My first experience at a BlogHer conference was amazing, to say the least. And to experience it with Trip was great. He was such a trooper! I have to admit, I signed him up as a volunteer without his full consent. But he is on summer vacation, so I kinda feel like he didn't have a choice. (I know, selfish and mean of me, right?) I'm so glad I did. Because he had just as good and an inspiring time as I did. And it didn't hurt that he was hanging out with about a thousand women.
Because we were working so hard and running all around, we weren't able to sit in on too many of the well-planned sessions. But we were able to sit in on one, which couldn't have been more perfect for us: MommyBlogging: Blogging About Our Children with Special Needs (you can read a live-blog here). Obviously with Trip being a Special Education teacher, I hear about the challenges and rewards of working with these special students on a daily basis. But to hear the parents' side was... there really are no words to explain. It was so moving to see how these women have used their blogs to not only deal with their own difficult days, but to also help others who are just starting out on this journey with their child. These women were all so strong, so brave, so real, so optimistic. It was definitely a touching and humbling experience (that I cried through). Although that was the only session we sat in on, we were both able to leave the conference knowing we experienced a BlogHer conference as one should.
On a completely different note, Trip and I were also able to sneak a peak at the Rocco DiSpirito cooking demonstration. Now, neither of us watched his show The Restaurant, where apparently he was complete ass -- we've only seen him on Top Chef, where he was totally down to earth. Which is how I would describe the Rocco we saw. As soon as he entered the room, he quickly started comfortable conversations with all the lucky 50 women in the room. He really seemed genuine. Maybe he's a fantastic actor and had us all fooled, but my gut tells me he really is a super cool, laid back kinda guy. And we learned some great tips! Cook your veggies with your boiling pasta to save a step -- and a pan; be generous with the salt when you salt the water for cooking pasta; don't feel guilty about taking some cooking short-cuts -- eating well is what is important!
And yes, he is just as attractive in person (maybe even more!). Sorry, the iPhone camera sucks.
And of course there were the parties. Thursday night was the Newbie Mixer, where we got our first taste of how women would attack Trip to see his tattoos. (I know he loves it.) Friday night was Ruby Skye hosted by TNT, where an actress from their hit show The Closer partied alongside the BlogHers/Hims. (Trip and I ran out to Virgin earlier that day to find a CD for that party. It must have been a success, as by the end of the night, there was some serious gettin' down gettin' on.) And then the closing night ceremony at Macy's, where a few (okay fifteen), wine glasses were broken amongst the Marc Jacobs bags (it pains me to even type that), free samples of KY were giving out, and some yummy tasty treats were passed around. If it sounds like a good time, you're spot on. It was. (Trip ran off to the men's Macy's to do some shopping, so I know for a fact some of those 11% off coupons were used!)
And like a bride after her wedding, Trip and I drove home that night pleased, a little sad it was over, and completely exhausted. And now the planning begins for The Reach Out Tour!
For more on BlogHer '08, visit the live-blogs links on the BlogHer website. You can also check out Flickr for some great shots from the community.
