Badass Bloggers, Deliciously Fun Meetup

DISCLAIMER: Our original goal was to make a video that was sort of cute and sort of funny and sort of an introduction to who we are. But we don’t know how to use iMovie. And we don’t know how to edit with iMovie. And we don’t know how to start a song at the part we want to start it at. And we don’t know how to not make the screen go dim. And we don’t know how to not make the video freeze part of the way through. And we don’t know how to coordinate our lip syncing. And we don’t know how to stop recording when we’re done. And we don’t know how to cut out the part of the video at the end in which we’re wildly narcissistic about how funny we think we are.

The silver lining here is that there are things that we do know how to do. Like, Jamie knows how to sort of pick her nose near the beginning. And I know how to chug wine at an inappropriate pace somewhere near the middle. And like, we know how to spell the phrase “HI MOM.” So, we’ll call it a wash, no?

Also, to further understand Jamie and I prior to this weekend’s shenanigans, please read this post that is less of a post and more of a glossary of the terms that we use because we spend too much time together to bother with regular English.

Also, vagina.

kiss kiss bang bang,

nicole & jamie

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Tell us the basics…
I’m Amanda *waves a little too enthusiastically* I live in LA. I Teach for America (not in a huge, falling down, “The Ron Clark Story” sort of school, but rather in a small, awesome, ridiculously fun little charter school), and I watch far, far too much TV. (How anyone could think TV is a waste of time with shows like “Glee,” “Modern Family,” “Lost,” “Parks and Recreation,” “30 Rock,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Friday Night Lights,” and…and…and…ok, I’ve already frightened you with the amount of shows I’ve just listed.)

I’ve been out of college for over a year now, (!!!) and I still struggle to accept the fact that I’m an adult, that kids write papers just because I tell them to , and that I say things like “Class isn’t over until I dismiss you!” Perhaps it’s because just last week my roommates and I had an impromptu dance party that involved 3-D glasses, a pink wig, and Miley Cyrus/Jay-Z mash-ups. Just a hypothesis.

Tell us about your blog…
I’m not going to lie. Right now, my blog is going through a bit of a rough patch. It hit its prime when I was freaking out my senior year of college after I realized the life I had planned for myself as a TV executive was not, actually, going to be the life I wanted, leaving me with no life plan and leaving my blog as my personal venting place. Now that I have a life plan (at least for the next year and a half), thanks to my lovely two-year teaching commitment, my time has been spent less online and more on grading (aka the bane of my existence). I’ve tried to cut down on the whining about stress and workload on my blog, but it creeps in. I’ve also found that a lot of things in my life right now (a relationship, roommate issues, work) aren’t things I necessarily want to broadcast on a blog that my mom checks regularly and that my name is on for any student to google. Right now, I’m kind of figuring out how to fit blogging into my new, kind of busy, kind of need to be private, existence. I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually…right?

(I’ve TOTALLY convinced you to read my blog now, haven’t I? I’m a pretty excellent salesperson that way.)

Tell us all your Vegas hopes and dreams…
I was lucky enough to go to the Vegas meet-up last year, and I think what made the experience so great is that I had no expectations. I went in with an open mind, an open heart, and just decided to be positive and let the experience happen. And it did….amazingly. This year, I want to do the same thing, accept that it won’t be the same, but know that if i go in just being positive and open, it will be equally (but differently) amazing.

I do want a foot-tall drink though.

And possibly dance parties in the middle of The Strip.

AND to win the photo scavenger hunt. I’m freakishly competitive. Watch out.

Tell us the random shit…
I own a Prius and compulsively count Prii (my own plural term for Priuses) I see while driving. In Southern California, this can become distracting.

My Prius is named Percy. My boyfriend named it after I named his car Cerephina. He was not pleased. He thinks Percy is payback, but I find Percy the Prius adorable.

I enjoy brunch way too much. Like I have to get brunch every Sunday or my weekend is ruined. I would eat breakfast food all the time if that was socially acceptable. Sidenote: I would include Yogurtland as a breakfast food. That place is fucking magical.

I have seen every episode of Friends at least four times. I could perform some entire episodes as a one-woman play.

I think there is no point to drinking if there is not a possibility of dancing. I have been known to start dance parties at any and all bars and on the Vegas Strip.

I have also been known to start dance parties during school lunch and school assemblies. My kids find it simultaneously adorable and unsettling.

My school staff has a happy-hour obsession, leading me to crave Belgian beer and calamari the minute I step foot in my classroom on Fridays.

I’ve recently become a Coffee Bean convert. Their Hazelnut Lattes? Life-changing.

I once ran into the ocean (sans clothes) with my teaching partner, Nicole, and Andrea. This story has now been passed around my school staff. Professionalism Fail.

Ooo, and link us to your favorite YouTube video!
My newest obsession – not technically a you-tube video, but amazing none-the-less: The Hills, as enacted by children. (Be sure to read their name-titles.) http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/04/28/the-hills-reenacted-kids/

Want to know more? Follow Amanda on Twitter (@indevelopment)!

