Saturday, July 11, 2009

Tim Tam Slim Slam Jim Jam Wham Bam Kin Can Flim Flam Blog Lunch

Oh my goodness, Oh my gadness! Today was just the best day ever!!!!!.

For any of you in the dark, I am still in Utah and one of the biggest reasons for my staying so long was to attend the fantabulous blog lunch with the famous Crash Test Dummy.

It was the most bestest Tim Tam Slim Slam Jim Jam Wham Bam Kin Can Flim Flam Event ever.

First for any of you who were not able to attend, I am so sorry for your loss, but nani nani boo boo to you. It was way too much fun. I am not sure that Olive Garden will ever let us back because we were partying like it is 2009, because it is, silly.

So far I have only met about 10 blog friends, but I can say in every case, bloggers in real life are better than they seem in cyber space. They are funnier, prettier, wittier, and way sillier.

There is something so unique about meeting people for the first time, who already know you. The real you, well, at least the one you have carefully crafted on your blog.

The only downside was that I was so busy visiting and taking pictures and giving autographs that I didn't even have time to eat. Next time we should go somewhere that I don't really like the food.

Driving there I felt giddy with anticipation and nervousness. Kind like when you are a teenager and you are driving to a stake dance and wondering will I meet someone tonight, perhaps the love of my life? Well, something like that anyway.

And I relied on my memory from when I used to live here, because why wouldn't I know exactly where to go after 20 years? Mapquest, schmapquest. I don't need no stinking map. I only drove around aimlessly for an extra 10 minutes, all the while worrying that I would miss some of the fun.

Finally I arrived. Julie from Youngblood was sitting in the car next to me, but I wasn't quite sure it was her. Barb from Barbaloot Suit walked in next, wearing her snazzy red shoes and looking as cute as can be. Next Debbie from Cranberry Fries came through the door.

Finally the belle of the ball, Crash aka Debbie showed up. She was sporting her cute new hair doo and snappy red purse. Hugs were exchanged all around. And jumping up and down was definitely required. To meet in person, people who comment on your thoughts and validate you as a person is something incredible and definitely worthy of jubilation.

I know that without my blog friends I would not have survived this past year. NO way, NO how. And so to actually get to squeeze these people and feel of their love in person, it was so wonderful.

Next we saw Kristina P getting out of her car and Crash made us all hide by the bathroom and jump out and yell "Suprise". So much fun.

Kristina P showed up with Britany and Jillybean. Did you know that Kristina P got Brittany a baby? Well she did and a whole hearted congratulations to Brittany. Apparently Kristina's hair dresser's roommate has an unplanned pregnancy and plans to place with Brittany in October. I know it will be beyond wonderful. Good job Kristina!
I think Shelle was next to arrive. It is kind of a blur. She was looking cute and chic as ever in her black high heels.

At this point the hostess was anxious to clear the waiting area of this estrogenfest and herded us back to our table.

I have to admit to strategically placing myself next to Crash. No way was I going to sit at the other end of the table from her.

The conversation at the table was at warp speed. It made my head spin at times. What else would you expect when so many bloggers get together. So many words, so little time. Dang.
A little bit later Funny Farmer, The Crazy Lady, and Val of the South arrived. More hugging. More talking. Way more laughing and giggling. Val had baked a loaf of bread complete with homemade jam. So thoughtful of her. The Crazy Lady had her adorable 6 week old baby. She was perfectly behaved and slept through the whole lunch. The baby, not crazy lady.

There was an amazing sisterhood that is hard to put into words. Kind of like drinking fizzy lifting drinks in Willy Wonka.

And then of course the cameras came out and the picture taking began. It was a bit out of control. And several different times, our documentation got in the way of the waiters trying to earn a living serving people their food while it was still hot. Jeez Louise people, where are your priorities?

Here are Crash and Kristina modeling the lovely snuggy and look at the cute Crash Test embellishment that Jill made.


Next Shelle had a turn with the snuggy. Check out the waiter in the background, do you think he is wondering what kind of lunatics we are? Blogging ones, of course. Stupid question.
And I even got a turn with the snuggy. And of course I needed to make the screaming face.

