Blog Job

Last night I spoke at my first ever blog conference. To say I was nervous was an understatement. It was a two hour segment of me, and only me, talking about social media and analytics and how to apply that to your blog. How would I fill the time? Would anyone get my humor? What would they think when I blasted my EDM music?
These are the thoughts that tumbled through my head as I drove to Downtown Dallas. Don't worry, I made a gif to show you my agony and stages of dread:

PS, learn how to make your own gif.

The conference ended up being awesome. It was a great group of people and a great way to get some blog knowledge. It was put on my the The Southwest Blogger Society and Live Love Blog, I really suggest seeing if they have workshops in your area, it's a wonderful way to learn more.

Sorry for the grainy pic, I stole it off Southwest Blogger Society's Instagram

What I spoke about is a lot of what I do in my job: social media and marketing for a small company. It made me realize how much of my blog and job overlap (I just happen to be super passionate about one and one I actually get paid to do). I'm not sure that I'll ever make enough money to turn my blog into an actual job. It's not easy, and there is certainly a lot of competition out there to be a blogger. But I think it's fun to try to succeed. Even if I fail.
When I started blogging in September of 2012 it was a hobby. I'd blog a couple times a week. Check stats sporadically. Now it's turned into my passion. I check stats compulsively. I spend way too much time on it. I want to start new ventures (like Blog Auctions). But regardless if it becomes a full time thing or not, it's taught me a lot and I've picked up some friends along the way.
Especially this friend.

Everyone please pause and notice that my nails are painted. I'm making an effort y'all. This is huge for me. Thank you. Back to regularly scheduled blog programming.

After the conference we took some photos, naturally, near the artistic rendering (aka spray paint) that makes Deep Ellum, Deep Ellum.

She showed me her new digs which just might have the best view of the Dallas skyline, ever.

We drank some wine and talked about boys.

So when does blogging become a job? Blogging might not ever be my full time job. But it has become part of my life. And it's something that continues to help me learn and grow. So thank you blog, for that.

And because there's a lot of pictures of my face, here's a picture of Hugo this morning.

Speaking of blogging, I have a fellow blogger to introduce you to today: The lovely Jess of Being Mrs Beer! I always love talking to a fellow blogger about how they do it all. Especially ones that juggle blogging and kids. Jess knows her stuff, she's been blogging for 5 years and there's so much we can learn from each other.