My 30 Seconds with Ree

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I’m finally wrapping up my thoughts on my first experience at a BlogHer conference. I’ve talked about my breakfast with McDonalds, and I’ve even poured out my thoughts on a Google + post (are we following each other on G+? Well, we should be!). Now comes the absolute highlight of my experience. The Zenith…the whole enchilada….the cherry on top. But unlike a Zenith, this high point was real, tangible and very apparent. I’m referencing my 30 seconds with Ree.

Ree who? How dare you! I’m obviously talking about Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. The reason behind posts like this, and this and the catalyst for my apple obsession post. Yup, that Ree. Let’s start with the backstory:

It was the first day of BlogHer, I had been volunteering all day, and the day was not going as well as I expected. I was stressed, tired, and pretty drained. My volunteer shift was over, and I was ready to head back to my room with my 4 roommates and TRY to nap. I checked my twitter right before I left my session and saw that Ree was taking pictures with fans in the Expo Hall at the Land O’ Lakes booth. I wanted to sleep, but I wanted to go. I had to go. So I dragged my ass to that booth. Boy, am I glad I did.

I dig Ree. I mean, she’s one of those genuinely kind people and seems that way to her core. She doesn’t hide her awkwardness and sometimes apologizes for it (even though she shouldn’t). I’d never met her in person, but I’m a long-time fan of her work. And her tweets. She had tweeted with me from time to time, and it just about made my day with each interaction. She’s the bomb dot com.

So…I got to the booth, and lo and behold, I was one the last people to be able to meet her. The booth was closing up and they were trying to wind down all around the Expo Hall. I made fast friends with a beautiful Mom of a toddler behind me and a hilarious gentleman in front of me. We all shared the same love of Ree’s frontier, Ranch, children, etc. We had a good time getting our nervous laughs out on each other. Finally, it was my turn. 
DISCLAIMER: This conversation will blow your mind. Prepare yourself.

Ree: Hi! Nice to meet you, I’m Ree.
Me: Oh my gosh, Ree. I absolutely love you. I know you won’t know who I am but i’m 4 hat…
Ree: Oh my goodness! 4 Hats and Frugal! From twitter? Yes, we talk all the time! You are just so sweet.
Me: Wait, what? You know who I am? Are you kidding? If you’re serious, I’m gonna cry right now. *nervous laugh, snort, giggle*
Ree: Oh no, don’t cry! Would you like to take a picture? Come on over.
Someone from the booth staff takes a picture with their “booth” iPad
Me: Oh man, this is a dream come true! Thanks so much Ree!
Ree: Wait, would you like a picture with your own phone? Let’s take one. Alex, come here honey, and meet my twitter friend(She really said that! My heart totally stopped). This is my daughter, Alex.
Me: *blubbering* umm wow, Alex! Thank you! (I don’t know why I said thank you. I’m a weirdo.)
Alex takes two pictures and gives me back my phone.
Me: This is too much. Thanks for being here, Ree.
Ree: I’m so happy to have met you in person. If you see me around, stop me and we’ll go sit and have a chat.
Me: Umm whee! blah blah blah Squee blurp! (OK, I don’t remember what I said after that, but i’m hoping I said something instead of just smiling at her oddly while perspiring).

That was it. I said something kind to Alex, telling her she was a celebrity too, or something, then I ran off like the weird geek I am. I immediately Instagrammed the picture Alex took and called my Husband. Through the tears, he kind of got what I was trying to explain to him. Like the good man that he is, he replied “See? All hard work has a good outcome. You worked your ass off today and got to meet one of your favorite people as a reward.”

That husband of mine is pretty cool and sweet. Almost as sweet as Ree.