Sometimes, it’s really hard for me to describe blogging to friends that don’t blog. It looks like part scrapbooking, part advice, part sponsorships and a lot of weirdness. It’s like I have friends inside the computer (Pen pals? Long distance friends… that I’ve never met?). But, it’s more than that. It’s my tribe. I was lucky enough to stumble upon the Georgia Social Media Society over two years ago, and since I see these people so much in my hometown, I’ve made some real friendships and serious memories.
You know that I was gone to the Type-A Parent Conference over the weekend and re-entry to the “real world” has been hard. Catching up on all the work I missed, getting all my takeaways from the conference implemented and then latching on to a few new projects (costume design, tv appearances) has been really overwhelming. I’m glad that I have a sweet husband to write a blog post for me (seriously… do yourself a favor and read it!!) as well as clean the house before I even got home!
Now, this was my second Type-A Conference. I was super prepared and knew exactly what I was getting into. I snagged an upgraded VIP pass (although only two of the VIP sessions were really worth it, and NO ONE was checking badges going into these sessions) but some of the material seemed more motivational and less techy or how to. Becca Ludlum”s session on “Grow your blog in 10 minutes a day” and Simon”s “Work from Home” were my favorite sessions. The best part of the conference wasn’t the brand connections or the keynotes but the people. The alumni that keep returning year after year and the newbies that stole my heart were my favorite. Awesome roomies, notorious dinner partners, mini bundt cake makers and all the mischievous awesomeness that goes along with it.
I made so many new friends that it would make your head spin. I was even pulled into a little group after the BeechNut sponsored brand lunch to create a little video. I only knew one of these sweet gals at first, but the camaraderie shows through on film. We made this 8 second mini Otterbox commercial – not because we were paid (not even!), but because we are real fans of the product… and parents MUST have phone protection if they have kids around. And if you have a new iPhone 6, grab an Otterbox, quick!
I even met a girl named Yolanda that went to Winthrop while I was there. Going to such a small school means that you rarely get to meet these kinds of people, and I only wish I had met her sooner. She’s a whole bunch of sassy awesome, and I know she and my roomie Carly hit it off!
One of the highlights of the entire weekend was on Friday night. Kelby and Type-A partnered with Disney Parks to host a #disneyside reception, where costumes and Disneyside inspired outfits were encouraged (as if I needed an excuse to Disney myself out!). I Disneybound-ed as Mr. Smee, and it was so much fun. I wore a Tick Tock Croc in and carried Red’s Hook in my pocket. There were Aurasma backdrops that featured on-screen moving characters to take pictures with (see Olaf in the photo below?! cool!) and photo spots with Captain Jack Sparrow. I met up with Amy, Danielle, Lady and Autumn and so many other people. I was incredibly happy to see Gary of Disney Parks and was so touched that a busy guy like himself that everyone wants to talk to took a few minutes just to chat. It was awesome.
Long story… um… long? I’ll be back to Type-A next year. Tickets go on sale in less than a week for 2015, and I can’t wait. I don’t think I’ll ever outgrow that summer-camp-like feeling of hating to say goodbye at the end of the weekend, but the anticipation of getting back to work with more knowledge and friends is well worth it. And yes, my blogging friends are so very real!
I realized what a bad blogger I was by the absolute minimum number of pictures I took this weekend! You got some great ones! And I love your description of it as “summer camp”. Yes – that. Exactly. But I hope to see you again before next year!!
I like to refer to all of my blogging/social media friends as my pocket friends. 🙂 And we ARE real!
I love you!!! I know I get to see your beautiful face all the time but just a friendly reminder.
That looks like so much fun! I plan to be there next year 😉
I had so much fun with you girls! Loved your Mr. Smee Disneybounding – and the hamster vs. Kobayashi. You, Carly, and Lori were the BEST roomies. The weekend was too short!
Dude. My cake made the picture cuts but I didn’t? WTH. #NoMoreCakeForYou
j/k I love you! Such a fab weekend!
It was so awesome meeting you at Type A! It was so fun and I cannot wait for next year!
Man! I am so sad that we missed out on that crazy group shot! I had a blast! Thanks for dragging me to Type A Con as a #rookie!
right?! I think I took ALL the photos I had from this weekend and crammed them in there. I wish I had taken more!
ugh, you are right! I forgot to put the #meatapalooza picture in there!! But I DO love you! lots!
aw, you are the bestest. I think you are awesomesauce. Give Danger a squeeze for me!
yes!! I hear tickets are going on sale next week!
Mmmmmwah! I love ya, honey! You always make me smile, and I want to be more like you!
And we’re so tiny and cute in your pocket! 🙂 Can I have my own little apartment like Polly Pocket used to have?! I’m so glad I got to see you this weekend. 🙂
Like me? But I’m a hot mess!
My husband has jokingly referred to my online friends as my “invisible friends.” 😉 It was so fun meeting you in real life and glad to see I made the photos! Yes, an Otterbox is a must – my latest iPhone is proudly sporting one. Hoping to return to Type-A next year. Waiting to see when this baby makes her appearance.