Okay, so it’s true. Day after tomorrow I am heading to BlogHer. Now, remember that I teach FIRST GRADE, so let me tell you all what that is - It’s a great conference that allows bloggers from ALL OVER THE COUNTRY to get together, meet, shmooze, learn some stuff, laugh, have a couple of soda's and kick some, um, well you know.
I am excited and nervous at the same time. Honestly, I am just a short, chunky teacher who has a fairly good sense of humor. I shop at Wal-Mart, Target and occasionally the Goodwill.
In two days I will be getting on an airplane (or two) and flying to Chicago, thanks to these two friends. Am I excited? Yes. Am I a nervous wreck? Yes. Do I hate to fly? Yes. Do I have any decent clothes to wear? No.
I am very, very excited to meet all the people that I have been visiting for the past year and to meet the people who have been coming here. (I'm still shocked and quite honored, frankly.)
I'm gonna try not to freak out about the fact that I SHOULD lose at least 25 pounds, and that I won't be wearing Ann Taylor clothing or stiletto heals. I'm an old retired gymnast who's had two carpal tunnel surgeries, knee surgery and frankly need two BRAND NEW KNEES. That's why I wear sneakers, people. Any other shoes and I can't walk the next day.
I am, however, very thankful that I have this opportunity to go, and will be wearing a BIG FAT smile and at least my clothes will be clean. I may not be the most fashionable, but I will be me. Just plain me.
I have two requests: first, does anyone want to ride share from the airport on Thursday? I'll be arriving around noon. I would prefer it if you were not a terrorist, crazed lunatic, axe murderer or rapist. Otherwise, we're good.
Second, I am going to try to take as many pictures as I can and blog away. What would you like to see? WHO would you like to see? Where should I go? What in Chicago costs NO MONEY? Who has the best pizza? What is the best party? Somebody stop me......
(Lola just emailed me with this GREAT stuff ...)
Oh, and can someone keep an eye on the kids? I'm not sure I trust 'em......
(Yikes, One more thing - if I forgot you on my blogroll- please email me or remind me. I'm a tad forgetful...)
106 comments:
Oh, I hate to fly -- I can relate! I hope you have a wonderful flight and a fun time!!!
Coming over from SITS today!
Beth
There is something VERY wrong with that plane you're flying on:
I'M NOT ON IT WITH YOU :(
Hate to fly too, so thank you for taking on this mission and reporting back with tons of photos. Say hi to black hockey jesus for me.
Have FUN.
Oh girl, Chicago is not cheap...but, the pizza is good;P I've lived here for 15 years, you'd think I could come up with one thing that didn't cost money!
Oh have fun- wear black if you feel uncomfortable...i wish i were going to chicago.
No one cares how you look....everyone is there for the same reason..to meet and greet the people they've been sharing their lives with. Chicago is a great town and you'll get a high just walking around taking in the sights. Relax and have fun.
xox
Ugh! I am so sad I can't be there. I'll be excited to see whatever pictures you can get. Live it up and party hard!
I want to see tons of pictures of YOU having a great time and doing shots off of that hot tan poolboy's belly...other than that :)
Peace - Rene
You'll be alright as long as you're not flying on a Thursday. NEVER fly on a Thursday.
Oh, wait...nevermind.
i want to see YOU! i don't care what you wear either or about your shoes. the end.
smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
tell bitchy you have a web cam hidden in the house! ps
I just got back from Chicago. Here's my post about it. http://michele-dogslife.blogspot.com/2009/07/6-things-i-learned-in-chicago.html
1. take the "L" from the airport. I didn't but wished I'd did. I would have saved time and money.
2. nothing is cheap. The room service pizza and the Sheraton was better than the stuff we had at the restaurant.
3. plan to do a lot of walking.
4. drinks are out of this world expensive. $9 for a glass of house red.
Have fun anyway.
Carry wine in your suitcase.
I'm not kidding.
Have fun!!!!
Vodka Mom!!!!!
Email me!
I am going to be landing around 11 in the morning! I can wait for you! Share cab! Keep costs down!
Less exclamation point!
Wait, you're flying into O'Hare, right?
