Mom 2 Summit

I'm not good at conferences because even though I can plan my time, it doesn't come naturally for me. My true nature is to throw calendars to the wind and just show up with my party hat on (literally). It mostly works out. But when it doesn't, my 36 year old self morphs into an 8 year old new kid looking for a seat in the cafeteria. So this year when it was time for the Mom 2 Summit, I tried to plan ahead. And by plan ahead, I mean frantically email my friend Karen the day before and beg her to send me an itinerary of my life. She is amazing like that. And her itinerary made me feel safe, because we all know that you can't be socially awkward when you're busy. 

And turns out I was busy, just not doing much of what I'd planned. Most things turned out better. Some things were worse. Okay just ONE thing was worse. It was the photo booth Epiphanie was supposed to sponsor for the pajama party at the Ritz. How fun right? I've done it many times in the past and thought, what goes wrong with a group of women + wine + pajamas and wigs? Right? In fact, I took it so lightly that I didn't remember to ship my equipment until the day before which meant I had to overnight my gear for a thousand dollars. So when the situation got all thousand dollar serious, I went into This Is Going To Work NOMATTERWHAT mode. No matter that the delivery was late.

No matter that I spent hours in my hotel room waiting for it. No matter that I couldn't get the brand new printer to work after 3 more hours of working on it. No matter if I had to decide we didn't need a printer. And no matter if New Orleans was trying to kill me. 

Searching for a costume shop five seconds before the earrings blew off my head.  

AND IT DIDN'T MATTER BECAUSE NOW THIS WAS SERIOUS AND IT WAS GOING TO WORK NOMATTERWHAAAAT.

Then I burst into tears. 

A few minutes later Karen called and said, "Do you want me to come get you?" And the idea sounded so lovely, I couldn't give in to my normal reflex which is to resist help at all costs. All I could say was, "Yes. Yes I do." And so she did. And it turns out that Jenny had been feeling the same way. And I felt better immediately after seeing them. 

Never underestimate the power of friends and a red wig. Also, how much does Karen look like Naomi Campbell here?

This is where you think the story's going to end all happy. But the real ending involves the wind promptly knocking over and murdering my light as soon as we got to the party. Yep. Turns out the photo booth was NOT going to happen NOMATTERWHAT.

And it was okay because there was so much awesome everywhere else. 

Laurie and I hosted a photo walk on Bourbon street. It was such a sweet group, and my earrings didn't blow off once. 

Cat and Mae

Linda and Sarah

Rachel

 There was so much more. So many amazing, accomplished, articulate, deep-thinking, hilarious women. It's kind of overwhelming to try to explain it all. And this is getting long so I'm going to wrap it up with my favorite shot from the weekend. Because it makes me think about laughing until 2 am, and it reminds me about how grateful I am to know her. 

One last thing (on a lighter note), if you haven't been to New Orleans, you should go even if just for the food. 

 and the bloody mary that comes with your morning coffee. 

Comments

[Elise]

These photos are amazing. I am so sad I didn't get a chance to meet you as Mae had nothing but the most fabulous things to say about you and that photo walk. You pictures are inspiring and I look forward to seeing more and more and more.

PS- Some of the best things in life come out of crisis and it seems you've proven just that.

[Sheri]

How the hell did I miss the photo walk? I am dumb. But wow! All that stuff, and you know what? You're still awesome, despite all that stuff. :) And hey, no one died. Not even you! And thank god.

[Cecily]

there is just never enough time with you, sweetie.

[ma']

You said "just ONE thing was worse" ...
That's a big huge "ONE" thing.
Wow.

Your friends look like so much fun.

[Roxanna]

Wah! I wish I had known about the photo walk. I'm sure it was in the official program, but I'm disorganized. And I only brought my iPhone. But it would have been worth it to pop-and-lock with you. Next time! XOXO

[linda]

so flippin fun. you could knock me over... (cough)... you had to be there, right?

can't wait to see you again!

[rachel]

Okay 00 the group pic -- might be my favorite thing evah and HELLO epiphanie ad ;-)

OMG -- I love me through you -- the mask pic is ridiculous. <3

Yes everything about Karen and BTW -- I feel that via you

love you

[Mae @ Here in This House]

HA! i just laughed out loud at linda's comment. tee hee.

seriously, tho, those photos of the walk ladies turned out so so lovely. holy gorgeous all around! (that karen and jenny are not so bad, too!) and just so we're clear, YOU TOOK THOSE IN ABT 30 SECONDS EACH. amazing. it would take me at least 90 seconds to just make sure my ISO was right! lovelovelove!

[Laurie]

I'm so grateful that you're my friend.

[Julie {Angry Julie Monday}]

You are sooo RAD!!! Do I really have to wait till BlogHer to see you again??? Can we do a photowalk in San Diego to make up for the fact that I was on plane? And your photos, well simply amazing....

And seriously, was serious about talking about the hubs with ya...was saying Maile that wonderful gal who also does wonderful camera bags, well she helped me figure out photobooth for the kid's par-tay!

[Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah]

I adore these! That photo walk was amazing. Can I steal the one of me?

[Mocha]

Greatest pictures I have seen in a while and not just because I know most of the women in them. Sooooo good, Maile!

[Petit Elefant]

It makes me so happy I even got to spend 15 minutes in the same room as you. And next time I want to come to the pajama party/wig fiesta with you + Karen + Jenny. That's a whole room of awesome.

Miss you already.

xo

[Mishelle Lane / Secret Agent Mama]

So. Sad. To. Have. Missed. It.

Also, I love your haircut!!

Oh, and, that picture of Rachel is pure butter! (Where butter equals awesome and good for your soul!)

[Angella]

Loved this. Love seeing women I love happy and having fun. :)

[charlane]

it looks like a crazy great time

[Redneck stickers]

that is really kind of a good achievement for any working woman, particularly a mother. It is one of the most inspirational post from your side for all of us. Please keep updating us in the same way regarding such type of activities.

[Party Bags]

I love browsing your photo shoots. Collecting memories is a lot of fun, whether good or bad. It is good to reminisce yesterdays.

[Playmobil]

You have a great time with your girlfriends. Activities like these can remove away your stress.