Find Me at BlogHer!
Blogging July 16th, 2009
A week from today I’ll be crying. That’s because I’m flying on a plane all by my baby self to attend the BlogHer conference in Chicago.
Flying alone and not getting lost once I land are two of my biggest worries. The other one is not recognizing anyone I know from their blogs at the event.
So here’s my plea:
1. Drop a comment in the drawer if you’re attending BlogHer so I know to look for you.
2. Look for me at the conference. I’ll be carrying a tote with my Junk Drawer logo on it. On the first day, I’m planning to wear black slacks with a white, black and green print wrap top. You will see me constantly readjusting this top because the wrapped part doesn’t seem to want to stay positioned over my boobs evenly. This obsession will annoy you.
3. Thankfully, someone told me I still look like the picture shown on my blog, even though I’ve gained weight since that photo was taken. I think it’s because all of the fat is localized to my butt. What is different about me and my old photo? I now wear eye glasses.
4. I’m bringing Junk Drawer magnets to hand out to anyone who says the Secret Word, a five-letter word I’ve used in many posts over the last year or so. Think! Think!
5. If you meet me, please introduce yourself by your blog name and/or moniker you go by on your blog. I don’t know everyone’s real names yet, even if we are friends on Facebook.
6. I’ll be hanging out with JD of I Do Things. She’ll be puking on Friday night right before she gives a reading of one of her hilarious posts at the Community Keynote. Try and catch that! If you recognize her before you recognize me, I’ll be the one attached to her. A social butterfly I am not.
It’s T-minus 7 days! Hope to see you there!
Stumble it!
July 16th, 2009 at 7:10 am
You DO look like your photo… also your Voki (uncanny!). Your hair is longer than both, though! 🙂
I hope you have a great time at BlogHer. And just remember– no need to worry. You drove hundreds of miles by yourself. You navigated you. You even touched things when you got there. You can do it!
Jenn Thorson’s last blog post..Forbidden Love and Leprehchauns
July 16th, 2009 at 7:21 am
If I attend the blogher conference will I be lynched by thousands of angry women because of my penis and facial hair and where do I sign up?
Mike’s last blog post..Texting Retards
July 16th, 2009 at 7:34 am
I hope you have a great time. I will not be attending (it is expensive to get from the Small Town to anywhere). I am sure you will be great! I wish I could be there.
July 16th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I so wish I could go to BlogHer! It would be really cool to meet you and JD and all the other bloggers I look up to so much. Please take lots of photos and really good notes so that you can share the experience with those of us who can’t make it.
absepa’s last blog post..What does your Shuffle say about you?
July 16th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Have a great time! Would love to meet you and JD – can’t imagine a funnier twosome! Tell her to take care not to vomit outside in the “windy” city. Could be bad news for you. I am SO not a social butterfly, but I recommend waiting until she hurls to get too close. Safe travels to you both!
Ungirdled’s last blog post..I’ve Fought The Lard, And The Lard’s Won
July 16th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Oh how I WISH I was going to BlogHer, I thought I would be on vacation and now I’m not so I’m aced out. Have a wonderful time and make sure to tell us “so envious” ones all about it when you get back! You’ll be GREAT!
~Jamie @ kids..me & rawiii’s last blog post..Because I’m The Mom…That’s Why! Wednesday
July 16th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I’ll see you there – I wish! You will have a great time, and you will be fine flying on your own too. You are finding that inner, brave Kathy lately. You’ll be hang gliding next 😉
Oh, and the five letter word you’ve used a lot? Could be one of a gazillion, but I think I know what it is 🙂
babs – beetle’s last blog post..Am I in the dog house?
July 16th, 2009 at 9:46 am
You’ll be just fine. You won’t get lost. You will have a fabulous time. Everyone will love you.
Grace’s last blog post..It is such a wujjy day…
July 16th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Sounds like fun except for the travel part–I’m with you on that! I’m sure you’ll have a great time–at least you have someone to hang with which is nice!
