BlogHer '08- The Newbie Perspective

BlogHer is over and done with and I must say it was a crazy blur. A good blur though and for this Blogher newbie it could not have been better. Is it too Mary Tyler Moore of me to say it was all I could have hoped for and more? Yeah, probably but suck it, I'm optimistic today.

Before I left for the trip I had heard all sorts of advice. Tips and tidbits like-

- There are all sorts of cliques and popular people. They stick together and you probably won't meet them. Don't get bent out of shape if they diss you.

Huh... I found none of that. I heard some griping about it but I met everyone I wanted to and worship blog-wise so I'm good. I can die a happy blogger now. I geeked out over everything sufficiently and feel sated. For this year.

- You will need to pack an extra bag for all the swag.

Oh yes! The SV Moms shindigs alone had my rather large suitcase already filled to capacity. Then I filled a duffel bag that could fit about 6-7 angry chihuahuas and still needed to UPS a box home. That herbicide better make it to my front door in one piece and not get all over my Super Why stickers.

-Don't feel you need to go to all the conferences and seminars. You just can't do it and you'll ruin the experience.

True again. I went to two. Feels a bit wasteful since I have to say I felt I wasn't paying for my portion of the food (some protein at breakfast next year would be vastly appreciated! I'm not even going to go into the plastic I felt was thrown around with wild abandon at lunchtime.) Each one I enjoyed immensely and the mini-one on Sex and Relationships needs to be a full on discussion next year.

For me, BlogHer was a very positive experience in so many ways. It was a fun whirlwind of independence from the spouse and family. A place where I am sure many of us women were reveling in the fact that is was just us, being us, for a few solid days. As Lindsay (eek! I got to meet her!) said it best here. That and it did feel a bit like a women's empowerment movement (I could totally hear the roar.) and a bit like sorority rush but in a good way. BlogHer was a blast. One that I was proud to be able to participate in and felt honored to be recognized as I'm not big fish. I think a good time was had by many if not all and seeing both bloggy friends and real life ones makes the trip across country with stinky toddlers all worth it. When I met people like this fab girl who saved me from imminent meltdown in the scary glass elevator, this one , this one (who knew we suffered the same educational background.) and this one I felt happy and a bit more at home.

And who would have thought that one of the best parts for me was getting to meet Grover from Sesame Street!

I'll be back next year, ready for another Cheeseburger 09!