Great connections and friendships can be made through blogging. I have had some great talks over the phone with several blogging buddies, but, until last night, I had only had one face-to-face meeting. Do you guys remember when Lifesong Kim and I got to meet?

Last night I met up with several bloggers who live in the Birmingham area. We ate dinner at a Japanese steakhouse, then made our way to Starbucks so we could talk. The atmosphere of the steakhouse made it very difficult to have a conversation — all the drums and flames were a bit noisy.

Of course there was Boomama. She is a lot taller than I expected her to be. I learned a little more about her. And, like her writing, she made me laugh.

I sat next to Rhoda during dinner. She is a real southern lady. She has a great voice and I enjoyed listening to her. She’s originally from Georgia, so her accent is different from the Alabama one. She loves interior design and recently started her own design business. She also puts herself together really well — she had on some pretty accessories.

Kim and Distybug had me cracking up the whole time. It was obvious to me that these women love Jesus and love to laugh — a great combination.

I stole Gayle‘s drink at Starbucks. Seriously. There were so many of us talking at once, no one could really hear the barista when she called out the drinks. Robyn (who also had me chuckling with her school stories) handed me a cup, I figured she knew it was mine since we ordered together and talked about our drinks, so I didn’t even check. It was totally my fault.

So, we’re standing around talking, and I say, “Wow, this seems really big for a “tall.” Isn’t “tall” supposed to be “small?” And I think to myself, Alright, bonus. More coffee for me.

Gayle chuckles and says, “Yeah, the tall is really tall….no, that looks like a grande.”

I take a couple of sips of “my” drink, and say, “You know, this tastes really sweet for a latte.” And I think to myself, That’s fine, I like sweet drinks, too.

And this is a perfect example of my idiocy — I thought that even though I was drinking a decaf toffee nut grande, it was still somehow my tall cafe latte.

Gayle says, “Does that by any chance taste like a toffee nut flavored coffee?”

“Why, yes. Yes it does,” I reply. “Your drink is delicious.”

We laughted and got it all straightened out, and I found my very bland-tasting-now tall latte.

I don’t recommend doing that as a way to get to know someone.

Lora was there, too, but I didn’t get to talk to her very much. We met outside the bathrooom for a few seconds and she asked me if I won my battle with the toilet paper. That stuff just did not want to roll out!

Stacey witnessed my attempt to steal Gayle’s drink. Stacey seems really sweet. I also picked up that she takes her faith seriously.

Becca had everyone cracking up as she explained to the cook how she wanted him to make her steak. The woman likes them rare.

Last, but not least, I met Trista. She put the whole thing together. Thank you, Trista!

I know the whole BlawgHer thing started out as a catfish dinner, or something. Well, a few ladies had fish, but it wasn’t cat. They had sushi, something I’ve yet to try.

Even though I was pretty late to the party and don’t live in Birmingham, I had a good time with the B’ham Bloggers. A couple of ladies had their cameras with them, so if you visit their sites you might catch a glimpse of the food and fun.

I just hope there isn’t one of me eating my food.