Here is it. The obligatory recap of what was the most fun I have had in a long time.

Going to NYC was hard for me. I haven’t been away much since 2005 when I was diagnosed with a severe panic disorder. I haven’t gone ANYWHERE without Jim by my side. I haven’t left the boys. Haven’t haven’t haven’t.

Well bitches. I have now.

Wednesday saw an influx of twittering, texting, squeeing women to the Hilton New York. There were hugs and tears and laughter. I sat back a bit and watched the scene. Surprisingly enough…I was more at home on the streets of the city than I was in that hotel. I’m familiar with New York and we are friends.

Thursday I hit the streets with some Canadians. I took them to Times Square so they could play tourist.

Me? I’d seen it before. I was busy.

We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch, I had forgotten how neat the stuff in that place was.

Thursday night came and onto the first round of parties I went. I got to squish on the writers of some of my favorite blogs, women who have become my friends over the course of the past year or so.

Heather!

Cindy!

I met Gavin Degraw.

Friday started the actual conference. I whirled around the morning, trying to orient myself to the chaos. Then I was invited to a beautiful moment. Thirty minutes that brought me to my knees. Even though the moment was all about Karen…I was able to witness it because I shook my fist at my own fears. It was huge. For so many reasons. This one moment brought so much peace to me for the rest of the weekend. I am so grateful I was able to be there.

If I hadn’t been there..I would have missed some of this awesomeness.

Colleen

Brittany

Scariest 5 blocks of my life.

People at work have been asking me, “What did you go to New York for”.

My response? “To hang out with 2,400 of my closet friends.”

See you in San Diego.