BlogHer, I Don’t Even Know Her!

Liz@thisfullhouse up close and personal

Look for me, I'll be the one tripping over my tongue and spilling stuff at BlogHer!

Hello, my name is Liz and this is my 3rd year attending BlogHer.  In 2007, Mocha Mom introduced BlogMe and made it easyIn 2008, Mrs. Flinger wanted brutally honesty in introducing ourselves and then slapped me, really hard, on my butt, AND it still hurts

This year?

Well, most people already know I'm a dork and still seem to want to sleep with me…d'oh…I mean, share a room and cab fare!

[sound of crickets chirping]

Moving on.

Seeing as I am more than willing to help a newbie out — because, obviously, they don't know I'm a dork…yet — a few readers thought it wise to put together a list of BlogHer questions for me.

People actually thought I'd know the answer to these:

1.  Business cards – do I remember hearing that some people were ultra crafty with them and having whole things they were handing out and such?

Ya' heard right; but I wasn't one of them.  Because, coming up with a really cool hand out idea, like Kristen's condom lollipops (BlogHer '07) and Shannon' ice cream scoop (BlogHer '08) would involve some pre-planning and lots of critical thinking, which are two things, besides the master bedroom, that, sadly, I've given up on of ever recovering.  Still.  Pimp 'em if you got 'em.  Just, like, don't leave your business cards in the bathroom and people's cleavages, or anything, unless they ask for them, or wip out their cleavages, okay?

2.  For the break out sessions, do we have to sign up for them or just go? 

No sign-ups are required.  You can choose to go to whatever break out session, whenever you want; in fact, you can even go to more than one; pop in and out of all of them, if you feel like it.  Or, don't.  However, if there is one particular session that you're just itching to attend, go early.  Seating can, or may be an issue.  Unless, you don't mind sitting on the floor, or are more comfortable playing a wall flower, like me.

3.  What do I do if I don't know how to text? (stop laughing, Melisa) 

[snicker] Ask Melisa!

4.  Are people SERIOUSLY thinking about spending time in the pool?

What, you mean there's a pool?  Oh, well then, sure; in fact, I heard that there may also be some serious skinny dipping involved, too.  I think Melisa is in charge of it.  Though, don't hold me to that.  Better show up naked, just to be sure.

5.  Will anyone be there on Wed who wants to eat dinner with me? πŸ™‚

Dangit, I'm flying in on Thursday; but, I bet there are people who would be more than willing to hang out with you (literally AND figuratively speaking) so, are you on Twitter?  Give a shout out on Twitter, using hash tags (stuff people are talking about on Twitter) like #blogher and  #blogher09 that you're in Chicago and, you know, you're hungry.  Also, I hear there's some sort of BlogHer sleepover, or something.  Ask Melisa!

6.  How much time do we spend out of the hotel? 

The cool thing about this (and last) year's BlogHer conference is being held in a major hotel.  You know, with rooms, that have beds, and everything.  Most of the activity will be in same said hotel.  BONUS!  Although, there will be a lot of other parties and stuff happening elsewhere.  Oh, and there will be bowling.  So, the short answer (you're welcome) don't feel like you have to hit everything, or hug everyone, all at once, and you can spend as much time out (or, in) the hotel as you wish.  They give you a key!

7.  With roommates, how do you ummm secure your stuff (just because some of us are paranoid)? 

Oh, good, another worrier (nice to meet you!) well, as a rule, I travel with stuff I wouldn't miss losing, too much, anyway.  Clothes can be replaced.  My grandmother's diamond watch, not so much.  If you're really worried about sharing a room with someone you really don't know all that much (I can certainly understand why) just claim a corner of the room, don't bother unpacking (except for stuff that makes you smell good) and lock your suitcase.  Also, travel light.  I am packing only 1 outfit for each day and an extra, in case I spill something on myself, or something.  Perhaps we should both just stop being so gosh-darned paranoid, eh?

8.  What is a normal bedtime there?

Depends on which time zone you came from, really.  Especially, since this is the year of the BlogHer Parties, don't be surprised if you don't get any.  Sleep, I mean.  Ever.  Then again, you can always crash anytime your body starts telling you, "I will shut you down HARD if you don't get some sleep, RIGHT NOW!"  Personally, I don't sleep well away from home.  I know, 4 kids, traveling kid-less, and all.  However, since I neglected to pay close attention to the return flight, I seem to have booked myself on a rather smallish plane (50 seats that aren't even filled, yet and I can't help but, you know, wonder why?) so, I plan on dosing myself into oblivion on the flight home.

