July 23, 2007
Sex, Truths, and Videotape
Hey! Guess who's flapping her gums about parenting?! It's me, your favorite childless champion of mommyblogs! I'll be on the AlphaMom home page all day doing things like calling Simon by the awkward and ambiguous term "partner" and sporting the exact same hairdo I have now, almost one year after the segment was originally filmed! Go me! [Clip permanently available here.]
Along with my hair, another thing that hasn't changed is my love and respect for parenting blogs (by both moms and dads) or, rather, blogs by people--talented writers and artists--who happen to also be parents. I'm not sure my estimate of fifty per day was entirely accurate (because wow, does that call for an intervention?), but the fact remains that there's nothing in the world like blogs for real, honest, detailed, and sometimes controversial information on parenthood. Thanks, me, for reminding me what a valuable resource I have at my fingertips.
Thanks also, Isabel Kallman, founder of Alphamom (and brand-new blogger!), for such perfect timing on the release of my clip. Now I know not to wear my emerald cowl-neck to BlogHer this year, lest everyone think (1) I only have one shirt or (2) the world as we know it has tumbled through a crevasse in the space-time continuum and it is 2006 all over again.
Speaking of shirts, now that I've lived in the Bay Area for six years, I've finally earned my badge in Incapacity to Pack Luggage that Does Not Involve Long Pants, Sweaters, and Jackets. (The badge has a pair of mittens embroidered on it; very cute.) Although it regularly hits 75 degrees here (albeit usually in October), you can bet your last dime that no matter how hot it was during the day, as soon as the sun goes down a chill sweeps inland from the Pacific, the only remedy being long sleeves or a hot tub. I'm told Chicago in July can be brutal, and yet I'm still compelled to pick which of my handknit scarves goes best with my kicky wool socks. Silly.
In an effort to arrive in the Blustery City (right?) having done at least a small measure of preparation (I'm usually very prepared--I'm usually over-prepared--but house, cleaning, organizing, busying, et cetera, I don't have time), I'm asking for your help on all things Chicago. When we're not BlogHering, what should we do? My previous experience of the city includes a layover at O'Hare on the way to Brussels in 2000, so everything is fair game. We're visiting friends one day, and Simon will probably spend his alone time at Hull House (he wants to marry Jane Addams), but then we have two days and three nights to scout around and try to stay out of trouble in city teeming with crazy internet types all hopped up on grrrrl power.
Also, if it's not too much, please tell me what I should wear and/or send me your cutest flippy skirts and breezy tanks so that I will blend with the natives.
Looking back at BlogHer 2006 in anticipation of BlogHer 2007, I'm more excited and less nervous than I was last year, which is great because it could certainly have been the opposite. This year, in addition to having a brown-eyed security blanket for the sponsored cocktail parties (everything's better with a Simon!), I have the benefit of knowing what to expect--namely good people, good conversations, good information, good exposure, and good times all around. If anyone reading this is attending the conference for the first time, don't spend your prep time fretting--spend it picking out cute shoes. I know conference organizers have warned us that it's a bit of a walk between venues and that high heels are discouraged, but come on. Even I, who on average wear heels thrice quarterly, will be perched atop at least moderately fabulous footwear this weeked; if ever my discomfort-in-the-name-of-fashion will be worth some points, it's at a conference of women. That's not stereotyping; it's in our DNA.
Kitten heels, wedges, or flip-flops, if you'll be there, do stop by and say hello. I'm one of those people who can come off as socially gregarious if you catch me talking to someone I know, but I'm generally unable to make the first move, to ease into a conversation-in-progress with any degree of suavity. Hence all the gawking at people from behind potted plants you're likely to witness. If we know each other but, upon eye contact, I fake a seizure or something, please don't take offense--I'm just a little shy at first!
Anyway, we'll be there, A Girl and A Boy (Simon's coming for the boozy parts), looking pretty much exactly the same as we did last year although with any lucky I will be wearing a different shirt and I will not call Simon my "partner." Unless I tack on "in crime," which would be apt.
p.s. More AlphaMom interviews, starring some of the people I was lucky enough to meet at last year's conference, are available on the AlphaMom site under the series "Keyboard Confidential." New videos will be posted daily until the grand commencement of BlogHer 07.