Email me!
spriteskeeper@live.com
There is tons to do in Chicago for free... there's a parade or festival almost every weekend in at least three streets. Lincoln Park Zoo is free, it sucks compared to our other one, but it's free. Millenium park is free and you can look in a giant bean mirror. Navy Pier is free if you look but don't touch.
As for the best pizza- Piece is a great little brewery/pizza joint. Lou Malnatis is THE BEST, but everyone ventures to Ginos East or Gioradanos. Oh and for fun- go check out the Regal Beagle-- a threes company inspired bar.
I want to see a photo of the sneakers.
Have a great weekend and if you're not half-lit by the time you get off the plane, well, that would be disappointing.
IB
Oh I am so glad you asked these questions, because I can't wait to see the answers either! I'll check back in at the end of the day and hope to know where to go for the best pizza!
Also, I got an email from BlogHer saying that they're offering $20 or $30 LIMO rides from the airport for attendees....I'll see if I still have it and forward it to you now.
I don't care what you're wearing - I'm sure you'll look fabulous, and I can't wait to meet you! Christy
Ah. I'm so jealous. And I LOVE to fly. Absofuckinglutely love it.
Can't wait to hear all about it in your posts.
Can you put in the suggestion box for them to have blogher in Honolulu next year. That's be nice.
And if you share a ride with Jen from Sprite's Keeper tell her hi.
I am so glad there is someone else in the world that refuses to wear anything other than sneakers. Lifes too short for sore feet!
I love Chicago and have visited as a tourist several times.
Take the architectural boat road which is about an hour long. Just outstanding views of Chicago that you can only see on the water.
Splurge on the breakfast buffet on the top floor of the Hancock Tower or at least go have a drink at the bar.
Love their art museum!!
Skip the Field museum - just stuffed dead animals.
Skip the aquarium. I have been to better fish joints.
....have a fabulous time without Sassy and Bitchy!!!
Oh... and of course browse the magnificent mile. So cruel Blogher is at such a wonderful spot for shopping.
i'm too jealous to speak.
i'm not on your blogroll, but i don't even have one, so my feelings aren't hurt
What I want to see and I am sure Braja wants to see, is a picture of you and me (Ok, with the pool boys and vodka if we HAVE to) smiling together! I am emailing you my cell number. I will NOT leave Chicago until I meet you (and get your autograph for my mom).
Sneakers, sweats, whatever. Good luck at Goodwill!
Let down your hair and have a good time!!
Safe travels. Have a wonderful time. Ellen DeGeneres wears sneakers every day. Wish I was going to be there. (I LOVE Chicago.)
Have fun! I wish I could go. Maybe next year!
Oh, you can add me to your blogroll if you want to ;-)
http://hlcaterpillar.blogspot.com/
I'm a former gymnast with some weight that's following me around, too! And this is what happens to them in my house... http://sixbelinskis.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-is-why-i-dont-play-sports.html
And on a side note? I don't think anyone cares what you are wearing or what kind of shoes you are wearing... they're just happy to meet YOU. So smile and be proud and take it all in so you can post it for the rest of us... And post whatever grabs you. You've clearly got a good eye for this stuff.
Former Gymnast here with HUGE, thighs. HUGE.
Umm, I'm sooo jealous. Love Chicago, absolutely LOVE it. You guys are going to have a blast. If you get a chance, get on the architectural boat tour of the city. It's the best, I actually STILL talk about even though I live in Denver.
P.S. You remind me of my stepmom. Don't worry, she is rad! She is always worried that she is in tennis shoes and not some cute outfit. She is cute and you are cute so WHO CARES about what you wear. Go have fun!
Don't pay to go up in the Sears Tower or John Hancock - the John Hancock center has a bar on one of their floors - same great view...free (although I usually can't resist a drink)! That's my best free Chicago advice.
Look for Beth from www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com she will have great tips on where to go.
I only have a small request and I would loved to be going but since I can't and since you asked. Could you please take pictures of all 965 of your followers, I would appreciate it very much..as I have been viewing them in blogland for a lil while now. Thank you and have a fantastic trip and sumpin tells me you will be beautifully dress and with that smile you got going on.. The life of the party girlfriend :-))
Woohoo! Stilettos on the plane would've been a little uncomfortable huh? Go have fun!
I'm jealous.
I need a vacation that has alcohol.
