Wednesday, April 20, 2011

WHEN ONLINE FOLLOWERS BECOME GOOD FRIENDS.


I cannot begin to tell you how nervous I was to actually meet people I've only read about in the virtual world. Some of my favourite people, in fact. It's like meeting a celebrity. Someone you think you know.

Except that you don't.

But you do know enough about them to know that you don't need to start from scratch - you know, the outer layers of an onion. You start somewhere in the middle layers, or even deeper. Even though it feels a bit strange to do that.

And then there's those insecurities. And the butterflies. Because I admit I was nervous. When I asked myself why I was nervous, what did I come up with?
  • What if they're nothing like I imagined?
  • What if I don't like them?
  • What if we run out of things to say?
  • Will I enjoy reading their blog after meeting them?
  • Will the mystery all be gone?
Now reverse those questions and turn all those onto me (because they were the real issues!).
  • What if I was nothing like they imagined?
  • What if they don't like me?
  • Will they enjoy reading my blog after meeting me?
It was fear of The Fear. In the worst way.

Because while my quirky ways might seem cute or likeable on the blogosphere, they may just seem weird in real life. Like when I order a hot chocolate (because I don't drink coffee). Or when I talk a lot when I get nervous. Or how my children behave. And damn those Fancy Pants posts. Are they going to notice what I wear, or what I don't? Will I look the same in real life?

I made it clear up front I was nervous. After all it allows anyone else to admit the same thing. A great ice breaker too. Except when they didn't.

Brenda (of Mira Narnie) said, "Yeah - don't be nervous, be freaking excited!!! It's going to rock." While Cate (of Keep Cate Busy) said, "I'm not nervous! You are both gorgeous...what is there to be nervous about?"

Either they were hiding their fear better than me, or that they were prophets who knew the future.

But as usual, I had nothing to worry about. They both looked exactly like their photos (except even better looking, if you can believe that!) and the 3D version of them was simply scrumptious! Brenda loves to eat as much as me (and we shared our meals) and even came with homemade gifts for both of us. How thoughtful is this girl? And around 7:30pm each night I'm going to imagine Cate sitting on top of her toilet with her laptop constructing her blog post while her kids are in the bath. It's quite an image isn't it? But these are the things you learn when you meet bloggers in real life.

And in case you're wondering, for all our blogging love, did we remember to take a photograph of the three of us? Nope. Not until Brenda raced out the door did we think about our poor neglected blogs sans photographs of our catch up!

Oh, also we're definitely going to catch up again (even take a proper photo). And we might even open up the invitation a little!

Already, I can't wait.

What did you try new this week? Did you stretch your boundaries or get out of your comfort zone? Did you visit a cool cafe called Birdie Num Nums (like we did) and promptly change it Boobie Bum Bums (thanks to Cate's monkey). I don't think I can ever go there again without calling it that!

All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below)Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.

a day in the life of us 

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20 comments:

  1. Whoa!!!! This is way too cool! I am also an avid follower of Brenda and it's so fab (beyond words) to see a picture of you together. I haven't followed Cate but will soon will.

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  2. Some of my best friends are folks I've met online. So much fun!

    My husband tells people that while some people date online, I "friend" online. Heh.

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  3. Yeah, yeah. I did notice the necklace, and the shoes!!! (but then you are so stylish...and I had spend an hour standing in the rain with the RACV guy!). It is too funny to think someone might worry about meeting me...and I had too much faith in you to worry that you might be different in real life :-)
    and I think I'd better start calling it my 'bathroom chair'!!
    and yes, we are bad bloggers not even getting a proper photo!! (lol)

    But I had soooooooo much fun!!!!! Definitely count in me again next time! yaaaaay! (sans kiddos sounds gr8 too!)
    xxxCate

    PS: I'm going to link up my version of the day too :-) xxx

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  4. What fun!! It is always nice to meet people who you have connected online with in real life.
    When we were doing ivf we were part of an online support network and I chatted to alot of women in Perth who I got to know very well. When we moved here we all got together to 'meet' properly and it was like we had known each other always :)
    xx

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  5. Sounds like you had a fun time...great to hear! I've met two of my blogger buddies in person & I know how you feel - it's so exciting to actually meet them face to face & know that they have some of the same passions as you. I believe blogging may very well be a tool for forging lifelong friendships in our busy modern-day lifestyles, but it's even better if you can do it in real life! :)

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  6. wow - i think i'm still on a bit of an adrenalian high (or that might have been the great coffe!) nah, it was so awesome meeting you, catching up, seeing your kids and getting to know you. I even loved that we shared our meals like long time friend do! ha! so cute that you were nervous, and ok, maybe i was a little, but you are just as adorable if not more in real life!! And, btw I meant to ask you about your fabulous cargos you were wearing - they were divine!! And i think there would be no chance of us running out of things to talk about! we could have talked the legs of that table i reckon!
    much love
    B xx

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  7. I would feel trhe same way if I were to meet one of the bloggers of the blogs I read in real life.
    It looked like you all had a fab time!

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  8. So pleased for you all that you had a chance to meet. You all look wonderful and definitely as though you were having a great time of it. Happy Easter!

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  9. Wow, it's kind of like a date, isn't it. I would love to meet with some of my fellow bloggers someday!

    And I love the "Try Something New Every Week" challenge...I'll have to think of something for next time!

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  10. I'm back to your linky! Did you miss me?

    What a great thing for you to try this week! People are rarely as scary in real life as we think they would be. Yet, I'd be nervous, too. I am nervous! That's why I haven't met anybody in real life yet.

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  11. Oh! Fun! I would be exactly the same - worrying like that. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
    Have a great Easter!

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  12. Sounds like something I want to do one day,meeting bloggers. I love all your fancy pants posts too, like being a model every time you go out, Who takes the pics for you?

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  13. So much fun! Next time I am planning a trip to Melb I will calling you up for a hot chocolate (I don't drink coffee either)

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  14. You look like you have been friends for years. Love the pics. Hope your easter has been wonderful x

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  15. You are brave, my new thing was going to Church with my mom.
    By the way, I added my link to your blog hop... I hope I did it right! I am a bit new to this (if it is not obvious).

    Have a great day!

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  16. Sob! Three of my all time fave blogging buddies got together and loved each other and now I'm just here and I've never met anyone. Sob!

    But seriously, I am very impressed with you all. And so happy that you are still in love. x

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  17. You girls are so gorgeous... how fun to meet up in real life, but I agree, also a bit nerve racking! xo

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  18. O cool, love meeting bloggers! Here in Auckland we meet up quite often, although some of us did know each other before.
    Just voted for you by the way!

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  19. Such fun! I would have loved to have been there with you there with you three lovelies, although I'd have been outstyled by you all. If I am ever on melb, you will so be getting a call x

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Thank you for your thoughtful and positive words and taking the time to comment. Love Kymmie. xx