I’m taking my time packing for BlogHer ’11. I’m not really fussing over outfits, or shoes. No, this is unlike years past. I’m not worrying about what I will wear during parties, or during sessions.
Instead I’m packing what is most comfortable and what fits. Don’t get me wrong, you women in your fancy shoes and dresses will have a good time, I’m sure. But I’m going to be the one looking very comfy next to the guy in jeans and a t-shirt (he’s also comfy).
In years past I would have been obsessing over which outfit was for which night. I would buy new shoes and post photos of them to Flickr. Sometimes I’d even blog my new BlogHer shoes.
You see, this year it’s not about what I’m wearing or how I’m going to look…it’s that we’re able to attend.
Last year I was very ill and days away from having a total hysterectomy. I had just had 13-inches of my colon and my entire gall bladder removed and facing another major surgery in a few days it seemed smarter to stay home.
This year I’m still very ill, and only a week away from having had a small stroke…my second…but getting in the car with my husband and driving south to San Diego.
We plan on relaxing, seeing friends and rejoicing in our ability to come at all. I will speak on Friday, and will do as many activities as I am able. That might mean simply sitting by the pool and reading, but that’s enough. I will do my best to make appearances at parties and to be out and about, but honestly I may be spending a good amount of time our hotel room napping.
It’s amazing to me that I’m currently not freaking out over what I’m going to pack or wear or which shoes will go with which dress for which night. No. Instead I’m making sure I have all my medications and am ready in case we need to visit the nearest hospital.
I’m packing my most comfortable shoes and my most comfortable clothes in an effort to keep my body happy over the course of the conference. And I can’t say I have any desire to Flickr my sandals.
I’m also bringing along a new fashion accessory: my cane.
Yes, it seems a long time ago that I cared which boots I was going to wear to a party at BlogHer, now I just care that I’m going.
So if you are headed to San Diego, keep an eye out for the comfy looking blogger with a cane. She’ll be happy to say hello.
That’s a pretty awesome cane. I predict it will be the most stylish accessory at BlogHer. Have fun and stay safe.
I can’t wait to see you.
I’m looking forward to seeing you. And seeing you rockin’ the cane! I’m so glad you’ll be there!
Great, now everyone will want a cane.
Seriously, I am glad you are feeling better. Rest and be well!
Suck. It. If you need a snuggle buddy, I make a great big spoon.
One of the reasons i’m sad i can’t go this year is that i won’t be able to see you and tell you what an amazing woman you are. Take care and take it easy!
you are going to rock that purple paisley cane!
That cane is definitely MUCH more fashionable than anything that will be on my feet or clothing my body. I look forward to seeing you!
I love your courage and your transparency and the wisdom you share with all of us who sometimes need a reminder that our breath is so much more important than the shoes we wear or the size of our jeans. Be well. . .
I’m SO glad you’re going. And that I get to see you.
ROCK STAR. and happy for all the faces that will be THRILLED to see you.
I had to post this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abr_LU822rQ
You SURE it’s not the shoes, money?
And see you down there….
I wish I were going to see you there…and your cane kicks butt.
I have a cane very much like that from before I had my hip replaced. Do you know there is a web site called FashionableCanes.com?
Wishing you the best possible health! For what it’s worth, I never gave a damn about conference shoes or clothes, and I resented having to buy/wear makeup for my BlogHer CE portrait–so please consider me there in spirit. 🙂 Enjoy the conference!
That cane beats shoes bought just for BlogHer anyday! Just find the woman in the cutest shoes at the best party, look at your cane, look at her shoes, look at your cane, look back at her and then say, “I thought so.” Ha! Seriously, enjoy yourself.
I’m so glad you will be able to go this year! Safe travels!
BRAVO!!!
I gotta say, that cane is smoking! it’s all about the statement accessories after all, and your got yours 🙂 have a wonderful time!
I can’t wait to see you! I love your cane, it’s so perfect for BlogHer so you can thwack anyone or anything that gets in the way of your having the laidback experience you’re looking for 🙂
See, Erin, I’m a shoe fanatic. I own 35 times as many shoes as I own pants. Or skirts. Or tops. Or all of them combined. If ANYBODY would want to hear me speak at BlogHer, if I was as loved and respected by that community as you are, I would give them all away. Each and every single pain. And happily walk in flip-flops for the rest of my life. So yeah: It’s not about the shoes. At all! Sending you love.