We’re going to BlogHer 2010. Help me with my fears!
July 4, 2010 by Krissy
Filed under Adults/Parents, Back to School, Barefoot Thoughts, Dad, Featured, Mom
That’s right, we’re going to BlogHer 2010!
I have so many feelings about this I don’t know where to even start!
I’m nervous, anxious, scared, excited, happy, worried, and above all honored to be attending BlogHer 2010.
Why all the different feelings you might ask?
Well because it’s my first conference! I’ve of course been invited to many events, but since they are all so far away I’ve chosen not to go. Why?? Well because I have a deathly fear, and that fear is FLYING!
People think I am crazy, and it’s not such a big deal, but to me it is and it’s a huge deal.
Am I flying to NY? No, I’m not going to fly…I’m going by car. That’s right! Arkansas all the way to NY! Am I crazy?? Perhaps I am.
Some fears you can’t let go of, and flying is one of them for me.
I do have great support from Amanda who will be going to BlogHer 2010 with me and yes, a 6 1/2 month pregnant woman driving with me.
Talk about MANY ‘potty stops’.
Amanda thinks I am crazy as well, but she stands behind me.
People say ‘Just have a few drinks & you’ll be fine’. I don’t drink! I’m on medication that I can’t drink with, and WON’T.
Well, ‘Take a pill to calm you down!’ Nope, I don’t take anything I don’t have to for my health.
Although I wish someone would knock me the heck out so I can get on a plane lol. But in reality it probably wouldn’t make me pass out & I’ll have to turn around and kick their butt for trying to hit me! LOL
Honestly though, I wasn’t going to go to BlogHer 2010 because of so many fears I have.
First of course is flying. Second, being away from my family which I have NEVER done before. I’ve not even taken a weekend to myself without my children and husband.
Third, because I have a shy personality. In a way!!! I mean, yes I can sit and talk to someone and get to know them, but when they walk away I’m always afraid I didn’t make a good impression and they will talk about me behind my back.
So many of my fears are due to my lack of self confidence.
I can fit in and talk with everyone, tell them of the AMAZING brand who is sponsoring me to BlogHer 2010, that isn’t the problem! It’s me who is the problem.
So look at it this way!
I’ve been a SAHM for 13 years! I had my first daughter when I turned 18, and I got married as soon as I turned 18.
I’ve never had the kind of life of the parties and all of that, I was born and raised in California, moved to Arkansas when I was 17 because of an abusive boyfriend, met a man who I thought would love me & take care of me, only to find out that he was very mentally abusive and stayed in that marriage for 10 years!
Even though I have a man who loves me, and isn’t abusive AT ALL and loves me, accepts me for who I am (even though I do know how to tick him off) there will always be certain fears I am not sure I’ll ever get over.
What I know is my family. When I am home, I’m safe…plain and simple.
When I go out, it’s to the store and NEVER alone! Always have at least one of my kids with me.
So as far as clothing goes, it’s a joke!
I wear either jeans or capri’s and t-shirts.
I’ve never gone anywhere that is business casual, like what we’re suppose to wear at BlogHer lol.
So there is another fear!
What the heck am I going to wear???
Amanda said I can borrow some of her clothes…Problem is, is she was gifted with a nice rack with ‘ta-ta’s’. Me, I got them, however…Nothing like Amanda LOL!
So, will her clothing fit me? I have NO clue hehe.
My birthday is coming up, I will be 32!!! So, I plan on asking for clothing for my birthday, business casual! However, with the economy the way it is, most likely my family will have money troubles and simply put I won’t get anything. Which is fine! I love my family regardless!!! However, I am wondering how the heck I am going to dress myself so I don’t look like a complete and utter SLOB!
Ever notice when I type, I jump from one thing to another??? Try to keep up, I apologize lol.
So let’s go over the fears thus far!
1. Fear of flying
2. Fear of not fitting in
3. Fear of leaving my comfort zone
4. Fear of looking like a slob
Again, if it wasn’t for such an amazing sponsorship I wouldn’t be going. When I got the email of being sponsored I felt HONORED and the one other blogger they contacted to sponsor, I felt absolutely amazing because she is a big blogger and really respected. So this was just an opportunity I couldn’t and won’t pass up!
As for my fears? I’m trying to convince myself that I am not alone with them, and that when I actually get to NY they will all go away!
