I attended my first Blogging Conference Thingie on Saturday. You may have seen me mention it at some point previously?
Yes, that would be Blissdom 08 – sponsored by Epson and planned/organized/streamlined by One2One Network. 
Saturday morning I woke up early so that I could shower (all you ladies who hugged me that day can give me hearty thanks, because I STANK before that shower). The first thing I noticed was that my stomach was sending me a memo. It read:
“Hi! You are pregnant! Welcome to Nausea! Enjoy the inevitable stress of wondering whether you’re going to hurl or not! Better chomp on those Tums now! *LAUGH*”
My first response to noting the strong feeling of impending puke was to be absolutely annoyed that it would happen on the day of Blissdom ‘08. Right on the heels of that I got as giddy as a pixie on crack, because I was thinking it’s a good sign! Lots of Quease-Inducing-Progesterone = healthy, strong pregnancy!
Yay, bring on the puke! (By the way, have you noticed that my tiny sidebar alien is getting a little cuter? Awww. It made me teary on Sunday when I noticed it.)
ANYWAY… Once I got to the lovely Hotel Preston, I admired the Pink-Crayon-Boob-Art (uh, not the official name of the piece)…
photo courtesy of Secret Agent Mama
…and then I left Braden with some lovely sitters from Mommy Mixer. Couldn’t have attended without them! Thank you, wonderful baby watchers! Then it was off to Blogging Merriment for me.
Seeing so many lovely faces on Saturday and getting to hug the necks of sweet and wonderful women I adore was really fabulous. (And so many more, forgive me if I missed your link!)
I called Heather “Ho” directly upon meeting her, and she called me “Skank.” I think one day we might get married, because it is clear that we are on the same wavelength (and we’re both sluts).
There was a lot of information to take in – great tips and amazing thoughts and questions from everyone. It was such a wonderful day of sharing with like-minded women.
I think I got through the whole day without shoving my foot in my mouth or saying anything too horrible. No one gave me the finger, so that’s a good sign. (Though Shannan did get rather animated during Q&A and flip both birds at once while telling a story. <3)
I also didn’t say any cusswords while I was on panel (unlike SOME people – and this is why I LOVE some people)… I was very well behaved for Mommy Alli and Auntie Karla.
photo courtesy of Secret Agent Mama
I did kind of start crying while answering a question, so while I did not puke, I did leak from my face a little bit. I also found it impossible to answer a question in one sentence.
Big surprise, right?
#1 by Kristin on October 21, 2008 - 12:35 AM
Lotus you’re pregnant? So I am! How far are you? OMG! The confrence sounds like it was nice.
Kristins last blog post..Ciao! Offers A Great New Site (win a $150 Apple Gift Card)
#2 by Veronica on October 21, 2008 - 12:46 AM
Do you know how pleased I am to hear that you feel sick? Yes, more pleased than any normal person should be.
It sounds like it was alot of fun. Much jealousy over here.
Veronicas last blog post..Comment Fatigue
#3 by Loralee on October 21, 2008 - 12:48 AM
I am so damn jealous of all the bloggity love going on there. I wish I could have come!
I totally would have called Heather a Ho. Heh.
I have cried plenty lately but haven’t been sick yet, which worries me slightly, actually.
(And if you’re still up and bored, you have to click on my site to see the BEST MATERNITY SHIRT OF ALL TIME. Seriously, you’ll laugh your butt off.)
Love you, fellow gestating hawt blogger!
Loralees last blog post..Seriously, So Awesome!
#4 by Jessica (from It's my life...) on October 21, 2008 - 1:08 AM
puking is good, very very good when it has to do with babies. Almost as good as meeting beloved bloggers. I wish I’d been there!
Jessica (from It’s my life…)s last blog post..Giving advice from the bench
#5 by Taz on October 21, 2008 - 1:28 AM
a very strong pregnancy..
how are you?
Tazs last blog post..Happy Birthday Baby Girl.. 52 Weeks Old..
#6 by frogpondsrock on October 21, 2008 - 1:31 AM
I am GREEN GREEN GREEN… that is green with envy that you got to hug Dawn *sobs* hug Mishi *sobs again* and hug Rebecca *sobs for a third time*
I am so pleased that you are green as well xxx
frogpondsrocks last blog post..Echidna adventures..
#7 by Suzanne on October 21, 2008 - 2:20 AM
You ladies are so AWESOME for putting that shindig together. Next year, I’ll be there. I may have to do some assignments while I’m there, but I’ll be there! (so planning on SSDI and college next fall!)
