Blog Method

I know I hinted that I'd be liveblogging round two of our orgampage this weekend. Sorry to disappoint. Boo hooing will not be tolerated.

For this second Saturday of GoBloMeMoFo NaBloPoMo, I'd like to talk about how you blog.

I'm posting about posting.

I'm curious about your method for coming up with a post topic, writing a post, posting a post, editing a post, deleting a post, and coming up with a post title. Post, post, post. There.

In the beginning of my illustrious blogging career, I used to dream about topics. Then I'd wake up and think about topics all day long. Now I just come up with a topic whenever the mood strikes. Usually it's based on something funny or interesting (to me) that happened, I do think about situations in terms of their blogability factor. (This highly irritates Tate.)

I usually write my posts the day before I plan to publish. Occasionally, I'll write a post as soon as I get up, but I prefer not to do that since I'll obsess all night long about what I'm going to write. I've found that if I don't publish a post right away, I'll start over-editing it, questioning everything I've written and then I'll just eventually delete the post. Currently I have about five or six post ideas in draft, ready for next week.

I have no method for coming up with my titles. I just think of a title. That's it.

Since I thrive on order and schedules, I like to post in the morning and typically only once per day. Sometimes I'll post twice if I just can't help myself. It's like a compulsion, but I feel like I must post every Monday through Friday. After NaBloPoMo, I may *gasp* skip a few days of blogging, though. I may need to go on a blog diet in December after overposting in November.

So tell me about your blogging methods. Commenters, take your mark. Get set. Go.

Ask The Binky Bitch and the Panel of Experts

See that sexy vixen in the middle? That's me! Wanna know why I'm on a panel with Ron Jeremy, Mommy Dearest, Maggie Simpson, and Dr. Phil?

Go Here to find out!

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Yesterday, I saw that October 3 was The Great Mofo Delurk Day, but yesterday I'd already posted a heartfelt, honest, sappy-ass post, so yesterday I didn't want to mar it with a fun!, silly! delurking game.

It's the blogosphere people, an imaginary land with imaginary rules. I've decided that I can do the whole "delurking day" TODAY! And it's okay to break this imaginary "October the 3rd" delurking day rule!

(Breathe, Jennifer, breathe. It really is okay to break the rules. This is your blog, you can do whatever you want.)

Also I'm really pissed off at my husband right now, but trying NOT to blog about it. Sadly, this lame ass post is the best I could come up with in my I'm-gonna-strangle-my-husband mood.

So, if you're not a damn chicken bawker, delurk, won't you?

To make this interesting, lets have something to comment about. I mean, if anyone actually participates, it's going to be really dull to read "hi, I'm delurking" over and over again (although if all you want to write is "hi, I'm delurking," that's totally fine by me, remember these rules are imaginary.) I got this idea from Lena at The Cheeky Lotus.


1. Tell me the ONE thing that your husband, wife, partner, or significant other does that makes you want to strangle them. Or write a novel about it in the comments, imaginary rules, people, imaginary rules.

2. Favorite ice cream flavor

3. One man or woman on your "free-pass" list.

4. If you were to have another child, what name would you give them (boy and/or girl)? Edited to add: even if you're not having more kids, what would their names be? Merely choosing a name does not mean you have to have more children. At least I hope not.

Oh? It's my turn, already? Okay, here goes...

1. Strangle worthy...when Tate already knows I'm in a bad mood and am frag-ee-lay, yet chooses to push my every last button. That's all I'm saying right now, 'cause this could turn into a novel.

2. Cookies and Cream

3. Josh Duhamel, or McDreamy, or Antonio Sabato, Jr. (circa 1993). Oops that was three. See? I'm breaking my own imaginary rules. It's very freeing.

4. Boy-Carson, heh Girl-Emeline

Have fun, everyone. If you're a regular commenter, join the fun. This isn't just for delurkers, it's for everyone.

Seriously, play along. Puh-uh-lease. With sugar on top.

Protein Deficiencies and Dentists

Wanna know more about how these are related?

Come visit me at Sam's place today...

Temporarily Me

A Peek Inside My Wishy Washy Brain

So many blog topics, so little talent. I've been working on drafts of, I don't know, about 10 blog posts for weeks.

What's sad is that none of these topics is really speaking to me. Instead these topics are just mocking me and whispering under their breath, "don't publish me! I suck. I'm boring."

