We had ourselves some shenanigans.
17 Aug
I’m back from Boston and feel very reflective these days. Not only about blogging but about myself and my life. So forgive me, readers, if this post at all gets too sappy or cheesy. But I’m a big ball of sap these days.
I wanted to do something a tad different, so I set up my tripod and filmed myself talking about the Summit. It was actually the top ten things I learned – not from the Summit, but about myself. I figured that after meeting bloggers in person, my face was now familiar. This video thing wouldn’t be so bad.
And then I realized – I’m a writer. This is what comes most naturally to me. So, you know what, I’m going to tell a story gosh darnit.
A few weeks ago, I was really terrified of going to the Healthy Living Summit. Honestly, I thought about selling my ticket. I am a little self-conscious, and I didn’t want to be judged – especially on my looks (lame, I know). Walking into a room full of people you “know” is scary. And judgements happen all the time – and aren’t necessarily bad.
I emailed a lot with my future roomie Chandra, who totally eased every fear in my life. Girl, you know you are the best. I could do this!
Starting the trip off with a trip to JP Licks helped ease some fears.
I got myself some oatmeal cookie yogurt because, well, I’ve been missing me some oatmeal.
We took forever getting ready for the big event Friday night. I was glad I only had one dress because otherwise I would have tried on a billion. After seeing this picture, I realized Chandra and I looked like a million bucks.
We also had a fabulous group of five women. We did, in fact, coin ourselves the fab five because we were the best roomies/neighbors ever.
Leslie, Melissa, Chandra, me and Renee
We showed up to the cocktail party late – sort of on purpose and sort of not. The first twenty minutes were probably the weirdest of my life. Being in a room with people you “know” but have never met can be scary. Plus, it was really really packed.
Wine settled me down, that was for sure. I was also starving and couldn’t reach the food. It made my stomach sad. Eventually, I got my hands on a slice of pizza.
Truthfully, I did not eat enough and was hungry most of the night 
I talked to a lot of people I’ve been wanting to meet for such a long time. I didn’t take a lot of pictures, but I have these:
By the end of the night, all I wanted to do was dance. Clearly you know that I had not two glasses – but three glasses of wine. A few of us ended up at a bar – for a very short time – nearby. I like this picture quite a bit.
Staying up late on Friday? Most definitely worth it.
The next morning was a little tough. Thank goodness for the breakfast bar – my favorite food of the weekend!
Can you believe I’ve never had mix my granola? Cause I couldn’t. And I couldn’t get enough either.
Have you guys met Melissa? Cause she is probably one of the coolest people ever. Look at her bloggin.
And then probably the sweetest thing that happened to me all weekend happened. Heather gave me a lobster placemat that she bought me on a recent trip to Maine. I was too floored to say anything more than “Thank you, thank you!” Heather, honestly. That was one of the sweetest things that’s happened to me.
I took a lot of pictures at the actual conference, but I was also kind of hiding in the back and they aren’t great shots. There were a lot of speakers! I definitely picked up some tips but it was also a lot that I had sort of known before. During his Blogging 101 talk, Zesty Cook reminded me of a lot of things I should be doing that I hadn’t. Like Stumble Upon. And things like that. Like I said, some of it was review but I did pick up some tips. I think that if the Summit gets bigger, there will be more opportunities for even more panels – which will be good. I was sad I couldn’t connect more with some of the bloggers in the room. Overall, I enjoyed the presentation from the Organic Dairy Farm best. She was entirely captivating. I could listen to her talk all day, honestly. It was my favorite part of the day.
Also, the giveway part was pretty cool 
I won a signed copy of Food, Inc.! I was shocked.
Ok, I was really trying to do this in one big post, but my dinner is ready, and I need to take a break! I will come back with part two of my shenanigans, I promise!
I wish I could have gone to HLS! Next year, hopefully…
You look great in that pink dress. I definitely relate to the fear of being judged by a group of new people, and I’m glad that your fears were alleviated quickly. For the record, I think you are beautiful. In every picture I’ve seen of you, you look glowing from within in a way that just makes me smile. To me, that is the definition of beautiful. And its clear from your writing that you are a thoughtful, funny person besides. I’m glad that you were able to be yourself and have a fabulous time.
recap part 1 me likey.
You and Chandra look great!!! Love the pictures!
I hope I can go to the next summit. Looks like a blast.
I had been really looking forward to your review! And I freaking love that dress… I think I already told you that. I’m gonna go read part 2!
Thank you for linking to some new blogs that I have never heard of! That is so sweet about the placemat–I am touched, and I wasn’t involved in any way! I love acts of kindness and thoughtfulness like that!
Rose,
I’m so sorry we didn’t meet in person at HLS, but I have to tell you what a THRILL it was to see your comment on my blog! I’ve been a fan of yours forever, and it meant a lot that you paid me a visit.
Rock on, sister!
Wow that was really nice of Heather to bring you the place mat!
I am glad you toasting picture cam out better than mine. In yours…you can see me taking my VERY blurry picture with my camera. That place mat is seriously adorable. That was really sweet of Heather!
Love the lobster placemat!!! So sweet!
I also love the pic of you and Chandra all dressed up! So pretty!
I wish SO MUCH we got to chat more!
You looked BEAUTIFUL! I wish I could have been there to meet you!
great meeting you, i think i said this already, but it bears repeating. enjoy the new placemats!
Ahhh! The Lobster Placemat!!
Waiting for you to show up was like waiting for the boy I liked to come to the school dance. Naughty naughty Rose.