I sat in the cab trying really hard not to loose the contents of my stomach. Wouldn’t it be nice if taxi cab’s came with barf bags just like airplanes do. I thought if worse came to worse, I would just throw up in my coat and then buy a new coat.
To distract myself, I looked out the window at the city of Baltimore. I really didn’t get to see much of the actual city but that was alright because that wasn’t the goal of this trip.
I came to the city for a conference about my hobby but what I got was so much more.
This coming May, it will be three years since I started my blog. I began this blog as a way to update family and friends about the condition of Jake, Quinn and Claire who were still in my stomach. I was 28 weeks pregnant at the time. My first post is actually is titled, Update and that is all it was.
And the next few posts are just like that, updates. The stories, funny and sad, came later. They came after I discovered that I liked writing and it helped me cope with, motherhood, being a nurse and just life in general.
I had no idea what blogging was or what a person could do with a blog. In fact, when I first began to look at other people’s blogs I thought that I was doing something wrong. I thought a blog was something private, just for the writer and their families.
I never dreamed that this blog of mine would morph into what it has become today. I never thought that I could actually meet people and form connections with these people. I never thought that I would be able to form tried and true friendships with these people in my computer.
I also never knew how enjoyable and cathartic it would be to write something just about every day of my life. Blogging is a part of me and I am a part of it.
For me, blogging is so much more than giveaways, ads and branding. Blogging is about making connections with people and sharing our stories. Stories that make you laugh, that make you cry and that make you think.
So it is only natural that I would want to be a part of a blogging conference.
I attended Bloggy Boot Camp not for the education sessions that was offered, but to meet the people face to face. I wanted to be in the same room with the people and that I love and adore like members of my family, some of whom I talk to more than my family.
That is what Baltimore was all about for me, the connections with people.
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{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m looking forward to meeting you at another one, Jen. I’ll be at BlogHer and Type-A!
.-= blueviolet´s last blog ..Grease is the Word – W/W =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
I have to get my courage up for BlogHer. I am scared of it.
But I won’t say never.
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Great pics from the trip, wish we could have talked more!
.-= Stephanie @ Geezees´s last blog .."Quiet" Theme, Wordless Wednesday , You Capture =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Yes. I am so sorry that I missed you. There were a lot of people that I missed. I wish the conference was like a week long.
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I was the same way about blogging in the beginning, although I also had the intention of using it as a website to sell my Stampin’ Up products. That has since fallen to the wayside, but my blog buddies have come to mean the world to me. It is truly amazing how you can get to know people through the computer, then meet them in real life and REALLY be friends!
I’m so glad to hear you had a good time at Boot Camp! Did you get to hook up with Carabee?
.-= Heather´s last blog ..I am blessed =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
I did. Carabee is awesome. I adore her. I wish that I could have spent more time with her.
Say, when are our paths going to cross?
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You are just way too fun! What I loved the most was that we “got” each other, you know? And how it felt like we already knew each other, even though that was our first time (of many, hopefully!) meeting face-to-face.
.-= Trenches of Mommyhood´s last blog ..This One Time? At Bloggy Boot Camp? =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
It is so funny that you wrote this comment b/c in another draft of this post I wrote how I left like I had known you for years and we just understood each other. Great minds, I say.
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That is what the SITS conference was for me too. A way to meet people that seem like family. And then I had a brain freeze and forgot to take pictures of the auspicious day
.-= Kat´s last blog ..Folderol =-.
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Oh I wish I could something like this too, but being in the backwoods of the world….. yeah, not so much.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Save your pennies, I here that planes are flying over the ocean now.
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So glad you had a great time! It looks like a beautiful place to meet some friends.
.-= Connie @ Young and Relentless´s last blog ..The Winners…. =-.
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It’s so interesting how blogging teaches us so much isn’t it? I enjoyed this. Your pictures are adorable and you’re writing style is crystal clear.Thanks for sharing your perspective on Boot Camp.