These are the topics for which I merely have an idea OR have half finished (or half started, I suppose.)

1. Life in Alabama and why it sucks (not Alabama per se, just living so far from home.)

2. Life in Alabama and why I like it.

(See, I've become wishy washy, can't make up my mind!)

3. Funny breastfeeding quips.

4. Why I sometimes wish I wasn't breastfeeding.

(More proof of my wishy washiness. I made up that word, "washiness.")

5. My shopping trip to buy underwear, which was far more difficult than it should have been.

6. My fear of granny panties and mom jeans. Actually my fear that I am becoming *gasp* frumpy.

7. How we're warping our kids.

8. Recipes that I've come up with...Eggplant roll-ups, baseball meat, and chicken fajita egg casserole.

9. Copying Swistle's and Sundry's ideas and having you all quiz/interview me. You'd ask me questions, I'd answer them. Fun, right?

Anything sound interesting to you? Any suggestions for other post topics? My brain is shriveling up like an unloved penis.

Help me.

Getting the Cussing Out of My System

Shit, y'all. I need to get out all of my g*damned curse words right here and now. I'm supposed to be blogsitting for Megan at Velveteen Mind and she said I used "foul-language" (lovingly, of course) and I've got to f*cking prove to her that I can write a whole f*cking post without any g*damned curse words.

I don't f*cking know what I was thinking, agreeing to blogsit for Megan, a real writer. But, I'm going to use the time to get something off my chest. Stuff I don't feel comfortable talking about here, on my own blog. It's a risk, sure as shit, but it will be a great opportunity to reveal a little secret of mine.

Wanker, shit, f*ck, bitch, f*ckity f*ck f*ck, horse shit, mutha f*cka. Wish me luck. NOT cussing is extremely difficult.

Go visit my non-cussing self now.



For those of you too lazy to go to Megan's, please enjoy this video of Alton Brown. He really IS TOO SEXY.

A Very Simple Request

I know that ALL bloggers in the blogosphere are reading this, so LISTEN UP!

I'm very far behind in my blog reading. When you keep posting, I get even further behind. Shit, people it's ONLY Monday and my Google Reader has a major cramp. Seeing 100+ posts to read doesn't make me happy, it makes me ill. I'm up to my armpits in unread posts. My eyes are crossing from all this reading, my fingertips bleeding. (The part about my fingertips bleeding isn't true, that would be ridiculous.)

Please EVERYONE take a week off from posting so that I can catch up. I don't see why the ENTIRE blogosphere can't take a break just FOR ME. Actually, I'm sure there are others that would appreciate the chance to catch up.

No more posting until I say so, ya hear?

Getting Right

I fear that this post may ramble. I'll do my best to keep it concise.

(Oh great, Jennifer, tell people that you're going to ramble...that'll keep people reading. Jeez.)

Anyway, as I was saying...I am a bit overwhelmed with so many things on my plate right now. Last night, I told Tate that I needed some alone time this weekend. His response wasn't what I expected.

He was obviously irritated that I wanted to be alone and told me that he was hoping to spend time together this weekend since most of my time has been spent on the computer lately.

Anger seered through me. How dare him accuse me of being on the computer too much! But then, I realized it wasn't anger I was actually feeling, but remorse and even embarrassment.

The thing is, I have been spending too much time on the computer. As soon as the kids are in bed, I get on the computer. Every night, I say I'm just going to check my email. But every night, I end up spending nearly three hours on the computer. (This is after I've spent a good deal of time on the computer during the day.)

Sure there are lots of things on my plate right now with trying to post on my site, twice a day at MamaPop, checking my site stats and new incoming links for the day, Twitter, Facebook, cre8buzz, Myspace, podcasts, reading your blogs, responding to comments, commenting on your blogs, checking email again... Suddenly it's time for bed and I've hardly even spoken to Tate the whole evening.

I realize my plate is full of the wrong things. This has been going on for a long time. I'm not making time for one of the most important people in my life, Tate. So completely NOT cool.

In our blogging community, we all seem to have a sense of responsibility when leaving comments at one another's sites. When someone new visits, we want to return the favor. I know that personally, I really feel this sense of responsibility. In the past week, I've done most of my blog reading through Google Reader and have left few comments. And I feel bad about it.

