Blissdom was not what I expected.
Not at all.
Yes, I had kind of figured it would be full of warm fuzzy feelings, I figured I would have a laugh or two and I make some “useful connections”
But, no, it wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
I did not expect to immediately bond with some weird and wonderful mamas (each of them being as weird & wonderful as the other!). I didn’t expect to walk away with an impromptu haircut, nor did I expect to end up dancing the night away in a cougar filled bar (no, we were not the cougars) I didn’t expect my roommate and I to find such an awesome balance between independence and friendship, nor did I expect people to be as creeped out by her costume as they were. 
I didn’t expect to feel as warm a welcome as I received. I didn’t expect to talk about Vaginismus, especially not during lunch and I certainly didn’t expect to leap to the level of intimacy with the other Blissdom women as quickly and deeply as I did.
I am not a conference newby. I spent a decade attending fitness conferences, and another 5 years doing specialized recreation conventions. I have done my time, attended my sessions and roomed with many a stranger! I “knew” conferences.
This was not like that.
Blissdom was not a conference experience, it was summer camp.
The Blissdom bubble contained those fast and frenetic relationships we would make in our youth. The immediate connections, the feeling of being surrounded by others just as passionate (crazy?) as ourselves. The moments of deep and inspired conversation, the insane activity filled days and chaotic competitions.
The camp moments.
The gals at Blissdom have recreated an experience from my youth, an experience I didn’t realise I was missing, until I did. They gave me lists of friends I have a strange urge to write paper letters to, with a handmade friendship bracelet(or is that lame?)
No, I did not expect to giggle my way the Blissdom community, so quickly and so completely.
But I did. I laughed, a lot, and smiled even more. I bonded swiftly, and left with fast promises of future adventures. I left eager for next year.
And I left with plans to practice karaoke before taking the stage!