What I Learned in Vegas at Bloggers in Sin City

I can't stop thinking about Vegas. I only posted once last week after my initial Vegas post because I couldn't get myself to think about anything other than #BiSC. Between my own reflections and reading other peoples recaps, I have come to realize I learned a lot in just a few days.  

{photo credit: Terra right?)

Without further adieu here is- What I learned in Vegas:

• I loved blogging before, but actually putting faces to the blogs and hashtags reminded me that there is more to blogging than just writing your thoughts online and getting the occasional comment. It is more than just an Internet hobby. Meeting IRL at events like BiSC creates life long bonds that are irreplaceable and priceless.
• Don't judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, don't judge people by their tweets/avatars/occupations/registration page etc.
• Don't let your inner dialogue stop you from having a good time. There is nothing holding you back but yourself.
• Clubs that have an outdoor patio, music playing under the clear starry night, with free table service while surrounded by people who don't care if I dance like a fool, that I can do.
• It is worth doing that challenging thing you are worrying about. Just because it is unknown, does not mean it is wrong or bad.
• When meeting people, especially those who have name tags, whether it is hotel staff, waiters or peers, use their first name. They will appreciate it and probably reciprocate the kindness.
• Twitter is actually a great cool for communication. Whether you are scattered across the country or sitting at the same table planning what to do next. 
• I must make blogger business cards for my next event.  It is pure genius.
• If you don't allow yourself to try new things, you will never know what you are capable of or what is possible.
• Companies will sponsor bloggers. Thanks again to all our sponsors.
• Challenge yourself beyond your comfort level. If you don't take risks, there will be no rewards. Take chances and risks.
• Birds don't have sex like humans do. They just have to touch their cloacae and Bam! She is impregnated!
• If you put your cell phone in a glass vase, it amplifies the sound a bit. (c/o Terra)
• People on tight ropes, high chairs and roller skates (at Absinthe) have super-human strength.
• Hotels that don't have a TV in the bathroom mirror just aren't luxurious enough now. Yes, the Go Rooms at the Flamingo Hotel spoiled me.
• Teaching Tiffany to play blackjack was a fun but bad idea.
• West Virginia has some hilarious and bizarre children's songs. Watch Terra dance to Sneaky Snake.  (Sorry it is hard to hear but if you listen closely you can hear it. I am working on making this louder - so check back!!)
• Friends should make you feel alive and happy.  We need to focus on spending more time with those who make us smile and laugh so hard we cry and less time with those who make us feel pressured to impress them.
• I am not a phone person but I need to try to make the phone my friend to keep up all relationships and bonds that were created in Vegas. I'm looking at you fellow BiSC-uits. Will you try to help me here?
• Fun is what you make it.
• New things make us feel anxious and scared at first, but if we put ourselves out there, we are left with something invaluable, our lives enriched.
• We all have choices to make and sometimes they are not easy to face. But every decision leads us on a path and carves out our future. It is our choice to have fun and try new things OR stay with the familiar and comfortable and thus never grow. Choose to challenge yourself.
• Sometimes we just need to take that leap of faith.  Life is too short to have regrets.
• We are all goofy and weird. Life is weird. The Internet can be weird. But when you find others who are your kind of weird, a connection is born that justifies it all.
• The Internet is real.
• We all take ourselves too seriously. Laughter is the best medicine. Surround yourself with others who laugh with you.  
• Everyone feels left out of social situations from time to time.  We feel invisible and as if we don't matter.  We question if our friends truly 'get us.' We have all been there where we think a dinner was organized without us or we were invited as a second thought.  We feel that the only way to be included is to invite ourselves. The truth is, you do matter and you are not alone in feeling this way. There are people out there that care about you. This group at #BiSC in particular was (naturally) very good about trying to make sure everyone was included. In fact, if you asked if you saw something people planned on twitter and wanted to join, the usual response was "the more the merrier."
• Sprayology makes a spray that is the cure to all hangovers. It tastes bitter for .02 seconds but the headache is gone instantly!

(photo credit: Jayme)

• If you look up to someone or have a hero TELL him/her. It will make their day (as long as they're not an A list celebrity, then they know already.) While you will probably feel nervous about going up to them, it is worth it. Who knows, maybe a friendship will blossom. Have no regrets.
• Do not be afraid to do what you want to do. I felt judged when I told people I was going to BiSC but I had the time of my life.
• It is possible to meet someone and instantly feel as if you have known them   your entire life. I call this friend-love at first sight.
• If it were easy, wouldn't everyone do it?
• Even if it is for a Tweet-To-Win contest, remember you have followers who will see it. In this digital age, anything might appear on YouTube or become public gossip.
• People will come together to support and celebrate others, even when they barely know each other. I believe most people are good people.
• We are all nervous about making a bad first impression. People are out there that will like you for who you are.  Be yourself!!
• Canada doesn't have Target. This is baffling, I know.
• Will.i.am is not worth the pins and needles in my feet. On that note, next year I'm bringing more flats.
• Don't wait until last minute to try to get tickets to Billboard Music Awards. It does sell out.
• It is actually really hard to be a stripper. The poles get slippery (from your hands/sweat) and you have to have ab strength and a lot of coordination!
• Don't worry about what will be in the future. Just enjoy the present. As Baz Luhrmann says in his song, Sunscreen, "Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum."

Holy bloggers, Batman! I learned a lot in just a few days and I'm sure I didn't even include everything.  I know sometimes it is easier said than done. But in the end, you should be able to look back and have no regrets.  Going to Vegas and taking that chance was one of the best decisions I have made.  Thanks to everyone who went for making the weekend so memorable.

What did you learn in Vegas? Care to share and add to my list?

Love, Caryn