Three things!
You know I'm going to San Francisco - right?
I am.
To the BlogHer '08 Conference.
That's right!
I am going - Next Thursday!
- I've never been to - well, anywhere - by myself - let alone to a conference where I will be meeting lots of other bloggers. Famous bloggers. Bloggers I admire and worship. Bloggers I have "known", but have never met.
- I don't know what to wear. I always over pack. I do not want to come off gaudy or frumpy or nerdy or ... OLD! While ... I AM OLD - I do not want to come off - OLD! There will be sessions. There will be cocktail parties. There will be leisurely get-togethers in the evenings in my room (HA!).
- I am going to be meeting BLOGGERS!!! I know - I mentioned this - but ... I WILL BE MEETING SO MANY OTHER BLOGGERS!! I will be meeting her and her and her - and many, many others.
I'm only going for 4 days - look at all these clothes!
But ... my packing moto is - If it fits in the suitcase, it gets to go with me - so ... it is likely all going!
I am excited about this trip.
I am nervous.
AND ...
I am not equipped, socially, to handle this.
I'm not!
I'm good with people I know and not so good with people I don't know.
Ask my sister.
She's the social butterfly in our family - not me.
Never was!
I am going to do my best.
Use every trick my sister ever taught me.
Talk to people - smile - shake hands - ask lots of questions - offer personal information, blah, blah, blah.
I have little confidence that I will actually pull it off, but ...
I'm going!
I'm going to San Francisco and I have a room to myself (YIPPIE!) - a KING SIZED BED - NO KIDS for 4 days - NO nothin' about kids for 4 days except talking about my blog and hearing about other mommy blogs - NO household chores - NO yard work - NO office work - NO answering the phone in my house because I am the only one that ever does that - NO running kids all over the world to get to games and practices and classes and sleep-overs - NO making meals and washing dishes and clothes - NO making sure the animals are fed and the bathrooms have toilet paper and soap - NO picking up shoes and trash and dirty clothes ... NO PEOPLE AROUND THAT I KNOW!
I am not good with people I don't know.
I know - I said that.
But ... I'm not!
I never say the right thing.
I'm seldom very interesting.
And ... I'm thinking about taking this little stroller like thing to lug all my stuff around.
Seriously.
One of those grocery pull-along carts - OLD WOMEN use - those OLD WOMEN you see waiting at the bus stop - you know.
Yes...... I'm thinking about toting one of those along - to lug all my stuff. Like my laptop, binders, camera, batteries, business cards, purse ... HOW WILL I LUG ALL MY STUFF without one of those OLD LADY grocery cart thingys?
But ... if I do - everyone is surly going to think I am RIDICULOUS! Did you see her - she was pushing one of those OLD LADY grocery cart thingys - she looked RIDICULOUS - that On The Upside chick! But ... I gotta lug my stuff!
I know I am over thinking this.
I tend to do that.
When I'm nervous - or scared - or out of my element.
Think - think - think - think - think ...
PLUS ... I now have only 6 days ... to LOSE 28 LBS!
*sigh*
Wish me luck!
I'm liable to have lots of stories when I come back or ----- more likely ----- you might very well be reading a few RIDICULOUSLY REVEALING STORIES ABOUT ME on other blogs!
103 comments:
the best advice i can give on your cart is... get there first; and leave last!!! lol, tell big billy it's going to take YOU 6 days to do this trip:b
as far as being social... drink a glass of wine (or two), and you'll do fine!!!
have fun!!! i cannot wait to hear all about it!!!
love,
dani
Funny, funny. Sometimes I get annoyed at how much easier it is to communicate when it's only in writing and I can press delete or 'preview post.'
You'll have fun and I don't think there's any way you won't come away from there with a ton of new friends. Can't wait to hear all about it!
Have fun. I've never been to one of the those conferences but it sounds like fun.
I bet your fun and sweet personality that comes through on your blog will transcend in person.
Wow, I can't wait to hear all about it. I am sure you will do great but I know exactly how you feel. Wishing you lots of luck. I am so excited for you.
Have fun while there. I'm too new too blogging to really get it, but it sounds cool... what made you decide to go? What do you hope to get out of it? What will you be doing (aside from the cocktail parties, etc) while there?
