nobody knows you and nobody gives a damn either way

Jess, delurking to (hopefully) remind you that last year at Blogher, some of those same women posted similar feelings of feeling like a misfit. Jenb, melissa, even dooce, on occassion. I urge you to push through the awkwardness, because they all sound like wonderful women. Next year, perhaps YOU will be the one carrying the bag of booze! have fun! ee

I'm so torn between wishing I could be there to meet all these people I read about every day, and being glad that I can't be there because I would also be shy and no one knows me and I don't do so well like that.

Just remember to ask LOTS of questions. People love to talk about themselves, and they leave saying, "Wow, wasn't that woman just great!" :-)

Wow you have met all the big names of the blogging world- that's something in itself.

well where the hell is supafine?? when she gets there you won't need anyone else, dude. seriously. you are awesome and SO not a loser. i know these are people that you admire, but they're just people. i'm sure they feel the same insecurities as everyone else. hell, i'd imagine even moreso, since it seems like all eyes are on them, you know? anyway, RELAX. have fun. drink a margarita, for god's sake! :)

::delurking for a bit::

STOP IT ALREADY

I know you (ok, I don't really know you, I just read about you and your kids everyday and laugh with you and cry with you and ache when you feel awkward around women you feel to be better than you).

I think you're wonderful.

I wish I could be there wandering around too-big malls and ordering cocktails with too much rum. We would be fast friends, I just know it.

When you begin to feel badly about yourself, remember that you are raising FOUR (COUNTEMONETWOTHREEFOUR) kids, and baby, if you can do that - you CERTAINLY can have conversations with other women who also, by the way, feel badly about themselves from time to time.

::lurking cloak back on, sipping on cocktail::

You'll be fine, even if it takes until the first session, where you'll be sitting next to someone who will be interested in the same thing that you are...because that's why they're there.

Also, go read Shane's note again. :)

this post makes me want to take the next flight to California and hug you and hang out with you!!!

I know this feeling.

I have worked in another internet-based industry for 4 years, complete with its own pseudo-celebs and well-knowns. I go to the conventions every year and see these folks I read about all the time and have felt very small and insignificant. Until this past January when I decided it was time to (perhaps a little painfully) come out of my shy shell and be slightly more outgoing.

It only hurts for a minute but it's all worth it in the end.

Sheesh, that sounds a lot like childbirth, doesn't it? lol

You go girl. It'll be all right.

i wish you were here too Flippy! and i think Jess had a good time tonight by the pool talking to lots of awesome people. i am surprised san jose doesn't implode from all the nice and interesting people at this thing.

you are awesome Jess. i never thought you would want to go to the mall again!

xoxoxoxo

I just want you to know that if I was there, I'd probably be too shy to talk to you because I think YOU are one of the cool people.

You are NOT a loser! NOT at all! -hugs-

hi jess: so, i'm several days late on this comment, but being the first time i visit your site, i feel i have a little leeway.

i have been doing nothing the past couple of days except reading blogher recaps, and yours touched me like no other's. this sounds so much like me, and the note so much like something my own husband would tell me.

i'm so glad you were able to talk with folks and feel a bit better.

hi jess: so i'm a few days late in posting this comment, but I figure since this is the first time i visit your site i'm entitled to a little leeway.

reading the description of the first part of your time at blogher was like reading what my experience would have been like too -- which is why i never would imagine attending. and the things your husband said are exactly what mine would have said to me.

i'm so glad that it got better for you, and you were able to connect with some great people.