So last weekend I was minding my own business when I decided to pop in and check my email here at Creative Kitchen. I get my fair share of interesting tidbits and offers here and there, but I must admit I was a bit surprised to see the words “Kenmore Blogger Summit” in the subject of an email addressed to me! And as I began reading what appeared to be an invitation from Kenmore, I sat in stunned silence when I got to the following paragraph:
In addition to the hands-on activities and competitions we want you to experience our products, engage with our very exciting speakers, and ultimately walk away with great content to share. We’re also planning on some fun surprises during the day! We hope you’ll join us, and of course, we will cover your travel and lodging expenses, lay out the red carpets, and welcome you to the second annual Kenmore
Blogger Summit!
Hold the dates:
January 20th and 21st
Where: Kenmore Live
Studio in Chicago, IL
Please let me know if you are interested in attending. We’d love you have you join us!
Wow!!! Me? Kenmore? Chicago? What?? Now if you know me well….then you can imagine my next reaction was a feeling of being hit by a brick in my stomach….a literal tug of war of emotions! The war raged within….”of course I have to go…I can’t believe they selected me….what a great opportunity….I love Kenmore!” to “Chicago? You mean I have to get on a plane? That’s a long way from South Florida and in the middle of winter!”
To clarify my hesitation, I love traveling!! LOVE seeing the world. I’ve flown all over…..3 roundtrips to Hawaii when I was in the Navy and stationed in Pearl Harbor, a month long backpacking trip with hubby across Europe when we were in college…trips to DC, Chicago and Orlando. I really don’t think flying is the issue. But herein lies the issue….I haven’t flown in 16 years, and the true heart of that issue is….
I haven’t flown since I’ve been a MOM!! I haven’t flown since I became a parent….since I’ve had 3 lives depending on me, looking up to me, and needing me to always be here.
I know all moms feel this way to some extent when traveling. I know I’m not the only one. I knew I’d be jumping on a plane again sometime in my life, and I knew I wanted to. After all I love to travel! And I even figured we’d fly as a family someday. But the longer time passed without flying (due to finances and lack of opportunity…as your family grows it gets more expensive…and I’m sure 9/11 played a part is swaying my mind a certain way about air travel), the bigger it loomed in the back of my mind as a negative thing.
But here’s the thing….in the last week as this issue has come to my mind, as I was finalizing my travel arrangements and itinerary with Kenmore, I realized……it’s not so much the flying at issue (though I’m sure it will be nerve wracking at first). I’ve never had an issue with flying in the past! It’s the “being thousands of miles away from my kids and what if something happens? to either one of us? how helpless I would feel.” I remember once realizing I wasn’t jealous of other mom’s travels and destinations, I was jealous of their ability to get up and go just as they had in their pre-children days…without fear or anxiety.
But if you remember this post, then you know I’m all about taking on new challenges and pushing myself out of my comfort zone! I’ve made a commitment to strech myself….you know life is too short!
SO…..Chicago, here I come!! My hubby is thrilled for me, and my 3 girls were VERY excited to hear the news. My almost 13 year old wishes she could come with me. They all want me to go, and I guess I didn’t doubt for a moment that I would go. I just had to wrap my mind around it…..settle in, and get used to the idea.
And other than the FRIGID cold of the windy city, I’m really looking forward to returning to O’Hare and Chicago. The last time I flew through O’Hare I was in the throes of my dramatic love story…leaving my honey for Hawaii. And the last time I was in Chicago…..was when we fell IN LOVE!! Wow….that was 22 years ago! That city has always held a special place in my heart!! And now to go back as HIS wife, and mom to our beautiful daughters….wow, how cool is that?
So a BIG thank you to Kenmore!! I’m looking forward to all the great activities you have in store for us, and learning about all the latest in your home appliances. I’ve had my Kenmore washer & dryer for over 13 years now, and as much as I’ve loved it….I know much has changed since then. There’s much to learn, and I’m excited to start my research and to share it with my readers! I’m also excited to meet the other 43 bloggers that have been invited to the Summit. It’s always fun when bloggers get together! See you soon!
Stay tuned later today….my very next post will be a GIVEWAY for you from the nice folks at Kenmore!!
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Congrats, that’s great. Blogging trips are so much fun and I have the same worries as you. But once you get there you can relax and have a great time. Have fun!
So happy to hear I’m not the only one! 🙂 All the jet setting bloggers out there make it look SO easy!!