You know they make wheeled backpacks. So you look young and agile but have the back help you may need. You also can then let a daughter or son use it for school. Good luck and have fun!
I have not been alone in over 7 years.
I can not even begin to describe how much I am looking forward to meeting you and others.
I. Can't. Wait!!!!
See you soon my dear Kellan!
ENJOY!!!! I went to Savannah in April for 8 days without my hubby and my children it was wonderful, now don't get me wrong I missed them terribly but sometimes we ALL need the break. Have fun.
I'm so excited for you! (You are amazing and famous in your own rights.) I'll bet you'll even lose those 28 lbs before you go.
I overpack too, as I can never decide what will look just right.
I am so excited for you......how fun to meet some of your blogging buddies and bloggers you "worship". 4 days in a King Size bed by yourself......AMEN!!
I can't wait to hear more stories!!
ENJOY
Have a great trip! I've always wanted to go to San Fransisco, I've heard it's a beautiful city!
l,
Hannah
Oh Kellan you sound so much like me... all the reasons you note are exactly why I am terrified to go! Plus I am no way as cool and popular as you!
You will be amazing! But seriously, don't use the cart girl. Not a good accessory to the fabulous clothes you will be wearing!
;-)
I can't think of a better blogger to attend. I am proud of you for taking this risk and going. Just be yourself, you are loved just the way you are. Enjoy and remember to tell us all about it.
XOXOX
Kellan, Honey,
You will love being on your own. But you won't be alone or among strangers because you know some of these people better than their own families know them. You will be amazed at how connected and bonded you will feel with them. That's what happened in San Diego at our very first get together. Everyone at BlogHer will have wanted to lose 28 pounds and has no idea what to pack. And if you meet someone who isn't right there with ya sista, eff her, she ain't worth it. And, finally, if you get there and don't like it, it is a hop, skip, and a jump to get down to San Diego for BitchHer 2008 and you're always welcome here. And, as you can see, we have a hot pool boy. Now go have fun! Let's think of you as excited rather than nervous, K?
Good luck but you won't need it as you will be fabulous!!!
I'm heading to Sydney by myself in October for 4 days!!!! I can't wait!
I suspect you'll do just fine socially. Better than just fine, even. Just get yourself there and start mingling. And blogging back to us about it! Bon voyage!
Congratulations! BlogHer will be fantastic. Maybe I'll get to go next year. My husband just doesn't get it, though.
I am confident that you will do great! How could you not? Just look at your blog! We love you!
And who cares about the cart? I bet you'll see a lot of unusual methods of getting all the stuff there. You gotta have it all, and you have to be able to get it from place to place. If anything, people will see you as confident and efficient. That's my take!
I can't wait to hear all about it. I am sure you will be fine & everyone will LOVE you!!! I'm jealous about the alone time too. SAVOR it!
Aw, you'll have the time of your life, and be the life of the party! I'm so happy for ya!!!!!
SOOOOOOOO exciting!! SF is a fab place!! I miss it! Make sure you go to the Fishermans Warf and all that fun-est stuff! Ooo and have a bowl of clam chouda in a bread bowl. SOOO good! But that won't help you if you're trying to lose weight though. Okay how bout this just smell it when someone else is eating it. LOL! :)
First...I am extremely jealous! I wish I could go. Maybe next year.
Second, you are going to be fabulous! We love you because you are yourself, so keep that up!!
I think that if I had 4 days with a motel room to myself, I wouldn't want to leave it! I wouldn't want to do ANYTHING, but sit and enjoy the quiet while I played on the laptop or watched movies... Sounds blissful. *lol*
I think you'll do great! Better than you expect!!! ... HAVE FUN!
Kel, don't worry, Enjoy yourself and don't worry about what people will think. You will probably never see them again AND after a while, they will remember your name, but WILL they remember you used a "PULL AROUND CART THAT OLD WOMEN USE AND ARE SEEN AT THE BUS STOP". Don't worry
I don't think you will have any problems! You will do just fine.
Okay, first of all, wear clothes that you feel comfortable and beautiful in, because if you feel good, you'll look good. Secondly, do NOT take the cart - LAME!! Get an over the shoulder laptop bag, toss a few essentials from your purse in there - lipstick, mints, notebook, pens, business cards, and camera. If you are lugging stuff around, you will be self conscious. Thirdly, be yourself and have fun! Everyone else there will be worrying about saying the wrong thing also! You'll have a blast!
