I’ve been considering it for more than two years, but it was 2010 that the stars finally aligned and I made it to my first BlogHer conference.  And it did not disappoint.

I absolutely agree with Aimee’s assessment, BlogHer is what you make of it.  Everyone’s experience of the weekend in New York was a little, or a lot, different.  Some people went to every single session, some went to none at all.  Some spent hours on the Expo floor, some skipped it entirely.  And on and on.

I had my own set of hopes and expectations, that were probably somewhat different from many others.  I wasn’t there to actively network and promote my blog in the hopes of amazing new opportunities and a dramatic spike in traffic.  I’ll write more on that in another post, but I am not currently and do not wish to become a “professional” blogger.  And I’m happy with that.  Oh yes, I made business cards and I gave them to people.  I absolutely welcome new readers and new friends, and even fun opportunities when they arise.  But that wasn’t my overarching goal when I got on the train Thursday afternoon.

I went because I thought it sounded like a whole lot of fun.  I went because I didn’t want to read about it and be jealous because I didn’t go for another year.  I went because a weekend in New York without any kids was just what the doctor ordered.

I enjoyed some sessions more than others, but am glad that they’re all available as liveblog entries and (if not now, soon) podcasts, so I didn’t really miss any of them.  While I have a hard time putting into words exactly what I learned and took away from the experience, I can certainly say I got a lot out of it, even if a lot of it was self-reflection.  But there’s really something about being in a space full of people who blog, on such an amazing range of topics with such completely different approaches, that’s pretty powerful.

I got over any awkward hesitation and made it a point to introduce myself to the women behind some of my favorite, what I would call “A-list”, blogs: Sarah and the Goon Squad, Mom 101, Amalah, and many more.  I had read each of them, in turn, write something along the lines of “please please please just say hello,” and so I did.  And they were all nothing short of lovely.  I saw Aimee in one of the photography sessions and recognized her instantly, and ran over to give her a hug, finally meeting in person someone I’ve been commenting back and forth with for years.

I had awesome roommates in Caro, Kami, and Amber.  I got to spend lots of quality time with Charlene and Cindy.

I shook my booty on the dance floor with Cheryl.  (Seriously, if you’re considering going to BlogHer, you should do it just so you can hit up Sparklecorn).

I shook my booty on the Expo Floor with Christina, Liz, and Kristin. (God help me, there’s video.  I’m the short, fat one who almost won.)

I went to a party that had firefighters as eye candy, and admit to some confusion as to the social expectations.  Were there supposed to be dollar bills involved?

I saw the Sun from the Jimmy Dean commercials, as well as Elmo, the Pillsbury Dough Boy, and some possessed rabbit from a video game.

I witnessed and tasted something made by Charm City Cakes.

I saw the Pioneer Woman.

I brought home an extra suitcase full of free stuff, mostly toys for my kids.

It was exhausting, it was fun.  It was imperfect, but it ran amazingly smoothly.  I had substantial anxiety before I went, but felt surprisingly at ease once I got there. I felt just as welcome as anyone else. I am absolutely glad that I went, it was worth the time, energy, and money.

Will I go back, year after year? Well, probably not. I can say with almost 100% certainty that I will not be going to San Diego for BlogHer ’11, awesome though it sounds.  If, another year, it wasn’t on the opposite side of the continent and the timing worked out? Yeah, quite possibly.

And if you’re thinking about making the trip? I say go for it. Have a blast, introduce yourself to your favorite bloggers (in a friendly, non-crazy way), chat with people you’ve never met, and shake your booty whenever the opportunity presents itself.  You won’t regret it.