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The Relevant Conference

Last weekend, I made my way across country to Harrisburg, PA for the Relevant Conference. One thing I didn’t think about before heading out was that in Pennsylvania, you can actually see the seasons change. The beautiful weather (which in PA) and scenery was the perfect setting, now if they only had done the conference outside – it would of been perfect.

Nice People Who Blog -  Bloggers Who Are Nice People

The event introduced me to many many bloggers that were great to meet IRL. Big happy face over to these new pals: Sami, Kelly & Lindsey – and a face that moved across country and was so happy to see: ABBY! (and of course AJ)

The Event & Take Aways

The atmosphere was laid back and everyone was so stinkin’ nice. (which that always makes the awkwardness of WHO ARE YOU a little less awkward, kind of.) Great conversations, talks and break out sessions that provided a host of opportunity to meet and learn from others.  I have a stack of cards I can’t wait to go thru to follow!

Relevant was unlike any of the other blogger events I have attended. The focus wasn’t on the technical how-to in the sense of gaining followers, setting up WordPress, which yadda yadda to use… The technical know how I walked away with from Relevant was on how to balance digital life vs. real life, honoring God thru your words and stories, using our God given strengths for His good and sharing your story. Nope. Not the typical Vimeo vs. You Tube conversations.

Blogging Reality

I have to say, my fave speaker was Angie Smith. I totally loved her talk on Blogging Reality.

Are you blogging authentically and getting REAL with who you are?

Angie spoke about the fake presence of some people online. She talked about being yourself and blogging the reality of it all.

In good fun, I thought WHY NOT. I really try not to sugar coat over the personal details I share on here. But what am I NOT sharing. Because you didn’t ask for it and it’s late…

Random Realities About Me

My House is Rarely Clean.

It’s not typically THIS bad, (I mean HELLO HOARDERS) – but it’s rarely clean. And I am okay with that (until you stop by unexpectedly.)

Follower of Christ

While my walk isn’t something I blog regularly about – my faith is what I live my life by. It’s what keeps my marriage together. It’s how I raise my children. It’s what gives me the courage to be who I am.  It’s why I feel guilty when I honk the horn obnoxiously at the dude who cut me off . It’s why I try to be a better person. It’s why I am okay with imperfections and those unforeseen blips in life. It’s why I want more for the world. It’s well… everything.  If you don’t know that Jesus dude, you should meet him. He kind of changed my life in a mega way.

My Kids Are Not Perfect.

Almost perfect – IN PICTURES. IRL, not so much. But I do love them because of that. Each is their own little person, so different – yet they all look soo much the same. Life would be way too quiet and who would I blame my dirty house and car on if I didn’t have them?

Grace.

Grace is what has saved me. I wish more people would meet Grace. She’s quite nice and forgiving.

I Work Way Too Much.

This is a constant struggle because I seriously LOVE WHAT I DO, so much I have a hard time calling it a job. BUT it’s something I have to accept or change or gripe about in a blog post (note to self, please avoid option “C”).

Social Good Makes Me Happy

I found my special purpose in life, still don’t know how to make it happen – but God willing I’ll find a way to pursue living a life geared towards social good. Poverty, abuse and ignorance makes me sad.

My Husband Deserves a Medal of Honor

I travel at least once a month. My husband is stuck at home with 3 kids (and 1 of those being a baby) – playing Mr. Mom. Which BTW he rocks the socks at that role. He keeps the family together. He’s the left brain to my right brain. The best baby daddy to my children. How he stays married to me, I will never know.

When I Am Not In The Office, I Pretty Much Only Wear Yoga Pants (and a top – sickos)

I think I mentioned getting rid of the yoga pants after the baby was born. I did. But…. I went out an bought several more pairs non-maternity.That’s how I roll… LAID BACK.

I Am A Bad Friend With A Heart Of Gold

Work. Family. Blog. Sleep. And I don’t make enough time for my friends. BUT. I do love you guys. I just suck at keeping up. Thankful for the IRL friends who are now on Twitter and/or on Google Chat or that just happen to work with me. A pop-up message in the middle of a crazy day from a friend just saying hi makes life better. (Note to self: be a better friend).

My Sister Knows Where The Bodies Are Buried

Well not really and after I typed that, the thought of the FBI reading my blog just popped into my head. *HI! I’m INNOCENT! PROMISE! PINKY SWEAR!* But I do heart her. I have to. She is the only other sane one in the family. (HI MOM & BUBBA!)

Listening Is An Art

Learning to shut up and just perk your ears and listen is huge. I have a friend who is SO great at listening. I expect her to say something opinionated, but instead she asks “Would you prefer that I just listen or tell you what I think?” I heart that (and her!).

Insomnia Is The Secret To Regular Blogging While Being A Full Time Working Mom

HOW DO YOU HAVE TIME TO BLOG? I hear that regularly. Then I gently remind them I don’t go to sleep until 2 in the morning. (Don’t you hate it when someone uses them or they in reference to unnamed persons? your welcome). Well there you have it. Real. Honest. And Random. Maybe that should be my new tagline. or not.

What Random Things Should I Know

or NOT Know About YOU (even better!)?

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