I’ve been contemplating whether or not to contribute to the massive list of posts relating to this week’s blogging conference in NYC, BlogHer. I finally decided to cave for three outstanding reasons:
- I’m hosting the NYC Sex in the City Tour with my lovely friend Carol of NY City Mama
- I live in NYC and 2,300 bloggers are coming to MY HOOD to meet each other, network and learn all there is about blogging
- The first day of the conference marks my one year anniversary of living in Manhattan.
Reasons I did not want to do a post regarding the BlogHer Conference:
- I’m still a NYC newbie and probably couldn’t answer your questions as well as some of my friends who are bloggers, who live here.
- I’m still a newbie when it comes to blogging
- This will be my first BlogHer conference (but my second conference overall)
I consider myself quite green behind the ears when it comes to blogging, especially. I can make my way around the city now fairly easily but I don’t know, say, where the best pizza in the Meatpacking district is. Or where every (cool), kitschy souvenir shop is, or where to find the best watering holes. I know the places that I’ve been that I really like, and quite honestly I don’t know how much of this I’ll find out within the next three years that we are here. This city is jam-crazy-packed with really amazing things. Every time I step out of my building I find a diamond in the rough (especially in the East Village-so far my favorite part of Manhattan). I haven’t even been to Brooklyn yet- I KNOW I KNOW! It’s not so easy with two little kids in tow 24/7.
Exploring the world of blogging has been a very similar experience for me. Every time that I have a few minutes to poke around the internet, I find a new blog or website that blows my mind. It feels like a world that is vast, with so many nooks and cranny’s holding little pieces of magic in their corner of the universe. I am inspired on a daily basis by people that I see walking the streets NYC and blogs on the net that are so remarkably creative and heart felt. It’s overwhelming and exciting at once.
In the year that we’ve been here, I have grown more as a person than I have in the last few years combined. I was anxious and daunted by the thought of raising my babies in a foreign world- this crazy city- but it has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am grateful that my children will have memories (hopefully) of being young and free in New York City, with many friends of different races and nationalities. The heartache that comes with living so far from loving, supportive family members will prove to be a positive thing for all of us. The resilience and hope that comes with youth has served them well and taught me so much.
I have begun to find my voice on the internet via this blog, and have made many friends not only in this area but all over the country. I’ve been lifted up countless times by your comments, supporting tweets, and emails. The online community really was the key in my transition into life in Manhattan and I am so grateful to have found my niche both in life and on the internet.
The BlogHer conference itself is for me the culmination of all of these things. I am beyond excited to meet all of my internet friends (ten years ago that would have sounded SO weird!) and learn more about what I’m going to be doing with my little corner of this universe. I cannot wait to explore this city with you all!
Mother, dental school widow, fashionista. Suburban transplant adapting to life in Manhattan and loving it.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great post. I’m not going to blogher but I still enjoyed it very much. I know you re-did your blog design recently and it looks great. That header photo is beautiful and just captures the essence of what your blog is about so well.
Hope you have a GREAT time at the conference and I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful to host to all those visiting us here in the tri-state from out of town.
I love the new header! It’s a gorgeous pic! I can’t wait to meet you at Blogher!
It’s my first time there too !
My first time too and you are one of the people I would love to meet in real life and yet have guarded my heart know there is no way I’ll see everyone I want to amidst the chaos od all those people. Have a great time and thanks for always saying just the right thing.
can’t wait to finally meet you – in your ‘hood! very, very excited.
And I’ve been blogging for I think almost 5 years, and I still feel like a beginner.
I’m so looking forward to meeting you all too! I hope it’s not as overwhelming as I keep hearing. Doesn’t help the anxiety level!
I soooo wish I was coming and to meet you! And I can’t get over how blogging has changed me too.
I try to explain it to “nonbloggers” and they just think I’m strange for sharing so much on the internet. Ha.
Anyway, have a great time at BlogHer, can’t wait to hear all about it!
I’m sure you know more than you think! I grew up here and there are still things that I’m learning about the city! It’s just the nature of the beast. New York City is a place that is constantly changing, yet remains the same in many ways.
Also, come to Brooklyn!! It’s awesome here! At least visit the promenade. It’s so easy to get to! Take the 2 3 4 or 5 train to borough hall!
I am so SAD I am missing out. I am only 2 hrs away too! I love everything blogging and social media related. Have a blast this weekend!
Wow. How cool is that? You are an actual NYC girl! I hope you had the most fantastic time at Blogher : )
It was great to meet you, and I had a lot of fun with you. Thanks for taking lead and helping us to experience some more of NYC!
I’m having fun catching up on some of your posts and just noticed you said you haven’t been to Brooklyn yet! Believe me, I understand how hard it is with two kids in tow, but if you haven’t been yet (and I’m hoping you have since this post is a few months old), you must! There’s so much to see and do and EAT!