Posted by Leah at July 23, 2007 11:50 AMRemember, just because I got married doesn't mean you can't still mention me to the ladies. Just be sure to mention that they missed out but they should still read my blog. Any publicity is good publicity right?
Posted by: will at July 23, 2007 12:14 PMActually, O'Hare isn't in Chicago, so you're still a Chi-Town Virgin. That said, the museums and the like are awesome (Field, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium - the Shedd and the Field are right across from each other.) If you're going ot do Chicago pizza, do NOT go to Uno's, go to Due's (same people but the pizza is better.) If you're in the Loop, go to the Italian Village on Monroe - head UPSTAIRS (there's three levels) and have a drink at the bar. If you're feeling brave, drop SlackDad's name. He may even be there if it's between 11:30 and 3.
If you like street food, a hot dog is paramount. There is no ketchup an a Chicago hot dog, and it's one of the few things that you could get shot over. (Just kidding.) (Kinda.)
In the realm of free (who doesn't like free?) Lincoln Park Zoo is on the near north side, it's a nice walk through the park over there and it's a great old city zoo. If you turn away from the water, you can wave to the SlackBirthplace.
If you want funky shopping and such, check out Bucktown and Wicker Park. That's the same area as Wrigley Field, so if the Cubs are in town, it's a great place to check out a game. There's also a ton of excellent music shopping up that way, if Waxtrax is still open it's worth a peek if you were ever fans of the industrial thing - they put out TKK and Front242 as well as Biafra's side project, Lard.
Posted by: the slackmistress at July 23, 2007 12:23 PMCan't marry Jane Addams...
1. Dead for a mighty long time
2. She was a big fan of the Indigo Girls, if you catch my meaning.
I'm a fan of that type of girl that likes other girls, though, and so it makes me admire her more than I otherwise would. However, if she were alive today, she wouldn't fall into the category of lipstick lesbian, she would be the kind with big saggy-butt jeans, a half shaved head with the rest in green dreds, and a little moustache.
"Oh Jane," her father would say, "I was hoping you might wear a dress to Church this Christmas."
"Dad," she would reply, "you've got to be kidding me. I'll be working at the soup kitchen on Christmas."
-Simon.
Posted by: Simon at July 23, 2007 12:37 PMHa! So cool.
Posted by: beck at July 23, 2007 01:00 PMHave fun!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth at July 23, 2007 01:28 PMGAH! Right, don't pack the same shirt that I wore on the video. I am a bit worried about shoes, only because my heel is killing me like a mofo and the only comfortable shoes right now are Crocs. God knows, I ain't wearing those in public, they are my house shoes. Maybe I will bring a natty cane.
My previous Chicago in July reminds me that nothing you wear will help you remain dry or cool. Hot and sticky is the word. Word.
Posted by: jenB at July 23, 2007 01:36 PMI second the Field and Art Institute. Have a wonderful time!
Posted by: Emily at July 23, 2007 01:45 PMI just returned from Chicago a couple of weeks ago, please pack LARGE amounts of deodorant--it's muggy there, like it's foggy in the bay in the mornings.
Have fun, eat REAL pizza and take pics.
Posted by: Michele at July 23, 2007 01:57 PMWoah, seeing a live-action Leah is strange.
Kinda like when I heard David Beckham's voice for the first time.
It makes me realize that not all bloggers sound like the voice in my head when I read their posts and not all British guys sound like Mr. Darcy.
Posted by: Monica at July 23, 2007 02:00 PMCheck out Millenium Park, especially the silver bean and the fountain that spits at you. That was my favorite part about Chicago. Well, that and checking out all the FL Wright houses in Oak Park.
Posted by: lainey at July 23, 2007 02:15 PMSigh. Wish I was going to be there to see you and your partner in crime. Have fun!
