You know that feeling you get - a cold sort of shiver that seizes your insides and numbs your brain - when you take the chance and venture out of your comfort zone, or meet new people for the very first time?
Yes? Then, perhaps you'll understand why I haven't slept a solid 2 hours, in 2 days.
Preparing for this trip wasn't easy. I mean, beyond the typical hassles most working parents are already aware of, like arranging for child care and calling in a few favors from friends and perhaps that elusive neighbor of yours. And not just getting over the physical (and emotional) part of traveling a ridiculous distance, feeling less like a person and more like cattle, crammed into something with very little leg room and suddenly seems way too narrow.
Sheesh, ya' think they have enough fuel to travel 3,000 miles in this thing?
Nope, I'm talking about...having to talk...in front of a roomful of people who you admire...but, don't know...in fact, they don't know you, either...not really...so, you practice...because, you can't sleep...the night before...and the morning of...and the guy next door is snoring, anyway...very loudly...omg...shut up, already...and then you finally think you're ready...in fact...you look pretty good, too...you start to chat...make a few people laugh...nice...good way to break the ice...you think...and then...they ask the first question...and, then...
Nothing.
Yep, you know that feeling I was talking about - well, it hit me like a ton of bricks - I started to answer, but my nerves took over and my tongue decided it was better if I didn't. You know, talk.
"Uh...I believe that women...um...I mean, the women on the internet don't..."
Crap, I know this!
"Blogging helped me to reach outside myself...um..."
Oh...my...doG...what is up with my tongue!?!?
"Look, I'm obviously not used to being up on stage...or, having ALL these lights on me...I'm saying um...and uh...and stuff I promised myself that I wouldn't....way too much."
Okay, they laughed...that's good...keep going.
"I don't discuss anything in my blog that I wouldn't feel comfortable talking about with friends, on my couch at home - this is a real as you're going to get, folks."
No, I wasn't comfortable - and certainly a lot less articulate than I would have liked to have been - but, the reason for this whole trip was to introduce corporations to what it's like, to live the days, in a life, of a mommyblogger.
"Want to know who they are and what they want? What they don't want? Read their blogs. Check out their "about" pages. They'll spell it out for you!"
Those were perhaps the only excerpts of the two most important points - one of about a dozen ramblings - that I am proud to have been able to have driven home.
But, I got to meet one of my dearest online friends...Socalmom...for the first time...and let me just tell you, it was love at first hug - the BEST part of this whole trip, really - and that...my friends...is what blogging is all about!
[pictures to follow, soon]
In just a few minutes, they're going to call to let me know that it's time to go.
These last few days have been amazing - my hosts have been more than generous with their kindness towards making me feel as comfortable, as possible - but, it's time I bid farewell to the west coast and go back to the life I know.
Make room on the couch, doofus-dog...I'm coming home!
Sounds like you rocked! Hope you’re having fun.
Posted by: Helene | 10/15/2007 at 02:48 PM
Hey, Liz - Hope the flight home was nice and easy!
I had SO MUCH FUN hanging with you on Thursday! Thank you again.
Posted by: Donna | 10/15/2007 at 02:49 PM
I’ve realized you’re never as awkward as you feel like you were. I bet you rocked it Liz.
Posted by: Mom101 | 10/15/2007 at 02:51 PM
I have been MIA lately with my recent trip and I come to find you a veritable CELEBRITY???????? I KNEW YOU WAY BACK WHEN!!!!
Posted by: Amber | 10/15/2007 at 02:52 PM
No worries….you did great!
Posted by: Gretchen | 10/15/2007 at 02:53 PM
I bet you were great! They picked a great person to ask, too :)
Posted by: Elizabeth | 10/15/2007 at 08:36 PM