what I learned at Blogher

Take note. After being at Blogher, I realized the "mommy wars" no longer exist. There was no cattiness the last few days. Women can coexist in one space, with open dialogue. That's a great, important lesson to be had.

Thank goodness, since I'm having a difficult time reconciling stuff within my own home.

I don't know how it is in your glass house, but there are mounting pressures for me to provide for my family, excel professionally, and be a good, loving Mom. Eight years into it, and I still can't find balance.

So how do I cope?

Girls' night. A little - or a lot - of wine. Some music. Good conversation.

Or I retreat to my computer. Writing soothes the soul.

Or I run away get away to a fun locale on my own.

But I always round back to time with Amara.

Yet there aren't enough hours in the day for Dad2Amara and me. Just us. Not that I want to go Civil War re-enactments. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to look for wedges, while driving in the Mom-mobile singing Pitbull.

But does absence make the heart grow fonder? Or does it affect a marriage?

Admit it. How many of you go on "date night" and the focus shifts away from you as a couple to your children or to work or to whatever it is you're trying to alleviate the stress from?

I've had a blogging epiphany at this year's conference. And I met Jose Antonio Vargas, of Define America, whom not only have I spoken about in the past but gave me a precious gift. I will likely write about all of this later at some point when I can compose my thoughts intelligently.

But what do I know for sure? Here's what I've learned in the last four days: no matter what, I always go back home.

That's where my heart is.

Amara, see you in a few hours. Love you!