Cybermummy 2011

Well, this past weekend was interesting. On Saturday, I joined hundreds of parents to my first ever parent blogger conference, Cybermummy 11, in its second year. I was not sure I'd fit in, as, although I do blog, my blogging is very random, and I can go weeks and months without an update. I seldom participate in the memes/blog hops (not sure meme = blog hop either) that go round and I'm yet to join in the carnivals. I tend to disappear off the face of twitter as well, only occasionally follow email notifications from the Brit Mums forums . My email account is out of control with many unread messages, most of which are notifications. One word to describe me would be disorganised. I know. And while I've met a handful of other parent bloggers in real life, I hardly ever keep a constant cyber presence to expect them to remember me.

I manage my life off line fairly okay, not brilliantly, but okay. Online however, I'm a complete mess. Not just online... any work involving the computer is pushed way down the priority list and procrastinated upon for days. I almost got cold feet but I decided I needed to go. I wanted to meet other parent bloggers. After all, we all had that in common. If anyone was to empathise on my lack of time [need a couple more hours in the day?], it would be a fellow parent, right? And surely, there would be good sessions offering tips for the likes of me, right?

See, my problem is not the lack of content to blog about, it's more the elusive time to sit and write down the thoughts I have that are bloggable. My mind really goes for it sometimes, but I'm almost always on the go and cannot stop at that point in time, and when I eventually do stop, I've almost always have forgotten what it was I was thinking of blogging about. Yes, I should take have notebook and a pen with me handy, but..... but.... yeah, I'm just disorganised, plain and simple.

Anyway, I'm glad I bought my own ticket to the event and did not get sponsored, which means my time there was mine. No weight on my shoulders about honouring my end of the bargain for any brand. I was there for me, not working for X, Y or Z. I did not even bother having business cards printed out as I wanted a clean slate - I had no expectations, and any recognition I got is a bonus. It definitely was worth going, and although I could not let my hair down and party like most did, I'd be happy to pay to attend the event again next year. The sessions were well thought out, and like most events of this kind, I was spoilt for choice. There were lots of good sessions running at the same time, and having to choose one out of 3 to attend was a pain, but it was an experience. All my chosen sessions, bar one were relevant to me. I have no criticism of any of the speakers either. Even at the one session I had to leave midway. Why did I have to leave? It's content just did not resonate with me. So I walked in late to another session, all to do with time management.

I had to take Lawi with me too, and having him doted on was wonderful. All the sponsors were pretty generous, and the goodie bags very much appreciated. I met some lovely people, and those I'd met before did remember me (phew!) and my experience was mainly positive. And next year, I look forward to doing it again. I may well have a camera handy. And a wad of business cards too. I give myself till then to be better at time management, and hopefully be better organised in all aspects of my life - off and online.