The Oh So Predictable Pudding

In 2006, I decided to go to BlogHer. Shortly after I arrived, my breasts blew their stack, which led me to spend all of my spare cash on a $54,383 cab ride to Walgreens where I purchased a $58,392 breast pump and a $1.39 box of Swedish Fish. I spent 94.3% of that weekend locked up in my room with a pump attached to my chest and Titanic on the television. (The remaining 5.7% of the weekend was spent feeling a bit overwhelmed and starstruck, which is one of my many tragic flaws. I realize the phrase “blogging heroes” is more than sort of squirrelly. Let’s just say this: I found myself in the company of many of my favorite web writers, and it made me feel all floofy and la la la la laaaaah!)

In 2007, I decided to not go to BlogHer. And when I started reading the words of the women who DID go, I became insanely jealous. (Okay. Insanely is a strong word. Perhaps what I was feeling was a river of remorse sprinkled with some bright orange self-pity torpedoes.)

In 2008, I couldn’t afford to go to BlogHer, so I decided to auction off a shawl and sell pre-ordered handknitted socks to fund the trip. Success. While there, I found myself to be terribly content. (Photos are here, if you’re interested.) I went yarn shopping and fish taco-ing with SueBob. I took a nap at the mall with Erica. I fell in love with Canadians. I was able to nervously read a blog entry in front of 3,502,496 people! Best of all, I got to be Someone’s Elbow!

When people started talking about BlogHer this year, I pretty much immediately knew that once again, I couldn’t really afford it. AND, the knitting socks thing just about killed me last year. (I know. Much ado about nothing, where much ado = “just about killed me” and nothing = “knitting socks”. With that said, I really did get a wee cramp in my right index finger. It’s a living hell, folks. A Living Hell.) I pretty much came to grips with NOT going, and then more people started talking about how excited they are to BE going, and then some party invites came my way, coupled with a most amazing housing option, and, well, I’m going. I don’t have a ticket (all tickets are sold out), but I DO have a Hyundai and an affinity for solo road trips.

While everyone else is enjoying the speakers? I’ll be hitting Loopy Yarns.

When it’s time to break for boxed lunches and swag? I’ll be browsing at Nina.

During high traffic lobby times? I’ll be in the lobby. High trafficking, and looking for Blackbirds. ‘ ‘ ‘text/javascript’>

23 thoughts on “The Oh So Predictable Pudding”

  1. I live in Chicago and did not buy a ticket, but am planning to attend the parties. Everyone says that’s the best part anyway. Because I am all about the free booze. Except not, because I’m pregnant. So that sucks. But I shall bravely soldier on and take as many free drinks as I can carry and give them away.

    I also heard badges are never actually checked. So if you really wanted to attend something, you’re probably safe.

  2. Actually, I know going in that I’m going to steer clear of BlogHer sponsored events. (A few of my friends in college once sneaked into a movie. I eventually went out to the “bathroom” and purchased my ticket. Oh, the guilt! It’s still there after eighteen years!)

    With that said, maybe I’ll see you in the lobby!!!

  4. I’m glad you’re going! I saw you in the hallway last year and gasped (okay, that makes it sound like I was horrified when I wasn’t).

    If you are looking to buy a ticket, I have an extra one, but with that said, I think I only went to two panels last year, so maybe in the future I shouldn’t be buying a ticket myself.

  8. I thought, what’s the big deal about some blogging conference? Then, I totally wanted to go. Then, I found the money. Then, I found out it’s sold out. Life’s a bitch. So good for you for going without a ticket. Next year, though, I’m going, even though I’m no blogging supa star. But I can pretend to be.

  12. BHJ–I’m ONE of the judges. My portion of the process is done and will be whittled and molded by a few others. You should hear something next week, I believe. (I could look up the exact date, but I’m eating a bowl of cereal right now, and I lack the energy to create a new tab.)

    As far as the comping goes, I volunteered to help. Next year they’ll ask some of this year’s participants to help out. It takes a village. Or a Community. My cereal is starting to get soggy. (It’s Cinnamon Harvest by Kashi, and it’s my current favorite, if you’re interested. You’re welcome, Kashi.)

  13. you went out to the “bathroom” and purchased your ticket?! that is SO adorable! just when i thought i couldn’t adore you more. :)

  14. I’ve been on the fence about going, thinking maybe I’m too small of a fish to go out to the Big Pond of bloggers. But maybe next year I’ll get the courage. Maybe next year…

  16. This gal here? Pretty damn slap happy over this news. I am also planning on heading to StL today for the pre-meet-up.

    See you there?

  18. Okay, got it! For my first time to Blogher, I need to explode my boobs, eat lots of candy, and get it on with Leo and Kate…I’m so in the dark about just exactly what I’m getting myself into. Thank you for this valuable guide! ;-)

    (Glad you’ll be there!)

  19. Whoopee!!!!!!! I’ll bring the Reese’s. And let me be the first to say: Badges? We don’t need no stinking badges!

  20. This sounds like quite the big deal for the blog world. I hope you have tons of fun. I’ll be vacationing with my family! :)

  21. If you’re just there for the parties, you should come to the one I’m having on Saturday night. Because blackbird is staying with me, so if by some chance you haven’t run into each other yet, I’d lock the two of you into the bathroom together.

    Then I’ll tell everyone that Fluid Pudding is in the bathroom with blackbird, but they’re not doing drugs! Fluid Pudding teaching blackbird how to stuff marshmallows into her mouth.

    So remember, party Saturday night. BYO marshmallows.

  23. I only just got over not going this year, and now this? I’m all sorts of depressed again, but I hope you have a great time!

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