Chicago Here I Come! What I’m Doing at BlogHer ’13

Chicago River at night, by NoiseCollusion via Flickr

I’m on my way to  the BlogHer ’13 conference  as I write this post. While it’s always fun to check out different places while I’m traveling, this trip is especially dear to me because I spent several formative years of my life in the Chicagoland ‘burbs.  Planning this visit has brought back memories of window shopping at Marshall Fields, stocking up on spices and pastries in Chinatown, and visiting the Greek diner across the street from my father’s office.

Of course, I’ll be busy with conference activities while I’m there. I’ll be leading a couple of Writing Lab workshops on Journalism Tips for Bloggers — Friday, July 26 from 2:30-4:30 pm and Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 am -12:30 pm, in case you’re interested! — and you know one of my favorite things to do is talk shop.

Okay, there might be something I like to do more than talk shop… get dressed up in beautiful clothes, full hair and makeup. That’s what I’ll be doing Saturday evening at the second annual BlogHer Fashion Show. I know. Me. I was totally honored when BlogHer co-founder Elisa Camahort Page invited me to walk the catwalk. Then I attempted to cut out all refined carbs and hit the gym as much as possible. I had a minor meltdown a few days ago when I realized that despite my two weeks of efforts, there would be no overnight miracles and I’d be going to Chicago looking pretty much… like myself.

After lamenting for a day that I will not be walking down the runway looking like a human clothes hanger, I realized that no one is expecting me to that kind of model. Well, except maybe myself. Last year, my friend and BlogHer ’12 roommate Sabrina Enayatulla graced the catwalk… wearing a hijab and fully covered to her wrists and ankles. And she rocked it. Because that’s who she is.

I only hope I can do the same.