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Tell us the basics…
By day, I’m a [new!] employee at a tech start-up in Boulder, CO and in the rest of my time I’m a freelance writer, blogger, lover, yogi, traveler, and foodie. I just moved to Colorado from Minneapolis this past January and am loving the adventure that is making this my home – for now. When I’m not working or writing, I love exploring new places and have made it a mission to see as many cities as I can, as soon as I can. And, while I have no rhythm AT ALL, I kitchen and car dance like nobody’s business.

Tell us about your blog…
I blog at Doniree.com, and it’s is a colorful and personal reflection of my experiences and the lessons I learn through those. I learn a lot from the people and relationships in my life, and am an active little yogi and find so much wisdom on the mat that I always try to bring off the mat. It’s a little bit sunshine and rainbows, but if you can handle the extra sparkle, I’m your girl.

Tell us all your Vegas hopes and dreams…
It is unbelievable to take the friendships and relationships you spend so much time growing through words and our willingness to be so open online. There are no words for translating those relationships from online to offline, and not only the relationships you KNOW are going to spark and grow, but the ones you didn’t even know you needed in your life. That is my favorite part – the unexpected connections that leave you changed, and the relationships you never even knew you needed.

Tell us the random shit…
I’m an ESFJ and a Taurus, which basically means I’m touchy-feely person (get ready for hugs, arm-touches and maybe even a little hand-holding), a loyal friend, but stubborn when I believe in something. I love to cook and eat and wine and dine, and relish in sharing plates and time with new and old friends. I’m a sucker for champagne, artisan cheeses, and chocolate milk. A warning to my roommates: I wake up early on vacations because I’m afraid of missing things, so be prepared for sunlight streaming in through the windows and the smell of coffee already going.

Ooo, and link us to your favorite YouTube video!
Kittens, inspired by kittens! Or the Coachella guy trying to get his flip flop on.

Want to know more? Follow Doniree on Twitter (@doniree)!

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Tell us the basics…
People get confused when I respond to the question “so, what do you do?” because I do about a bajillion things. I usually try to narrow it down by asking them back “for fun or for money?” But it doesn’t really help, because neither of those questions has a short answer, either, and it kind of makes me sound like a hooker. I also think it’s funny that when we get asked “who are you” most of us actually respond with what we do.

So what do I do? I’m currently earning my living as a freelance writer, massage therapist, and social media consultant. I’ve also applied for jobs as a tour guide, wedding planner, and Social Media Coordinator. Let’s hope one of those pans out so that the meetup doesn’t turn into me trying to turn my last $5 into rent money.

For fun I love to sing and play guitar, dance (particularly vintage swing), cook, travel, ski, play ultimate frisbee, go cycling and camping and go out to hear live music. I can also be defined by lots of fun letter codes like UU, ENFP, and LMT.

I currently live in Denver, Colorado. I moved here 8 months ago from Madison, Wisconsin, after talking about it for like, 15 years. No, I didn’t move for a job, or a boy, or anything. I just packed up whatever I could fit in my Mazda and headed for the mountains.

Tell us about your blog…
My blog in one sentence? That’s hard, unless I go with something obvious like “it’s hot pink and black and white and needs a redesign.” It’s whatever is going on with me, and it’s evolving right now. I used to only post things I’d want my grandma and potential employers to see, so I wrote about goals and motivation and things that nobody really cares about. And then I very recently went through my third or so quarterlife crisis, (yes, you can have more than one) and I realized that it’s way more interesting to read (and write about) what’s actually going on in my life. My mother is appalled that I would write about having a drunken breakdown and crying while lying in the middle of the road and anxiety and my new boyfriend, (who became my boyfriend as a result of blogging about him) but I think people like the transparency, and I like being able to put it all out there.

Tell us all your Vegas hopes and dreams…
I have never ever been to Vegas. Ever. I know, right? I want to see the cool water thingy, and I’d like to see a show. Beyond that, all I care is that I’m going to finally get to meet so many people who I’ve been reading and following for so long.

Tell us the random shit…
Okay, there have been so many ridiculous things that have happened to me, I can’t pick a most ridiculous one. My parents once left me at a rest stop in Illinois. I was 17, and in my pajamas, and had a circle of bikers pray for me and give me peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Oh and my college boyfriend and I once got picked up by a swinger on a nude beach in Miami and didn’t realize it at first; yes we were that naive. And last fall I almost died of hypothermia while biking over Vail pass.

I can’t possibly have a favorite alcoholic drink. I like mojitos. And microbews. And good wine. And Gin and Tonics. I do have a couple of favorite alcoholics though…

As far as the making out, um, I still think Chris O’Donnell is hot. I know, oldschool. Also I would like to get to make out with a girl. I kissed a girl once in college, and it was nice to not have the spit. And the stubble. And the grabbyness. But according to my lesbian friends I am the straightest woman alive.

There’s not really anyone I want to punch in the face. Unless I can do that to the entire healthcare industry. But that sounds hard.

