We had a summer sitter who was a little bit like a nanny, a lot like a niece, an aunt to the kids and fantastically energetic because she was fit and athletic and she could keep up with the little cherubs (hellions). She’s a rugby player and even played on the World Cup team.
Can you stand it? It’s like I’m 1 degree away from someone famous. I was introduced to her by my sister (a rugby coach up north) when she knew Kate was headed to Georgia, my fine peach state, for chiropractic school. Kate introduced us to Kirsten, her longtime, Belgian-born girlfriend, and we fell in love with both of them! A couple of years ago Kate graduated and they up and moved across the big water to Amsterdam.
They just left! The nerve!
It was a sad, sad day when we kissed them goodbye but good luck. We swore we’d come over when both the kids were medically stable and that time has come. They’ve offered us their place as we plan other trips around their city. We come back one day before I leave for BlogHer.
You caught that, right? I am flying internationally home, and then 24 hours later I am leaving for BlogHer. In my body’s defense, I am going a day early to rest. Because what is a better way to rest than to be away from your spouse and kids when they are fighting jetlag? It was an impossible flight situation because we were using miles so they were FREE tickets which meant we were limited on when we could get 4 business class seats. I can feel your jealously through the Interwebs!
I’m speaking at BlogHer and co-hosting a special needs mini-con with BlogHer so the one day early arrival is imperative because I want to be awake, pleasant, and coherent! Which happen to be the qualities that the fine folks at BlogHer want in a speaker. Also imperative to the health and well-being of those around me during BlogHer, I give you the extra list no one sends around before BlogHer:
1. Eye drops. I am after all flying all night out of Amsterdam.
2. Earplugs. For the BlogHer roommate for my breathing heavy snoring reasons.
3. Breathe right strips. Refer to number 2.
4. Blue gel-filled eye packs. For the puffy eyes.
5. A big ass clock with loud alarm. Must wake up on time with at BlogHer.
6. Liquid caffeine. Those packs that athletes use for sustaining their lives during marathons or blogging conferences, I hear.
7. Stickers with my emergency contact information. Perhaps if I curl up in a corner in fetal position and people wonder who I belong to.
Of course, since ONE event begs me to “come as I am”…the BlogHer Aiming Low Community Party, it really doesn’t matter if I’m in a jetlag conference haze, does it? Apparently I can show up in my PJs, hair pulled back in a headband and pony tail, no make-up and wearing just my pretty smile…right?
Now, I know all the lists flying around tell you to bring comfortable shoes, a cute dress, a power strip, and business cards. I get it. We all want to be prepared, but what about the list that NO ONE WILL TELL YOU to bring. What about THAT list?
What’s on the must bring list that no one tells you about? What is mine missing?
About Julia Roberts
I’m SO jealous of all of y’all going to the conference. Robin Plemmons is prolly gonna tattoo y’all’s boobies with sharpie and I will just sit at home and cry I’ll be so jealous!! Break a leg speaking!
Twitter Name: robinobryant
How about you tweet us that night and Robin can write on by boob in honor of you? How about THAT? Because then is it kinda like you are there, but not really, so that is sad but sort of, right?
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! I might have to change my will if y’all do that. I mean I’ve known y’all were my people since the beginning but THAT’S some cyber-LUV.
Twitter Name: robinobryant
TWEET US! It’ll be our little gift especially for you…
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
When I go to conventions it’s nice to bring a ziploc bag full of mini chocolate bars/swedish fish/sour patch kids and other tasty treats that will give you a quick sugar rush when you start feeling sleepy in a big convention room with no moving air (even if has central ac, the air just doesn’t seem to move). A large bottle of motrin or tylenol (for sleep-deprived headaches). A pouffy pen to write with (for added interest). Explain your situation to a reasonable doctor who will give you a few days worth of ambien to help you get back on the correct sleep schedule since you have to speak at a big conference. If he won’t buy it, go to another nice doctor, tell him you get very airsick when flying and ask him for some compazine. They can also help you get a good 8 hours rest the night before you speak after being jetlagged. Big sunglasses, in case you have to leave the conference center while the sun is still out. For God’s Sake don’t forget your sunglasses. Did that help?
Twitter Name: HeatherSchiavo
I’m TOTALLY FAITHFULLY AND WITH GUSTO going to get/do everything on your list. Seriously. You seem to have my back.
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
Awww, I’m so glad. I was hoping I didn’t sound too much like a mom. But those are things I need without jet lag!
Twitter Name: HeatherSchiavo
Oh and a twist up on the sharpie tattoos (part deux) would be to bring some multi-colored sharpies. I think those not in attendance could get an even more vicarious thrill with naughty name tattoos in different colors. Just think about it.
Twitter Name: HeatherSchiavo
A flask?
Yeah, I wondered about that…seriously. Margs I’m thinking.
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
I like Monica.
Twitter Name: robinobryant
Why thank you! I must say that my SEC collegiate experience prepared me well – I always bring the party with me!
Me too! If I could put her in my pocket and bring her with me, I would.
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
While you’re there, please try to persuade the conference Gods to host a conference on the East Coast!
Oh, and add to your list a comfortable pair of extra shoes just in case your feet swell, that can occur during long flights. And since you’re speaking…Imodium AD…for the nervous onset of IBS?
Yeah, I’m with you on the shoes (comfy flip flops!) and well, um, yeah, that other thing.
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
A camera? For blackmail pictures later?
Twitter Name: DTKMMeLookCrazy
Oh dear lord, please let the people with the cameras be kind. Please.
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1
Enjoy Amsterdam! I loved it. We flew back and arrived early evening. My sister had to report back to work THE NEXT MORNING. Not the first time either, she says it forces you to get over your jet lag faster so there you go;)
Well, I think that is part of my thinking…just FORCE it! And nothing like 5 days with 3000 people to make that happen, eh?
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1