Amanda coming with me will be a huge help! Amanda and I fit together since the moment we chatted together on Twitter. She has really helped me get out of my shell, and what is great is that I can be myself around her and she absolutely understands. So she brings the best of me out and I so love her for that!
I have NO doubt in my mind that I will be a great person to represent my sponsors brand…I guess you can say I am the shy outgoing type…is that even a type???
I guess all in all that my biggest fear is going to my first conference. I’m sure after this, I won’t have any problems what so ever. I have to get out of my shell somehow, right?
PLUS, my sponsor is going to be giving away 2 AWESOME sponsorships to BlogHer 2010, and I am one of the bloggers who gets to pick who those lovely AND lucky ladies (or daddies) will be!
(You’ll have to keep your eye open to my blog on Tuesday to find out how YOU could win!)
My fears will subside, I know they will. It’s just new to me…I’ve gotten the worst sleep lately lol.
What about you guys?? Are you going to BlogHer? Is it your first conference? If not, what has been the biggest thing for you to help you get over YOUR fears, no matter what those may be?
Are you interested in meeting up, I know I’d love to personally meet all the wonderful bloggers I admire.
As for me…I’m just going to breathe! And when it is all over with, I’m actually going to feel proud of myself for getting over some of my fears.
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Ya know what? You sound pretty normal to me!
I dont see how alot of the gals do it- I mean I read on Twitter they are flying here and there for constant blogger things- it is alot of time away! This IS your first though- and I think you will enjoy not only the time away (once you wrap your head around it) but also the time to connect with all the people you have met online.
Remember- you are just as good as anyone there. Just as good- dont be afraid you aren’t. They aren’t rock stars, they aren’t ’super bloggers’ you’re all there for the same reason to learn and grow,
The way youre dressed.. well, some wear jeans and dress em up a tad- me? I hit the yard sales/thrift shops and I can guarantee you will find designer labels for alot less. I mean, why pay full price for something you might not wear for awhile? (OK I am ‘green’ and frugal)
You will do fine, and I think you’re terrific. Go get ‘em Tiger!
Congratulations on taking this big giant leap to BlogHer. TechyDad and I will also be going. I am taking the as calm as I can be approach. It is not worth the fear of things. You wear what makes you comfortable and you need to be you. I learned this at DisneySMMoms (my first conference). Will BlogHer be different, yes since it is much larger. Still I look forward to seeing people, meeting people like you for the first time in person and makiing magical memories over that long weekend. PS – Can’t wait to hear more about the sponsorship, you and the other person deserve it
I’m not a blogger, but I bet once you get there you’ll meet amazing people who will want to help you grow in this more personal and up front event.
Sure you’ll be leaving your safety zone, but you’ll meet others who have gone that same road before you and be willing to help you through it, as others helped them.
Have fun.
I totally get the flying thing. I used to work at events and traveled ALL.THE.TIME. This was before getting married. Then 9/11 happened. Then I had 2 kids. I get anxious now – especially when I travel without my family. Like, anxious to the point of near panic attack…which is why I chose to take a train from Boston instead of flying.
This will be a great experience for you. It’s good to be forced outside of your comfort zone once and a while. And you’ll be surrounded by fellow bloggers that may appear more savvy and confident – but some of us are just better at faking it. Really. I’m nervous also – so if you see me, don’t be afraid to say hello.
I’m new to your blog because of the conference giveaway. I don’t know if you shop at thrift shops, but that might help with your wardrobe. For my last conference I found a nice Aeropostale jean jacket for $3 and a plain shirt for $3. I paired it with a denim skirt and scarf that I already had. Presto! I felt like I had a new outfit, but it didn’t break the bank.
I’ve only been to Blissdom, but there were a lot of ladies that just wore a nice pair of jeans and a button down shirt. Honestly, other than that I don’t remember much of who wore what!
I can TOTALLY relate to lots of what you’re saying. I just won a ticket for the conference; otherwise I couldn’t go either. And as far as personality… we’re quite similar
I’ll hang out with you!! I’m scared too, but we can do it 
I can so relate, as I’m going too, and it’s my first time! I keep telling myself I’m going to have to really put myself out there, but to tell the truth, I’m so much better at writing out what I need to say vs. actually speaking it out.:) Hopefully, we can meet up!:) You can do this! We both can!:) Oh, and I’m scared of flying too, but here I go….on a jet plane…
First take a deep breath. You are going to have a great time. The mom blog community is lovely and NYC is a blast. Clothing won’t matter as much as your attitude and enthusiasm. I hope to get to meet you in person.