Also? I have an irrational (though not entirely unfounded) fear of geese.

Ooo, and link us to your favorite YouTube video!
Okay I really like this video by Colin Huggins, particularly around 1:44 because they’re doing lindy hop on a moving sidewalk. And who doesn’t love “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O?” Also? I almost peed when I watched Drunk Guy vs. Flip Flop from Coachella.

Want to know more? Follow Nicole on Twitter (@nicolerelyea)!

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Tell us the basics…
The basics: When I’m not blogging, I work full-time as a Career Development Program Manager and internal coach at Google. I live in the ‘burbs of San Francisco (Mountain View, CA) because it allows me to get my beauty sleep during the week so I can cause trouble with fabulous blogger ladies like Jamie and Nicole in SF on weekends. What do you absolutely need to know about me? Well, I am obsessed with cupcakes, but if you’ve known me for five minutes that’s nothing new. What else? I live for dancing on blocks or stages…especially in Vegas. It keeps all the sweaty boys away! They can look but not touch

Tell us about your blog…
I blog at LifeAfterCollege.org and share a mix of personal stories and practical tips for your “big picture.” I’m probably NOT going to tell you how to write a resume or anything else that you can easily find on Google. But I will talk about things like passion, loneliness, being yourself, and managing your life with the help of Google Docs. One of my favorite posts is “The Blogger IS Real…but even better IRL” – which I think is perfect for this trip! I really can’t wait to meet all of you. IRL FTW!

Tell us all your Vegas hopes and dreams…
Hopes and dreams – lots of sweaty, all-out, no-holds-barred dancing (see Exhibit A and Exhibit B). And maybe some daytime dancing at one of the pools. And eating. And drinking but not so much that I end up a hot mess (like after the recent Tequila Tweetup).

Tell us the random shit…
One of my favorite random Vegas stories: it’s been an annual trip for me and my high school friends for about five years now. Last time we were there, my friend cozied up to an old man in a wheelchair outside of XS to take a fun picture. Turns out he was the owner – got us in, and next thing I know we are sharing a VIP table with playboy bunnies, Holly Madison (Twitpic) and Chuck Liddell (Twitpic). Random? Hell yes. But awesome!

Ooo, and link us to your favorite YouTube video!
This one’s a no-brainer for me…The CUPCAKE CANNON, baby!

Want to know more? Follow Jenny on Twitter (@jenny_blake)!

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Basics: I live in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Corporate accountant by day, the antithesis of the accountant stereotype by night. Words that have been used to describe me: minx, vixen, force of nature, crazyface, spitfire. Words that have never been used to describe me: quiet, mild-mannered, reserved, tactful.

The Blog: I write about whatever is on my mind. Like men, my hair, the crazy, and my misguided adventures. I also think I’m profound.

Vegas Hopes and Dreams: a tan, meeting bloggers I’ve loved for ages but never wrapped my arms around, and escapades the likes of which fuel knowing looks, vague tweets and secret pacts.

Random Shit: My favorite drink is anything made with a decent vodka. My favorite quote at the moment: “When a woman is openly bad, then she is at her best.” – Latin proverb. I can’t tell you who I’d most like to make out with, because I prefer to take my victims by surprise. This is my favorite YouTube video, and what you need to know about me is that I constantly struggle with staying above the line on that scale. I would never punch someone in the face, I’m a lover, not a fighter (read: am passive-aggressive).

Want to know more? Follow verybadcat on Twitter (@verybadcat13)!

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Tell us the basics…
I’m Molly. I live in Seattle. I love to travel and take baths and wear costumes and and partake in naked adventures and have wicked smart conversations about the meaning of life/business/saving the world. I’m getting married in August even though I refuse to plan my wedding. I’m taking off in an RV for a year in September. Here’s my life list. Here’s a 7 minute video of my story. Here’s my business. That is all.

Tell us about your blog…
I actually blog about life stuff on Stratejoy, my business site (um, yes, I realize that may not be a good idea…) along with other awesome 20 somethings, like our very own NicoleIsBetter! My blog is centered around authenticity and unconventional adventures and the trials and tribulations of the Quarterlife Crisis. Revealing posts about me can be read here (a love letter to myself), here (trust, baby, trust), here (that one time I sponsored a child) & here (my 10 month trip around the world. Literally).

Tell us all your Vegas hopes and dreams…
Connections. Rockin’ out with my 3 awesome roomies (Ginny, Becca & Ronda) who I cannot wait to meet! Sunshine. Cocktails. Sing-a-longs with Jenny, Jamie & Amy. Dancing. More sunshine.

Tell us the random shit…
I have interest ADD. This year I will have performed in a burlesque show, attended a 7 day silent meditation retreat, bought a cabin in the woods on a river, partied in Vegas with you all, taught workshops on both coasts, and made out with James Franco. If anyone knows James, can you pretty please help me arrange that last bit? Thanks.

YouTube…

Do not watch this if you just ate. Or ever want to eat again. However, I cannot stop watching this video.

FB & Twitter @stratejoy

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