No one will give a shit what you're wearing. We all love YOU and your funny funny personality, not your wardrobe.
I think you'll be surprised how many "regular" people are there.
Have fun and drink a really really big margarita for me!
And give Amy (that Bitchin' wife) a big hug for me!
Blog or email where you're going to be hanging out in the evenings, and I'll try to get into the city and meet up for drinks wherever you guys decide to go.
Unfortunately, nothing is free in Chicago so I can't help you there. You can go to Grant Park and sit on a bench with a bottle of booze in a brown bag, and maybe grab dinner from a dumpster. That's about the cheapest thing I can offer up, and you'll have lots of company there. Also, Lincoln Park Zoo is free to wander around in, but everything inside costs money.
If you find a couple of free knees, please send me one for the left leg.
Oh - and what a mistake! Shock.. I*m not on your blogroll...
Me?
What? Never heard of me?
Oh, ...
right...
Blush...
Looking forward to meeting you, I'll be at Lobbycon on Sat only. Don't want to miss Lou Malnati's pizza! It's a must in Chicago. Free...umm not much, Chicago is EXPENSIVE, especially the downtown area. The Lincoln Park Zoo used to be free, not sure if they even still have animals there. Window shopping on Michigan Ave, pretty sure that's still free. Chatting with me...definitely FREE
I can't wait to meet you Thursday. A couple of us locals are meeting for dinner Thursday Night with a handful of out of towners for some Giordano's pizza. If you want to join us, just say the word. So far the group is 13.
Have fun! It's a great city to walk around in. Eat lots of deep dish pizza, Lou's is awesome. I love Chicago pizza...hmmm...pizza. I
I'm out of the loop (again), so not familiar with BlogHer. Since I won't be there, I hope you can manage to have a bit of fun anyway. :)
Requesting a shot of the bathroom. Would love to see a photo of a clean one that shows no evidence of kid usage.
Damn, I SO wish I was (were?) going.
Can't wait to see photos.
You know, that "big fat smile" you are wearing will make you the best dressed chick at the whole event! Have a wonderful time, you will charm everyone you meet!!
I can't wait to see you! I may actually buy my plane tickets this morning. I am happy to pick you up if things don't work out with Sprite. I won't leave you stranded.
Can't wait to wrap my arms around you! YAY! Can you believe it's here?
I'm with Braja. I should be going with you! Since I'm not, you can wear those comfy tennies all you want.
I just want to get the gist of what the atmosphere is like there. Who and what are people talking about? What's the buzz? What's getting you jazzed about being there? You know? Since I'm pretty visual, pictures are good.
And thanks!
Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world! The Lincoln Park Zoo is free every day and the Museum of Art is free on Tuesdays.
Wander around Millenium Park, it's pretty cool. Rosebud on Rush has great Italian, with good prices.
I hate flying, too. Sip something strong and kick back.
We wants pics of EVERYTHING!! Especially candid shots after you ladies have been out for cocktails. It's what stays in Vegas, not Chi-Town, so us readers want all the dirt.
I am driving there. Can't wait! I'm sure I will be very nervous about whatever I wear, so I may as well be comfortable, right?
I am not on your blog roll, but you can add me and talk me down off of this ledge I am on right now.
Please?
You are going to enjoy Chicago! Millenuem park is wonderful and usually has some sort of concert going on every evening and they are free!
We live a couple hours from there and spent the day just playing around and ended with a concert in Millenium park. The group performing were teenagers and they did a STOMP routine! They were fabulous!
So, you are going to Blogher. How long in Chicago? I should love to meet you for dinner somewhere, along with the others!
Love to fly. Order a drink, relax and enjoy the adventure. Share any useful tips with us when you come back. HAVE FUN!
Have fun. Wear clean underwear. Drink heavily. Wish I was going but England is just a tad far away. XXXX
Have a great time for me. I don't think I'm on the blogroll.
Regardless of what you'll be wearing once you get there, you'll still be Vodka Mom.
Have a wonderful time!
I think I would be a little let down if I met you and you were "all gussied" up in stilettos and designer wear; you're a MOM and a teacher and you're REAL, of course you wear tennis shoes!
Way to keep it real, VM.
