OH Conference! (pic heavy)
For the "on topic" stuff - I didn't track, I did eat chocolate, I drank copious amounts of alcohol, I had whipped cream on my coffee once (it was very little, slightly disappointing) - so I'll just get that out of the way. I'm back on track today with no regrets and only a pound gain. I'm not advocating drinking copious amounts of mixed drinks full of sugar, but WTF. I'm an adult, I hardly ever go out, and I had an epic time partying like a rock star.
Summer is just as awesome and kick ass in person (I know no one is surprised by that). Jenn is seriously a ray of sunshine, full of warmth and generosity and kindness. I'm so glad I got a chance to get to know Allison, even though she thinks I'm a hater because I don't like the last name Brown (it's my husband's as well), because she's fantastic and hilarious. It was so great seeing the wonderful Linda (spencerella) again. Ginger is a sweet heart. A special shout out to Chris Waffle for taking Summer and I out to a random salsa bar and showing us an awesome time (although I'm pretty sure he had an awesome time as well). I'm very much hoping Summer posts all her myriad NSVs from that special night. And I'm obviously a super lucky chick to live in the same city as the amazing, inspiring, nerdy, real, beautiful Candy (sleevegirl). I met many wonderful, inspiring people, so please forgive me for not remembering everyone's names.
My takeaway from this conference wasn't from any of the seminars or panels, it was from a wardrobe malfunction. No matter how thin I get, no matter how much bravado I throw around ("confidence"), I am still the very self conscious fat girl inside. I will never feel like a pretty girl or a cool girl. I will always see myself as the loud girl, the smart girl, the girl who would rather make fun of herself before someone else does. I'm not really sure how to explain this, but it was eye opening for me. No matter how much I change on the the outside, I really still am the same person on the inside. And that's actually OK. I liked me fat, I like me thin. I'll never be sexy or terribly cool, but at least I can wear whatever the hell I want :)
And some pics! I didn't take a lot, so this is pretty much what I had on my phone.
Seriously kiddos, don't try this at home. Very potent Hurricane and ridiculous selfie :)
Bettie Page costume (I love RTR!)
Summer as the a sexy and totally adorable go go dancer! I wish I had a photo of her fabulous boots
Dinner with Jenn, Allison, John and Summer
Candy, Summer and me enjoying some ****tails
I love this photo
Who doesn't like waffles?!
And my personal favorite from the weekend. Yes, folks, that is a twinkie (and no, I didn't eat it. I don't eat twinkies, but I know someone who does...chocolate covered ones) Hahaha
That is so funny, to me, you WERE one of the very cool chicks. You and the gorgeous Summer and Jenn, Allison, and Chris were the IT crowd. I loved seeing you at the costume party. It is so interesting how others can see us so very differently than we see ourselves. I thought you were stunning, but I have always thought that about you.
Deena,
Besides being gorgeous (but I knew you would be already), you are soooo real and I love that about you. As you said, "No Filter". **** who likes it any other way??!!??!!
I was so glad I went to this conference because I met some truly amazing & inspiring people including you. You are hardcore, you keep it real, you have fun, say "F It", & take the bull by the horns. Truly my kind of gal.
It's people like you who make this journey a blast ... where I can laugh at myself, yet realize I need to take myself seriously at time. You are the total package gurl, you have it all!!!
Thank you for taking the time to come hang out with us, we really did have a blast & it's memories I will treasure for YEARS to come!!!
xoxoxo
Jenn
WWBD?
