I'm pretty shy. I've always had social anxiety, and marrying my super wallflower husband has not improved matters. That's why going to a social media conference is a bit overwhelming for me.
Yes, I know I just need to introduce myself but it's just something I usually can't do.
At the conference, though, I managed to force my anxieties aside twice in order to meet two bloggers I just had to meet face to face. Lucky for me (or maybe it was strategic planning), they happened to be two of the nicest women you could ever meet.
First was Kim from Prairie Mama. I "met" Kim through Adventures in Babywearing. You see, one of the many things I have in common with Steph is a LOVE of ring slings and Kim makes GORGEOUS ones. So, when I saw Kim showing Marty one of her slings, I couldn't just sit in my chair chowing Chick-Fil-A. I had to say hi.
Boy am I glad I did. Now I know that Kim is as lovely a person face to face as her writing would lead you to believe. AND (and this is no small thing), her slings are amazing. Amazing, like, ImightjustbuyoneeventhoughIdon'thaveababy. That amazing. And if you do have a baby, or have one on the way, GO! Buy! Now!
My other fan girl moment came with Casey. I met Casey last year at the conference. I chatted with her a bit and walked away thinking I had just met the sweetest person in the whole wide world. So I got home last year and low-and-behold Casey was quite a big name blogger -- none other than Moosh in Indy. *squeal*
Basically, I've been stalking her ever since. Her photography, her words, her story, her. So, getting to hang out with her a bit during the Biltmore Wine Tasting event? Heaven.
Yes, I was a bumbling, nervous mess, who failed to snap a photo with her even though my camera was RIGHT THERE. It was still totally worth it. She's adorable. Now if only I can figure out how to veer up through Indianapolis on our next journey to the plains and catch a photo session with her awesomeness. That -- I'm working on.
There you have it. My two fan girl moments from the Type-A Mom Conference. Though there were certainly others I would have loved to meet, I let my own insecurities hold me in my seat.
That's why I'm making a list. It will be a no-excuse list of bloggers who if I happen to be in the same room with them, I will force myself to go up to. Here goes --
Liz Gumbinner of Mom-101
Steph from Adventures in Babywearing
Kristen Chase of Motherhood Uncensored
Sherry Petersik of Young House Love
Kate from Sweet|Salty
Those are my absolute can't miss, force myself to get-over-it blogger meet-ups.
How about you? Who's on your list?
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12 comments:
I think it's fantastic that you've been able to attend Type-A Mom. Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones brings such rewards! Yay for the perspective you gained, the girl time with good friends, and the opportunitiy to meet some of the "celebrities" on your bucket list!
While I don't see a blog conference in my immediate future, I would have to say my list is quite similar to yours with Kristen Chase (Cool Mom Picks is BRILLIANT!) and Sherry Petersik at the top of the list. I would add Kim Stoegbauer of TomKat Studio and maybe Ree Drummond of Pioneer Woman as well.
Oh definitely Pioneer Woman.
-Abby
Casey is at the top of my list. always.
Well, I've already met you, so I'm good.
I totally want to meet Jen on the Edge, Jenn over at Juggling Life and oh so many more. I did get to meet Minnesota Matron (she is so awesome) and Daisy at Compost Happens. Lucky me!
Oh my goodness we'd have to have a full on slumber party and stay up late talk fest! Casey & Kim are two of my favorite people in blog land- they are the real deal. I have been blessed to meet and know so many bloggers in real life but I'd love to just sit and hang out with Rebecca Woolf some day! I've yet to meet her. Also, Stephanie Nielsen aka nie nie.
Steph
I would love to meet mckmama. Meeting Janice from 5 minutes for mom was my total fan girl moment that was awesome!
Casey is actually my bff in real life. Just got back from spending the evening with her! :)
But if I didn't know her IRL, but only in the blog world, she would still be on the top of my list.
Oh shut UP.
You are such a doll.
Here's the funny thing - we're all chicks with free blogspot accounts. Same as you. Same as Pioneer Woman. (Although she's probably on Wordpress.) I'm honored to know nearly all those women, and as you described Steph and Casey, they're the same women who'd smile at you in the OB's office or pick your kid's pacifier up off the ground when it drops on the sidewalk.
Just plain nice people.
The point is, you wouldn't have to force yourself to go up to me - I'd probably beat you to it. Let me know when you're coming to NY! We'll get that wallflower out of you yet.
I paid Emily to say that.
And I showed her my boobs.
There's a woman down in texas, Angela, I started reading her blog the day I started mine and we've watched each other move, have babies and get better at taking pictures.
There's others, and there's plenty of others I'd like to hang out with again (oh hai you) but If I could hang out with Angela, I wouldn't hate it.
Wow -- sounds like you had an awesome experience! And look at all of these comments from your blog heroes!! Go Abby!
Well I wouldn't have guessed when I met you! You're such a sweetheart. So cute and petite too! It was great spending dinner with you at that Noodle shop eventhough I had to hurry ahead to do my job! lol - I hope to see you again in upcoming conferences if not online.
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