Karen, author of “my Funny Dad, Harry”’s last blog post..Why Write A Book Review?
July 16th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I knew you’d be posting today because I noticed the Windy bag as I was leaving my sub-division this morning and thought of you. Coincidence you say? Oh, I don’t think so, ye of little faith!
So, you’ve got a Bertha Bigg Butt and you’re Blind now? Are you sure you’re not me? 😀
Barb – WillThink4Wine’s last blog post..ambition, tossed with a little inspiration
July 16th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Good luck, Kathy. I think you’ll do fine.
stephanie B’s last blog post..Some of the Best Bad News I Ever Got
July 16th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
It was a shame that i cannot attend! I planned to, but i have some issues on my house. Good luck!
July 16th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
BTW – got my magnet today. It has place of pride on the fridge! Thank you!
Grace’s last blog post..Blogging for fun or profit?
July 16th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Sound like fun! I’m also not a very big fan of the travel part, but I know you be will great and everyone will love you! wish I could go…have fun!
July 16th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I hope you have a great time. It would be a great way to spend my birthday, but even though we live an hours drive away, and could just commute instead of get a hotel, the tickets were just out of our budget.
Have fun and be sure to lots of notes, photos and videos to share on your blog when you come back. We expect a full report!
Lola’s last blog post..If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays – School Dance
July 16th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Look at the bright side: if the plane goes down, you could be LOST on an island with a shirtless Sayid!
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Buy Quisp so you don’t have to
July 16th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Jenn Thorson — I’m glad you think so, too. Was so worried about that. As for touching things, I’d like to touch Tim Gunn when I’m having my picture taken with him. Do you think I can accomplish that? He’s going to get mobbed, but I have my ways.
Mike — Hey, there’s a whole session for Blog Dudes. Not kidding. You can come. Except can you handle the 1:500 ratio of men to women?
Anne — It’s expensive for me, too, but I’m living it up a little. Sorry you won’t make it. This may be my first and last year. Although if they bring it to NYC or Philly one year, it’ll be easier for me to go again.
absepa — Don’t worry. I’m sure both JD and I will write posts about our adventure. I’m most excited to see how well she does reading a post of her in front of everyone. That’s one big highlight of this trip! I’m taking video, but I hope someone from BlogHer does, too and posts it. Mine might turn out crappy.
Ungirdled — Ah, thanks! As for JD hurling, I promised I’d hold out a bucket and pull back her hair. It’s my job. And you got the secret word!
Jamie — Thanks. Don’t worry, you’ll hear all about it. Sorry you’re unable to attend. I would love to meet my regular readers. I’m hoping some come out of the woodwork to find me.
Babs Beetle — I AM finding the inner brave Kathy, aren’t I? If you read these comments carefully, you will know the word. Will anyone else?
Grace — Oh, thank you my dear. I figure if I get that lost feeling, I’ll go ask an adult to help me, me being a baby and all.
Karen — Yes, I’m so happy to be joining up with JD. It really makes a big difference. I’m reading a lot of posts from women who are going alone and are concerned about meeting people. We have a leg up, since we’ll already be hanging out. For that I am grateful.
Barb WillThink4Wine — Are you leaving me a secret message? If you are, you are right! Yes, I have the Big Bertha Butt and I’m blind. LMAO. I should have known this would happen. I was warned when I turned 40 everything would start going south.
stephanie b — Thanks, I certainly hope so. I’m due for one screw up , I’m sure. It’s me we’re talking about here.
Grace — Yea! I’m happy it has a new home.
CrimeCleaner — I wish it was closer so I could drive. But having a solo flight under my belt will do me good. It’s one of the things on my “10 Things I Don’t Have the Guts to Do” list. I’m glad to strike one off the list!
Lola — I’m sorry you’re so close, yet so far. This may not be in the cards for me another year, but I haven’t taken an away-from-home vacation in a long time, so that’s how I justified it. Don’t worry, you’ll get a full report and then some. This may be a double post adventure!
