Guess where I'm going in February?

Since I’m having so much trouble writing about the present, I will about the future.

Almost two years ago, I attended my first (and only) blogging event. It wasn’t so much of a conference as the trip to Disney World was by invitation, only had fifteen attendees and all expenses were paid.

I wrote about the amazing three days soon after the weekend concluded, but the powerful experience has remained with me since.

Little did I know it then, but those fourteen other women turned out to be a pretty smart, gifted, and talented crew that the blogosphere is blessed to have. They are business women. They are writers. They are wives and mothers. They counsel and entertain. They are friends. But most of all they are a voice. A powerful voice that I am better off hearing. Often.

I’ve kept up with most of them over these years, whether texting my friend Kris, working on some amazing projects with Cooper or even having my blog redesigned by Jo-Lynne. I read their blogs and follow their growing families-- Steph and Ivy, Amy and Teagan Rose, Gabrielle and her soon to be born. I love reading wisdom from Jennifer James and Christine Koh. I have also enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Disney ever since.

The upcoming conference will be different, but also exciting. There will be some powerful speakers--Chris Brogan and Guy Kawaski--among others, and the 130 attendees also will be bringing their families to attend the three day event. Oh yeah, and this was not an all expenses paid trip although we are getting a heck of a deal.

The blogosphere looks different now as well, and in my mind I’m turning around the whole community vs. business aspect of “Mommyblogging.”

What will remain the same is the undeniable Disney magic and meeting some amazing women. Both old friends and new ones.

And learning.



P.S.-- More of those old Disney friends that I wish were going:

Mary Beth
Elizabeth
Jennifer
Amy
Erin (who may indeed be going!)

Wrapping up the week

Let's take care of some housekeeping business first, shall we? After all, I don't do that around my own house so I might as well do it here.

We've got contests going! First, don't forget to leave your comment here on TheMotherhood.com to be entered into the Olympic paint giveaway. Second, my friends Thom Flicia and Kimberly-Clark are still hosting the Room-A-Day giveaway, so keep entering for a $25,000 room makeover!

I've been busy this week in between trying to get Jessie strapped in her car seat without rupturing my spleen,and interviewing a bunch of interesting folks which I will post next week. One of whom is the fabulous Pim of Chez Pim, who discusses all things foodie related. I was in heaven.

The agenda for the weekend? Right now we're negotiating who is going to the Harlem Globetrotters tonight and who gets to stay home. It's a silent argument since Sean is in bed from his 411th mouth surgery in the past 2 weeks.

Which probably means I'm going to watching the Washington Generals tonight.

I wonder who wins...

More Divas in the house

A friend of mine has a new blog.

So? Who doesn't? You ask youself. Blog is the new black.

This one is different for exactly that reason, blog is the new black, and at 50% off.

The Deal Divas over at the St. Pete Times are dishing out fashionable deals, but making me split my seams in laughter while doing it. Seriously, hip bloggers that not only tell you where to find discount designer shoes, but make you laugh hysterically while doing it? Not only will I read daily, I might weave them each friendship bracelets.

If it matches their outfits.

Memorial Day Blog Love

I cannot tell you how happy I am that a 3 day weekend is staring me in the face. If I don't sleep in within the next 15 hours, I will go absolutely mad.

I worked hard this week. I ran around like a lunatic carting kids to various lessons and activities, I filmed stuff, and I even went to the dentist--something that I HATE. I wrote a column. I cooked, cleaned, and went to Baby Yoga. I got in in every last assignment on behalf of my kids, and planned the summer for at least the first month. Yay me. I need a vacation.

So I'll probably be grilling, chilling, drinking, sleeping, drinking, swimming, writing, drinking and more drinking this weekend, so blogging somehow doesn't make it on the list. But I thought I would leave you with some blog love to read over if you have the inclination and find yourself looking for new material since this will most likely be it for me for a few days.

Okay, here's some fun folks to check out:

One of my bff's ( Backwash friend forever) BlueEyedPhoenix, just landed his first full feature in Travel+Leisure magazine. I'm insanely jealous, but happy to have known him when he was a mere caricature.

My friend Zen--also of Backwash fame--has started a new blog on addiction here. (Disregard half of my weekend activity if you must before reading.)

My Disney Mom gal pals have been quite busy. There are like tons of contest and prizes they're giving away. For instance, wanna Wii Fit? Check out Cooper's site, Been There, for a chance to win.

And my friend Gabrielle from Design Mom as well as the site formerly known as Skirt, has just changed names and domains to Kirtsy.com. It is like digg.com for women...you have got to check it out!

More Disney Mom shout outs to Bostonmamas.com cuz Christine deserves mad blog love this week. And don't forget my girl Kris at Cleverparents--I miss her adorable cleverness. And Lori of Just Pure Lovely has some educational books to giveaway on her new educational blog Freely Educate.

I know I'm missing a lot more love, a lot more blogosphere news, so I'll catch those next week. Maybe we can establish a Friday tradition of just sharing fun from our cyber friends.

Happy looonnnngggg weekend, ya'll.