Rediscovering the 'Me' in 'Mumeeeeeee'

'I have always thought that there is no more fruitful source of family discontent than a housewife’s badly-cooked dinners and untidy ways'. (Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management, 1861)

July 4, 2010

CyberMummy: when virtual became reality


At 10am on the morning of Saturday 3rd July I was nervous. Very nervous. I hesitantly walked into a hotel lobby where hundreds of women were chatting happily and clutching a bright pink bag labelled 'CyberMummy'. This is where I was going to spend the day. I didn't recognise any of the faces, and yet I knew a lot of these women well. Some very well. And they knew me.

Having hastily ditched my sweaty, smelly, not-ideal-for-making-a-good-first-impression pumps for a reasonable pair of 'conference casual' heels, I felt a little bit taller and a little bit braver.

I hovered (that's hovered, not hoovered) at the registration desk. "Do you need my real name or my virtual one?" I asked, and then laughed at the absurdity of the question.

Having got my real/virtual name badge, I joined a small queue of ladies waiting for their goodie bag (or Santa's Sack as it turned out to be). Finding myself standing behind a 'Pink Lady', resplendent in sateen jacket and wig I just had to say something; break my ice, as it were. Turns out, this was London City Mum. "Ahhh, London City Mum!" I cried. "Ahhh, Hot Cross Mum," she cried back. We hugged and laughed and that was how the day started, continued and ended (not all with LCM, I might add. She's lovely and all that but there were a lot of other people there as well!)

CyberMummy 2010 was so many things. Exciting, nerve-wracking, emotional, informative, more emotional, inspiring, hilarious, touching and truly, an original. A First Edition to be treasured by all who touched it.

If I ever doubted why I blog, CyberMummy gave me the answer.

ps today's post was brought to you by the keyword 'CyberMummy'. See, I was paying attention.

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21 comments:

  1. Couldn't have put it better myself. Next year's event has a lot to live up to!

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  2. I've been reading lots of Cybermumy posts over the weekend and does look like everyone had a great time.

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  3. So great to finally meet you! Was laughing at your "not hoovering".

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  4. It was a great day and lovely to meet you. I've already made a comment elsewhere that CyberMummy has given me another reason to blog. I loved LCM's pink lady outfits.

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  5. And the number 7... I think that the number 7 should feature in this post!

    Great to meet you BTW!

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  6. Lovely to meet you as well - and next year, let's one of us bring a trivia guide for the quiz...

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  7. HCM - did you nick my wig?

    Just asking, you know, as it was seen doing various impressions of 'chest hair', 'underarm razor challenge hair', and 'merkin-OMG-you-need-a-Brazilian hair' thoughout the day, somewhere in your vicinity.

    LCM x

    p.s. loved meeting you, but less of the hoovering next time, ok?

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  8. I didn't go this time but am reading some very good stuff about it so may give it a try next time.

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  9. So lovely to see you again. Reading this I have realised I should have changed my shoes once I got there rather than making the journey in heels. A lesson learnt for next time! See you then, if not before xx

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  10. I'm delighted you had a such a good (slightly terrifying) time. It's quite surreal when you finally meet the people you are so cyber-friendly with. I've met some great friends online, through all the special needs forums and it's ace when we meet up.
    Gotta say, name badges (and urls) WOULD be helpful sometimes lol XXX

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  11. Great to meet you. Don't forget to get your new I went to CyberMummy badge. Code on my blog
    http://www.mummy-tips.com

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  12. Oh I can't wait to go next year and meet you all!

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  13. It was a fabulous day wasn't it? I can't wait for next year!

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  14. Sounds like it was fabulous and well worth overcoming the nerves for, something I hope to do for next year!

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  15. Sounds like a wonderful event. I can understand the nervousness though. All that I wonder if they will like the real me. And of course the other side of the coin, I wonder if I will like the real them! No need for the nervousness at the end of day.

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  16. Lovely to meet you - but too brief! Next year. And you clearly were paying attention, I'm super impressed!

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  17. It was wonderful to meet you, and well done on The Gurgle too

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  18. This was lovely to read Hazel. Made me feel like I was right there with you! Well, almost!

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  19. It was so great to meet you, and I'm sorry this comment is so late! Loving your advice column, and well done on your Gurgle award!

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  20. Oh I didnt get to meet you!! :( *sob!! x

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