9.  How cliquey is it?

I think that, by nature, folks will gravitate to groups of other folks more like them, right?  If you truly and seriously are worried about feeling left out (I went to high school, so I can certainly understand why) sign up for Birds of a Feather table and…um…find your flock

10.  What's the temp of the pool?

I don't know, see number 3 above, or ask Melisa!

11.  Will my sheets be 100% cotton? 

Yes, spun by Hugh Jackman, during the Virginal Equinox, or in a used Chevy Equinox, I forget.  But, don't worry, you won't be getting any sleep, remember?

12.  Will I have time to call home at all during the weekend? 

Next question.

13.  What if I lose my posse?

Don't worry, just collect those unused drink tickets and you'll find another one…right quick.

14.  Is there a lost and found desk?

Yes, but they always seem to be all out of drink tickets.

15.  Because I call Mrs. 4444 "kissing Barb", does that really mean I have to kiss her?

No, you don't have to do anything, you don't want to.  Although, kissing (or, hugging) is permitted, and sometimes even encouraged, with big open arms and a couple of shots of vodka.  Still, I'm a little anxious about meeting Headless Mom.

16.  How much money should I bring? 

Depends, how much ya' got?  Seriously, it's probably a good idea to bring some extra cash, though.  Personally, I get a cash advance on my allowance from my husband, Garth [not his real name] and keep $20.00 rolled up in my sock, just in case.  Unless, I'm wearing flip-flops.  Then, some really cute bartender's gonna have to frisk me for it.

17.  Are there banks nearby to rob? 

I don't know, ask Melisa.

18.  What kind of swag will I be bringing home?

Swag, it's what's for dinner. Seriously, if like in BlogHers past, there will be lots and lots of stuff people are going to be just itching to giveaway.  Aaaand, a lot of it was edible.  Still, you can check out Flickr for BlogHer swag from BlogHers past.

19.  With the swag, does this mean I won't actually have to buy any presents to bring to my kids? 

Judging by all the giveaways, celebrities and sponsors, this year.  Possibly.  Although, my youngest actually tried to give my father-in-law a condom lollipop, once – long story for another time, maybe.

20.  Anything else I should know?

Yes, read these great tips from Jory (she's also one of the Hers who runs the joint) Immoral Matriarch, Motherhood Uncensored and Mom-101 they're a lot wiser than me!  Oh, and if you're still worried about what to (or, not to) wear, check out Audrey's BlogHer fashion advice – she's a whole lot prettier, too, DAMNIT!

The End.  Hope this helps.  Shuddup, Melisa!

I.m.a. dork signature

Β© 2009 This Full House – All Rights Reserved.

Comments

60 responses to “BlogHer, I Don’t Even Know Her!”

  1. Heather Avatar

    The excitement is winning out over the nerves now that the real countdown is on. See you in Chicago!

  2. Heather Avatar

    The excitement is winning out over the nerves now that the real countdown is on. See you in Chicago!

  3. Heather Avatar

    The excitement is winning out over the nerves now that the real countdown is on. See you in Chicago!

  4. Heather Avatar

    The excitement is winning out over the nerves now that the real countdown is on. See you in Chicago!

  5. Heather Avatar

    The excitement is winning out over the nerves now that the real countdown is on. See you in Chicago!

  6. annettek Avatar

    I cannot wait to meet you in person. I’m a newbie, but I don’t seem to be nervous. Just really freaking excited!

  7. annettek Avatar

    I cannot wait to meet you in person. I’m a newbie, but I don’t seem to be nervous. Just really freaking excited!

  8. annettek Avatar

    I cannot wait to meet you in person. I’m a newbie, but I don’t seem to be nervous. Just really freaking excited!

  9. annettek Avatar

    I cannot wait to meet you in person. I’m a newbie, but I don’t seem to be nervous. Just really freaking excited!

  10. annettek Avatar

    I cannot wait to meet you in person. I’m a newbie, but I don’t seem to be nervous. Just really freaking excited!

  11. Melissa Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer, but I loved your post. Have a great time and tell us everything when you get home!

  12. Melissa Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer, but I loved your post. Have a great time and tell us everything when you get home!

  13. Melissa Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer, but I loved your post. Have a great time and tell us everything when you get home!

  14. Melissa Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer, but I loved your post. Have a great time and tell us everything when you get home!

  15. Melissa Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer, but I loved your post. Have a great time and tell us everything when you get home!

