Well, my dear gracious hubby has decreed that our crew can get by just fine without me for three days. Why does this have me all excited? Because that means *I* am going to the SanFrancisco BlogHer Convention in July! For those of you who don’t know– like my family (smile)– Blogher is a convention offering workshops and discussions about all aspects of blogging and writing. Along the way you get to meet some of the bloggers you’ve only chatted with online. Some of the people I am planning to accost looking forward to meeting include Shannon, HeadlessMommy, Chilihead, Scribbit, Chris–and YOU if you are planning on going!
My plane ticket to San Francisco was FIVE bucks, thanks to frequent flyer miles from my trips to Africa. Very sweet. I’ve registered for the conference. I even snagged a hotel room from the dwindling supply of rooms at the Westin Hotel in San Francisco, though I am still (hint, hint) hoping to find a roommate.
The lovely Karen of Simply A Musing is working on a blog business card for me even as I write this– I’ll show it to you when she finishes it. Incidentally, if you’ve been thinking of a blog makeover, she may be just the gal to chat with. You can see samples of her lovely work here.
Next –the most pressing question actually– is what I am going to WEAR. Just because I have ten kids doesn’t mean I have to LOOK old/frumpy/frazzled enough to have ten kids, right? I know it can be done. Besides my beautiful mom, my inspiration has got to be Jenni, a mother of TWELVE. Talk about one gorgeous lady!
Though my most overwhelming enthusiasm is for the chance to learn a few new things and meet a bunch of some people as many people as I dare to say Hello to, truthfully I am excited about almost every aspect of this trip.
–A few hours on the plane to read a book? Bring it on.
–Eating out for 3 days straight–yeah!
–Seeing San Francisco from someplace other than the airport? Awesome!
–Not breaking up children’s squabbles, or reminding them to use their manners, or do their chore– for 3 whole days— woohoo!
–Maybe seeing Chinatown? Very fun– if first I can verify to my husband’s satisfaction that Chinatown is a not really a seething den of opium-selling as he suspects.
–Packing? Yes, I even love packing for trips.
Missing my family? OK, I’m not looking forward to that part, especially my baby three year old. But overall, I am really thrilled to get this chance, and I would be thrilled to hear if any of you will be there as well. That way I can add you to my list of people I’d like to meet!
I'm Mary, wife to John, and mom to 10 kids ages 3-20. Six of them were adopted, from Ethiopia and Korea. I spend my days applying Bandaids, reminding kids to use their inside voices, persuading kids fractions are useful, cooking spicy ethnic food, and snapping gig after gig of pictures. Very late at night, I write about it all.
Woo hoo – that will be a wonderful trip. Looking forward to reading all about it as you share it here on your blog. Enjoy and have fun!
Woohoo! I will be there! And a mate and I are looking for a roommate as well. Can’t wait to meet everyone.
Mary–Good for you for getting away. You must see Chinatown. It is not lined with opium dens but with fantastic souvenir shops and yummy restaurants. Enjoy! Don’t forget Ghiaradeli (sp?) Chocolates at Fisherman’s Warf. Oh, and the wonderful clam chowder, too. I wish I were going and I don’t even have a blog!
Kristen, remember–the mom who took pictures of Tsion at KM? I love your blog. Keep up the good work!
That is wonderful news…. have a great time
I can’t wait to meet you Mary! It is going to be a blast (ooh, that dates me doesn’t it?)
Yay!
For the best clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, go to Boudin. It is right on the wharf.
The Westin is my very very very favorite hotel. The beds are so comfy that they even sell them. The showers are to die for….The whole ambience of the Westin is classic SF. It survived 2 major earthquakes.
SF is only an hour away from me, but I cant go to the conference since I am currently unemployed. I hope you have a great time!!!
I’ll be there. Don’t miss the party on Thusday. Party for the People!
That is wonderful. What a great trip it should be. Have fun.
Hi Mary,
Chinatown is lovely, and very safe. I like Japantown even more though–so much fun. Great Ethiopian food on Telegraph Ave in Oakland–just a hop across the Bay on Bart. Make sure you take a street car (not a cable car) or two to get to a destination in the city . They are beautiful and offer great views of the city as they zoom through traffic.
Let me know if you’d like help with trip planning/transportation around the city, etc. We’ve just moved back to the midwest after a year in the Bay Area. It’s a great place!
OH…oh…ohmygoodness, how I would LOVE to go to Blogher and be your roomie! I don’t think it’s feasible for me, though; barring a sudden windfall. ***sniffle! choke! sob!***
You have made my morning with your flattery; much as I love the breastfeeding relationship I have been feeling undeniably bovine these days. ;o)
Hey, did you mean you wanted my Orange Salmon recipe? You left a comment about orange chicken, but I don’t have an orange chicken recipe, only salmon. Lemme know…
What a great trip, hope you all have a ball
I’m thrilled for you, Mary!
Enjoy your time away. I am sure you family will miss you a lot but will be happy to have a refreshed mama come back to them.
I have always heard good things about Blogher, but I feel too shy and would be too overwhlemed to attend. Funny thing is, I am not shy at all. It must be the thought of being in the shadow of all you great bloggers that scares me, I would surely say something stupid.
I just haven’t stopped grinning since you told me you’re going. You’ve always been near the top o’ the List Of Bloggers I Want To Meet In Real Life!
And I’m afraid I’m not much help on the roomie front. I’m afraid I’m already set up with a few roomies. But you are oh-so-welcome to hang out in our room anytime you’d like!
Woo Whoo.Wonderful.Great Trip.
sounds like a blast! i’m going to get you the name of a great chinese restaurant (very reasonable!! and yummy) there is always a line out the door cause the place is tiny…but worth it! can’t wait to read about your experiences!
Oh, I wish I could come and be your roommate! That would be heaven since I’ve admired you from afar for a long time. But this trip is not on our agenda (or budget) this year so please have a marvelous time. You simply must blog all about it for those of us who have to stay home. Enjoy – and go home refreshed!
I live here in lovely SF so I am no help as a roommate..but you must see the city. My husbands office is two blocks from Chinatown…it is fun and harmless. There are so many great places to see here..North Beach is my favorite… you can’t miss.
I wish I was going to BlogHer… maybe I will just to meet people….
Oh! I hope you have a wonderful time. San Francisco is tops on my list – it’s a beautiful, diverse, rich city with such a unique feel to it – dreamlike, I’d call it. I can’t make the journey this year for obvious (and gettin’ more obvious by the day) reasons, but I look forward to livin’ vicariously through you and the other great ladies who are going!
Color me JEALOUS! I’m shooting for next year though …
Have an awesome time!