This weekend I was in Las Vegas. I had this grand idea of what it was going to be like. I had these visions of stolen glances, smiles and hugs. Those things were short lived and what I got after that was better. Much, much better. Meeting people online is difficult. I find that we are generally ourselves through our blogs and twitter feeds–sometimes even more honest–but sometimes it doesn’t translate. Sometimes I read a blog and don’t make a connection. Then I meet them in person and it’s like we were meant to be the best of friends. Sometimes I read a blog and think that the person must be the most amazing human on the planet and then find out they are not. Sometimes the people and blog match up exactly.
With law school taking up so much of my time I had not read many of the blogs of the BiSC attendees before the event. I had very few preconceived ideas of who these people were. That turned out to be a great thing. I spent a weekend getting to know people and loving them. How do you love someone after just four days? I’m not sure but in true Vegas fashion I would not have objected to an Elvis impersonator doing some weird friendship ceremony for all 60 of us. The weekend was that great.
I certainly did not get to spend enough time with everyone. I wanted so badly to get an hour with each person but it simply was not possible. I roomed with the lovely, smart, funny and sweet Simone. We got along so well and when things got a bit dramatic and messed up she was there and quick with the most perfect comments that still have me laughing. Lauren and Dominique listened to me without judgment and we devoured our plate of pulled pork fries over whispered secrets. Meghan helped me win $20 with her excellent suggestion of Johnny the Costa Rican surf instructor for Amber’s Crush Hub set-up. With that killer smile and vivacious energy Johnny won’t know what hit him. Almie had me in a fit of giggles on Sunday with her Zumanity impressions, tacky souvenir shot glasses and comments regarding escort cards “At least Brooke has some pride!”
Caryn made everything instantly more fun. She genuinely cares about people and you can’t help but feel like she’s your best friend. Germana is just as silly in person as she is on her blog. I wish we had been able to spend more time together. She is indeed the coolest. Jen always looks amazing and has this air of confidence and poise. I basically felt like her groupie every time I talked to her. Jenn is the ultimate wing(wo)man. She helped me get a free drink from some creepers–which we didn’t realize at first–and then didn’t care when I spilled half my drink on her back as we ran away.
Katherine gave me great advice and made sure I was not blinded by abstract ideas and what ifs. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Mikael who brought the booty shaking and she didn’t have to act trashy to do it. Nic is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She brings a sparkle to every room. I can’t fully describe how incredible she is and we barely know each other. Michelle is one of my people. We talked often on twitter before the event and she is just as amazing in person. We slow ate through Vegas and made sure everyone knew how awesome we are. Anyone that proudly declares “I always look awesome” is instantly my friend.
Anna has so much sass and interesting things to say. The conversation is always fantastic when she is around. Sara brought great energy and fun to the group. There is no being bored around her. On Wednesday night I instantly felt relaxed and happy because she was there. Suki is incredibly thoughtful and I am glad I had a chance to chat with her. I love her varied interests and desire to try new things. Suki, if you ever want a traveling buddy, call me! TJ is quiet and reserved and because of that he probably knows way more about each person than I do. He listened to me talk and asked great questions. If you ever need a confidant it is certainly him. Terra is another person with incredible energy. Being around her was like being in with the most popular girl at school. She’s always got something to say and makes you feel understood and cared for. I had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffany on Saturday night. This woman is out-of-this-world awesome. She is smart, confident and so put together. There is nothing that is going to hold back Tiffany. Her blog title, Incredibly Fierce is a perfect description of her.
Tara is super cool and her makeup is always flawless. Treavor was my Wednesday night roomie. We had fantastic talks and he gave me the best compliments throughout the weekend. I could spend hours hanging out with him. Alberto and Brad made sure I got to and from the airport and always brought the insightful and ridiculous to each conversation. I didn’t get to spend much time with my San Diego ladies, Ashley and Kinsey, but maybe that’s because we have many more opportunities to hand out. And a huge shout-out to Ashley who I think is an amazing person. We didn’t get a chance to really talk this weekend but I feel closer to her now. I appreciate her calm and look forward to reading about the incredible things she will continue to do in her life.
Every single person at BiSC, whether mentioned above or not, blew me away with how amazing they are. I look forward to getting to know each of them better. You all better call me if you are ever in San Diego!
Thank you Nicole, Doni, and Rachael for planning an incredible weekend. You ladies blow me away with your ability to get shit done. You wow me.
Also, for anyone who was up at 4am on Sunday and heard me rambling about some song that I decided was a perfect description of the weekend–here it is:
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
grace, i’m so so glad i got to meet you. i am so impressed that you managed to link to everyone, although from what i know that would be exactly your style
. until next year, see you on the internet!
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graceelena Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 20:05
I’m so glad I got to meet you too! xoxo
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Grace, thanks sooo much for the incredibly kind words. I’m so glad that I left such a positive impression on you.
I feel very lucky that you feel I asked all the”right questions”, because sometimes I definitely ask the wrong questions and it doesn’t always end up as desired. The irony is sometimes the right questions and wrong questions could be the same exact questions, depending on who I am talking to and how they take said questions.
I personally felt like I barely saw you after the first day, which was a bit of a bummer, but with such a large group, those things happen. I loved chatting with you and came away from it wanting to know more about you, which, in my opinion, makes a BiSC a success.
Plus, you live like 100 miles away, so it’s even better.