Here are Shelle, Crash, and I. Check out Crash's camera, serious stuff.

Here every one is trying out the Nutty Hamster Chick screaming face. I really should invest in a trademark for that, it might be worth something. From left to right, Shelle, Crash, Funny Farmer, Me, and Barb.

We spent about 10 minutes screaming trying to get the perfect shot. So funny.

Here we are with Val of the South strutting our stuff. Sorry about the bunny ears, Val.

And here is a shot of me giving my first autograph ever. Crash's brother wanted every one's autograph. So strange. I can't for the life of me imagine why. He said that some day these autographs would be worth a fortune. Um, I don't think so, but why not humor the little people. And just so you know, famous bloggers put their pants on one leg at a time. They just might stop in the middle to check their comments.

And finally one with me and Crash. She is just as sweet, cute, clever, and witty as she seems in her posts.

Thanks Crash for planning this wondrous fiesta. It was a total blast. I need to drive up more often for such opportunities.

Seriously Crash, you are da bomb. And so are the rest of you. See ya round the blogosphere.

28 comments:

Kristina P. said...

It was so fun to meet you! YOur were as fun and energetic as I pictured you. I love that the waiter is giving bunny ears.

I totally left a bigger tip. I think the OG will never let us return!

Marjorie said...

Good write up. I kept checking to see if you had posted yet! Thought of you guys during the day and wondered if it met your expectations. Sounds like it did. Poor OG! Your description of the event made me laugh and was a good piece of vicarious fun. Now I don't feel so bad that I wasn't invited!

val of the south said...

Best post title EVER!! Totally sums it all up!

I love the photos - even the bunny ears!

So great to meet you - you're just as fabulous as I expected you'd be.

Definitely a day to go down in blog history!!

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

YEA!!! Oh PAt... that was the ALL TIME blog lunch... it totally is up there with our Chili's lunch! LOVE meeting new friends

and I felt way more comfortable after I saw you there since I had met you already!

I loved all your pics... laughed so hard!

Until we meet again!

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Shelle, don't you mean until we me-E-eat again?

LOL at this post.

I just wrote a huge long comment and then there was an error so I will write it again just for you.

I laughed and laughed all the way through this. You are so cute. It's after midnight here and my hub kept waking up and saying "WHAT is SO funny?"

It was the best. I can't really describe how awesome it was. I will try to do that on my post tonight.

I think you surprised me the most. You are way poised and serene. It was amazing. You are not NUTTY at all. But you're fun and exuberant too. Very cool vibe you got going?

I love the photo of you giving bunny ears. ha ha

And the waiter shot . . . HA HA. I felt so bad for those guys. I left a $12 tip and I didn't eat either. ha ha When I was driving away I was like, Man I'm HUNGRY!

ha ha

I had the exact same reaction while I was driving around trying to find the Olive Garden. I was so giddy with excitement. It was weird.

Does anyone else think that Barbaloot looks super sexy in that screaming shot? COME ON, BARB! We are trying to look insane and you're doing a pole dance?

I'm going to go write my thoughts.

LY

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Shelle, don't you mean until we me-E-eat again?

LOL at this post.

I just wrote a huge long comment and then there was an error so I will write it again just for you.

I laughed and laughed all the way through this. You are so cute. It's after midnight here and my hub kept waking up and saying "WHAT is SO funny?"

It was the best. I can't really describe how awesome it was. I will try to do that on my post tonight.

I think you surprised me the most. You are way poised and serene. It was amazing. You are not NUTTY at all. But you're fun and exuberant too. Very cool vibe you got going?

I love the photo of you giving bunny ears. ha ha

And the waiter shot . . . HA HA. I felt so bad for those guys. I left a $12 tip and I didn't eat either. ha ha When I was driving away I was like, Man I'm HUNGRY!

ha ha

I had the exact same reaction while I was driving around trying to find the Olive Garden. I was so giddy with excitement. It was weird.

