Until a week ago, I thought I successfully avoided the thing I was dreading most about cancer: losing my hair. But then, last week, it started to fall out. It doesn’t seem like it should be a huge deal considering how much worse things could be, but it is. And to think I spent years curling, straightening, dyeing, and all-around under-appreciating my hair.
So what does that have to do with BlogPaws?
On top of everything else that’s going on, John is spending the next year on an amazing research project halfway across the country. I can’t go – his rural site isn’t anywhere near a cancer center – so I’m here with the boys, being sick, with tons and tons of time on my hands.
Even though I haven’t done a good job keeping up with OMD! or commenting on other dog blogs, I’ve been reading them all, finding new dog blogs, keeping up with forums and message boards and the BlogPaws community boards. It’s sort of been a lifeline to me for the past couple months. That, and having Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper as my snuggly, furry nurses!
Over the years, I feel like I’ve gotten to know many of you and many, many more of your dogs. Going to BlogPaws in the past was an incredible way to put faces to URLs. I feel lucky I’ve made so many great friends through the pet blogging community.
So, of course I’m going to BlogPaws 2012. I can’t wait to catch up with everyone and to attend the sessions (especially the Google+ one… I’m still not sure I get it). It’ll be a challenge because I’m going to have to fly with all my medicine and have a doctor’s note and all sorts of things. But it’s totally worth it because where else can I connect with hundreds of people who share my passion for dogs and animal welfare?!
Tell me: Are you going? I’d love to connect! Hopefully I won’t be completely bald by the time it rolls around, though I suppose that would make me easy to spot!
Oh, and if you haven’t registered yet, I have a discount code for 20% off that you can use: BlogPaws2012-POPs-Maggie
I am not attending as I have another conference that weekend that I cannot get out of, which makes me sad in some ways as I will miss another chance to meet fellow bloggers. I have only met one single person in real life that blogs as well and she doesn’t really count as she takes classes with me and I knew her before I knew she was a blogger.
I hope you have a great time and I look forward to reading about your experiences once more.
Thanks, Kristine! Meeting everyone in person is definitely the main reason I’m so super excited. Especially since I work from home, it’s so nice to get out and among people… and since I’m lacking in the social skills, it’s even better to have something in common with everyone right off the bat! Wish you could make it, but maybe next time!
We’re not going to be there either, but I am hoping to be the second real life blogger that Kristine’s met – and maybe the first one to count! =D
I’m sorry we won’t have a chance to catch up with you there and I think it’s great that you’re going. You’re so strong – last year you were able to take Cooper along and drove the whole way on your own. With or without hair, everyone will be so excited to see you and maybe we’ll get the chance to stop by and visit this fall!
Amy, thank you so much for the kind words. Your comment totally made my day!
I hope you and Kristine have a great visit, and I hope to see you guys in the fall!
I don’t care about my appearance, but it’s odd about hair, as a female, you just take it for granted it will be there, even if many seem to be always unhappy with it. I so rarely look in the mirror, that I actually get a momentary shock at the increase in grey hair and the old woman face I have. It’s always a decade older, looking, EVERY TIME!!!
If I could take that loss for you, I would, it wouldn’t worry too much, just wear a beanie and let you have your youth and pretty hair. Sadly, there’s no bureaucrat that you can go to and fill in the paperwork, get it stamped and settled. Big hugs to you both and dogs. You could always take the opportunity to shake it up, buy some fake tattoos and pretend piercings and have a lark. Take the opportunity to try out an alternate you, take the power back, and go to new places, meet people that don’t expect a particular look from you, and HAVE FUN!!!! Your hubby can dress to match OR dress conservatively and let people think you’re luring him to the Dark Side. Give yourself a fantasy name and the 2 of you just have a laugh. More hugs. KISS KISS
Thanks for the kind words and positivity, Molly!
Glad you’re giving yourself this gift. I hope that travel goes well for you and look forward to meeting at BlogPaws. I think last year we didn’t connect but Honey and Cooper did in the play area.
And I’m sure you’ll rock whatever coiffure or lack of same you’re dealing with. I stressed out for years about whether I should let my hair go grey at a pretty young age. Part of the nervousness was about “not looking my best” for presenting at BlogPaws. But the top of my hair is snowy white now and it’s just going to have to be ok with everyone.
Thank you so much, Pamela! I’m excited to meet you, too. Is Honey going with you this year? Since I’m flying, I’m not bringing Coop, though I’m sure he’ll miss out on playing with Honey!
Safe travels, looking forward to meeting you at BlogPaws!
I look forward to meeting you too, Theresa!
Are you going to BarkWorld? It was great to meet you at BlogPaws! I really hope you’re nearly done with treatment soon. I’m so very sorry to hear about your hair.. That has got to be incredibly difficult… We’ll send healing energy your way!