  16. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer either, but I bet all of you will have a sleepless good time! Can’t wait to hear about it! (You will spill all, won’t you?)
    I’ve met Melisa and every reference to her in your blog just made me laugh. She’s amazing and has a great sense of humor!

  17. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer either, but I bet all of you will have a sleepless good time! Can’t wait to hear about it! (You will spill all, won’t you?)
    I’ve met Melisa and every reference to her in your blog just made me laugh. She’s amazing and has a great sense of humor!

  18. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer either, but I bet all of you will have a sleepless good time! Can’t wait to hear about it! (You will spill all, won’t you?)
    I’ve met Melisa and every reference to her in your blog just made me laugh. She’s amazing and has a great sense of humor!

  19. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer either, but I bet all of you will have a sleepless good time! Can’t wait to hear about it! (You will spill all, won’t you?)
    I’ve met Melisa and every reference to her in your blog just made me laugh. She’s amazing and has a great sense of humor!

  20. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m not going to BlogHer either, but I bet all of you will have a sleepless good time! Can’t wait to hear about it! (You will spill all, won’t you?)
    I’ve met Melisa and every reference to her in your blog just made me laugh. She’s amazing and has a great sense of humor!

  21. ascapecodturns Avatar

    Great answers!!! Free drink tickets? The weekend just keeps getting better!! I’ll see you at the bar! πŸ™‚

  22. ascapecodturns Avatar

    Great answers!!! Free drink tickets? The weekend just keeps getting better!! I’ll see you at the bar! πŸ™‚

  23. ascapecodturns Avatar

    Great answers!!! Free drink tickets? The weekend just keeps getting better!! I’ll see you at the bar! πŸ™‚

  24. ascapecodturns Avatar

    Great answers!!! Free drink tickets? The weekend just keeps getting better!! I’ll see you at the bar! πŸ™‚

  25. ascapecodturns Avatar

    Great answers!!! Free drink tickets? The weekend just keeps getting better!! I’ll see you at the bar! πŸ™‚

  26. Headless Mom Avatar

    I swear that I actually have a head. No kissing a bloody stump required!

  27. Headless Mom Avatar

    I swear that I actually have a head. No kissing a bloody stump required!

  28. Headless Mom Avatar

    I swear that I actually have a head. No kissing a bloody stump required!

  29. Headless Mom Avatar

    I swear that I actually have a head. No kissing a bloody stump required!

  30. Headless Mom Avatar

    I swear that I actually have a head. No kissing a bloody stump required!

  31. Dana Avatar

    Can’t wait to see you! It’s been too long. A whole year! Ugh.
    Jersey and ‘Sconsin should really be closer together.

  32. Dana Avatar

    Can’t wait to see you! It’s been too long. A whole year! Ugh.
    Jersey and ‘Sconsin should really be closer together.

  33. Dana Avatar

    Can’t wait to see you! It’s been too long. A whole year! Ugh.
    Jersey and ‘Sconsin should really be closer together.

  34. Dana Avatar

    Can’t wait to see you! It’s been too long. A whole year! Ugh.
    Jersey and ‘Sconsin should really be closer together.

  35. Dana Avatar

    Can’t wait to see you! It’s been too long. A whole year! Ugh.
    Jersey and ‘Sconsin should really be closer together.

  36. Elisa Avatar

    Super-useful info, thank you Liz! So, any time we need something and don’t know where to get it, we ask Melisa, right? πŸ˜‰
    You.are.so.cool. I cannot wait to meet you!! be warned, there will be hugging!

  37. Elisa Avatar

    Super-useful info, thank you Liz! So, any time we need something and don’t know where to get it, we ask Melisa, right? πŸ˜‰
    You.are.so.cool. I cannot wait to meet you!! be warned, there will be hugging!

  38. Elisa Avatar

    Super-useful info, thank you Liz! So, any time we need something and don’t know where to get it, we ask Melisa, right? πŸ˜‰
    You.are.so.cool. I cannot wait to meet you!! be warned, there will be hugging!

  39. Elisa Avatar

    Super-useful info, thank you Liz! So, any time we need something and don’t know where to get it, we ask Melisa, right? πŸ˜‰
    You.are.so.cool. I cannot wait to meet you!! be warned, there will be hugging!

  40. Elisa Avatar

    Super-useful info, thank you Liz! So, any time we need something and don’t know where to get it, we ask Melisa, right? πŸ˜‰
    You.are.so.cool. I cannot wait to meet you!! be warned, there will be hugging!