Suzannes last blog post..Yummy, Tax Deductible Popcorn
#8 by river on October 21, 2008 - 3:40 AM
Puking = strong pregnancy?? There’s something I’ve never heard. I’m just thankful that I didn’t puke more than once for each of my first three. The fourth? didn’t puke so much as feel queasy for almost 10 weeks.
Anyway, back to you….heh. I’m so glad you had a great time. I can feel the jealousy of Aussie bloggers from here. They’ll have to get off their butts and organise themselves some get togethers.
#9 by Patsy Bain on October 21, 2008 - 7:22 AM
So you are on track with the pregnancy. Glad you and all the others had such a wonderful time together. I’ve enjoyed reading what many of you have had to say about it. And yes, I’ve noticed how cute your boy is in your sidebar. It makes me weepy because I miss my own grandchildren horribly.
Patsy Bains last blog post.."I’d Like Chocolate with my Whine, Thank You!"
#10 by Secret Agent Mama on October 21, 2008 - 7:23 AM
It was great to be there with you!
The crying…totally appropriate. *Now, go, go throw up.
*taken directly from the outtakes on Monsters Inc.
Secret Agent Mamas last blog post..Creepy Crawly Wordless Wednesday
#11 by Jenny from Mommin' It Up! on October 21, 2008 - 7:25 AM
you rocked BlissDom, baby! It was so amazing to meet you and all those other blogwhores, i mean bloggers, that I love to admire! (and stalk a wee bit.)
congrats on the puking!! bring it on!
Jenny from Mommin’ It Up!s last blog post..‘Twas Blissful at BlissDom (and Epson ROCKS!)
#12 by thatcoolbroad on October 21, 2008 - 7:39 AM
Congrats on your pregnancy! I like your longer hair too:)
thatcoolbroads last blog post..Diane Lane: “I’m the person I’ve always wanted to become”
#13 by Athena on October 21, 2008 - 8:08 AM
happy, happy, happy, conference, happy, pukey happy, baby sitter happy, happy.
Sounds like a super great day.
And seeing you wearing that bracelet from me in Secret Agent Mama’s picture made me so happy! I miss you muchly.
xxoo
~A
#14 by Kim on October 21, 2008 - 8:26 AM
Still so jealous..esp that you got to meet one of my favorites .. Mish (SAM)..
It sounds like it was a great time.. and that dress is hysterical..
Kims last blog post..Resolutions & Apologies
#15 by Colleen - Mommy Always Wins on October 21, 2008 - 8:45 AM
Aw. I got to be the link off “wonderful”.
Seriously – I think I left a comment here before – but it was great meeting you! You were one of the first blogs I read and you played a big part in sucking me, uh, lulling? me into this wonderful bloggy world. Thank you!
(And I totally got Secret Agent Mama’s reference, *before* the footnote. That’s just how I roll. With the Disney movie quotes SEARED into my brain. Important things, like the fact that we’re out of milk? Notsomuch. But I could put you to SHAME with the Finding Nemo quotes!)
Colleen – Mommy Always Winss last blog post..The awesome adventures of two roadtrippin’ Mommies
#16 by Michelle on October 21, 2008 - 8:59 AM
Already discussed the mixed feelings on the need to carry around a barf bag so I’ll just say it was fab to see you!
Michelles last blog post..Lessons Learned
#17 by lceel on October 21, 2008 - 9:58 AM
I am obviously going to have to grow myself a veejayjay (do they make strap ons?) or something because I would REALLY have liked to have been there and it’s going to be a long time before I buy another Epson printer – given that they’re so sexist that they wouldn’t allow men to be there. I mean – that just bites. And not in a pleasant way, either.
lceels last blog post..But I have an excuse …
#18 by Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritas on October 21, 2008 - 10:34 AM
The crying was sweet and almost made me cry too. Which is tough. I’m not a public cryer.
(heh. I typed pubic cryer but I caught it.)
But if you’d have puked, I’ve have gone down with you. That I can’t resist.
And sorry I elbowed The Rack. It was exciting for me but probably sucked for you. bygones.
Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritass last blog post..America: Where Is Your Bottom?
#19 by Kat on October 21, 2008 - 10:48 AM
Yay!! I’ve been waiting for this post!
That sucks that you had morning sickness.
That little alien baby is definitely getting cuter, I noticed this weekend.
Hi!
Glad you all had fun.
Wish it wasn’t so far away, or I wasn’t so cheap.
Maybe next year. =)
Kats last blog post..Alternate Universe
#20 by Becky on October 21, 2008 - 12:29 PM
Your tiny sidebar alien kind of looks like a manatee right now. Congrats!!!