Hello my lovely, Kellan. I am SO looking forward to meeting you and hanging out. I am nice. I promise. And I'm a newbie to all this, too. There are many of us.
I relate SO much to the overpacking. I'm always saying I'm on the Elizabeth Taylor luggage plan - without the jewels. Just remember to pack warm clothes. It looks like the temps are in the low 60's!
Jen's post above was full of good advice. But, if you do bring the cart I'll be thinking how smart you are not to be lugging stuff around!
Hugs in advance! I'll email you in a couple of days. I'm going offline for Project: Office Annilation & Creative Reconfiguration.
I emphathize with you - I too have the social butterfly sister who got all my socialization skills. I barely function outside of immediate friends and family. I can't go to BlogHer this year but I'm starting to save my $$ so I can go next year. Can I come meet you then and we can give each other courage?
I'm so excited for you...I'm guessing you're going to have so much fun!
you.
are.
AMAZING!!
I would love to meet you in real life. You are an awesome MOM and wife... and you are H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!! :)
Just be who you are when you are being yourself and typing here and there isn't going to be one. single. solitary. person that will NOT fall in-love with you!!:)
I over pack all the time... you never know when there will be wardrobe change or malfunction or weather change or what have you... the more the better!! :) lol
if you happen to figure out the 28lbs in 6 days... please CONTACT ME IMEDIATLY!!! house, cell, email what ever way you have to get a hold me... do so!! I NEED to know this secret!! :)
You will be fine... plus these aren't people you don't know.. not all of them, some of them you probably know better than other friends of yours or maybe than their friends know them. I know I'm a lot more open and revealing in my blog than I am in real life. :)
Knock em' dead!!
Hold you head high.
SMILE!!
and most important...
BE. YOURSELF!!
XOXOXOX
OH AND HAVE FUN!!!
:)
As you come in for a landing over the bay, don't even think about how close the plane is coming to falling in the water. Wave at the little houses in the hills and I'll wave back.
You'll start a trend with the little cart. Everyone will want one. Etsy shops will start selling tassle decorations. You'll see.
Have a blast! Maybe I'll go sometime.
Well, I'd gladly have gone along-it is summer you know, and I'm off - I would have made you look good regardless of the 28 extra pounds, because of my extra weight so that standing beside me, you'd have looked WONDERFUL; nudged and helped you when you were at a loss for words or conversation, and because you're my sister and I love you, could have, would have 'lugged' the OLD LADY CART for you, like I was your hired help for the weekend. That way they would have made fun of me and you would have one less thing to worry about. That would have made them wonder, huh?
Make sure you see some of the sites, PLEASE! Go to Pier 39- from there you can see Alcatrez and the Golden Gate, and you can eat some of those scrumptious shrimp po-boy sandwiches.
Yep, like I said, I could have gone along with you!
You'll be fine. You're wonderfully funny and you have huge huge gifts and talents. Be yourself!!
Hope you have a FABULOUS time!
P.S. - Do wish I could be a fly on the wall.
I'm so excited for you!!
Can't wait to read about your adventures when you get back. Be safe, have fun, and don't accept any wooden nickles. :)
No..Please I beg you...Leave the cart home!! LEAVE IT HOME!
Then...go and have a fabulous time. These people have never met you and you can be anybody that you want to be. I must add; however, that even though this is first time I've come across your blog I believe you won't have any problems at all translating your "good with people I know" to "good with fellow bloggers who have the same interests and share my enthusiasm for blogging." Can't wait to see how it goes.
You'll do fine Kellan. If things get to boring you can just find one of those big hilly streets and ride down it on your old lady cart. That would give them something to blog about. I would love to meet some of the bloggers that are going also. Enjoy yourself!
Have a blast!! What an awesome opportunity to meet some really cool people. I can't wait to hear about it!
Oh I'm so excited for you!!!! You'll have fun and I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm just like you though, I'm fine with people I know, but around people I don't know I feel so awkward. I'd hang out with you if I were there.
I can't wait for the stories!!!
