I have to confess. As much as I really loved BlogHer, even I’m finding my super long recap posts a little tedious… I’m trying to fit too much in – much like I did now and again at the conference. I woke up in a cold sweat last night when I realized that I forgot to mention a few friends I saw at the Mouthy Housewives party, like Carolyn who calls me “KATE COVENY HOOD!” and Debbie who always seems to magically appear when you need a friend.
I’m not kidding. Okay – except for that “waking up in a cold sweat part.” It was probably more like “while I was watching the first season of Glee on Netflix” – but that doesn’t have quite the same dramatic impact.
SO instead of trying to follow an exact itinerary, today I’ll just go with highlights. Not to worry though – it will still be long and tedious.
(Oh yeah – and don’t forget to read Part I and Part II. Or at very least, the disclaimers I included at the beginning of each since the same applies here.)
Saturday:
On Saturday morning I slept in a little and really just wandered around on my own, catching up on e-mail and visiting exhibit hall booths I missed the first day. I mean – there were all those great contests to enter. I could have won a Balenciaga bag! Or an ipad! Or…well there was a lot of good stuff to win. Unfortunately – my luck wasn’t in and I didn’t win anything. But hey – I have all of those marketing e-mails to look forward to!
After only making it to one session the day prior, I was determined to do better. And there was no way I was missing the “How to Edit Pictures and Make Them 10x Better” panel. Mostly because two of my girl crushes, Amy and Pauline were speaking, but also because I need some serious help in this area. The session was maybe a little too advanced for me (since I’m on the below novice level), but it did give me some ideas for what is possible. AND Amy talked about Windows Live Essentials beta software. It allows you to write, edit and schedule blog posts without actually being online. Amazing! I’ve downloaded it and can’t wait to try it out.
Other take aways from the session included…well everything that you can find in this link to to Amy and Pauline’s presentations (too much to list here) and their co-presenter Ryan’s photoshop demonstration and down to earth advice that you should just “try to take a good picture” before starting the editing process.
Later that afternoon, Anna and I had an hour shift in the Serenity Suite. It was more crowded than the day before and felt more like a party than a quiet place for escape. But no one was complaining – especially not when the cupcakes were delivered. It was then that I finally got a chance to meet my longtime, twenty-something blogger friend LiLu!
LiLu and two other twenty-something bloggers (aren’t they cute?)The highlight of the afternoon BlogHer events for me was the Humor panel. Since we had to go straight there from the Serenity Suite, Christy and Jill saved us seats. Thank goodness since the room was packed and I didn’t want to miss seeing one of my very favorite online friends, Jessica Bern. Since I’m not currently a humorist nor am I trying to break into that, this session was straight up entertainment for me. With three hilarious speakers, two of whom are professional stand up comics, it was like an evening at the Improv. And I loved meeting Jessica when it was over. I only wish that we had actually found some time to sit and talk (something I find myself saying about many people…)
After the panel Anna, Christy, Jill and I all grabbed a seat at the hotel bar and that was another one of my favorite conference memories. Someone (other than me) actually captured it on film (or memory stick? what are we saying these days?)
Me (apparently offering you my paw – good doggie!), Christy and Anna
I also had another chance to see Gwen, Nora and Deb, which also kind of made my night. Especially when Deb complimented my navy and white ensemble, calling it very “nautical.” How did she know I’ve always had a thing for sailor suits? My head was getting quite huge.
Christy finally had to collapse in her room. Mothers of three month old babies need to embrace uninterrupted sleep whenever possible, so we didn’t hold the Cinderella act against her.
Jill and I wanted to go out, and Anna said she could rally – but in the end, we found ourselves lounging in the lobby with a big group including both old and new faces for me. Jorja had joined us along the way, and the four of us pretty much agreed without discussion that we weren’t going anywhere. It was the perfect way to wrap up the night. Why go out when the party is right in front of you?
Just one more picture from the night (via lovely lady on the left, Pauline):
Other than some schoolgirl laughing in our beds with Anna and some quick goodbyes the next morning (and a REALLY long trek home), that was it. The End.
So how did I like my first BlogHer conference? I loved it. Truly. Even though there are a number of things I would do differently the second time around, I can’t really regret much because I probably would have felt like that no matter what. Sometimes I over scheduled myself…sometimes I was at loose ends… But I took responsibility for all of that, learned my lesson and moved on.
