I have started and stopped a Blogher recap post more times than I can count. It isn’t an issue of writer’s block, or an inability to wrap my head around the amazing five days spent in New York City. It isn’t the shame of admitting I loved every minute in the expo hall and proudly carried my 37 bajillion bags of swag home.
When I stop trying to force out a recap, my mind keeps coming back to the idea of strength. It seems fitting when talking about the past week, because it sums up my experience pretty well.
Living with a degenerative disease means acknowledging that the physical strength I have today won’t stay the same. It will progress, and along with that progression, I will lose the ability to take trips without special equipment (and Ben). For me, that means taking every opportunity to get away by myself, while I still can. Even at the mobility level I’m at now, there were a few interesting moments in New York, (ie: don’t joke about falling off the toilet in your hotel, you will ultimately have this happen to some degree.) but it is an experience I will be grateful I took, later in life.
The Erotica session panelists struck a chord when talking about the idea of writing on a deeper level, and having the strength to be open and honest with yourself (and your readers), regardless of the naysayers and trolls that may come with it.
Then there’s my awesome roommate, Jayme, who writes at TaterTwins.com. I hit the roommate jackpot – Jayme’s laid back, go with the flow attitude was just what my OCD, psycho-planner-and-then-forget-my-printed-schedule-in-the-hotel-room self needed. Her ability to tolerate me dragging her pregnant butt all over the city and then dealing with an emotionally crazy scare with her baby? She is seriously an amazing, strong woman!
In addition to Jayme, I got to meet so many great women, including DeadCowGirl, who I love to itty bitty pieces and may have screamed like a 12-year-old girl at a Bieber concert when she found me in the expo hall. (I did apologize to the rep for squealing in her ear . . . that makes up for it, right?)
And finally, the women we met at the Fertility Meet & Greet were amazing. I am still overwhelmed with the love that we crammed into our hotel room. And after talking with one woman in particular, about not giving up in her fight for a family, Jayme and I are determined to make the meet up happen again.
Speaking of fertility and support, I’d love to thank my wonderful sponsor, ttccommunity.com, for making this entire trip a reality for me, and for the amazing support they provide for women trying to conceive, get pregnant, and/or enjoying parenthood!
It sounds like you had an awesome time!
I’m glad that you were able to go and have fun.
Kallie Greenly recently posted..Sizzling Summer Giveaway!
This is a great recap – I really love the bonding and friendship, and the idea of personal support shown. I also like being able to see that bloggers come from all different kinds of backgrounds and are still successful in our chosen endeavor. Great recap.
Elizabeth Towns recently posted..Ready, set – lock? What’s your safety IQ for back-to-school?
This is one of my fave recaps that I’ve read so far!! I’ve read a TON of posts complaining about long lines for elevators or bathrooms, the crazy swag wars {cut a b*tch over a logo’d plastic kitchen utensil? Wow…} – but I too had an amazing experience, and didn’t let the negative stuff even phase me. Glad to hear you had such a wonderful trip too!!
Meagan P – Sunshine and Sippy Cups recently posted..The Busy Moms Guide to Simplifying Auto Insurance
Exactly what Meagan said, I’ve heard a lot of complaining but I loved your recap! Really puts things into perspective & I am so glad you went and had a great time!
Tara recently posted..40 Yummy Lunchbox Ideas
Sounds like an amazing time!
Sarah Welte recently posted..12 Amazingly Angry "Angry Birds’ Cakes
It sounds like you had a terrific time! I’d love to go to a blogging conference someday!
Melody recently posted..Pizza!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time!
Monique recently posted..#levantateun10 With Net10 Wireless
What a great time it looks like you had! Love the unicorn picture.
Nicoyle recently posted..Thursday Picture of the Day – Startrails
I am glad that the trip was fun and successful for you!
Heather Beyant recently posted..Giveaway- Hunger Games or $50.00 Paypal/Amazon Gift Card
Sounds like you had loads of fun! Next year I hope to come!
I’m so glad you got to go and had so much fun!!
stephanie @ babe’s rockin’ mami recently posted..The Organ Made Me Do It
I’m so jealous of everyone that went…but I’m too much of a baby to ever go…haha
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..A Busy Vagina Is A Happy Vagina
I’m so jealous that you got to go!! I seriously need to make a trip happen eventually! And I agree — TTCCommunity is quite amazing at supporting women
Sara recently posted..Pregnancy Faux Pas