You are going to have SO much fun!!! :)
Kellan, you'll be the STAR of the conference! What an exciting trip, it'll be like a girls get-a-way of sorts. Can't wait to hear all about it. Relax and enjoy.
you get to go to the bathroom on your own...without even a knock on the door?!?!
shower on your own...without even a knock on the door?!?!
You'll do fine!!!! Wishing you much luck!!!
It sounds like a great time--think how proud you'll be of yourself for having conquered all the firsts.
Get a really big, gorgeous bag; do not take the cart!
Hope you have an excellent time Kellan!! I cannot wait to hear all your Blogher stories.
Take care
love and hugs Tabitha XXXX
Take the cart, you'll find that loads of people will envy you for thinking of it.
Have fun!
Take loads of photos!
And I can't wait to read all about your adventures!
I am always nervous meeting people I don't know too. But just think, those people will most likely be just as nervous to meet you! You are gonna do great and have tons of fun! :)
How exciting! You will be fabulous- and you must promise to link to any of those revealing posts about you, 'kay. ;)
Have fun! I wish i could come with you:)
And a woman can never pack enough clothes!!!
Can't wait to hear all your stories about your trip away. Remember lots of photos please.
You will be fine and have a great time. Find out how to lose 28 pounds in 6 days without cutting off bodyparts and by next year you will be rich and famous at Blogher and your servants can carry your luggage.
Are you kidding me? You're nervous?? I bet they are all like omg I get to meet THE KELLAN!! (At least that's what I would be doing.)
I bet you're going to have a ton of fun. You know you could start a whole new trend with the cart. Add some bling to it and say it's not your mama's cart.
Have fun!! (Off to pout cuz I can't go) :)
I can understand. It is a leap and it will be great to do it. You will have a great time. If all else fails adn you don't have a good time, you can hide in your King size bed.
KEEP BELIEVING
Bring the cart--especially if there will be a lot of stuff--teacher conferences were notorious for that and having a cart meant I went home with a TON of stuff since I didn't have to worry about how to carry it around.
Bring a stamper with your address on it or labels . . . in case there are contests/sign ups/giveaways---it is so much easier than filling out stuff. Bring a notebook to get names/jot down info.
Be yourself. Duh. Have fun. Enjoy the moment. Laugh a lot. And most of all . . . just be On YOUR Upside!!!
Have a blast! Oh, and wear comfy shoes (unless it is cocktail hour!).
Oh, have a great time! I've wondered what this conference was all about & I'll look forward to reading about your adventures when you return. I think Pioneer Woman went to one of these last year..can't remember if it was Blogher or not, but it sounds very interesting. I think it would be fun to participate. Hope you have a blast!
Rhoda
You're going to do Just Great!! Now Stop That!!!LOL...I went to a Romance Writers of America Convention in Dallas....The place was Crawling with "famous"....trust me, my flip flops came in Very handy...Hahahaha...they saw mine? Went out at break time and bought...theirs....Have a Wonderful Trip!!!hughugs
You, my friend, are going to have the time of your life! Old lady cart and all!
Don't you worry my sweet friend!I'm pretty sure you'll have a great time!
Enjoy it as much as you can cause I'm pretty sure that everything will be all right.
Good luck!
*muack*xoxoxo
You are so funny! You are WAY TOO COOL to lug around a cart...maybe a nice satchel instead! ;-) Have fun, Kellan...I'm jealous!
Oh Kellan, have a wonderful time! I can only still dream of going somewhere all by myself, the day will arrive all too quickly that I can though. For now I'll settle living vicariously through you so please post all the details when you can!
I agree, can the cumbersome cart and pick up a cool sling backpack!
Hugs & Blessings!
I bet you'll have a fabulous time Kellan. I can't wait to hear all about it. and if people do post about you, make sure you post up the links. I'll want to read their thoughts on the matter! LOL
HUGS I don't picture you as you describe yourself. I picture ME that way, though!
How fun for you! I hope you have a great time at the conference. I bet it will be exciting to meet some blog friends in person.
Ohhh that sounds like so much fun. I am sooo jealous. You had better have LOTS and LOTS of stories. Although, instead of an old lady cart, I suggest you hire a hottie with big muscles and no shirt to lug your stuff around for you. Then you woulnd't have to worry about making small talk, everyone would want to be your friend instantly. ;)
You're sure to have a great time.
You will be fine. Being yourself is why we all love you so much.