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Jen, you made my day by commenting to my blog today. Crack on a stick fo sho!
Your post about the snotty lady on the airplane was AWESOME! Oh how i wish i could have been on that flight. I thoroughly would have enjoyed having a few words with the lady AND the flight attendants. Some people are so sad.
Angie
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I am glad and I intended to comment more. You are now in my reader so I will be there.
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Barf bags in cabs…what do they say, “See a need, fill a need!” Could be a great money maker!
Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to meet you…and you didn’t get a chance to see more of our city! There is always next time! I think Tiffany should make it an annual event…that way I could get a chance to meet all the gals!
I’ll be back to your site! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who feels buried! (i have 5)
~kristin
.-= LoveFeast Table´s last blog ..Bloggy Bootcamp in Baltimore =-.
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How fun!
I so hope I can go to a blog conference one day.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Things That Make Me Go Huh =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
You totally should. It is worth it and I would LOVE to meet you in person some day.
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Oh I’m so jealous you got to meet Mamma Kat and good old Fran and all those other bloggy buddies in person!
I love your blog so keep writing!
.-= Pooba´s last blog ..Heaven Called and They Want Their Rolls Back =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
You should come to one of the west cost boot camps. San Fran is not that far from you, right?
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It was a great experience and I’m only sad that we didn’t get to hang out more! Glad you had such a good time!
.-= Carabee´s last blog ..Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned at Boot Camp =-.
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Some day I’m going to get me to a blogging conference. I think your story is similar to so many people’s, including mine. I just started my blog to keep family and friends updated on this crazy triplet adventure, but it’s led me to other moms, other triplet moms and so many other wonderful people.
Oh, and your last post made me laugh OUT LOUD. Sorry I don’t get here to comment as often as I’d like. You’re such a rock star about always dropping me a line on my blog.
Christy
.-= Trippin’ Mama´s last blog ..Seventeen Months Old =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I have a commenting problem. I just can’t stop doing it. I know.
And you better get to a conference someday and you better let me know what one it is so that I can meet you.
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How lucky that you got to go! And yes this blogging world is just that, it’s own little world.
.-= Emmy´s last blog ..Winner and Cooking Club =-.
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i’m so envious of you! maybe you can echo some of the things you learned at bootcamp for us who wasnt there?
oh, and i think you should’ve extended your leg at the plane so ms. snotty tripped…ooh, that would be so evil ;p
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what great pictures! i especially love that mama kat has on her awesome apron.
and i really, really love your blog. thanks for the laughing/crying/thinking times.
.-= stephanie´s last blog ..its my anniversary… =-.
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Go you!! I want to go to one but I’m so scared and I really wonder “why?” I would go since I’m not a big time blogger.
.-= Katie @ Why Bother´s last blog ..I Still Had Hope For Amber =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Going to one of the boot camps is the place to start as far as conferences go. It is a smaller size and for everyone with every size blog.
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Katie @ Why Bother Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Boo to it not being closer! I might actually consider going if they hit the So Cal area. I think San Fran is their CA stop.
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Great pictures!
.-= Brandy´s last blog ..The perfect rainy day… =-.
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Sounds like so much fun!!
.-= Blythe´s last blog ..The Stereotypical College Weekend =-.
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How fun Jen. If you ever come to San Diego I’d happily have you over for lunch.
.-= Michelle @ One Crafty Mama´s last blog ..WW – Goodbye and Good Riddance! =-.
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Looks like you had a great time:-)
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I can’t wait for October and Austin. Not only will I be going to one of my favorite cities in my home state but it’s also my birthday weekend…woo hoo! All the posts since Baltimore have made me even more excited ~ if that could happen.
.-= Leiah´s last blog ..True Story Tuesday ~ 03/09/10 =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I am actually going to try and go to the Austin one. I think, if Jeff will agree to me leaving again.