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graceelena Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 20:04
There is always room for error but saying something is better than nothing, I think. I look forward to getting to know you better. I’ll let you know next time I’m in the LA area.
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Grace! I was just wondering what that song you were talking about was. Thanks for sharing it.
I have so many things to say but I’m still all jumbled up, so for now… You are AMAZING and I’m super glad that I met you. <3 And yes, we can definitely all love each other after just a few days. XOXO
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graceelena Reply:
May 21st, 2012 at 20:03
xoxoxo I’m doing my best to take a trip to DC at the end of the summer and I’m not afraid of Virginia.
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This post. This post! Agh. You’re trying to make us cry.
Honestly (and I hope you don’t hate me for it), when I saw you I thought, “Look at her, she’s perfect she probably has everything, she’s even leaning elegantly against her suitcase and probably isn’t even trying, I already hate her” but then I spoke to you and within 3 seconds I realized you are an incredibly sweet, kind, funny, and inspiring person.
I am so glad I got to meet you and spend time with you. You are a really special person. I mean that in the least vomit inducing way possible.
Let’s keep in touch, okay?
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@Apocalypstick, This comment made me belly laugh. I’m glad I can quickly dispel the snooty myth. You are one of my favorites. Let’s please keep in touch, we live soo close, this can happen.
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I’ll win you $20 any time, lady! Awesome to meet you!
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Thanks so much, Grace. I’m glad you had a great time! Let me know if you’re ever in my area. I’d love to grab coffee or a drink or something!
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graceelena Reply:
May 22nd, 2012 at 20:45
Yes, yes, yes! I need to make my way to you soon!
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Dude. Let’s have a friendship ceremony next year. That is the best idea of all time. But only if it is ACTUALLY conducted by an Elvis impersonator. Otherwise, no deal.
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graceelena Reply:
May 22nd, 2012 at 20:44
Of course by Elvis!! No one else would do it justice!
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Aw, I am really touched by your kind words! thanks for making my day! My first impression of you was how you always wore heals (OUCH!) and stood so proper – and I was intimidated that you’d be put off that perhaps I slouched too much!
but you are one of the sweetest people and I’ am so glad we got to hang out! The internets are not that big after all – so don’t be a stranger! and let me know if you come to chicago! xoxo!
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graceelena Reply:
May 22nd, 2012 at 20:43
You are fantastic. I am so glad we got to meet. I would love to go to Chicago. I haven’t been in years.
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it was so wonderful to meet you & i’m so glad you came this year. also i’d like to raid your wardrobe because your outfits were amazing. but really, so happy to spend some time with you and hopefully next year we can hang out even more.
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graceelena Reply:
May 22nd, 2012 at 20:44
Lovely to meet you! Your blog is one of the first I started reading so it was great to meet you in person. SoCal isn’t so big we can meet up before next year. Maybe for a shopping trip?
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You are beautiful inside and out! Please teach me to walk in heels so gracefully.
And then we can wear them across the globe.
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graceelena Reply:
May 23rd, 2012 at 22:14
This is one of my favorite comments ever. Heels just take practice and seriously let’s vogue across the globe. AMAZING!
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hi lady!! ahhh i am beyond excited to have met you at BiSC! i agree, our time together 1 on 1 was way too short, but i’m thrilled that we live in the same beautiful city. we must get together soon! i loved your energy and personality, and your outfits were always AMAZING! i’ll admit i was envious every time i saw you wearing sky-high heels. i just can’t pull them off anymore like i used to, haha
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graceelena Reply:
May 23rd, 2012 at 22:12
Yes, we certainly must get together soon. Once I am back from St. Louis life should be a little smoother and less hectic for me. I figure one day I won’t be able to wear my heels anymore so I’m going to do it while I can!
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Grace, you are such a sweetheart and so beautiful and I’m so glad I got to meet you this weekend. And I totally wish I’d gotten an hour to spend one on one with everyone too – it’s hard to get enough time to chat with so many amazing people.
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Grace! It was such a pleasure meeting you this weekend! Thank you so much for being my Zumanity buddy!
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Ok, so THIS might be one of my all-time favorite reactions to every single BiSC that’s ever happened: “…in true Vegas fashion I would not have objected to an Elvis impersonator doing some weird friendship ceremony for all 60 of us.”
BECAUSE YES. WHY HAVEN’T WE THOUGHT OF THAT YET?
I’ll be speaking to Nicole ASAP about putting that on the schedule.
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graceelena Reply:
June 5th, 2012 at 22:21
Gracias, darling! I’m pretty proud of that sentence.
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Weeks later, I am still in awe of your mom’s amazing sewing skills.
Thank you for the kind words about our chat. I felt the same way about you and I really enjoyed talking to you at Chateau. If you end up moving to Atlanta (or just visiting), we should get together again!
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<3 <3 <3 you! can't wait til you come back to dc. though, i'm plotting how i can get out to ca at some point
and that song is so perfect!
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I’m late to the party with commenting on this! I had such a good time with you roomie.
OH & THIS:
“How do you love someone after just four days? I’m not sure but in true Vegas fashion I would not have objected to an Elvis impersonator doing some weird friendship ceremony for all 60 of us.”
We totally need to figure out a way to make this happen.
Thanks for reminding of Almie’s hilarious hooker card commentary. Every time I see the photo I took of the Barrack Obama shot glass, I start cracking up.
Miss you!! xoxoxoxoxo
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