JD at I Do Things — And he likes brunettes! How lucky for me! Although I’d land in the 70’s, wouldn’t I? Don’t much care for the fashion. But I much care for Sayid, so it’s all good.
July 16th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Oh Kathy… you underestimate your capabilities so much. Like that time when you wanted to meet me in Toronto?… ok bad example. How about that time when you wanted a smoothie?… ok, another bad example. OK… the time when you tried to find the right subway train?…
Uh… good luck Kath… I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Jeff’s last blog post..And the winner is…
July 16th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Jeff — You’re lucky I like you. And as I recall, we were all following YOU to find a train. Smart ass.
July 16th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I don’t get here nearly often enough, but you always seem to be travelling when I start catching up. You will do FINE. You really will.
Phyl’s last blog post..Where in the world has my reading taken me?
July 16th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I think you will be fine and when it is over you will be saying “why did I worry so much?” Relax and enjoy yourself.
grannyann’s last blog post..House Members Say NO
July 16th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I can’t wait to get my magnet!
Momo Fali’s last blog post..Getting to Know Me: Insomia Addition
July 16th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
You can do this! There is no time to send you the book “The Little Engine That Could” but if you need me to transcribe it for you, I can. OK. I can’t. That would take too long and be very, very boring. But. . . you can do it. Like Jen said, you traveled hundreds of miles, you touched things, drank lemonade, and had your picture taken with a metal frog. You’ll be fine!
July 16th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I WAS going to go. Then not.
Then it sold out.
Then they opened up the LobbyCon and I thought hard about it again….
Now not.
So, no, I won’t be there, but I’ll be thinking of you and JD. Have a terrific time!!!!
Maureen’s last blog post..Living On the Banks Of De-Nile
July 16th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Hope you and all of the others have SO much fun. Wish I had been able to sign up to attend. My husband died 3 weeks ago. I continued to write and blog for therapy and sanity but I wasn’t tuned in to the world around me – even the world on the Internet.
Sherry at EX Marks the Spot’s last blog post..The Proposal. This is Not About the Movie
July 16th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I’ll be at BlogHer. Since I’ll be mic handling at 4 of the sessions the electric drill is staying at home. Otherwise I look like my blog’s about me photo. I hope we get to meet.
Lisa
Condo Blues’s last blog post..6 Bottled Water Alternatives
July 16th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
How exciting!
Fear of flying and of traveling by yourself. Yeah, you’re a big baby. ; )
But I give you credit for doing it!!! It will all go great, even the mishaps (blog fodder anyway), and build confidence for the next adventure!
Have a great, great time!!!
Ferd’s last blog post..The Blog Outside The Box Meme
July 17th, 2009 at 1:18 am
This is my second post on this blog and all I can say I adore this blog! I loved your frying pan story and had to follow you on Twitter after that one. Maybe we were sisters in a previous life? lol
I thought again I was the only one to HATE flying alone, and get a little scared among crowds of people. I am 34 and have not flown alone yet, but now you are giving me a little push here. You are brave and I think you will do great! Cant wait to hear how it went…even if we arent there, we are with you in spirit! Good luck!
July 17th, 2009 at 5:14 am
Phyl — Which is ironic because I haven’t traveled in five years, and certainly not alone. I’m a globe-trotting blogger now! Thanks for you vote of confidence.
grannyann — That last trip I took by myself (driving) really helped my confidence level. I know that when I have this flying thing behind me, I’ll be prepared for anything. Well, almost.
Momo Fali — You gave me the idea for the secret word, you know. I did actually consider (and still might) put my business card on one. But I’m not sure too many people I meet will know who she is. [This comment will mean nothing to people who don’t know the secret word!] See you there, with magnet in hand.
Lisa — You know, someone mentioned that mantra and I did repeat that to myself a couple times when I was taking my road trip. It helps. I wonder if the people on the plane will feel sorry for me or be scared of me when they hear me murmuring it.
