I have been blessed with many friends and - though, I haven't actually met most of them, you know, in person - I'm excited to be able to attend this year's BlogHer Conference in Chicago, where I hope to have the pleasure of finally getting together with some of the bloggiest...mommies...I read and...I am dying to meet...face-to-face!

I think.

Let's face it, sitting down at the computer (or, anywhere) and escaping to my own private little world - though, quite undeservedly named and rather unpleasant to the ear - blogging has simply become my refuge; a peaceful little place, where I can air out my troubles and doubts.

[breaths in deep]

It's quiet, smells good, is pleasingly color-coordinated and there is not one sticky surface to be found, within miles!

[stretches arms]

The temperature is a steady seventy-five-degrees and it never rains -- unless I'm asleep, or need a day to catch up with the housework -- and there is no need for allergy medicine!

[rolls shoulders]

Where the use of cosmetics, or hair colorant is unnecessary and clothing is totally optional.

[extends arms and smiles broadly]

Yep, this is where I blog...and I live it, here...it's all real...and you're welcome, anytime, to stay, as long as you'd like.  But, then again, there are those times when reality hits and I realize that - when it comes to getting out, on my own - I'm a virtual stranger, to most of you.

[shiver]

What if I'm not what, you know, most people think?

"Why are you going, then?"

My 13-year-old was horrified to learn that over 700 people attended last year's conference.

"Stay home, with us!"

Surely, my 11-year-old understands, I always do.

"We'd miss you, too much!"

My son was right and me, too.

"Can we come wif, you?"

I mean - taking into consideration that there will be childcare available at BlogHer '07 - even if I were able to somehow afford it, would I take my children with me, or would I simply feel totally lost, without them?

"No...not this time, sweetie...I'm sorry."

The reality is, I'm not feeling all that guilty about leaving my husband home to deal with the kids (okay, maybe just a little) but, this is unlike any conference he's ever attended.

[yawning]

Nope, I am looking at it as a big blogging playdate and - though, it's not just for mommies, either - heaven knows, the break away will do us good.

Does my husband agree?

Sure, he does - otherwise, he wouldn't have put in for the vacation time to stay home, with the kids - and the closer we get, the more I'm loving the idea of going on this trip.

Traveling to a strange city, sharing the bathroom with three other women and representing nothing more, than myself, in front of hundreds of other bloggers, in something other than pajamas - not so much!

For real!