Hey y’all!
In about 78 days, a big group of bloggers will be gathered in Dallas for Blissdom 2013. I am beyond ready to spend a long weekend with some of my favorite girls! I bought my Blissdom ticket last week, and I am just EXCITED, so excited that I shared a picture of my confirmation ticket here, on the twit, instagram, and facebook!
Just in case you missed it :)
It’s kind of amazing how one experience can completely change you. Last year before Blissdom, I was excited and nervous, but I think mostly nervous. New adventures are always a little scary, and with everything going on in my life this time last year, I was nervous about something new.
Blissdom was amazing. It changed my opinion of the blogging community. It made me more confident in what I do here. It’s hard to describe how uplifting it was to be surrounded by my friends and a huge group of people just like me, who do what I do, and who understand what I do. After all of that, it was hard to go back to real life.
I think we started planning this year’s Blissdom before we even left last year! There are so many things I loved about last year’s conference and so many things I’m looking forward to this year. Here are a few things I can’t wait for!
Spending time with my favorites
I had such a great time with these girls last year! (Natalie & Molly, why didn’t we get pics together??) I had already spent lots of time with Neely, Meghan, Amber, and Kiley, and I loved getting to spend so many days in a row with them. I loved getting to finally meet Jenn, Rachel, Natalie, and Molly in person. Seriously y’all, there is nothing like getting to finally spend time in person with people you’ve only talked with online. There was so much screaming, hugging, and jumping up and down! Not all of these girls are able to go to Blissdom this year, and they will for sure be missed!
Making new friends
Heather and I met through a blog swap, and Neely and Tiffany were twit friends, and I loved getting to meet them. Because of the Facebook group for Blissdom newcomers, I was able to connect with other first time attendees like Jen and Carrie. I also got to meet some “big bloggers” that I’ve been following for awhile like Maggie, aka Gussy Sews!
Listening to fabulous speakers
Jon Acuff, Jeannette Kaplun, Erin Loechner, and Blissdom founder Alli Worthington were just a few of the inspirational speakers we heard. I learned some really great things from them that made me think a little differently about blogging and life. Their words pushed me to really take pride in my place in blog land, and because of that, when I came home I shared my blog on Facebook for the first time. You can read some of the things I learned from them here. I can’t wait to see the list of this year’s speakers!
Seeing really cool concerts!
As a huge music fan, I loved getting to see performances by Rascal Flatts, Chris Mann, and Joe Jonas! So fun!
This year’s conference is going to be in Dallas. For the last three years it’s been in Nashville, but this year they decided to make a change. Nashville is one of my favorite cities ever, so I was a little bummed when I saw the announcement, but the more I think about it, I’m REALLY glad it’s in Dallas instead. Here’s why:
*I don’t have to use extra vacation days at work for travel.
*I don’t have to be crammed in the back seat of Amber’s car for 12+ hours with a bunch of suitcases and a Neely.
I love love LOVE these girls, but I wasn’t sure our friendships were going to survive that car ride home.
*I don’t have to endure the loooooong drive through Arkansas. No offense to my Arkansas friends, but it is almost painful driving allll the way across the state.
I already know that Blissdom is going to be another wonderful experience. If you still haven’t decided if you’re going, I would definitely encourage you to go. You definitely won’t regret it. One of the beautiful things about Blissdom is that no matter how big or small your blog is, it doesn’t matter. We are all just bloggers gathering together because we love what we do.
If you have any questions about Blissdom, please don’t hesitate to email, comment, or tweet me! I’d love to help!
Hope to see y’all there!
What a fun post! I definitely cracked a smile about your car ride comments :)
WORST CAR RIDE EVER! But I still love y’all.
So excited to be your roomie again :) we can snuggle
SO, funny story….. Last year, while everyone was at the Gaylord Opryland for Blissdom, I was actually at a conference for work in downtown Nashville (CRS… Country Radio Seminar).
I was tweeting with some of my blogger friends while they were there. As much fun as I was having (FUN), it stunk not to be able to see my favorite bloggers.
i wish i could getaway to see everyone…but a baby on hip puts a damper on things at times
Looks like so much fun :)
Sounds like a ton of fun!! Glad you’re able to go back and go to Dallas, I love that city!
PS: driving through the whole state of Arkansas is terrible and boring. 5 hours in one state is just too ridiculous!!
Looks Great!!! Happy new year.
Kids Games
It sounds wonderful — I’m jealous that I’m not going this year (again)! Maybe next year will be my year! :)
How exciting and fun! I’m sure you are going to have a great time and a much shorter drive lol
I. Am. So. Excited!!!! Seriously can’t even believe this is happening!!!! :-) Let’s please jam out to some vintage Jessica Simpson or something equally fun ;-)
Oh, this is something I really should go to. I’m only 5 hours from Dallas. I can only imagine the kind of fun this would be. So glad you are going again. Blessings for this new year!
i really really want to go! I wish it was closer to me this year :)
I’m so excited, too!! Eep! Dance parties!!!!!
I just bought my tickets and am so excited to head to my first blogging conference. I would love to connect with you while I’m there. Jodi @ http://www.meaningfulmama.com