully see this fun lady.


Giveaway on Mummy's Product Reviews in effect! Visit NOW for a chance to win a set of DVDs or toddler wash today!

While you are procrastinating from life, laundry, work, listening to your boss or just getting off your butt go ahead and take this survey for BlogHer. The more the merrier!

Overheards

SCENE: My house. Getting ready for bed last night.

Me: Why didn't you tell me I had orange stuff all on the side of my face? What is that?!

H: Oh. I thought it was for your zit.

Me: Nice. NO!

H: Well, that thing is scary. It was talking to me during dinner saying, (using a voice as if the zit has possessed him) "H! ME HUNGRY! GIVE ME CHOCOLATE! HOT CHA CHA. ME WANT HOT CHA CHA!"

Me: That is so mean! As if I don't feel bad enough with T.D. touching it today saying, "OW! boo-boo Momma! Ow!!!" with my bad hair that desperately needs a haircut, my Santa bowlful of jelly belly right now and now this zit. Which isn't that bad!! You are so mean. Do I say mean things to you about your gray hair? No! I don't point out things like that on you. (I scoot to the other side of the bed and turn my back to him.)

H: Awww honey... I didn't mean it. (A bit of silence) You know this gets me thinking, now I know what I'm going to get you for your birthday.

Me: (Silence, deep controlled breathing.) I swear it better be a weekend away and you are not about to make some joke about a zit-zapper.


Twelve hours later....

Changing T.D.'s a.m. diaper.

T.D.- Oooh! Momma! BOO-Boo! Boo-boo Momma, boo-boo! Ooohhh!


I'm going back to bed. If anyone needs me I'm the one with a bag over my head.


COUPONS and NEW REVIEWS here. Kids shoes, green car washing products and more!

Also a BIG THANK YOU to whoever nominated me for The Best Mom Blogs EVER! Thanks so much! What an honor!!


NEW NEWS! I'm going to BlogHer 08! Who is coming with me?!

Help Katie, Help Yourself, Help the Future

I yelled in meetings. I swore at my boss and made incoherent rants during discussions at work.

I shoved someone into a cubicle wall.

Me. While not exactly mild-mannered this was not my usual demeanor.

I wanted to mow people down in parking lots for crossing intersections too slowly. I saw no reason why I couldn't. I am not joking. I thought it was perfectly logical to ram into someone, hit them, or even possibly maim them for life all to save me a mintue of my time.

I had inexplicable never ending amounts of rage.

I wanted to live in our storage space and never come out. I thought it would be a better world if no one found me. The fetal position was never so good.

Again. Me. Not normal behavior for myself. While I've never been a Susie Sunshine type my dark side does recede on most days. I felt like a great White shark trolling dark, murky waters always looking for something else to attack. I felt alienated and hostile.

I could barely brush my teeth some days. I cried while I dried my hair before work everyday because no one would hear me.

I was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression (PPD). It was such a relief! I started taking the meds and went to weekly therapy sessions. I began to return to the world of more colors and less anger management. Then it swung wildly back the other way. I felt homicidal and was told I had been given too strong of a prescription. Great. My OBGYN and my therapist weren't talking to each other and I became confused. After four months of medication and therapy I took myself off cold turkey. Not the wisest thing but I knew in my heart I had passed the brink the first time and I might not make it back the second time if I didn't just stop taking the meds.

For me it worked. I consider myself lucky. For many women, including my own mother who spent years in a state of post-partum depression, they are not so lucky. In the late 1970's when it was my mothers turn at this grim affliction there was no one to talk to, the stigma was burning bright and health insurance sure as hell didn't pay for these types of "female maladies" that were all in your head. Ha. Those were some dark years my friends. For everyone involved.

I am extremely thankful and grateful to my mother for her incredible honesty to me as I grew up. I knew that PPD existed and that it might haunt me one day. She saw it in my eyes way before anyone else. That alone was one of the greatest comforts. It made it that much easier to see it and accept it. I can never thank her enough for that. It pains me to know that many women still suffer so deeply and desperately from this form of depression. That it is still so difficult to diagnose properly and treat. Something needs to be done! NOW! TODAY!

Today, October 24, is MOTHERS ACT day. I urge you to post about PPD on your blog and spread the word, arm yourself with knowledge and email, write, fax, or call your Senators to assist in passing the Mothers Act bill with the HELP bill that is
currently sitting in the Senate. The Mothers Act bill will help new moms-

Providing important education and screening on postpartum depression (PPD) that can lead to early identification and treatment. The legislation includes two grants to help health care providers educate, identify and treat PPD.
Expanding important research to improve and discover new treatments, diagnostic tools and educational materials for providers. Since the exact cause of PPD isn't known, research continues to be the key to unlocking the mystery of this condition.

So what else do you have to do today? Oh right! A ton. I know I do too. But this really will only take a moment. Help women like Katie, a missing Rhode Island woman and mother. Instead of being sent home with her family after her release from the hospital and diagnosis of PPD she was let go in a taxi. She has now been missing for over a month. This is more than tragic. For more information and ways to help Mothers Act read here. It is your good deed for today and for the future.

Big Thank You

Breifly I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Julie at Blogher for fixing my mess of a blog. Whew! Also to MommaK and everyone else who has made extremely generous donations to my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Their help has helped me get closer to my fundraising requirements and goal.

THANK YOU!!

Head on over to my reviews (see sidebar) and check out this week's fun find!