BritMums Live 2013 ... this year I am chilled about it.

Tomorrow I am heading off to BritMums Live 2013 - a huge blogging conference. I went last year and was a bit of a quivering wreck as I worried about what people thought of me, was I a weirdo, what should I wear, who could I talk to ... You name it, I worried. However, this year I am not at all worried. I am excited and looking forward to having a couple of days out by myself with a few freebies and some interesting workshops thrown in for good measure.

Part of me really wants to be in with the bloggers who all seem to know each other and be arranging to go out for dinner after the awards, or arranging to meet before the conference. And part of me is very happy to just go with the flow.

It is an odd thing, to turn up at an event and not actually know anyone at all, in real life. It is odd to wander into a building not knowing whether the person you are standing next to is the person you have chatted to about what you had for breakfast that morning. Or about world politics and the meaning of life ...

I found it difficult last year to walk up to complete strangers and start chatting. Well, that's quite normal isn't it? Most people find it tricky to walk up and start a random conversation with a person they don't know. I think that last year I had expected to walk in and suddenly make masses of friends who would find me both hilarious and scintillatingly interesting. I imagined being asked out for dinner by fabulous people, but actually ended up having room service in my hotel room. And bloody delicious it was too!! There is something to be said for a night in a posh hotel by yourself, with room service, a fluffy dressing gown and the remote control all to yourself ...

Well, you live and learn. Last year I was a bit of a wreck due to circumstances at work and home which were out of my control. I was rather emotional to say the least. I walked up to Ruby Wax, bought her book, got her to sign it and then found myself unable to speak as tears trickled down my face and a sob lay strangled in my throat. She must have thought me a total nutter... I still haven't read it as each time I look at the damn thing it reminds me of being such a twit.

Fortunately this year has been a very happy year and I am heading off to BritMums Live with a calmer head and fewer expectations. I plan on being friendly, saying hello to people, but I don't expect to become bosom buddies with 300 bloggers. I am really hoping to be able to meet up for a coffee with a few particular writers, but if I don't, I don't.

I am looking forward to hearing people I chat with on Twitter, speak ... like Older Mum and Pippa at StoryofMum. And I am excited about the Brilliance in Blogging Awards as I am a Finalist in the Lifestyle category. Thanks for voting for me!!! Last year I believe there were rather delicious waiters carrying trays of champagne and canapes so I am hoping for more of the same! It will be lovely to be able to chat with fellow finalists as I don't actually know any bloggers in my everyday life. Comparing notes with people who write similar content to mine will be interesting.

Sometimes when you chill out a bit things run more smoothly than when you are keen to have a great time. If you are going to BritMums Live then I hope you have a fab time. If you see me then please do say hello!!