Have a good time & enjoy having the room all to yourself.
Ooohh it sounds like it will be a blast, and I am sure you will do great!
How can anyone who writes this well not be good with words and people too? HUH??? :D
You need a bag cart, not a grocery cart woman! You can find them at luggage stores, more like a little personal slim line dolly.
Have a great time lady! :)
Have a wonderful time!! You are too lucky!!
Oh it sounds like so much fun and your excitement is contagious from here! Try no to worry about a thing - I'm sure you will be great and everyone will love you. You've got a wonderful heart, a great blog, and a sense of humor to boot. (I'm sure they'll over look the old lady cart!) :) wink wink
~K
Have a great weekend!!!
Kellan, you have one of the funniest, warmest blogs around. You ALWAYS "say" the right thing. (But I know how you feel) Hope you have a wonderful time. I bet bloggers will be looking for you and hoping to meet this funny, wholesome, creative woman. Best of luck. Can't wait to hear about it.
Hi there! My Mom and Sherry left this morning so I'm back at blogging again. Yippee!! (I miss them already though.)
I'm so jealous. Wish I was going. I always take too much when I travel too. I stuff my luggage until I worry it will pop open. LOL
I won't comment on each of your posts I've missed, but I enjoyed reading them all. I always know I'll have a reason to smile when I visit you. (BTW...I got a mean spirited anonymous commenter like you did awhile back, so I really needed a reason to smile tonight.)
Hugs!
Kat
Oh Kellan, you have yourself a wonderful time... no need to be worried, look at you yourself, YOU area famous blogger too!
I so wish I could go this year... came this close. Hopefully next year, and I hope you're planning on attending the next one because I so want to meet you!!!
And *that* is why I love you.
Too bad Vespas are so in demand, because *that* would make a damn good entrance.
I am sure you will have a FANTASTIC time and I look forward to your great stories!
ps Can I just say i am GREEN with envy! I wanna go sooooooooo bad!
You will do fine and have so much fun! I am from that area and love San Francisco. Such a beautiful and interesting place. Bring warmer stuff for evening, it gets cool there by the bay at night (and sometimes during the day).
I have seen another blogger who is speaking there too! 4 days, a room to yourself. WOW!
You can do this. I have all the faith in the world in you. Just be yourself and they will love you.
Have fun, stay calm and enjoy,
Tami
I have 24 hours to lose 15 pounds before Vegas. Methinks I might be screwed.
;-)
I soooo wish I was going to BlogHer. Next year, definitely.
you will have a wonderful time, I bet there are people going who are beside themselves excited because they are getting to meet YOU! I would be.
Have a wonderful time sweet Kellan.
No worries, Kellan....You are a Blogging Rockstar!:)
I can't wait to hear all about it.:)
This life of bed rest is quite unexciting, so I am living through all you blogging ladies who can actually get out of bed.:)
God Bless,
Amy:)
Have a fabulous time! Can't wait to hear about all it!!
You are going to have SO much fun! And I bet you'll be a lot more comfortable than you realize!!
I would totally bring the cart or I'd bring my kids' red wagon that I use on the beach...everyone would totally understand!! And I over pack, just like you!
Oh, Kellan Renee, you are going to have the time of your life. I know exactly what you're talking about--I have the exact same types of thoughts as what you talk about--but then you will get there, you will get to chatting with people and, before you know it, you'll be wondering what you were ever worried about. I mean, come on...these are BLOGGERS. And we all know bloggers are the best people on the planet :). You're gonna rock the conference! This, coming from the person who would never even consider attending BlogHer because I'm just a regular old blogger with no them and no big audience, even though I think it sounds like a blast. So, trust what I say!
Have a wonderful day, Kellan Renee.
What I meant was, my blog has no THEME. As for the them's--I DO have a few of THEM who consistently read and comment on my non-themed blog. I love THEM. BWAHAHAHA!
And also. You take whatever kinda cart you WANT to take. Just OWN it. You and your cart march into that room--whichever room it is--like ya own it and, voila, pretty soon everybody else will be out buying a cart like yours. :)
I am the same way - not good with strangers. Once I get to know people, it's all good. But in a place like BlogHer...you don't have time to 'warm up'!
Good for you for going though, and I hope you have a blast!
