Chicago

I'm writing this in the lobby of the Sheraton in Chicago.  I'm sitting by a window looking out at the river.  

I took a long walk along the river earlier today.  Now I'm enjoying being back in the air conditioning and watching the boats go by as I write.

I'll be flying back to Orange County today.  I've had an interesting and very exhausting few days here.  I love the city of Chicago.  It's so beautiful even though I don't really consider myself a "city person."  

I wish I'd had more time for sight seeing but my every second has been booked while I've been here.  

The biggest highlight of my trip has been the opportunity to meet, in person, some of the people I've communicated with online for the last year.  As a reader, you can roam the blogosphere and see endless pictures of what went on at BlogHer09 over these last few days.  On other websites you will see photo after photo of bloggers partying.  

[Photo taken at the infamous Cheezburgherz party.]

You will also read people's lists of which well known writer(s) they had an opportunity to meet.

For me, it was the little moments that were more important.  

When I walked into the conference hall with 1,400 writers and saw the Twenty Four At Heart blog header highlighted on the two monster projection screens I nearly peed in excitement.  They even had a quote from me to go with it.  (A quote I have no memory of ever giving, but who the hell cares?)  Thrilling me even more, they used the same screen shot repeatedly on other days of the conference.

Why did that give me such a thrill?  I don't know, but it did!  Every time I saw it I wanted to squeal and jump up and down with joy.

It was nice to meet several Mr./Mrs. Famous Internet Writers.  However, sitting down for a few minutes one on one with Jane, the woman who was the first person ever to take the time to communicate with me in the blogosphere, meant far more.  When she asked me if I had my Spanx on and how my bionic nipples were doing it made my day.

Realizing one of my favorite people in the blogosphere, Neil Kramer, is someone I love in person was another highlight.  Yes, there were people I've been impressed with online who were just kind of meh to meet in person.  To realize an online connection has now become a friend in real life was just a good thing.

I'm even *thinking* about forgiving him for embarrassing me in front of the entire writing session he led on storytelling.  

Please note - I did not embarrass myself at the session, Neil did it for me.  It's a very important and distinctive point to be made.  (Right, Neil?)  

I'd love to tell you about the embarrassment Neil caused and the many shades of red I turned, but I think I'm all out of writing time for today.  I guess, like many stories from my weekend, I'll have to save that one for another day.

© Twenty Four At Heart

Comments

[vodkamom]

you are an amazing woman!!!!

[stoneskin]

Cheezburgherz? Now that is a tad cheesy.

[Alan]

I gotta get me one of those hats!

[Maureen at IslandRoar]

Yes, those little "Real" moments always trump the rest of it.
But pretty exciting to see your header and your own words up there, wow!
Can't wait to hear more.

[Shannon]

It was fabulous to meet you! You were one of my highlights of BlogHer!

[Fragrant Liar]

Well I'm anticipating more posts on this event. I assume you thought the $$ was well worth it?

Love that your header was up on the screen. Was it up for some particular reason, or did I miss the why of that?

Here's to spanx and bionic nipples!

[Pseudo]

I love visiting cities and have always wanted to go to Chicago. That your header and quotes were used must have been so cool.

Can't wait to hear more. If I had gone, you are high on my list of bloggers I'd want to hang out with.

[Jason]

Next year, you will be THE STAR of Blogher. I just know it.

And if I had seen my blog up on the big screen, I would have peed my pants.

[Lara]

Was so lovely to meet and hang out with you! :)

[Julie @ Angry Julie Monday]

I heart you.....

We had an awesome time. And dammit, we need to fly together to New York next year. Shannon and I are flying in early pre-conference!

[Chris]

It was my pleasure to meet you at the cheeseburgher party..yes, I was in charge of the door and the shhhhhusing people in the hallway. Hey when you get old..that is the only job left!