Happy Thursday, friends.
And a happy one it is.
This time tomorrow? I’ll be bound for Chicago. After 32 days in Silicon Valley with Sverve at 500 Startups, I’m going home for good. It’s amazing to think of all that I’ve done during my time here.
I met my Sverve team in person. Up until 500S, we had been relegated to Skype conversations and email correspondence. They are a quality crew full of imagination and with an incredible work ethic.
I co-hosted an event for Bay Area Influencers including big blogging deals like Jadah of Simple Green Smoothies, Maya of MemeTales, Rachelle of TinkerLab and Chrissy, The Outlaw Mom. I so look forward to reconnecting with Maya and Chrissy in just a couple of weeks at BlogHer Chicago.
I emceed two Sverve webinars for presenters Gigi of KludgyMom and Tiffany of BloggyMoms. They are both class acts that I also can’t wait to see at BlogHer.
I have learned more about Search Engine Optimization than I ever thought I’d care to know, thanks to the fabulous Vanita of The Strategic Mama. During my after hours and by following her sage advice, I have reworked every post on this site and improved its Alexa Ranking dramatically.
I launched SverveBlog’s Influencer of the Week series.
I have had a hand in increasing Sverve’s influencer membership by 20 per cent.
I have met entrepreneurs from the world over. This batch of 500 Startups is particularly international and makes me wish that my own language repertoire featured more than English, French, and Pig Latin. Ammitday.
And while I wouldn’t change any of these experiences for the world, I cannot wait to get home. Being here has not come without a price.
Because, friends?
I’ve learned something about myself on this trip. As much as I love my peace and quiet and order?
I need some degree of chaos in my life.
I have missed digging into my shoulder bag for my wallet and coming up with a handful of The Small One’s origami creations.
I’m overthinking everything. I do my best writing when I have set a microwave timer for three-zero-zero-zero-start and allowed myself a mere half an hour of composition time before heading off to pick up Twin A from volleyball camp or theater practice or a friends house or what have you.
I’m not tired enough when I go to bed. The culprit: Twin B is not around to meander into my room with questions about God and Heaven and Science and Creation and Why Do You Love Me So Much, Mom?
Furthermore, I need my groom interrupting my evening work sessions by raising an eyebrow at me when I’ve kept my laptop open for entirely to long. I need him to tell me to shut it down already and call it a night.
I need the embrace of a dear friend who has received an ugly medical prognosis and who needs as much love as my tired arms and aching heart are capable of squeezing out.
This…this, my friends…
Is the stuff of which memories are built.
And I’ve missed quite enough memory building, thankyouverymuch.
It’s time to go home and get myself knee-deep in some chaos.
See you in Chicago.
There is no place like home for memory building – and that special kind of chaos. Glad you will soon be home.
Me, too, Kim! I’ve been like a fish out of water, especially during the past week. Cannot wait!
I hope I run into you at BlogHer! There’s got to be someplace us locals can congregate.
Wait…you’re Chicago? Email me! We’ll make this happen! Yay!
I completely understand the Twin A and B thing! I have that lovely chaos in my life as well and although a break is welcome, you just miss ‘em so damn much!! Safe travels…
Thanks, Allie…really, REALLY looking forward to squeezing the living daylights out of those Cherubs.
I bet it feels good to be heading home!
Will I meet you at BlogHer?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Let’s connect for sure, Shell! I’ll be the newbie standing awkwardly in the corner with a bunch of “How to Survive Your First BlogHer” posts printed out and clutched in my fist.
The hood is not the same without you. Tell that pilot to put the throttle ( or whatever that thing is ) into full speed!
See you soon!!
I KNOW! Back yard and poolside fun is required. STAT. xo
Looking forward to having you back!
There’s NO place like home, Cath.
Still can’t believe that time went by so fast!
LOL! You were one BUSY lady! But it also sounds like it was worth every minute! You have some very exciting things going on! I know your family and friends missed you tons but as your fatigue starts to subside, I’m sure you’ll look back in the experience be so very glad you took the chance!
Agreed, Tracie. On every single word. Thanks for stopping by, love. xo
Welcome back, but what a kick ass 32 days! You go, girl.
Yep, Poppy…Kick ass for sure. I alternately kicked and got myself kicked. It’s only fair.
Well it is now Saturday as I get to read this at last and all I am going to say is damn you have been busy
I’m still catching up, Jo-Anne…I’ve got a whole lotta summering to do now!
I thrive on chaos too. I totally get this post! I loved reading about all the cool stuff you are doing!! Wish I was going to BlogHer this year but it is not to be. Hopefully next year! Following you now!
It’s a prerequisite of momdom…no? Thriving on chaos? If things aren’t a bit lopsided, I’m just not comfy. Glad to know I’m not alone in this, Michelle.
sounds like you had such a productive time here. glad you did!
Bummer we didn’t get to meet while I was out there, Catherine! Are you going to the San Fran bloggers event this Thursday? Looks to be really fun and educational!
—No. Place. Like. Home.
xx
Amen.
Man I’m so jealous I won’t be at BlogHer! Glad you’re home safe and sound!
Next year, Sandra. Let’s make that happen.
OMG your alexa! it’s kicking butt girl! I’m so proud of you! You have been one wicked busy camper. Sverve is very lucky to have you mama. you have definitely kicked their rep up a few notches.
ANd thanks for the shout out sweeti!
Seriously. If I had not met you? I’d still be hanging out in oblivion. You know I love you long time. xo
Home Sweet Home! Thank you for spreading JOY and sharing at the Oh What a HAPPY Day party.
Holly at Not Done Growing