Congratulations! How exciting for you! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking recently posted..Mint Chocolate Cookie Bark
Congratuations!! How very exciting for you. Will watch via facebook for updates on your time there.
Pamela recently posted..Rug Weaving on a Union 36!
Thanks Pamela!! Now that all the details are worked out, and I have an itinerary for my time there….know where I’m staying & the other bloggers who are coming, I’m even more excited!! More to focus on and less to worry about. Probably why I was more worried at first….I knew none of those details!
I’ll definitely be sharing on Facebook and Twitter, and be sharing all about it here on the blog when I get back. Now’s the time I wish I had a “smartphone!”
Yay! Sounds fun! Have a great time, can’t wait to hear about it!
Aggie recently posted..Chinese 5-Spice Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Thanks Aggie!! I’m SO excited! Are you going back to FBF again this year? I hear it’s in March this time. I’m pretty positive I’ll be able to go again.
How exciting! So happy for you. I can only dream of the day I receive such an email. Enjoy your experience.
Sherri @ The Kitchen Prescription recently posted..Strawberries And Cream Cupcakes
Sherri,
Thanks! I’m still in shock actually. Funny how my flying anxiety overruled that excitement at first. Now that all the details are in place, I’ve had a chance to fully realize the magnitude of it all. Crazy!!
How fun! I’d love that! Enjoy!
Katrina recently posted..Homemade Ciabatta Rolls
Thanks Katrina…it’s going to be SO cold though!
How exciting for you! :o) I have not yet had an opportunity like you have just been given but would absolutely love one! Enjoy your trip and I cannot wait to hear about it from you!! Look forward to your giveaway too!
Shelby recently posted..Cherry Coconut Banana Pecan Bread
Shelby,
I’m super excited, and still amazed. Thanks!!
Congratulations!!! Sounds like great fun….be sure to bundle up!
Liz recently posted..Truffle Brownies~
Most definitely will I be bundling up….already prepping my layers! A bit out of practice since I live in South Florida!
ooo how exciting!!! that is wonderful!
Angie @ Bigbearswife recently posted..One Dish Pasta and Vegetables
Thanks Angie….I’m excited!
Congrats and have fun!
Kim Bee recently posted..Butter Pecan Ice Cream for Ice Cream Sunday
my husband got invited, not sure how that happened LOL but it looks like its going to be so much fun.
Melinda@LookWhatMomFoundandDadtoo! recently posted..Shae and Technology
Will be great to meet you! It’s going to be a great time!
Steph
Adventures in Babywearing recently posted..You could win prizes!
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog tonight Steph! Excited to meet you, and looking forward to a fun weekend. 🙂
Yea! Looking forward to seeing you there.
deb recently posted..$125 Cash Giveaway
Can’t wait to meet you Deb!
Congratulations! Enjoy it!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen recently posted..TOP TEN: In the Kitchen & Giveaway
Thanks!! 🙂
Wow thats an honor and congrats… my whole house is kenmore.. but I have worked for them 25 years now… this is a great opportunity!
claudia lamascolo recently posted..Baked Cabbage Recipe
Thanks Claudia!! I love Kenmore too. Whenever I think of them, I always think of reliability. They really do produce great appliances!!
WOW! Congrats! That is such awesome news!!! I can’t wait to read how your trip went!
katie recently posted..Chickpea Curry
Thanks Katie!! I’m still pinching myself. 🙂
Awesome news Denise! Can’t wait to read about your shenanigans 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com recently posted..Raw Kohlrabi & Grapefruit Salad
This is so exciting for you. I love Chicago I am sure you are going to have a great time I cannot wait to see your posts
mike @ TheCulinaryLens recently posted..Cioppino A San Francisco Treat
I could have written this post almost word for word- except I have 2 girls and a boy, flying from New Jersey, and change the blog name. Other than that, ywah, pretty much spot on.
I travelled ALOT when I was childless but this:
“I haven’t flown since I’ve been a MOM!! I haven’t flown since I became a parent….since I’ve had 3 lives depending on me, looking up to me, and needing me to always be here.”
YES! Literally…word for word….
I will SEE YOU THERE! When we both arrive safe and sound we can laugh at how paranoid we were, and if you’re inclined, maybe have a good stiff drink!!
Sounds like a lot of fun! Enjoy!!
Kristen recently posted..Oh, Bananas {Recipe: Banana Gelato}
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