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wonderful! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait for one tocome to my area. I’ve read a few posts from those of you there and all of you have loved it!
.-= sara@domesticallychallenged´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday- Weddin’ Style =-.
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Glad you had fun.
I don’t think you’d ever catch me at a Blogging conference… not a fan of big groups of people, but definitely a fan of alcohol… not sure the two are a good mix!
We could totally get together for quiet, intimate night of wine and conversation though… Did that sound gay??
.-= cristin´s last blog ..Dude, How Do You Say "Give Me My Fucking Pen Back" in Cape Verdean Creole? =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Dude, anytime you wanna do drinks and dinner I am there. But Jeff has to agree to let me leave again and you have to let me sleep on your couch.
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I second you! I never expected blogging to be this much fun and involving or that I would stick with it. Three years is a long time … you must love it and need it to still be going strong … despite 4 kids!! : )
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Post-It Note Tuesday: Body Pain and A Note to Seinfeld =-.
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Jen, you are so wonderful. This post was such an accurate depiction of exactly how boot camp made me feel. You and I are on the same page; I came for the people that have become more than just “blogging” people, but MY people. I’m so thankful I met you, because you are one bad mutha. Literally. Well, not literally a “bad” mother, but bad as in Michael Jackson’s BAD. You get me, I know you do. I heart you, please keep in touch
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..What I learned at BloggyBootCamp =-.
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sounds like a great opportunity! I, too, started my blog just to keep family and friends updated on life in our lil world…actually even before kids were even much of a thought for us. I love that I have this as a ‘journal’ and scrapbook (esp since I don’t find time to do either of those aside from the blog). for our early years for them. I also think its amazing how this can connect people and form bonds…very cool!
.-= Barbara Manatee´s last blog ..Future Olypmic Competitor? =-.
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I think I agree with you….it’s all about forming and being a part of an incredible community.
I’m so glad you went and had fun…and got hungover. =)
.-= Summer´s last blog ..have you ever tried vaseline? =-.
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Okay, so now this is the 2nd time you’ve gone to one of these conferences and I’ve missed out!!!! Someday, we’ll meet in person (I hope)!
It sounds like you had an amazing time!!
I really really wanna go to the one in SF this August but I’m kinda scared. It feels intimidating to me!
.-= Helene´s last blog ..Tell me it isn’t so… =-.
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Jen Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
One things that boot camp is not is intimidating. It is such a small conference and everyone is so nice that you will feel right at home in a matter of minutes. I totally recommend going but you should go to one that I will be at.
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I love your new look over here! I bet Bloggy Boot Camp was a blast! I wish I could go!! Someday!
.-= theUngourmet´s last blog ..More flowers and a burger with the works =-.
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The blogging community amazes me every day. I have made many new friends in my own journey. I am glad I get to spend a little time in your cyber corner.
.-= Lourie´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
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Jen, I just adore you and your sarcasm and wit too. I sincerely hope that I get to see you again in real life.
.-= Catherine @ Evolving Mommy´s last blog ..Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken =-.
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Connections are what it’s all about! I loved, loved, loved meeting you. It was fabulous.
Now, I’m off to buy some oil blotting pads.
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“For me, blogging is so much more than giveaways, ads and branding.” ~ I TOTALLY agree. For me, it IS the connections. Too much of the first actually turns me off. I am just sorry I missed you in MD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.-= Live.Love.Eat´s last blog ..Veggie for Your Thoughts? =-.
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looks like so much fun! (and i TOTALLY agree about the barf bags in taxis!!!)
.-= MommyNamedApril´s last blog ..My Son is Kind of a Nerd (and that warms my heart) =-.
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Very cool!! How awesome that you were able to go.
I really need to get myself to something like that soon.
.-= Kelly Deneen´s last blog ..Photostory Friday: 365, Week 8 =-.
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Love the new place! Glad your transition was smooth. Looks like you had fun in Baltimore!
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