Being a Friend

The value of friendship can not be understated.  According to Experiences in Homemaking, our roadmap for determining our lives in the ’50s model;

Every human being wants sympathetic understanding from others.

After our last post, we talked about being popular.  In a bloggy blog world, this is a process, one of being yourself, being a part of your community and establishing your presence there.  This isn’t much different than real life popularity, though we often don’t give it much thought as we attempt to create a “base” of friends.  Perhaps we should attend more directly to this process.  But, more important, perhaps, than making friends is the exercise in keeping them. 

I am combining two chapters in proposing my modern day case study: Keeping Friends and Courtesies That Help to Strengthen Friendships. 

As you all have come to know, I’ve been busy trying to hone the skills of blogging for the purpose of outlet and gaining skill.  I have largely figured out the blogging community by the grace of one KaiserMommy.  Then came the day I was called upon to return the favor.  Innocently, she asked; “Are you still planning to drive to Blogher?”  To which I reply; “yes.”

“Would you mind if I send some swag your way, for you to bring along?”

I give you… the swag that came:

Wall O' Swag

Deep and Wide

Last Tuesday, I needed some physical exercise and decided to take the more than 700 lbs. worth of swag off of the palettes it came on and stack it up so I can fit my car into the garage again.  I had a little help.  But, as you can see, it wasn’t a pretty sight…

It is unfortunate that this is your first impression

Somehow, I will be fitting the @Room704 Party Swag, in this:

Chicago-bound Swag Wagon

Everyday from my husband; “you are quite aware that that there is NO WAY that stuff is going to fit.  Aren’t you aware of that?  I hope you know that it isn’t going to fit….really.”

I have a back-up plan.  I just threw it together.  Last year our family bought an obsolete Ford truck for the purposes of dragging things around.  All families need a truck of some kind.  It’s nearly impossible to live without one.  I like to buy flowers, trees and landscaping stuff and drag it home.  There was an unfortunate ride with the kids with a 10 foot Hawthorne Tree stuffed into the back of my wagon.  I really don’t want to relive it but let’s just say I couldn’t see the baby sitting in the back in her carseat. 

So… a desperate fool wanted to unload this beauty and we, the suckers, gave him a spot of cash to become the new owners of this fine vehicle:

The Black Pearl

When you are trying to imagine just how hilarious this vehicle is, please note that we have completely tricked it out.  Jolly roger flags wave when we go for a family cruise.  The devil is in the details, as they say:

Embrace your theme

It is possible that I will have to load up in the Old Pearl, tarp flapping all the way North.  It may very well become know Blogher wide: ‘The Infamous Mommentator” simply because of my wheels.  I suppose it goes to show that it’s very important to be able to laugh at one’s own self.  If the Pearl makes it to Chicago, I will need a one-way home.  Guaranteed.

The moral to the story is that being a friend to others is actually fulfilling.  I am really, ultimately, completely happy to lend a hand to @mrsflinger, @vdog and @kaisermommy at the Room 704.  I belly laugh as I look at the possibility of rolling up to the Sherton stuffed to the gills with the people’s swag.  I suppose if I were living in the 50s, I’d bring everyone a fresh baked cookie basket.  Or I’d bring on the entertainment and hula hoop my way through the afterparty.

I am so looking forward to seeing these girls in a couple short weeks.  I predict any effort I will put into getting there, is waiting for me on the other side 10-fold.

See you at the party girls.  Watch for the girl with the hoop.

LATE BREAKING NEWS:

The Twitterverse being the place that it is, this afternoon tweet of this story led to one EXTRAORDINARY Mommy reaching out.  Next Monday, I’m meeting ExtraordinaryMommy in Columbia to share the duties of the @Room704 party.  She’s takin half and we’re gonna get everybody all hooked up for Blogher.  Which saves me and leaves room for @eCelebrating. 

Which totally rocks the house.  And is exactly what “being a friend” is all about.  Which has made all that many more friends.