The title is incomplete.

It actually should read: Bloggy Boot Camp Kicked My Arse

Not because it was physically challenging (unless you consider networking a contact sport… it could be I suppose) and not because I was left feeling drained, if anything I felt totally energized. It’s just that this conference was the last thing on a long list of events that filled my April calendar to max capacity.

Between two sick kids (one of which who has been sick almost 2 weeks), taxes, room parent duty, baseball and my blog I am so behind I don’t even know where to begin (we haven’t even touched on the fact that I do not remember what color the carpet is because the clutter has gotten so bad.) So let’s start with the current stuff and then we can review what lead to my too-close-for-comfort mini meltdown.

As some of you know I am what you would call a newbie in the blogging community but don’t let that sway you, I am as committed if not more than some of the big dawgs in this arena. In other words you aren’t going to find me ”sitting on the porch with the puppies” as my girlfriends would say. My first order of business was to get myself to a Boot Camp for Bloggers and luckily there was one that Southwest Airlines flew too, Phoenix! Last Friday I packed a bag at 3 am, laid down for a nap, woke up after countless dreams of missing my flight, dropped the 4 yr old at preschool and drove to the airport valet. Yep in the OC you can valet your car, its awesome.

I love flying Southwest.

I used to choose them solely on the fact that I could count on a free comedy show every flight. I remember flying Southwest in early 2000 on my way to San Francisco, as the engines revved, the brakes were released slowly, we were rolling down the runway when our flight attendant comes over the loudspeaker and and recites The Little Engine That Could  ”I think I can… I think I can … I think I can …. I KNOW I CAN… I KNOW I CAN … I KNOW I CAN…” The whole plane snickered in unison. Back then the business of getting people to and from their destinations demanded a little entertainment with their peanuts. Remember when it was mandatory that cockpit doors remained open for take off? Thanks Bin Laden.

Last Friday I knew when I walked on that plane our flight attendant was not going to disappoint. He looked like Sam Rockwell maybe that’s why I instantly took a liking to him. (my first of 2 celeb look a likes)

here are a few of my favorites one liners:

“Please remember folks to fasten that seatbelt and wear it like Christina Aguilera wears her jeans, low slung and across the hips…. Grrrrrrrrrrr”

(taking off – they enforce noise abatement procedures as to not disturb the residents of Newport Beach, Ca. by cutting engines just after take off) “Shhhhhh… were flying over rich people“

“Ladies and gentleman you have just enjoyed the safest hour of your entire day, good luck driving“

“As we approach the gate it is now safe for you to turn on cell phones and small electronic devices. Would you please be so kind to update your facebook page or tweet “just landed”.

I was so grateful the winds had settled, I heard the flights coming in from AZ the day before were white knucklers. I tried my best to take some Pioneer Woman inspired wing shots. I think the other passengers thought I was nuts. Here’s my best:

crystal clear day over Phoenix

did I mention I was invited inside the cockpit for take off? heh…heh JK

Lightroom presets people you gotta try it!

Downtown Phoenix

you can see all of them on my Flickr page and the Flickr Southwest Airlines Pool.

and because its almost 3 am oh no make that 4 and I have to get up early for my Mother’s Day Tea at preschool you’ll have to wait to hear what went down Friday at Bloggy Boot Camp. <– click to read about the other boot campers! There is one post in particular from My Cape Is At The Cleaners that really spoke to me as a writer (did I just call myself that? wow.) No go read it.

Part 2

Xona Resport Scottsdale

Katy Perry at Ulta?

the Orange Iguana

Crispy Tortilla Pizza & frozen Mojitos

Friday Night Dinner

Vlogging (its’ not a S&M term)

Tweeting with the RHONJ

Branding

SWAG (the next giveaway)

TomKat Studio