There really has to be some balance here, with my HUSBAND getting the same courtesy of my time as I offer to you all in this community. I'm sure you'll understand that my comments are going to be fewer. I understand the reciprocity of comments, so I'll understand if your comments get fewer as well.

I'll still be reading and commenting as time allows.

More of my time is going to be spent with my man. Where I should be. Where I should have been.

I Think I Can Convince You That You are Better Off Being Home Than in Chicago

So, I'm not at BlogHer today like many of the coolest people I know. One of those whooping it up in Chicago is Izzy from IzzyMom. She asked me to blogsit, so if you don't mind, clink on this here link and come visit me. I'll give you all the reasons that being home really is better than being in Chicago.

See you at Izzy's!

This is What I Get

This is what I get for leaving the crayons in Carson's reach when I was ignoring him while blogging taking care of his sister.



Ahem.

Playing Fantasy BlogHer

I'm so sad to inform you all that I am NOT the winner of the free ticket to BlogHer '07 in Chicago courtesy of Parent Bloggers Network and Light Iris. I'd link them but the f*ckers didn't pick me, so this is my only way to get revenge. Hee, hee, actually, I'm not angry. In reality, I'm a little relieved.

See, I don't know if I've mentioned, but I had a baby a month ago. Lil' Miss Shel would have had to come along with me on my trek to crash BlogHer. Oh the fun us two gals could've had! Yeah, uh, not so much. Getting drunk, hanging out at bars, and not having access to a swing would probably have caused us both permanent damage and years and years of therapy bills. I get nervous flying, let alone with a colicky baby (oh yeah, had I mentioned that she's all sorts of fussy again...I'm referencing all that advice you bestowed upon me, thanks again!). It's doubtful too many of the other BlogHer attendees would have wanted to shack up with me and my squalling infant, so the hotels costs could have probably brought groceries for my family for the next three months.

Instead of actually going, I've been forced to dream up my Fantasy BlogHer experience. I imagine that the conference and adjoining get togethers would look an awful lot like a high school reunion where you actually liked the people you went to high school with. There's certainly lots of squealing, jumping up and down, laughing, pats on the back, "oh my gawd!!!, I love your blogs!," and ego stroking. Lots and lots of ego stroking. At Fantasy BlogHer, everyone attends and everything is free!

Eventhough this is a fantasy, I'd still be intimidated as hell, requiring two drinks to relax and actually allow me to talk to everyone. Anymore than two drinks and my hugs may get a little too long and my words slurred just enough to get an escort from security.

First of all, there are several bloggers out there whose writing abilities put my silly little blog's content to shame. They make my writing skills look like those of a second grader, misusing words and punctuation. I don't even know if I could hang with the likes of Catherine from Her Bad Mother, Amy at Amalah, Kelly from A Child is Born, Twas Brillig, Bon from Crib Chronicles, or Kristen at Motherhood Uncensored. It's likely that I would suddenly develop a stutter or I would completely forget the English language, making all communication attempts useless.

My blogging inspirations, many of which are courtesy of Club Mom, would definitely be on my "must meet" list. Linda from All & Sundry and Purple is a Fruit, Lena at The Cheeky Lotus, Beth at Diary of a Playgroup Dropout, and Rockstar Mommy would get big old wet ones from me. Well, not really. I fear that security would be sent for me...again.

Some bloggers that I'd love to meet would probably end up getting sued for payment of my medical bills as a result of the sidesplitting laughter they are sure to induce. Kristi from Here in Idaho, Jessica from Oh the Joys, Bossy from i am bossy, and elasticwastebandlady from The Smiling Infidel are a few of those bloggers who crack my shit up. I wish I had 1% of the funny these women possess.

Many of you just have all around great blogs. Hopefully, I wouldn't make too big an ass of myself (although it's highly unlikely) meeting Elizabeth from Table 4 Five, Jenny from Absolutely Bananas, Mamma from Mamma Loves, Cate from A Beautiful Life, Swistle, Tulip Mom, Kara at You Can't Reason With Crazy, or Worker Mommy from Because I Must Blog.