Beckys last blog post..Weekly Winners
#21 by Tiff@Three Peas on October 21, 2008 - 12:59 PM
YAY your sick!!! Never thought you’d hear that one huh? I’m so glad. That’s such a good sign! Glad you had fun and behaved yourself!
Tiff@Three Peass last blog post..Celebrate Fall Extravaganza: Halloween Past
#22 by Deb on October 21, 2008 - 2:56 PM
Hi Lotus,
Sorry you’re feeling a bit punky. Maybe my little gift I left you on my blog today will cheer you up?
Debs last blog post..Update on Kreativ
#23 by orlund on October 21, 2008 - 7:44 PM
Can’t say much about pregnancy as I am a guy and never have experienced that but the little ‘align’ does look cute. Almost reminds me of some exotic deep sea creature minus the gills and bright colors.
orlunds last blog post..Blood Curling Scream
#24 by Rebecca on October 21, 2008 - 7:48 PM
Was so great to meet you, too, Lotus. Braden is just adorable… as are you…
The “alien” is looking cute, too.
Rebeccas last blog post..I had two ideas for posts tonight…
#25 by Talina on October 21, 2008 - 8:08 PM
Sounds like it was a fun time. I need to attend some of these events already…
I am glad you didn’t puke. I am not having morning sickness at all… Do you think that is bad?
#26 by Rachel on October 21, 2008 - 8:12 PM
I am ordering that you speak in February so that I can revel in the awesomeness that is you because I am hoping to be there then.
Love that you and Heather called each other Ho and Skank, that’s fabulous.
Rachels last blog post..Blizzard of Bubbles and a Messy Monkey
#27 by Elaine on October 21, 2008 - 11:14 PM
Looks and sounds like so much fun and such a bonding experience. I have GOT to get myself to one of the conferences someday soon!
Elaines last blog post..Can You Find Me?
#28 by keo on October 21, 2008 - 11:25 PM
hahahhahh great post =)
keos last blog post..Link feed – submit your blog to get better page rank !
#29 by stephanie on October 22, 2008 - 7:54 AM
Congrats! On a successful conference! And on feeling sick! And not hurling! Good job all around!
#30 by Joie at Canned Laughter on October 22, 2008 - 1:03 PM
I mentioned you in my post here:
http://cannedlaffs.com/blissdom-08-wisdom/
I saw and recognized Braden before spotting you. You are both even cuter in person. BTW, I was tearing up right along with you.
Joie at Canned Laughters last blog post..BlissDom ‘08 Wisdom
#31 by To Think Is To Create on October 22, 2008 - 3:26 PM
You two are more delicious in person than is fair to the rest of us normal humans. It was so fun meeting you…
`Arianne
#32 by Brianna on October 22, 2008 - 4:01 PM
I loved your comment “I did leak from my face a little” – too funny!
Sounds like the event was AMAZING – it makes me miss the South a bit, too (I’m a Georgia Bulldog). I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s more detailed accounts of the event once they get back in the swing of life again and come down off the conference high.
If you do any reviews of the swag bag products (especially the books!), let me know. As an author and book reviewer, I can’t get enough of that stuff! Oh, and yes, I AM the author of We Are Girls Who Love to Run.
Briannas last blog post..And Illustrators, Don’t Forget Your Favorite Illustrators!
#33 by Robin ~ PENSIEVE on October 23, 2008 - 2:49 PM
After you took so much time to coach me through Flickr uploading on BD, I had so wanted to actually MEET you–not for five seconds, for at least five minutes.
Didn’t happen.
That’s okay…hopefully it won’t be the last time our paths cross IRL
. And I’ve got to say, I LOVE YOUR RECAP! In comparison, mine’s as dry as toast, but don’t tell anyone or they won’t visit. Though I have a wicked photoshop of Alli so it might be worth a click. If she doesn’t make me take it down.
Hope you’re feelin’ okay; loved your emotion you put into your comments when you were “on stage”.
Robin ~ PENSIEVEs last blog post.."Your mom likes to take artistic pictures, doesn’t she?"
#34 by Malia on October 24, 2008 - 9:24 AM
Yay for puke! (I know how you feel in regards to that – I had no nausea during the pregnancy that ended in miscarriage so even though the next pregnancy ~a successful one~ was terrible in the “morning” sickness dept, I was also a little glad for it, too)
I have a cute pic us of on my camera but I’ve not located the USB that goes w/ it so…you know…maybe by BlissDom ‘09 I can get it to ya!
Malias last blog post..The Dreaded Four Letter “F” Word