And I am so very sad that I can't go to this BlogHer thing(even though I don't even really know about BlogHer, I'd just love to meet you!). Take your own booze, that's my tip. And I'd like to see pictures of the people you meet that we see here on your blog in the comments. Have a great time!
Giordano's has the best stuffed pizza.
Take an American Taxi (a brand, not an ethnic slur), call to arrange--google 'em. they're the cheapest.
You could probably also take the blue line (CTA) downtown, but that would require a little study and courage (public transportation is safe just requires figuring things out and being bold to ask questions of strangers).
The weather is cool here now. Hope you enjoy BlogHer! I wish I was going.
I'd like to see pictures of you hanging out with Miss Britt and the woman behind Motherhood in NYC. You're the funniest trio on the net.
Guess what? People don't like you for your clothes or your body! They like you because of your wit and sincerity! Just be sure to take both of those things with you! :) Have fun!
By the way, you left BOTH of me off the list...Moonlight Hollow and The Renaissance Chick! :(
Malisa
You're gonna have an incredible experience!! Can't wait to see how it went. =)
Don't worry about the small stuff, you're going to be wonderful. You always are! If you get a chance to meet Aunt Becky, aka Becky Sherrick Harks, please give her a hug for me, okay?
I love, love, LOVE Chicago.
Take your teaching ID/teaching license wallet copy. I got an all-inclusive pass to the Shedd Aquarium for $0. I got into the art museum for half price. Chicago is one of those towns that supports educators, apparently...I haven't found that kind of discount anywhere else!
Shedd Aquarium
Ed Debevic's is a MUST for you. It's this 50/60's diner where the staff borders on rude on purpose. Which means YOU get to be rude. They'll come up to you and say "do you want a refill" and if you say yes "well go get one! the drinks are over there!"
My favorite was when a table near us chanted "we want our food" and the waiter got up on the table, picked up a microphone and said "If you'll turn your attention to table 12 you will discover why birth control was invented..."
pubs in Chi-town are always fun. It's one of the Irish strongholds, so yeah.
If you want the experience of the Sears Tower at night but don't want to pay the money, go to the John Hancock building. There's a floor there (someone local will be able to direct you) where you can actually photograph the Sears Tower from and get nearly the same view. Of course, if it's your first visit to Chicago I'd still do the Sears Tower at night thing. It's pretty cool.
I hate the "L".
Best pizza I found was in a little hole in the wall joint. Don't bother looking for a certain pizzaria. Just walk into a dingy streetfront. Usually cheaper and better in my experience.
Look straight ahead and walk briskly. Preferably with an iPod strapped on and carrying a Starbucks mug.
I did this in both Chicago and Boston and was stopped *multiple* times and asked for directions. If you look like a native you get the best stories ;)
Oh, and if you're wanting a great place to walk there's a great park by Lake Michigan with sand volleyball courts (eye candy...lots of guys...) and a great running/walking/biking trail.
I miss Chicago. Tell her hi from me...
And I'd love to be on your roll. I don't have one as of yet, but I need to change that soon...
Oh--Shedd Aquarium is a must-do in my book. Especially because it's free. I don't care for the aquarium as much as the oceanarium--dolphin shows and PENGUINS!
Well at least you'll be clean... until the plane nerves kick in. Have a ball VM!
I can't believe it's already time for you to come here!! I'm so excited for you! I gotta say, some of the comments above have me a bit annoyed, because Chicago ROCKS! Teachers get in FREE just about everywhere (ALL the museums, the aquarium, The Art Institute, etc.) so bring your ID. I wish you had time to leave the city and venture out to the suburbs. I would kill to have you come to my bar! We've got enough vodka to keep even YOU happy! ;-)
I hope you enjoy your weekend here in Chitown. I can't wait to hear all about your adventures.
Oh, and BTW, I didn't make the blogroll yet :(
Just have fun honey, just have fun. Drink lots of vodka too.
Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)
Anonymous-above Sandee-YOU are a discussting person NO wonder you have to hide your identity..you are a F**king creep... God gets people like you and I am sure you are just as miserable in the real world as you are in the blog world
sorry Vodka Mom please delete that comment your daughters don't deserve talk like that...
Chicago is a lovely city. I ADORE Chicago, even though the weather is...challenging (I'm trying to be diplomatic here).
