I signed up for BlogHer '08 on the first day we could. Having missed last year's, I was determined to make this year a priority, despite squeezed finances and an insane schedule, especially in July.

 The one thing I did not plan for was how to get from here to there.  This is partly because I was half-counting on cheap plane fares (remember, it was when gas was still well under $3/gallon), and/or renting a car and driving what I consider to be one of my favorite drives -- the 101 all the way up to Northern California.

 Enter GM, with the offer to provide their hybrid Tahoe to BlogHers willing to carpool from SoCa to NoCa.

 Willing?  WILLING?  Hell yes I'm willing.  Not just willing, jumping at it. Who wouldn't be, with a brand-new hybrid vehicle and a full tank of gas. That's this native Californian's dream. So I tried to find 3 others, but it wasn't as easy as you might think.  Whether shyness or logistics, finding three people who were going to BlogHer and were willing to spend the time driving was not as easy as I would have thought.  

Ultimately, Twitter saved the day with a big YES from Our Lady of the Red Stapler Suebob and Adrienne (who ended up driving a different car with another traveler).

 Cool. Problem solved.  And then it dawns on me when the confirmation email arrives:  I'm driving a hybrid SUV, one of those big suckers that I shake my fist at while gliding quietly by in the Prius when picking up the girl. When they blow by me on the freeway I toss my head and glance at that pretty Prius display telling me I'm getting 56mpg at that moment in time.

Really?  Me?  Well, yes I am.  And I plan to put it through all its hybrid paces as we work our way up the coast. I'm hoping for a stop in Santa Barbara for breakfast and photos and Pismo for some more photos at a minimum.  

Let's see what differences (besides size) there are between my funky little Prius and this big, elegant, roomy SUV.  The husband is already a bit jealous...he keeps telling me how much fun it's going to be to drive it.  Secretly, I think he's right. It's a little like being given a license to be just a tiny bit adventurous and wild while letting someone else pick up the tab.  

Follow us on Twitter and also on Utterz for audio and/or video updates.  We're leaving Thursday morning and will see you all up there in time for the party on Thursday night.