Then there's the gals that I'm sure would be my BFF's forevah if only we knew each other in real life. Brandy from It's Like I'm Magic..., my long lost sister, probably thinks I've forgotten all about her since I haven't commented on her blog in a while. But, I've been reading, don't worry, Brandy! Casey from moosh in indy., Erika from Plain Jane Mom, Auburn Gal Always (I know your real name, I just don't know that everyone else does), Janet from Dancing Through (it's okay that we don't share a love for reality TV!), Sarah at In the Trenches of Mommyhood, and Christina at a Mommmy Story are my blog soulmates. I know they may not realize we're blog soulmates, but we either have a lot in common or I just think I love them. Please don't call security.

Getting to BlogHer would be a great, fun, drinking fest on a private jet with my IRL frienda. Shut up, it's my fantasy and there are private jets. And Josh Duhamel, scantilly clad serving our drinks. Sara, Heather, Megan, Amanda, Kim, Melanie, and Jen all have reserved seats.

I only left out about a gazillion of you...but you're not forgotten. Do you know how long it took to put in all those frickin' links? Too long and I gave up. But I hope you'll all join me at Fantasy BlogHer! And please, don't call security. I'm harmless.

An Epiphany of Blogger Proportions

Apparently I'm not the only one with Blogger issues.

It's quite frustrating dealing with deleted posts and error messages.

Several of you have even switched your blogs to WordPress.

I, too, had planned to jump on the WordPress bandwagon. However, after HOURS and HOURS of headache-inducing work, I've decided to stay here at my Blogspot address.

To save others the misery that has been my every free minute this weekend, I thought I'd share some of my well researched revelations.

If you want a truly customized template with any widget you could want, you'll have to have your web page hosted and go through wordpress.org which is vastly different than wordpress.com.

Wordpress.com doesn't support many customizations, javascript, or the plugins that allow for different widgets.

I hope that my misery can be helpful to those of you thinking of switching. I am just not ready to pay monthly for web hosting when I'm getting ready to pay someone to customize my template.

So, I'll remain here at Blogger. Bugs, deleted posts, and all.

Damnit.

The Bloggy Family Tree

My very first comment ever from someone I didn't know personally was mommiebear2 at Who Cries Over Spilled Milk. Not long after, I got comments from Brandy at It's Like I'm Magic and from Aaron from Outdoor Living. Not only was I excited BEYOND BELIEF by these comments, I was also a tad confused.

For the life of me, I can't figure out how on Earth they found me. So if yous guys are reading, how did you get here?

This leads me to my topic....how do you find the blogs you read? And most importantly, of course, how did you find me?

The vast majority of the people I read, I've found because of a comment they've left here at Playgroups are No Place for Children. Your blogrolls have also led me to some great reads. Sometimes, the groups in my sidebar have led me to new blogs. I especially like "The Good Blogs" since they include the title to recent posts. Sometimes a title of a blog gets my attention, or a picture left in My Blog Log.

You wouldn't believe the joy I feel when I check my Site Meter or Technorati and see a blog I don't recognize and find my lil' ol' blog on someone's blogroll. This also brings me unbelievable guilt since I don't keep a traditional blogroll, but instead share items via Google Reader.

I also feel as giddy as a school girl when I get linked or mentioned in someone's post. It absolutely makes my day when I get chosen by Erika at Plain Jane Mom for her Go Read it Today Posts!!!! (These GRIT posts have also introduced me to some fabulous blogs, by the way...so if you're not reading her, you should!)

So back to my question...How do you find the blogs you read? And how did you find me?

Getting All Meta-Bloggy on Your Ass

Ahh, the blogging brain never stops. If I'm not thinking about blogging topics, I'm thinking about blogging. I blame all of you, blogging friends, for your amazing posts that start my wheels spinning.

Yesterday, I was yet again inspired to think about this blogosphere where we co-habitate. Kristen at Motherhood Uncensored wrote this post about commenters, regret and blogging about one's family. Really, for this post to make any sense at all, I'd highly encourage you to actually click on the link and read the comments.

From my perspective, Kristen, according to yesterday's post, does not regret her posts. She does seem somewhat irritated by certain, judgemental comments about her choices.

There were several comments yesterday that booed Kristen and her "airing of dirty laundry." One of the commenters yesterday was quite adamant about a change Kristen made to her blog, the removal of her picture. This commenter asked (in a confrontational way, in my opinion) on several different occasions why she'd removed the picture.

