379 Blog Posts Behind; was it Worth it?

So, April, in a word, has been packed. I won't bore you with the details--most of which are convulsingly boring--but suffice it to say that turning off my google reader was a necessary element of survival. Other things that reflect my neglect: My front porch has been stacked with empty cardboard boxes for almost two weeks (I received the binders used for the LDStorymaker Syllabus and since the actual binders filled my foyer, the boxes went outside, where they have not been touched), the three month supply of Ramen Noodles I keep downstairs is gone, and my writing schedule, which shows I was at 22, 083 of my WIF on March 29 shows I am currently at 22, 083 almost a month later.

So, while I loved every minute of the conference and the Whitney Awards, there is certainly a part of me that is relieved to be done, for now anyway.

I plan to get back into my regular routine as soon as I can, and plan to blog in detail about both the conference and the Whitneys, but for now I want to make a couple comments specifically toward my bloggy freinds.

I was so thrilled when I learned so many of you were coming to the conference, I imagined being able to sit next to you during a lunch, having a real-life conversation and giving adiquate acknowledgement of what I see as our freindship--the reality is that I got a hug (or handshake) from most of you, shared a couple dozen words, and was off running to something else. I realized this year that I have a certain disposition that keeps me completely high-strung at events where I have responsibility. I love that--I love the contininual momentum, I love being in the middle of things, I love trying to ease processes and being a go-to-girl. I don't regret THAT, but I do regret that I didn't make the time to properly acknowledge each of you a little more. I had thoughts on Saturday that we should have put together a Bloggy Ice Cream social or something for like 9:00 Friday night. Then we'd have the time to just hang, which would have been so much fun. I hope no one was offended or felt small or wondered why I didn't seem to care. As I look over the last few days, that is my big regret--that I had you guys so close and didn't take full advantage of that.

THAT SAID--I was teary when Kimburlee and Luisa 'found' each other across the room--and so glad when I got to 'find' them for just a minute. Melanie J. is exactly the babe I knew her to be (the heels! Wow), Stephanie Humphries And Melissa C. sat at my bootcamp table, hopefully not out of sympathy for me, and impressed me very much with their writing, Don WON the first chapter contest and though he likely coudln't hear me, I was cheering as loud as I could possibly manage (which thanks to the double ear infections I'm still recovering from was like triple-echoed in my own ears--I was like my own stadium!) Lexiconluvr gave me a necklace and earrings, can you believe that? I'd complimented her jewelry at a prior event and she BOUGHT me the same set. I felt like one of those celebrity people that get free cars and things. She is a bundle of energy and smiles and each time I passed her in the hall I got a fabulous hug. Heather Justisen came to the Humdinger signing, the conference, and the Whitneys--her support and continual 'there-ness' over the years means so much. Heather, believe me when I say I am THRILLED with your book coming out! Danyelle WON in the first chapter contest (one of them co-authored by Heather J.)as well, and as she is one of the bloggers I read that I've known the longest, I was a-hootin-and-hollerin right along with everyone else. She and Ali Cross were a great duo on the 'Goodmorning LDStorymakers'. Rachelle has a book coming out as well, and the woman just glows--did you notice that? Rebecca Tally also came to the Humdinger event--not only does she have 9 kids she even LOOKS like Wonder Woman! Stephanie Black won the Whitney in 'our' category and I couldn't have been more thrilled for her. Wendy and I passed each other many a time, Karlene was a fabulous hostess at my signing Thursday night, and always a smiling face at the conference. Mathew Buckley looked as busy as I was, and from what I hear tweeted beautifully all through the Whitneys. Carole was one I got to chat with more than most; I was so glad as she is someone I admire so much.

AND, in addition to all that--I got to spend time with some of the most amazing women I know; Tristi Pinkston, Julie Wright, Annette Lyon, Alison Palmer, and Heather Moore. I wish I'd had more time to visit with Jeannette Rallison, Tami Norton, and my writing-warrior-group Anne, Ronda, and Becky.

I also appreciate that while I didn't get the one-on-one time I wanted, I believe that each of these people don't hold it against me (well, I hope they don't). I so admire each of you and am glad to know you.

Sheesh, I said this would be short, didn't I? See what happens to all my good intentions? And I still need to put in the links--I better send the kids down to check for more Ramen one more time.

(If I missed you, don't be afraid to say so--and I just finished the links--took me 40 minutes!)