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Hi, I'm Linda.
Do you know who I am? Chances are, you do not. There is a pretty good chance I don't know who you are either.
And yet - we might meet in a few months. What will we talk about? Will you be shy? Will I chatter nervously? (Answer to that last one: most definitely.)
I started blogging in 2005 all gung-ho and built up a little comfy corner of the Internet for myself. I had a bean bag chair and some diet root beer. It was great. And then, in 2008, my work-life went crazy-nutso and I had to back off. Then it got even more crazy and I took a little hiatus. I only just came back with full force at the start of this year, but dayum, do I feel back.
With blogging comes online networking, which I have been doing (and enjoying immensely). Online networking has plugged me back into BlogHer. Oh, I was never a force majeur here or anything like that - just another reader, really. But lately, I've been a commenter and I've been posting a bit. Hi! I'm Linda. Nice to meet you.
I am 45 years old, and I have a nifty title at work (nothing that would impress, like, a KING, of course, but one my mom thinks is pretty awesome) and the last few conferences I've gone to, I went as a speaker. Most people who know me envy my confidence.
However, as I pressed the SUBMIT button for the BlogHer conference, I felt like I did at 14 when I was going to the roller rink and Carlo was totally going to be there and oh-my-god did he LIKE me? Would he ask me to couple-skate? What if my palms got all sweaty?
In other words, whatever swagger I have in my life at large seems to disappear in a new situation where I feel UNconfident, and then I shiver like a toy poodle at a pit bull convention.
I think I just called you all pit bulls.
That is certainly an analogy I could develop. You're scary, there have been reported attacks (of words) at past conferences, you have big teeth and incredible strength and I am but a meek little mutt from Kansas.
Well, OK, I'm not meek nor am I from Kansas. And I have no idea how big your teeth are. Like pit bulls, though, there are many who defend you. "Oh, they are SO sweet - you just have to experience them for yourself. You'll totally fall in love. Don't let the myths and sterotypes scare you away!"
I pressed the submit button on my registratoin and I'm committed. I'm hoping that in the coming months, I can connect with a few people who will let me cling to their legs and hide under their skirts in New York that weekend. Hopefully I'll connect with someone willing to share her lovely Xanax with me. I need a buddy-system. I need safety in numbers, even if the number is just two. (On a completely serious note - if anyone else is feeling likewise, let's chat... I totally give as good as I get and I would be a buddy to you. Assuming you like the f-word and vodka. OK, just kidding about vodka, but notsomuch about the f-word.)
I will be there just as an individual, just me, JustLinda. I have no expectation that anyone will know who I am, and yet I am terrified that no one will know who I am. If you see someone with JustLinda written on her name tag, be generous with your lies, please. Not all of you, of course, just one or two (you can draw straws, or maybe do an elimination tournament of paper-rock-scissors).
Speaking of my name tag, I wonder if there is enough room on it for all that needs to be said. I feel like I should have one of those tags that stray little puppies wear when they are left on people's doorsteps.
This is Linda. She is funny and smart, but occasionally gassy. She loves pina coladas but not getting caught in the rain. It's likely she will talk incessantly when she gets nervous. Just scratch her behind the ear until her leg starts kicking repetitively and evenutally she will calm down and shut up. She may lick your face. We have found it effective to use a spray bottle of water when she does this. GOOD LUCK!
Hi, I'm Linda. I'm coming to BlogHer in August. I can't wait to meet you.
JustLinda fabulously imperfect