Feeling a bit obnoxious yesterday, I left my own comment in defense of Kristen. (No, she doesn't need BIG, BAD Jennifer coming to her rescue!) I was so irritated by this other commenter, that I called her comments "asshat comments".

Now I'm feeling a small amount of regret.

This is not the type of commenter or blogging citizen I want to be. To this point, I have not ever purposely left a comment where I blatantly disagreed with the author of the post. I have, however, defended an author by leaving a comment that directly puts down the naysayers.

I posted a few weeks ago about my feelings about the type of citizen I am in the blogsophere. In this post, I stated that due to the nature of the anonymity in blogging, sometimes one may feel more free to say things they wouldn't say face-to-face. Maybe this is exactly what I did when I called out this commenter.

Don't get me wrong, I'm only feeling a small amount of regret. I still would have commented in defense of Kristen. However, I'd have left that commenter's name out so as not to appear to be name-calling.

Personally, I've received a few comments that made me think "shut up, you don't know what the hell you're talking about." Do I think that we should go around this blogosphere only leaving comments that offer a "swell job" and a pat on the back? Well, yes, kind of. In the perfect, happy, we all shit rose scented butterflies world this is what we would do. On the other hand, there is nothing necessarily wrong with a little debate. As long as the debate stays above the belt, minus name calling and overt judgement.

Here's of few blogging questions for you...Have you ever received brutal, shit-stirring comments? If so, how did you handle them? Have you ever left a less than kind comment yourself and if so did you regret it? What would it take for you to delete a comment on your site?

Thank You

Kristen from Motherhood Uncensored has awarded me The Perfect Post Award for this post.

Thank you so very much, Kristen. This means the world to me.

The Stress Was Getting To Me

Have you noticed anything different about my blog? Look over to your right...see it now? The blogroll (or should I say the lack of traditional blogroll...) Okay, so now that we're on the same page, let me explain.

My blogroll was stressing me out. I had so many people to add and I just hadn't added them yet. My Google Reader has become my blogroll and I'm continually adding to it. Also, the order of my blogroll was making me worry that I was playing favorites. It's hard to say Heather from Queen of Shake-Shake is more worthy of "top billing" than say Brandy from It's Like I'm Magic. I tried to put less "famous" bloggers toward the top of the blogroll, but then I couldn't get them in an order that seemed fair. I thought about changing the order every few days or just doing an alphabetical list, but this just wasn't the answer.

So....I decided that although this worry was pretty senseless, I needed to change. Instead of the traditional blogroll, I decided to share my items that I read from Google Reader. That way, everyone I read can be on the list as long as they post something that day.

There are some downsides, however. You're only allowed 10 shared items and I read A LOT more than 10 posts per day. Also, if you don't post for a while, you won't be found on my list. And the worst thing is that Google Reader does not always promptly let me know when there are new posts. Sometimes your posts don't show up for 8 hours after you've posted.

I'm going to give it a whirl. If I don't like it after awhile, I'll go back to the traditional blogroll and put all 7,000 of you on it.

And if you don't like it, then I'm sending this thug after you.

[picture removed]

Also, I'm experimenting with responding to comments in my own comments sections. I'm completely paranoid thanks to this thought-provoking post that someone will think that I don't value your effort in leaving a comment. Some people email replies, but I don't have everyone's email. I just don't want people to feel like they have to check my page over and over to see if I've commented on their comment...Does that make ANY sense??

Here in My Corner of the Blogosphere

Some great questions have been posed regarding mommyblogging by a favorite of mine, Her Bad Mother. In fact, it seems that the topic of mommyblogging and the analyzation of our chosen "hobby" or "profession" has been a recurring theme in many of the blogs I've read recently. Although, I'm a lazy bum who should go find all the posts and put their links here, I'm going to defer to Sara at Suburban Oblivion who has already done an excellent job of tackling the subject and including links. It also must be said that I have Sara to thank for my blogging addiction, as hers was the first blog I ever read.

Here are the answers to most of the questions posed by Her Bad Mother. I apologize that my answers lack the eloquence I wish to convey. Please be assured that I've actually been working on this for several weeks and my pregnancy brain has been stretched to it's limit.