Posted by: Angella at July 23, 2007 03:35 PMI'm a big fan of Millennium Park - can't wait to see the amazing photos you're going to take of the Cloud Gate (giant silver jellybean) and the 'people of Chicago' fountain that spits. Love the waterfront in general...they usually have cool art exhibits going on at the park as well. Ooh, and the Buckingham Fountain is the one from the opening theme song of Love and Marriage! Anyone remember that show?
Spend some time checking out the architecture in The Loop (downtown, basically) and do the towers if you can (the Sears Tower Skydeck is higher up than the Hancock Observatory I'm pretty sure).
The Field Museum is definitely awesome - I wonder if King Tut is still there.
Ooh! Go to Navy Pier! Ride the ferris wheel! I also like the river boat cruises - a bit touristy and cheesy, but again, I love the info on architecture. Go see a Second City show if you can and Oprah's studio is somewhere too...a bit of a drive outside downtown core though. And go to a smoky jazz club (can't remember the name of the one I've been to, but there's a million in The Loop).
Ok...if you see me first, come up to me. And if I see you first, I'll come up to you. We can do subsequent hugging, etc. Or we can just stand and look at each other awkwardly...we shall see.
(I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU. If you couldn't tell)
Posted by: Heather B. at July 23, 2007 06:23 PMYou have such a lovely speaking voice and a very nice camera presence. Work it!
PS: Can you sign a notarized document pledging you'll attend BlogHer '08 so we can finally meet? I plan on getting there by hook or by crook but it will all be for naught if you're not there.
Do you use your real name or Leah at conferences like these?
I'm very interested in things like this as I often consider writing my own blog but wonder how others handle privacy issues in the blogging world.
So many fun things to do- will try and keep it brief:
Millennium park is a must see- not only does it have cool sculptures, but there are free concerts Wed-Sun night, starting around 630, with the Grant Park Orchestra. Pack a picnic and bring lots of booze and enjoy- may be my favorite thing to do in the city.
If its a clear day, I recommend going to the Signature Lounge in the Hancock building- its on the 95th floor and while the drinks are pricey, the view is definitely worth it. Skip the restaurant though as its uber expensive.
The Art Institute is great and on Thurs and Fri after 5 its free during the summer. It is also the most accessible as it is on Michigan by Millennium Park and the other museums are farther away on the Museum campus.
Also, this weekend is Venetian night, a big deal in the city, where lighted boats have a parade and then there is a huge fireworks show- its beautiful but also jam packed with people- be prepared for huge crowds downtown Sat night. You will probably be able to see the show from your hotel if you're staying at the W.
Hope you have a wonderful trip! Email me if you would like some more restaurant tips or have any other questions.
Posted by: Joni at July 24, 2007 08:10 AMPicking up on an earlier comment, and totally off-topic but...
.. Ah how wondrous it is that Americans are now being subjected to not only the Posh n Becks circus but also the full glory of David Beckham's voice. How could ever a man be so glorious looking yet sound so ridiculous? It's been a big let-down for us Brits for at least ten years.
Teej--My conference badge is printed with just my web address, as that allows me to introduce myself with both my online name and my real name. That can be weird for some people, so I don't mind if they just want to call me Leah. My real name is all over the archives, so it's not a secret; it's more of a Google precaution than anything else. It is strange, though, as I don't even a little bit "identify" with the name "Leah"; it sounds like someone else, not me.
Posted by: Leah at July 24, 2007 11:09 AMOhmahgah, I've been reading you for over a year?! I remember the post that prompted the interview and also my (sometimes pathetic) following. :-) And, dahling, you look dashing and you're just as cute and sweet in person (er, video) that you are on your blog. I only wish I was going to meet you this weekend, too. (Poor POOR me!)
Posted by: Mrs. Flinger at July 24, 2007 07:18 PMYou are just so articulate! Not an "um" the whole interview. Very impressive... and it was lovely to watch those interviews. Thanks!
Posted by: Jennie at July 25, 2007 08:47 PMIf you guys have kids, will your blog change to A Girl and A Boy and A Girl (or A Boy ... or A Kid ... or A Baby ... or Spawn)???
Maybe I need to be more parenty so you'll stop by my Internet home more often to chat.
Posted by: Texas T-bone at July 27, 2007 09:25 AM