  41. Melisa Avatar

    Wow, I wonder if people are going to pounce on me at BlogHer?
    That might be fun. πŸ™‚
    You are hilarious as usual, Ms. I.M.A. Dork! Can’t wait to squeeze you! (or something like that!)
    Shuddup yourself! πŸ™‚
    xoxo

  42. Melisa Avatar

    Wow, I wonder if people are going to pounce on me at BlogHer?
    That might be fun. πŸ™‚
    You are hilarious as usual, Ms. I.M.A. Dork! Can’t wait to squeeze you! (or something like that!)
    Shuddup yourself! πŸ™‚
    xoxo

  43. Melisa Avatar

    Wow, I wonder if people are going to pounce on me at BlogHer?
    That might be fun. πŸ™‚
    You are hilarious as usual, Ms. I.M.A. Dork! Can’t wait to squeeze you! (or something like that!)
    Shuddup yourself! πŸ™‚
    xoxo

  44. Melisa Avatar

    Wow, I wonder if people are going to pounce on me at BlogHer?
    That might be fun. πŸ™‚
    You are hilarious as usual, Ms. I.M.A. Dork! Can’t wait to squeeze you! (or something like that!)
    Shuddup yourself! πŸ™‚
    xoxo

  45. Melisa Avatar

    Wow, I wonder if people are going to pounce on me at BlogHer?
    That might be fun. πŸ™‚
    You are hilarious as usual, Ms. I.M.A. Dork! Can’t wait to squeeze you! (or something like that!)
    Shuddup yourself! πŸ™‚
    xoxo

  46. Michelle -WhiteTrashMom Avatar

    Meeting you was one of the highlights of my trip last year. I can’t wait to see you again! xoxoxoxox

  47. Michelle -WhiteTrashMom Avatar

    Meeting you was one of the highlights of my trip last year. I can’t wait to see you again! xoxoxoxox

  48. Michelle -WhiteTrashMom Avatar

    Meeting you was one of the highlights of my trip last year. I can’t wait to see you again! xoxoxoxox

  49. Michelle -WhiteTrashMom Avatar

    Meeting you was one of the highlights of my trip last year. I can’t wait to see you again! xoxoxoxox

  50. Michelle -WhiteTrashMom Avatar

    Meeting you was one of the highlights of my trip last year. I can’t wait to see you again! xoxoxoxox

  51. Mrs. Schmitty Avatar

    I SO wish I were sharing that airplane puke bag with my favorite Jersey Girl!
    Alas…I will be stuck here…in Jersey.
    BlogHer 2010 or bust!!!
    Have fun!!!!

  52. Mrs. Schmitty Avatar

    I SO wish I were sharing that airplane puke bag with my favorite Jersey Girl!
    Alas…I will be stuck here…in Jersey.
    BlogHer 2010 or bust!!!
    Have fun!!!!

  53. Mrs. Schmitty Avatar

    I SO wish I were sharing that airplane puke bag with my favorite Jersey Girl!
    Alas…I will be stuck here…in Jersey.
    BlogHer 2010 or bust!!!
    Have fun!!!!

  54. Mrs. Schmitty Avatar

    I SO wish I were sharing that airplane puke bag with my favorite Jersey Girl!
    Alas…I will be stuck here…in Jersey.
    BlogHer 2010 or bust!!!
    Have fun!!!!

  55. Mrs. Schmitty Avatar

    I SO wish I were sharing that airplane puke bag with my favorite Jersey Girl!
    Alas…I will be stuck here…in Jersey.
    BlogHer 2010 or bust!!!
    Have fun!!!!

  56. Mom101 Avatar

    Ok so wait…
    are there really people worried that their roommates will steal their stuff?
    Because that’s awesome in every possible way.
    (And yes, I’m kind of drunk.)

  57. Mom101 Avatar

    Ok so wait…
    are there really people worried that their roommates will steal their stuff?
    Because that’s awesome in every possible way.
    (And yes, I’m kind of drunk.)

  58. Mom101 Avatar

    Ok so wait…
    are there really people worried that their roommates will steal their stuff?
    Because that’s awesome in every possible way.
    (And yes, I’m kind of drunk.)

  59. Mom101 Avatar

    Ok so wait…
    are there really people worried that their roommates will steal their stuff?
    Because that’s awesome in every possible way.
    (And yes, I’m kind of drunk.)

  60. Mom101 Avatar

    Ok so wait…
    are there really people worried that their roommates will steal their stuff?
    Because that’s awesome in every possible way.
    (And yes, I’m kind of drunk.)