Nanny-Nanny-Boo-Boo!

A little over a week ago I mentioned to Kat my plans to head down to Georgia on November 1, to visit my parents and just soak up some Georgia goodness. Libbey would be out of school until the 5th, so it seemed an appropriate time for heading to the real south. And Kat was all, "Hey--Shannon & Angie are coming to Atlanta that weekend--you should meet up with us for lunch!" And I was all, "DUDE!" (Could I sound anymore like a wannabe teenager?)

Next thing I know Kat's telling me that Kori will be joining us, too. And Lizzy. It was like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one. My excitement level rose exponentially as I counted the days 'til our bloggy get-together.

I refuse to tell y'all how long these fabulous ladies had to wait for me (darn I-75 traffic!), or how they had to change our reservation at the restaurant because of this wait. I'll refrain from regaling y'all with the story of how I accidentally elbowed our waiter's "family jewels." (Seriously--I'm certain it was the best bit of "lovin'" he got that day. Angie, back me up.) Nor will I tell y'all about Kori's hilariously endearing issues with germs and the perils of dining off restaurant dishes that have not been hand washed. Oh, and I'll not mention Lizzy and the hand gesture she lovingly bestowed upon me, because she's running a campaign and I have to maintain her image for another 2 days.

What I will tell y'all is this: Oh my head, it was so completely awesome meeting these wonderful ladies in person. What I loved best is that they are who they are on their blogs...not an ounce of pretension, not one bit of an act. I dig genuine women. And these gals are the real deal. It makes me happy.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to meet up with fellow bloggers, let me tell you my experience. It's awesome. It rocks. It's a good time. Amen.

Oh, did y'all want to see pictures? But of course...I'll not leave you hanging.

Nope, I'm not leaving y'all hanging...just as Kori is not attempting to hang this chocolate cake-covered serving spoon from her nose. She has mad skills. How could you not love this woman? (By the way--Kori, you have now learned to never ask, "Can you say that any louder?" Because yes, I can. And that woman did look like Michelle Obama. Admit it.)

Here's Shannon & Angie, whom I'm certain are convinced I am the biggest nutjob around. Girls, your fears have been confirmed. They're so sweet & true that I was sitting there thinking, "They are never going to read my blog again--they're too good for me." Oh, dear. I heart you girls!

Katrina and Lula...and Lula's 18 chins. I mean, come on...I take the most unflatterinng pictures in the history of modern photography. But I digress. It didn't faze me to meet Kat "in person," because I feel as if I've known her half my life. So I was all, "Dude--I'm here--sorry you had to wait!" as if it's something I say to her once a month. On our regular lunch dates.

The poor restaurant manager--he kindly and patiently took picture after picture of us gals with each of our cameras. Not only did I get to meet Kat, but also her eldest, Katie. As well as Lizzy's girls, whom she's affectionately nicknamed, "the ladies." They are ladies, indeed.

Finally, no bloggy get-together would be complete without someone thrusting Twilight onto an unsuspecting person who has yet to succumb to our ardent fervor for this book series. Here and now I go on the record: I did not bring the book to Lizzy. It was not me. For months I've begged Lizzy to join our bandwagon o' Twilight fun. She's resisted. But someone who shall remain nameless (her name begins with a "K" and ends in an "i," cough-cough) thrust the book into Lizzy's unsuspecting hands. She then promptly and correctly paid homage to the book with a little kiss. Lizzy, I knew I always loved you.

My time with Angie, Kat, Kori, Lizzy, and Shannon has proven what I've suspected for a while...my blog pals are even more fabulous "in real life." And we need many more bloggy get-togethers, with many more people...I'm talking to each of you. Yes, you...reading all of my randomness. Come play with us. I'm just sayin', it's a good time!