Saturday, May 23, 2015

BlogPaws Conference Jitters

I am a special kind of introvert.  I am an introvert who, days before a lunch date with an old friend, thinks, Oh my god, why did I ever agree to this, I'd rather do literally anything than go out and socialize.  One who hems and haws about whether or not to go on a double date because the other girl is a stranger and meeting new people makes me so very anxious.  I'm an introvert who breaks a sweat at the thought of introducing myself.

But I'm also an introvert who, once back to my room - my husband, my books, my job, my solitude - says, "That was so much fun!  Why don't I do this more often?!"  This is confusing and not very fun for poor Jared, who experiences both pre- and post-event Chelsea, which are nearly polar opposites.

So when it comes to big events like BlogPaws...sigh.  Color me stressed!  I know that I will end up having a great time.  I know I will meet some fantastic people and learn so much more about the pet blogging world.  I know this.  But pre-event Chelsea doesn't seem to know this, and she won't stop worrying! ;)

You might not guess from looking, but I am terrified in this picture.  It was right before a wedding where Jared and I were the guestbook attendants - lots of forced socialization!

Seriously, though, I'm more excited than anything.  Since I've been neglecting the blog lately and trying to get my head on straight, I was worried I wouldn't get as much out of the conference as I might have six months ago.  But I don't think that's true.  And to be honest, this is as much of a getaway for my husband and I as it is a learning experience.  Truthfully, I might be most excited to see all the dogs.  And grab Jared's arm and "Squeeee!" when I see one I recognize from another blog.  (You have not heard squealing until you have heard me around a cute dog.  I apologize in advance.)


I was concerned about getting sick, for sure.  For whatever reason, my "episodes" tend to happen in crowded, public, or embarrassing places (like my first date with my husband, my first day at TWO different jobs, and the biggest shopping mall in the Midwest...), and BlogPaws definitely fits all three criteria.  But I am planning on packing a tote for each day that will have all of the things I need, should I have an issue:  Medications, an ice pack, LOTS of frozen water bottles, packages of salted peanuts, and an iPod full of episodes of The Office.  Plus a super-husband who is well-versed in the art of taking care of his unconscious wife. :D  So I'm crossing my fingers!

Two posts that I have found very helpful so far are:

M. K. Clinton - Packing for a BlogPaws Conference
and
Cat Wisdom 101 - Packing it All In

They both have packing lists plus great tips for attending a conference!

Do you have any jitters when it comes to social situations?  I sure would feel less silly if you shared them with me in the comments ;)  SO looking forward to meeting you all!  I'll be the one jumping up and down and squealing over your adorable dog or cat! ;)

8 comments:

  1. I should be packing (well I am in dribs and drabs) but instead I'm reading about other jittery attendees who I am so excited to meet! I get tummy upsets when stressed and hope I'm prepared for them, too! Plus, I have to worry a bit about Coco and watch her closely for her stress level too...even though we both are outwardly calm and professional...inside I'm kinda like you! See you soon! We will have fun!

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  2. I feel the same way and probably many of us. I'm sure we will all relax and have fun once we arrive in Nashville.

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  3. Blog Paws is FUN FUN FUN ... Have a PAWsome time. Golden Woofs

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  4. Hi Chelsea! Thanks for the shout-out. I am a list maker so it finally came in handy to share. I should probably be more introverted! Please don't be worried about the conference. You will be squealing for three days! There are adorable dogs and cats plus mini pigs and a host of other cool animals to take your mind off the humans! LOL! I'm asking you and your husband to find me and my husband and we can visit. We will have Bentley and Pierre so you can certainly get your dog loving on with those two! Take a deep breath and get ready for three days of exciting fun and the friendliest people in the world! {{Hugs}}

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  5. I hope you had an amazing time! I'm quite shy myself, so I know what you mean about the nerves ahead of time and even during the conference! I bet seeing all those great dogs helped. (And I have the impression that pet bloggers are awesome human beings.)

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  6. So glad that we got to meet!!I would never have guessed! Everyone helped us feel welcome for sure!

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  7. I hope it was everything you expected it to be and your anxiety wasn't too bad. Me, I do get nervous going into large crowds and while I like public speaking there is something about adding a microphone to the equation that puts me on edge. LOL

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  8. OH EM GEE we are seriously the same kind of introvert!

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