Freaks and Geeks
Things I Learned, Noticed, or Was Reminded of at BlogHer This Year:
1. We’re all freaks and geeks. All of us feeling like third-graders with a rip in the butt of our pants. We all feel like everyone is doing it better than we are, is more confident, prettier, more together. We’re all a little insecure, a little afraid, and sometimes lonely. Elan said she was feeling particularly alone when she overheard some women whispering to one another “There’s Schmutzie!” She was wishing they would talk to her, but they didn’t approach.
2. Letting others see our true selves can bring us closer together. In a small group, I admitted, even after 10 years, I still felt intimidated sometimes. A newbie thanked me profusely for admitting that, because she had been feeling the same way. Then Elan told the story from item 1 and I didn’t feel so bad about feeling like I was being too much of a loner so much of the time.
3. Hotel soap and shampoo is often stanky.
4. People who are true experts are often very generous with teaching what they know. It’s the bullshitters who act like they’re too good to share with others.
5. Giving someone very specific thanks is far more valuable than just saying “You’re awesome!” I told Awesomely Luvvie that she had made me laugh more than anyone else this past year. She just lit up. It would be easy to say she’s awesome (bcuz, obviously – Awesome is in her NAME) but calling out the thing she is best at was what made her happy.
6. Jenny Lawson can’t help but be funny. Dang.
7. The country song is pretty sappy, but I really do think you should dance.
8. Taking the Monday after BlogHer off is an excellent idea.
9. Swag is rarely worth taking time away from talking to your friends.
10. A granola bar in your purse is your best insurance policy in case of hummus wraps.
11. (Because this blog goes to 11): Taking red stapler pictures will never get old for me.
Heather of Rookie Moms.
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Suebob's Red Stapler 
Your #5 is so interesting to me, because I’m one of those people who says “you’re awesome!” because I have a hard time putting it into more specific words sometimes. But it would be a nice personal challenge for me to improve my skills in that area, especially if it’s going to make someone else smile.
Seconding 1, 2, 4, and 8. I’m glad I got the chance to see you this weekend, and thank you for the new red-stapler picture!
I always always love the Red Stapler pics!
Me too. I love that everyone puts their own personality into them, and that they’re this funny record of time passing.
Haha that stapler is the best! I am so happy I met you at BlogHer14! Real talk, #3 was my life all weekend. In the hotel we were in there was seriously some heavy oil or something in the soap and it was incredible how strongly I smelled. Nice on my skin though! 🙂 I’m also glad you mentioned #1 because I was feeling surprisingly intimidated and out of my league. Being a newbie it was a little overwhelming so it’s nice to hear that it wasn’t just me!
It was great to get to meet you, too, Brittan. That little talk we all had on those couches in that quiet corner was one of the best parts of BlogHer for me.