Have a wonderful time - take lots of pictures and let us know all about it when you return!!
We all love you the way you are but I can understand-I am socially equipped but always feel like I am falling apart on the inside. It is so hard for me at social things but keep in mind-that is is hard for everyone-we all show it in different ways. You will be wonderful.
You'll have a wonderful time and make a ton of new friends, I'm sure!
I so totally hear you on the hotel room! They let me travel like once a year for work and I'll tell you, that is the BEST week of the year. It's just obscene how much I enjoy having a room all to myself.
Oh have fun! I want lots of stories and pictures, as well I am not going.
You will do just fine meeting everyone. Think no one really knows you, so think of it as an opportunity to redefine yourself as you meet someone new. I try to do that when ever I am in an unfamiliar group. because truth be told I am not good at meeting new people either. Now my Hubby, that is a completely different story.
You will be fine, you have a great heart, a brilliant blog, and a warm sense about you that will make everyone be fast friends!
Enjoy and travel safely!
You know you'll have a blast Kellan. Just wear black and those 28 pounds will MELT off. Or so they say. :)
I absolutely can't wait to meet you! I amalso weirdly excited about sitting on a plane for six hours by myself, watching a movie and having someone bring me drinks - it just seems so dreamy.
We are going to have a blast!
Oh Kellan, I have a huge amount of faith in you and your ability to ROCK this conference! Don't even worry about packing....go early and SHOP for everything you think you'll need! Have a great time and I cannot wait to hear ALL about it! I SOOOOOO wish I could go!
OH, I forgot to tell you....I agree with Jen....Get a FABULOUS, GIANT size bag!
You will be fine.
You are hilarious.
I am sure your personality is infectious.
Everyone will love you.
Have a wonderful time!!!
Oh...
when you figure out how to lose those 28 pounds in 6 days...
would you please share your secret?
I need to do the same thing!
Can't wait to read those stories! You will be fine, everyone will love you just as they do from reading here. Plus, the other "social type" people will make it easier for you!
Wish I was going.
You will charm the pants off of them Kellan!
GOOD LUCK! Let us know how it all was!
I already left an exceptionally whiny comment on JCK's blog so I won't repeat it here. I wish I were going. That is all.
Oooh there are going to be some great stories, I can't wait! Sounds like an absolutely fabulous trip! You will do just fine, I know it. Have a great time!
I am SURE you will be FINE. You are so personal. I bet you will sit down and hit it off with so many. We all love you.
Oh Kellan, you're going to have a blast. Good luck with the weight loss... hee hee.
Wow, that is a lot of stuff! I am sure you will handle it all just fine. Take lots of pictures and I can't wait to read the posts about it. :-)
You will be fabulous! I always worry about meeting someone from blog land, too. It's easy to be funny and cute and skinny when you have time to think of something to write and can photoshop pics, but real life? What if I'm not what they expected?
I'm sure you will have a fun time, and that they are just as excited/nervous to meet you! I need to loose 28 pounds by Thursday too....let me know if you figure out how.
I am absolutely green with envy over all the wonderful bloggers I'm missing out on meeting because I'M NOT GOING. WAAAAHHHHHHHHH.
Hi Kellan,
You'l do fine. I have complete faith in you. I only wish I was going so I could meet you. I would need one of those contraptions also because I just can't carry everything I need anymore. I can't wait to read all about your trip. You go and enjoy yourself.
How fun! I'm sure you will do fine. That must be one super huge suitcase if it can hold all those clothes (and what about all the shoes that I know you will be taking for each outfit?!?!)
Yep, you DEFINITELY need to take the wheelie cart. ;)
Me too -- well OK, I live in the Bay Area so I am not really traveling, but I do feel very unprepared to handle it. It feels way out of my comfort zone too.
Wish I was going with you! Have a wonderful time, can't wait to hear all about it.
I am playing catch up and you've definately been busy!
Enjoy your trip and your summer!
You will do great!!! I have no doubt. You just need to remember a lot of these people probably know you and feel like they are close friends already. Now, even if you do decide to take the old lady cart. Knowing your personality the little I do, I am sure you will do it with flair, and look young and svelt doing it.
I did laugh out loud at the 28 lbs. in 6 days thing. That sounds so like something I would say.
Post a Comment