10 Things I Hate About Me or Why I Sucked at BlogHer

#1 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

Hold onto to your hats everyone, I'm about to take you on a really fast, not so fun, condensed version of BlogHer '09 ala Megryansmom style.

#2 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

I'd like to thank my wonderful hubby, who provided door to door limo service for me on Sat. I'll be paying that off in *ahem* favors for the next 20 years or so. Plan A was for me to drive to Midway Airport and then take the Orange Line and walk to the Sheraton, Whynot's Plan B was soooo much nicer. Looking back, getting to BlogHer my way would have been fine, getting home, with 4 huge bags of swag nearly impossible!

#3 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

I'd done a little preparation, mingled on Twitter, got an idea of who was going. Read their blogs, tried to remember their faces. I knew who I wanted to meet. I made up some business cards, I planned what to wear, I had comfy shoes. I took a self study-crash course in Twitting by cell phone on Saturday morning. I was bringing my little used cocktail party face and what little courage I could muster from the bottom of my sock drawer.

#4 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

As soon as I entered through the doors of the hotel I could feel the excitement and hear the buzz. There. were. people. everywhere. I took a deep breath and muddled through the throng to find the registration for LobbyCon. I think I walked right passed Barefoot Foodie in the lobby and I'm still kicking myself in the ass for not stopping to interrupt her and say hello. Opportunity missed, big fail.

#5 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

Got to the registration table, was handed a purple water slide wristband and a do it yourself name tag. LobbyCon this big fail is on you. Really? A 29 cent lanyard and pre printed name tag was not in the budget? You'd already saved 79 cents by not providing LobbyCon attendees with an official BlogHer '09 swag bag, you'd still be 50 cents ahead if you provided an official looking name tag so I didn't feel like such a proverbial leper.

#6 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

Cell phone in hand, trying my best to look like I had a clue I was on a mission to find the Expo Hall. Down one escalator and another, desperately looking for even ONE familiar face. Whew I made it, unscathed and not knowing a single soul around me. I shoved some homemade business cards into my jeans pocket and I was set to conquer BlogHer or die trying.

#7 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

I was approached by a smiling Pepisco rep and handed my very first shaggin bag of swag. Yahooo, Swagwhore is born and I'm on a mission to get my greedy, grubby Veruca Salt hands on more, more, more. I WANT IT NOW! I've heard through the grapevine that others were just as greedy but not nearly as polite as I am and should have been dropped down the "Bad Egg" shoot for their obnoxious behavior at a popular party. For the record I am Swagwhore and NOT Swaghag. I am truly grateful for free stuff, it satisfies the hoarder in me. But FOUR bags, I think maybe I went jussssst a little overboard. If not for the thoughtfulness of Kristine from Mommy Needs Therapy, I'd have been schlepping that stuff around all day. I owe her at the very least, a bottle of wine. Thank you Kristine, for storing my stuff and for letting me tag along with you. Your kindness will not be forgotten, you were a real life saver.

#8 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

I didn't meet nearly enough people and I'm so sad about that, however, that still leaves my identity as sort of a mystery. A kind of "Who was that masked blogger?", and "Did you see Megryansmom at BlogHer?" So if you didn't have the opportunity to meet me I can still remain awesome in your eyes and if I did meet you, gawd I hope that you don't think I'm a huge dork.

#9 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

I loved being at BlogHer. I enjoyed talking to everyone I did meet. You and you and you and you and you and you. I remembered to smile. I loved the swag. I loved what little bit of Tweeting I did do. T-Mobile I don't care what anyone else says, I love your service. I was texting and twittering in a elevator full of people with FIVE BARS. I know, I'm such a bad girl. Remember I said that when I ask you to allow me a better discount on that new touch phone I covet. I'd like to thank my Visa card for making it possible for me to attend LobbyCon, I'll be paying you back plus 7.90% interest for the next 48 months.

#10 I didn't plan well at all! I wasn't sure what to expect and even if I had known what to expect, BlogHer was at least 10 times what I could even imagine.

But for this introverted little girl, who grew up in Logan Square and often uses sarcasm as an ice breaker, I feel I've made some progress. With a full year to prepare, I challenge BlogHer to a rematch in 2010. Start Spreading the News! I'm going to take NYC by storm.

p.s. Tomorrow I'll post the too few pictures I took.