Maureen — I love the idea of LobbyCom. It seems like they thought of it only to organize the mob! I’m so sorry we can’t meet, but hey. Maybe there’s another Canadian roadtrip in my future. Never know.
Sherry at EX Marks the Spot — Sherry, I just read your wonderful tribute to your beloved husband. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you continued to put “pen to paper” so to speak. He would have loved to know the outpouring of support you’re getting on your blog. I hope it gives you some comfort. {hugs}
Condo Blues — Lisa, I hope to meet you too! But please don’t shove the mic in my face. I hate the sound of my voice! Thanks for letting me know you’ll be working behind the scenes. It’ll make it easy to find you.
Ferd – I know you’re a seasoned traveler and you probably think this is nothing. I hope I can say that when it’s all over and that it was stupid for me to even be worried.
Jenna — Oh, thank you! Make sure you come back and read about how my trip went. Maybe you too can get on a plane all by yourself. You’ll say “If Kathy can do it, I can too!” You must know, I’m so directionally-challenged and that’s why I’m afraid. But if I get there and back, there’s no stopping me in the future. If I can get you on a plane, then my job here is done.
July 17th, 2009 at 5:18 am
have a blast, don’t get lost, take pictures or video, throw your boobs over your shoulder and keep it moving.
if you do get lost, don’t cry and never let anyone see you sweat.
Natural’s last blog post..I am conductor, hear me cook
July 17th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Kathy, that you are going to the Windy City to speak about your love Child, “windy” has a Karmic kind of thing to it.
You will do fine!
Chris Casey’s last blog post..Fish Update!
July 17th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Hi Kathy,
I followed your link to the BlogHer Conference details. I like the idea that woman are a business force to be recognized. Have fun and be careful!
July 17th, 2009 at 5:54 am
Enjoy Chicago is my favorite city..and have fun.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker’s last blog post..Teach your children well
July 17th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Oh… did I go too far with that one? 😉
Jeff’s last blog post..And the winner is…
July 17th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I will be there! I will look for you!!
Clearly I should’ve come for a visit sooner, because you are FUN-NAY!
Found you at the hbdc feed…
Ann’s Rants’s last blog post..Free Association Friday, Baby! (Anna Lefler)
July 17th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
🙁 I feel so left out. I’d just LOVE to join in all the puking and crying and magnet exchanging. :'(
Crabby Blogging Lady’s last blog post..The End
July 18th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
You will be fine!
Take lots and lots of pictures!
Cats~Goats~Quotes’s last blog post..Maybe A Hero? ~ Malachi
July 19th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Wish I was going, but not this year. Have a wonderful time and bring back photos!
DJ’s last blog post..Playground Workout
July 19th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Natural — Listen to how confident you are! Can you come with me?
Chris Casey — And I didn’t make that connection right away. Yes, karmic indeed!
Data Entry Services — Yes, it’s a nice opportunity to get out there and network. Blogging, although it has a community feel, is still a solitary process. It’s going to be nice to hook up with like-minded people and share ideas. Can’t wait!
Dorothy Stahlnecker — Oh, and I failed to mention JD has designed a Food Tour for me to take. I’ll be enjoying SuperDawgs almost right off the plane!
Jeff — You kiddin’? Cracked me the hell up.
Ann’s Rants — I’ll look for you too! Although you won’t find me at the parties. Just like high school, I don’t belong with all the cool kids!
Crabby Blogging Lady — Well when you put it that way, we’ll be the life of the party! Or not.
Cats Goats Quotes — I will! I just might not be in any of them. You may recall my issues with having my picture taken. I have to give the thumbs up first. I’m such a problem child.
DJ — Thanks, we will. I’ll come home exhausted, but I’ll come home a happy exhausted.
July 20th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I hope you have a great time at BlogHer!!
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..My Nephew, Has Recently Become Obsessed With The Movie: ‘The Wizard Of Oz’.
July 21st, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I bet you’ll have so much fun! Some day maybe I will be able to go. 🙂
CrAzY Working Mom’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – Spread Your Wings and Fly!