Which kind of brings me back to the issue I brought up twenty years ago at the beginning of my first BlogHer post. Everyone is right – BlogHer is just like highschool. Because just like high school, it’s simply what you make of it. Like anything else in life. Focus on the nice people and give the rest the benefit of the doubt. Live in the moment without concern about what you may be missing. And when you see a random opportunity that doesn’t fit in with the schedule you are following, grab it – because it’s those moments that keep things interesting.
I absolutely regret not making more of an effort to spend time with some (and you know who you are since I keep telling you…), but I couldn’t be happier with the rest. In fact – I wouldn’t change a thing.
So glad you had a good time and met some great people.
Did you all wear black and white on purpose that one night?
What a great event! I would love 4 days away from my family and work for an event just like this one……well I don't blog so it won't happen but we have October :)
you 4 were all wearing black and white in one photo. coincidence?
so glad i got to see you briefly while you were in "the" city. it was too much short. come back soon.
Every time I saw you, you seemed happy and relaxed. So I'd say you were doing it right. Very glad I got to hang out with you as much as I did. You're lovely and amazing.
xxoo
I am SO sad I missed that breakfast and SO thrilled that an impromptu dinner worked out. XO.
I just caught up on the three BlogHer post. Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time.
What? You mean you didn't want to hang out with me this entire weekend? I'm so offended. *wink*
I'm not sure if I should ask if BlogHer was as good for you as it was for me … without it sounding too kinky. OR if I should go gushy and overboard and tell you that I had such an amazing time hanging out with you, Anna, and Christy. #justcallmeastalker
I totally agree that these large conventions are entirely what you make of them. I'm so glad that you got some down time, had a great roommate, and made it your own.
Next year in San Diego? #yupstillastalker
good call….it's all about how YOU make it and what YOU put into it! i like that :)
I think you're doing a very good job of recapping the events. You can now sleep at night!
Love the pic of you with the caption: Me apparently offering you my paw! Priceless! And the best part is that you posted it. Me, I only post the pics where my paws are never showing! Terrific post!
I know what I would've changed, umm me being there with you! What a fabulous time, thanks for sharing with us. Can't wait to meet you someday.
Loved it! And since I spent a majority of my time with you, you've saved me from writing my own play by plays – which I WAS planning to do before this vacation ended. But since I haven't,I'll just write a bit and link up to you and Anna and Jill and that will be that! Had SO much fun. Loved it all and wouldn't change a thing either — for the most part!
Such great points about BlogHer! Thanks for making it so special. xo
p.s. did you get your vacuum yet? :)
I'm always jealous when it's BlogHer time. I wish I could go. : (
My big regret is not talking to you for a longer time! How did that happen! You looked gorgeous. I thought for sure we'd have more time to hang out and talk! We'll have to make up for it next year at BlogHer'11 in San Diego. You're going, right? :)
If not… when I'm in D.C. next!
Hello Kate,
I enjoyed meeting you at the Mouthy Housewives party.
I'm going to have to do some major reading in the next few weeks to catch up on posts!
I loved Blogher '10! I took it very easy. I didn't stress if I missed parties or sessions. I just focused on having a good time and spending time with friends, new and old. So glad we met and I hope to see you again, soon!
I loved your outfits and you looked great, Kate. Glad it was a good experience for you. Thanks for your sweet comment.
you are amazing, and I am SO GLAD that we met.
And you are the FAIRY Godmother the girls always wanted!!
xxxxxxxx
Cupcakes in the Serenity Suite? I definitely missed that! I was nice meeting you there!
I'm so glad you went AND had such a great time!!
I have a pic with Pauline from last year's conference that I cherish too. She's so great.
And I'm loving your 'nautical' outfit too… and if I saw you I would TOTALLY call you "KATE COVNEY HOOD!" – HA!
Before you get too excited about compliments from Debbie, remember that she was the girl in the romper. (okay, okay, I get that it is in now, but if I wore one I'd look like an overgrown antelope, and not in a good way).
I am so glad that I got to meet you at blogher – I enjoyed bumping into you and Anna repeatedly.