Blogher & Finally a Blissdom Recap

Yes, I found this post in my unpublished posts. I never finished my Blissdom recap and mainly because I was afraid I was going to leave someone or something out – which I am sure will still happen! I thought it was a fitting post since I’m about to head off to the mother of all conference – BlogHer 2009 in Chicago, IL.

Blissdom was my first ever blogging conference. It was also my first, yes, my first time to ever travel completely by myself. Never in my thirty years have I ever went on a trip by myself. Even though, I missed my family, it was a wonderful experience. Though, I was a little star struck by some of the awesome bloggers who were there.

Andrea & Briana

First, I want to thank Andrea aka mommysnacks for asking me if I was going to Blissdom. She made it all possible. If she wouldn’t have asked me if I was going on twitter, I don’t think I would have even looked into it. She is was my twitter profile pic twin. Even my kids were getting confused by the pics. In “real life”, she is much taller than me as you can see.

Briana and Sarah

Second, I want to thank Julie (Cool Mom Guide). If it weren’t for her, I would have been in my room all alone. She helped break me out of my shell with her spunk! I had many good laughs with her and Sarah (Real Life Blog)- can’t wait to meet again. Another great roomie was Carrie. We had a blast twittering back and forth while in the same room together! I also was able to meet Renée (Cutie Booty Cakes) – another fabulous blogger.

Briana & Emily (one of the funniest, sweetest bloggers!)

A Shout out to the #indy bloggers at Blissdom – Sarah & Mary Ellen (Mom Marbles), Emily, and Casey. I didn’t get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked but I have had the opportunity since Blissdom to hang out at some local blogging events.

Bargain Briana and Brandy from Savin Some

I was able to meet some of the blogging superstars like Erin, Tara, and Erin. I also was able to hang out with Brandi, who is a real sweetie and was brave enough to bring her family. I met Becky, Nickels and Dimes, who was just a ball of energy – I wish I would have found her before the last day.

Marcy, Erin, and Erin

I met countless Ohio Bloggers – like Marcy, Jenny, Emily, Carrie, Courtney, Trisha,  as well as Andrea, Erin, and Tara who have been kind enough to adopt me as one of their own – otherwise known as the “token Indiana Blogger!” Those connections that started out as internet friends have blossomed over the months into real friendships and I’m totally jealous they all live so close together.

By the end of the two day conference, I was worn out from all the socializing, learning, and just plain fun or just oblivious. Oh, and I can’t forget about the wonderful swag bag – which included a Land’s End Bag, Crocs gift certificate, music, and Little Debbie Snacks!

The Swag

So while I’m ready to take on Blogher 2009 in Chicago, I know that I will be worn out and a walking zombie after three days with so many more bloggers to meet and parties to attend and much, much, more swag!