I went to BlogHer last year for the first time. I felt a little awkward going into it since I didn’t really know anyone beforehand, and you can never be sure how you’re going to click with people when you meet them in real life.

One of the people who mentioned wanting to meet me was Greis. We had talked on Twitter some, and she seemed cool, but she’s also into sports and she likes country music, so I really wasn’t sure if we’d have anything in common at all.

Then I met her. And it was like meeting someone I’d known my whole life. I’m pretty sure I hung out with Greis far more than anybody else that whole weekend. She’s even in my favorite picture of myself from that weekend (if not one of my favorite pictures of myself, ever). She looks pretty hot in it, too.

Don’t we look purdy?

She’s just… normal. No drama. Totally easy to talk to and be around. And also very smart and incredibly funny.

Everyone should have at least one Greis in their life, is what I’m saying.

Tomorrow, Greis is doing something I did 8 years ago and having gastric bypass surgery. She and I have talked a lot about it over the past several months, and I could not be happier or more excited for her.

Rather than teach her parents how to use Twitter, she’s going to give them my number and have them text me after her surgery so I can update her friends for her. I’m honestly honored to have been chosen to do that for her. (I know, that sounds cheesy, shut up, I totally mean it.)

Of course, I’m totally bummed that because of the surgery timing and some other planned vacations, Greis won’t be able to come to BlogHer this year. I can’t really imagine what it’ll be like without her, since she’s so ingrained in my mental image of the conference. But there’s always next year.

Congrats, Greis, and good luck tomorrow. Can’t wait to see you on the other side. Love you tons, lady.