Does anyone else think that Barbaloot looks super sexy in that screaming shot? COME ON, BARB! We are trying to look insane and you're doing a pole dance?

I'm going to go write my thoughts.

LY

The Crash Test Dummy said...

It was so nice I had to comment twice.

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

Kristina, so good to meet you also.

Mom it was the best, and who says you wern't invited. If you were still here you totally could have come.

Val, Glad there are no hurt feelings about the bunny ears. What's a little bit of bunny between friends? Right?

Shelle, you I felt the same way when you got there. And at our lunch I had that with April since we had met before. It really was the best time. I am sure you are so glad you were able to make it.

Crash, I totally agree about Barb. What the what? She looks awesome in that picture. Tell your hub sorry about distrupting his sleep. I feel so gratified when others think I am funny. Thanks.

LY you guys.

Que and Brittany's Adoption Journey said...

Thanks for letting me come- I had a fun time!! It was really nice to meet everyone!

Sandi said...

Love the waiter, love the bunny ears, love the scream face, love the snuggy, love the snuggy. HATE that I wasn't there! looks like you girls tore the place down, I bet they are still talking about it! Thanks for the pics and the details- fun fun fun!

Anjeny said...

I agree with everyone, your description of your day was sooo superb I feel like I was actually there. Thank you for thinking about us and thoughtfulness in letting us in on your fun.

I am jealous that I wasn't able to go but since you did such a beautiful job on relating your day, I forgive you...eheheh. I love the scream face and wow, Kristina have someone added embellishment on her beloved snuggi just for Crash, what a sweetheart!! I can sooo tell how totally special and happy Crash feel about that, spoiled dummy!! LOL

TisforTonya said...

okay - I'm getting over the whole jealousy thing... I'm on to the second stage of grief... denial. You DidN't!

(looks like you did though - and it looks like a blast... booger!)

Cranberryfries said...

Hey Hey
It was so fun to get to see you at lunch. I'm excited to get to know you better now that I know you. Haha.

Homer and Queen said...

Bitter!!! Thanks for taking me with you!!!

Homer and Queen said...

Hey...are you related to Sue in Henderson?

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

Queen, no I am not. I don' have any family in Vegas.

April said...

I haven't gotten to the denial phase yet, I am still bitter. But I will get over it IF Crash shows up for breakfast....no pressure...hehehe!

I am so sad I missed it!!!!!

Love you pics!

Barbaloot said...

Aw-you guys are too nice! I was just trying to be nutty like the hamster chick:)

I am so glad you were there and I got to meet you. It was so fun to be with everyone---and meeting some of my favorite bloggers in real life was the best thing ever!

Why did it take so long for you and me to become blogging buddies? Especially with our mutual love of BYU football (although you blow me out of the park with your devotion) and you totally understanding how I feel about being "left out" of the family status. I needed that---THANKS!!!

Thanks for posting pictures since I didn't take my camera knowing everyone else would:)

peacekeeper said...

hey pat...after further inspection of your picture and reading your post...i realized that you just met a long time friend (my sis raechals best friend) Julie. small world. love ya!

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

Barb, I know what you mean. I feel like we are kindred spirits. I always love your comments and one night I spent reading a lot of your blog, but I didn't comment for a long time. So glad I am following you now. And it was so good to meet you.

Barbaloot said...

Wow-I don't always come back and follow comments where I've already commented, but glad I am on this one:) I'm seriously loving that we're blog friends these days!

Smart Helm said...

Looks like u guys had tons of fun. I'm not jealous though cuz I was with my family! I look forward to hearing all the nitty gritty details when u get back 2 Vegas.

But really, its too hot to get too excited about things:-) (OK, so I'm just missing my family)

Shawna said...

Inconceivable! And I thought I was having a rocking Saturday getting a free Slurpee.
That is so cool, I can tell by all the smile it was a fabulous time.

Mariko said...

Here I am, trying to relive your meet ups through the blog. It seems fitting, doesn't it?

Martha said...

NHC, Had to finally check out your blog since I needed to see the OG party pics. You are seriouisly funny.

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