Hello Internets. Slightly off-topic post here, but with a purpose.

I’m writing today about a blogging conference called SOBCon08 which is put together by some of the top bloggers in the world and coming up in a few weeks. Lisa Sabin-Wilson, a blog designer and published author, is giving away her ticket to the conference due to unfortunate scheduling difficulties. Anyone hoping to enter the drawing for the ticket simply has to write a post (like this one) explaining why they’d like to go and leave a comment at her blog.

I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that I want very much to go to SOBCon08. Reallyreallyreallyreallyreally want to go. Why do I want to go? Well, because I know I can learn an amazing amount from the people putting on and attending the conference. I’ve been writing this blog for about ten months now, and have goals and aspirations to be a professional blogger. In fact, my plans for a cyber-empire are well underway. Bwahahahaha…ahem. Sorry about that. Lost control for a moment. I’m better now. Moving on.

I think I should take a minute to explain what being a pro blogger means to me. The thing that’s most important to me is the opportunity I already have: to leave a legacy of lessons learned for my children, along with encouragement for them when they become parents. I know that someday they’ll face the same situations we all do on this journey, and being able to read what I thought at the time may bring comfort and direction.

If along the way I can help others in their own parenting journey by sharing a lesson, a laugh, or some encouragement then all the better.

Would I someday earn money pro blogging? Yes, I would. How much money? I don’t know. It is something I’m interested in, to be sure. (Aren’t we all?) Honestly though, I’ve already gotten benefits that are priceless. I’ll tell you more about that when the new design is launched in a few weeks; suffice to say that the self-confidence boost my boys have gotten is huge.

Do I have something to offer the SOBCon attendees? Well, I’d be a very attentive learner and I’d use my experience to build a better blog in the hopes of meeting the goals I listed above. I’m a teacher at heart, and I also love to learn. Getting to share that learning with the world is a pleasure. I can share those loves, my enthusiasm, and my laughter with conference goers.

Am I more deserving of the ticket than anyone else? Nope. I’m not. In fact, if there’s someone who’d benefit more than me then I hope they get the ticket.

Well, that’s it in a rather wordy nutshell. Wish me luck!