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12 Non-Bloggy Things I Learned at #BlogHer13 in Chicago

  1. It is easier to find the lost city of Atlantis than it is to find your own dental floss when five women are staying in a single hotel room.
  2. Five thousand bloggers can bring the best free wifi to its knees.
  3. People, even famous-y people, are super friendly (or possibly drunk), including Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) and Ilana Wiles (Mommy Shorts). I was not able to meet Queen Latifah.

    Ree Drummond (a.k.a. The Pioneer Woman) has more followers than a mangy cat has fleas, not to mention a show on the Food Network (which I don't watch but probably should)
    Ree Drummond (wearing all black) has more followers than a mangy cat has fleas, not to mention a show on the Food Network (which I don’t watch but probably should)
  4. I’m a pathetic mom because I was disappointed my son lost one of his teeth when I was away. I was most upset because I didn’t get to yank it out, something I enjoy. Instead, he ran into a closet door. He preferred this way of extraction to me pulling his tooth.
  5. The women who write for NickMom.com are freaking hilarious. I need to up my game and start writing for NickMom again.
  6. We don't look quite this possessed in real life.
    We don’t look quite this possessed in real life.
  7. You can meet new BFFs anywhere. I present the awesome Andrea from Mommy Gearest.
    We're trying a drink we nicknamed the Ovulation. We abandoned it after one sip each.
    We’re trying a drink we nicknamed the Ovulation. We abandoned it after one sip each.

    Andrea is funn-eh.Andrea Mommy Gearest

  8. Chicago is an awesome city. Architecture and design are underrated in most modern cities; this is not so in the Windy City.
  9. The food at The Purple Pig is so good it’s worth a trip to Chicago.
  10. Slovenia produces excellent wine. Try Pullus’ Pinot Grigio.
  11. The coldest Saturday in Chicago history was a perfect 19 C. Spot the Canadian.
  12. Calgary bloggers always have your back. Thank you, Merry, Melissa, and Brooke.
  13. Merry, Melissa, Brooke
  14. My daughter is a poet. She texted me, “I miss you like a butterfly misses its chrysalis.” Also, what’s a chrysalis? 😉

*Numbers 6 and 13 decided to run away from the circus. Whatev.

Your turn: What did you learn in July?

Filed Under: On the Move

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. butterflymumma says

    August 9, 2013 at 11:25 am

    Sounds “freakin’ awesome.” (I would use an exclamation mark, but… I am trying to use less exclamation marks for some reason! Oops…). I am jealous even though I, too, love to pull teeth. Cheers, Leanne! Drink up your Ovulation (ick!). 😛

    Reply
  2. moyermama says

    August 9, 2013 at 11:59 am

    Just leaned I’m not the only one who loves to pull teeth. Phew.
    6YO won’t let me do it anymore ever since the Tooth Swallowing Incident of 2013.

    Reply
  3. ateachablemom says

    August 9, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I loved meeting you and taking your class at BlogHer! Definitely a highlight for me! And the Purple Pig is one of my favorite Chicago restaurants. Next time you’re in Chicago, let me know and I’ll stalk you there!

    Reply
  4. SheSaysPost says

    August 9, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    So funny! We’re so new to blogging that we just learned there was such a thing as Blogher. Thanks for telling us what it’s really about before we found out what they want us to think it’s really about. Here’s our new blog. (Talk about laughing at kids and laughing at yourself):
    http://shesayspost.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/preschool-no-sugar-no-guns-seriously/

    We are following you now, so be good. 🙂

    Reply
  5. laurie27wsmith says

    August 9, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    My dentist looked at me as if I were a serial killer when I recounted my story about removing a workmates tooth with a pair of multigrips. I have experienced the string from tooth to door, manyyyy years ago. Not a fan. 🙂 Sounds like you had a good time at Blogher. Ovulation drink sounds very, mmmm, interesting.
    Cheers
    Laurie.

    Reply
  6. Starting Over says

    August 10, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Loved your post. So wish I could attend one of those bloggy events!

    Reply
  7. The Hook says

    August 10, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    I learned there’s a good chance I’ll NEVER make my dream of writing professionally a reality. And that sucks rocks.
    Other than that, my depth of knowledge hasn’t increased one bit.
    I’m glad you had a chance to relax and be something other than a mom, wife and employee, Leanne. You’ve earned it.
    Well done!

    Reply
  8. tomwisk says

    August 11, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    A trip to Chicago is always worth it. I watch Pioneer Woman and think Ree Drummond is worth the price of the ticket. She is a family cook and I’ve tried some of her recipes. She cooks for cowboys and family, I cook for myself.

    Reply
  9. Kylie says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    In July, I learned it’s possible to have a January-worthy cold and miss half the month. Blech. Good-bye July.

    Reply
  10. mommymentumlauren says

    August 14, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    In July I learned it’s a bad idea to go back to work (albeit temporary and only party time), move, and plan your son’s 2nd birthday party all at the same time. You might just lose your freakin’ mind. This is why Gaining Mommymentum had to wait until August to launch.

    You should definitely be writing for NickMom…no doubt about that.

    Reply
  11. Justin Knight says

    August 18, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    Glad you had so much fun! You must be a great mom if your absence prompts body parts to fall off your children (even teeth). Ree Drummond is amazing. Her pot roast alone is worth watching the show. Yum!!!

    Reply

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