Gino's East is a probably a sure-fire bet for pizza, but I think the idea of walking and finding a hole in the wall to discover a hidden gem is great advice. Take some people and just explore.
The views of the city are all free; I think you'll find that there is plenty to photograph.
Oh, and if you come across "IzzyMom" tell her Desert Songbird says "hello!"
Dear Shorty McPudge Sneakers,
Stop obsessing about the money, it is just so easy to steal wallets in a crowd. If someone buys you a drink, tell them the next one's on you then run like the wind.
Chicago is a cool town, let others take you around and do all the planning. Tell them you've got next year's BlogHer town and then run like the wind.
Your wife who is not going.
Go to Ed Debevis's Rude Bar while you're in Chi town, you'll love it!
Have a safe flight! That sounds like a lot of fun.
are you going to that MamaPop party?
I'm so jealous of all of you who are going. I'm sure your schedules are going to be jam packed, but if you get in early or stay later, I've compiled a list of free touristy type stuff to do while you are in Chicago. (I've also scoped out the nearest liquor stores, you know, the important stuff.) I lived in Chicago for 17 years and in the last 4 years moved to the burbs.
http://lolasdiner.blogspot.com/2009/07/guide-to-blogher-what-to-do-in-chicago.html
No pictures of Dooce. Please. Enough.
And listen, you are lovely!
And furthermore, if Carson or Tim has anything less than a compliment for you, kick those girls in the ...
I'm not going to be there because I am shy really.
Have a great time - you'll be the life of the party I am sure!
Is it just way too juvenile of me to laugh at being the #69 comment person?
You won't have time for anything other than BlogHer business and parties I'd assume -- but there are plenty of those so enjoy. If you have time to go to Millenium Park it's worth the trip just for the Bean and the fountains.
I'm in Chicago but won't be at BlogHer. I'd rather just know people online. ;)
Have a great time!
I'm trying really hard not to be bitter about not being there!
Someone said the Shedd Aquarium is free -- it's not free to the best of my knowledge -- so please check that out before you go over there.
Hon, I'm planning on staying at the hotel just about 24/7. There is so much planned THROUGH BlogHer, that I don't think we'll have to leave to have fun. That said, the hotel is pretty close to the lake and Navy Pier. BUT. As has been said, Chicago's expensive. I am always blown away by how expensive the little things are. Like, PARKING. Hence the reason I am taking the train and bus into Chicago even though I live only 45 minutes away and could park... Um. NO. $35 a day to PARK. HAHAHAHAHA!!!
If there is a free day in a museum in the summer, I recommend NOT going on that day as it will be SO CROWDED it's not worth the trip.
You can just hang out in the hallway in between classes and parties. I have a feeling we're going to be super busy.
Oh! Parties. They have a list on the BlogHer site. Sign up for a lot. I chose all of the parties that were at the hotel because I am not wanting to pay for extras like cabs and stuff...
A couple of things, first there are 2 major airports here, Midway and O'Hare, so if you want to arrange a ride share from one of them you have to tell people which airport you are flying into. If it were me I would take the cheap way from either airport, the subway, (orange line from Midway, blue line from O'Hare) this would only cost you $ 2.25.
As to free things to do, Chicago has some of the nicest parks in the Country. They are remarkably diverse and contain things like beaches and zoos and other such things. The Chicago Historical society and the Chicago cultural centers are both worth seeing and are free.
Have fun! Be sure to take lots o'pictures and bring us back some of those complimentary packets of peanuts, and that moist towlette from the airplane.
I wish i was going too.... Maybe next time.
Have a fab trip, safe travels and try Gino's East for deep dish pizza! And please say to to Margaret at Nanny Goats in Panties if you see her :-)
ENJOY!!
Oh the Art Institute of Chicago is free on Thursday and Friday evenings 5 pm to closing, and is pretty amazing generally but sadly expensive the other days.
Just relax and enjoy yourself. Have fun!!
Janet
I hope you have an amazing time! The best pizza is not in Chicago, it is in Italy! :o)
I don't think I've made your blog roll.
1) Have fun at BlogHer and don't sweat the clothes thing, the body image, etc. People love you because you're AWESOME!
2) Am I on your blogroll? If not, why not? Must I hunt you down and take away your liquor? :)
Oh you lucky duck!
