I Survived Blogopolis '11

I came. I "squee"d. I heard Problogger speak. I have just been Blogopolised.

As I braved the early morning Melbourne chill (so that's where winter's been!) to be ever-so-slightly late for my pre-conference coffee date with Zoey, I wondered what the day would hold. Having never been to a blogging conference before, but pleased to be in an environment where my incessant tweeting would actually be considered normal, I figured nothing but good could come of this trip.

I learned so much in one short day - that Melbourne definitely wants me to come live there, that you will miss out on an awesome lunch if you don't follow Jeroxie, and if you don't own an iPad, you'll be devastatingly envious of those who do.  

I love blogging, and I love being around like-minded people. To absorb their collective energy and knowledge in one room in one day was like absorbing a roomful of owls. Super-wise and all-knowing, and some really feathery.

The future of blogging in Australia is big, and it's exciting. We're influential, we're interesting, we're funny and we are here to stay. We love to write, we love to connect, we love to read. Most of us also like chocolate. And goody bags. And chocolate in the goody bags. 

I was really proud to represent FOODO, my sponsor, on the day. It's exciting to find businesses, companies, brands and people that are on the same (web) page as you. It also doesn't hurt that I want to buy pretty much half their online store stock. 

The future is so bright for all of us that want to be a positive part of this new media. 

Our plane was delayed an hour and a half. I also forgot to check in the bags under my eyes. Not a good start.

Sitting with people you've only ever chatted to online is a real blast. Especially when they turn out to be seriously gorgeous, hold your baby for you, make you laugh and make you feel at home.

Zoey's Squishy and my Veggie Baby are old hat at this blogging baby business, after hanging out together at Bloggaroke in Sydney last month and Blogopolis now. And no, we didn't pose them - they just immediately hold hands when put anywhere near each other. Adorable much?

 So impressed that Nuffnang also organised a rainbow for us! Good work guys :)

And at the end of the day, when you can bask in the glow of a day well spent, and you're not finished tweeting yet; you can throw on your PJs, eat good food, watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with your best mate and rifle through the goody bags. No, just me? ...awkward.