How can you blogher types tell who are really lady bloggers and who are lady blogger groupie types that just go to get you lady bloghers drunk and take advantage of you:?
Oh you cant tell? Okay see you there then.
You HAVE to go to the Art Museum. Best Impressionist exhibit. Free on Thursday. Probably should do the Science and Industry Museum also. AS a teacher, you will find it fascinating. Must walk around the waterfront and Grant Park. Hang at the fountain. You can even swim in Lake Michigan.
Sounds like such fun although I'd probably hide in the corner and just read nametags. You, Vodka Mom - celebrate your success!
I'm so jealous about BlogHer but I'm going next year and I'm looking for you because I'll be wearing sneakers too and my hands will be resting in wrist braces! ;)
I was going to say that there is a free trolley service around downtown Chicago, but when I googled it, it says it is discontinued. Darn budget cuts!
Have fun! I'll be thinking of you.. :)
I can't think of a better way to approach BlogHer. . .just be VODKA MOM!!!!
I know that I chickened out for many of the same reasons you mentioned - but that's anxiety-ridden me, not you!!!
And speaking of me. . . don't think I'm on your blogroll!
lol the carpal tunnels and bad knees. I have both. I have had carpal tunnel since I got out of the hospital but it is improving and the right knee will be replaced eventually. The Green Day concert did not help.
And I am not on your blog roll and quite insulted as a fellow vodka lover... lol.. seriously just honored to have you as a member of mine and a reader.
Have fun in Chicago and just buy some fancy new sneakers...
xx
My only request is that you HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!! And tell us all about it :)
Have fun, Heifer.
And I mean it...
ha. thanks for the shout out. will try to live up to that high praise. abysmal day, you brightened it much. have fun at the conference, intrigued. off to FL on friday myself. maybe the change in rhythm will be good.
Have fun at BlogHer. I know everyone will love you just the way you are.
I hope you have such an awesome time that you'll decide to go next year, as I'm shooting for that myself... :) Looking forward to any pictures and posts you manage to squeak out! :)
Oooohhhhh, how fun! Can I hitch a ride in your baggage? Hmmm, that might set you back a pretty penny with the fees they charge for bags. Rats, it was worth a shot.
You are going to look just fine! And everyone is going to love you, you're too funny to not love. Have lots of fun and fill us in when you can.
We always fly into O'Hare and take the orange line into downtown. Supercheap and a nice ride to see the city come into view.
As far as free activities, I found a neat website with ideas http://chicago.citysearch.com/list/86061
If you are a Harry Potter fan, there is an exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry to die for, but it won't be free. ;o)
Have a wunnerful time at Blogher
you have to get some deep dish pizza
this place is really good ... its as thick as pie
http://www.giordanos.com/
Oh god, too much drinking I suppose. My previous comment said the orange line from O'Hare...that is INCORRECT. I meant Midway! Do not let me confuse you or any other conference attendees.
You must go see the spitting fountain in Millenium Park - I think it will be right up your alley.
have fun!!! CHicago is the best :)
Just remember what you learned in kindergarten . . . everybody is as nervous as everybody else. Make 'em feel comfortable and you'll be the bell of the ball.
Have a super time.
I require that you use my name in random sentences...like:
Man, did you see that flutter? That was totally hot.
If you see Oprah, say, "hey" for me, will ya?
Other than that...most pizza in Chicago is good and don't you DARE get anything but deep dish.
I'm so jealous that you're going, but hope you have an absolute blast.
I'll watch the kids. They like vodka, right?
I can't wait to meet you in Chicago. Of course, I'm assuming I'll be able to find you. :) But with two blogs based on moms and martinis, we should be drawn to each other like magnets, right?
I'm with Sky Dad, I didn't see myself on the blog roll either, but there's no time for that now: Go! Have fun! Get bloggy with it!
Can't wait to hear the tales and see the pictures!
PS - you should soooooooooo take Scope up on his offer for a drink. C'mon, we're talking a free drink with a charming man who knows Chicago like the back of his own hand! You can NOT say no to THAT!
;-)
Wearing a dress or a skirt and sneakers. Yup, that's a teacher. Have a wonderful time.
I want to hear all the gossip! ;o)
And, dude, you totally ditched me off your 'roll.
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