1. Who are we? What is a mommyblogger? What kind of mommyblogger (parent blogger) are you?

I think "we" are a community of mostly women who have found an outlet to tell our stories. We've found a place to vent, discuss, brag, question, stretch our minds, have adult conversation, and make friends. The blogosphere is ours, we don't share it with poopy diapers, socks left on the floor, dishes in the sink, pediatrician's appointments, and all of the other irritations of motherhood.

As far as being a mommyblogger, I'm honored to be a part of this group. It never fails to amaze me when I read something that I wish I could hold and own myself. Other mommybloggers' views and insights into motherhood and beyond are so reassuring to my own sanity as a Mother. My posts are typically in regards to the day to day trials and tribulations or questions about parenthood that I encounter.

2. Who are we writing to? Who is our audience?

Generally, I think we are writing for other Mothers and for ourselves. On my blog, I try to evenly post about myself and my kid(dos). I try to think about topics that are either funny or of interest to people who visit my blog. It's obvious when one post is better received than others it seems. One comment versus 22 comments speaks volumes. We also can use our blogs as a way to reach out for support when this whole motherhood gig gets a bit overwhelming.

3. Why are we writing? What is our purpose?

I write because it is one of the only places I feel that I can really be heard. My husband doesn't want to hear the mundane details of what I do each day from losing sippy cups to gossip heard in an OB/GYN office. Writing in the form of a blog allows for feedack and comments, where if I were just journaling my thoughts, the much needed support would not be there.

I also write because it feels amazing to be creative. It feels good to not take myself too seriously. It feels good to have people read what you've written. It feels good to receive comments and feedback.

Since starting my blog, I feel like I am back to more of the person I was before I became a Mother. I feel like the true "me" has been in hiding since my son was born. Here in my blog, I get to be more than just a Mom. It's nice to be validated again.

4. What is the context for our writing? What are we saying? What is our message?

Our messages vary from day to day, from blog to blog. On our good days we can share important news or tell the funny story of what happened at the grocery story. In the same respect, when we have those days that should be filed under "Do Over", we can reach out to our readers for support, encouragement, and advice.

Some blogs try to be funny by examining the absurdities of life with children. Some blogs make you think by discussing a topic with meat, a topic beyond diapers, poop, and tantrums. Some blogs can do both. Mine is probably NOT in the thinking blog arena, although I truly enjoy reading other's well-written, researched, and passionate posts!

5. How does the medium of blogging affect all of the above (that is, does, or how does, the communication of our messages through blogs, bear upon the message itself? Bonus points if you leave Mcluhan out of it.)

The medium of blogging has allowed all of us to become writers (some obviously more technically talented than others.) Generally I think the blogosphere, in terms of mommyblogs, is a supportive place. When I say supportive, that doesn't necessarily mean that we don't have very strong differences in opinions and values. There are times, however, that bloggers and commenters may feel very free to say things that face-to-face they wouldn't dream of saying. For many, blogging and commenting is anonymous. The anonymity can be a safety net but also a license to say unkind things. Luckily, I haven't personally encountered any rude or uncouth comments and I typically don't read posts that I feel are posing a purposely confrontational subject.


6. What kind of citizen are you in the parent blogosphere? How and why do you comment? Link? Give awards? How important is 'off-blog' (or inter-blog) activity to the parent blogging community?

I try to comment on anyone's blog who has given me a comment. I do this because I love that I've been visited and read, it's my way of saying thank you. In fact, it's how I've found some truly fantastic writers who entertain me with their stories. I also comment when I've read something that makes me laugh, cry, think, or question a worthy topic. Admitting this is embarrassing but, I also have blog crushes and commenting is like smiling at that cute boy in the hall in 7th grade when I leave a comment.

I link to blogs usually to make a point or clarify my purpose in my own post. Other times, someone else has written something so amazing that it must be shared with whomever is willing to click on the link.

I've not yet given an award, but daily I read something that I think is worthy of an award. There are some unbelievable writers among the mommybloggers.

7. What are some tried and true hangover remedies that you know?

Greasy cheeseburgers and fries...haven't needed anything of the sort for at least 32 weeks!

So everyone, what are your thoughts on the subject of mommybloggers? How do you feel about the title? What is your purpose in your blog? Are you caught up in the number of comments and visitors you receive?

Please see the post below if you're interested in participating in a meme with me...I'll post a link to your blog if you play along....You know you want to ....come on!

Is Your Cat Out of the Bag?

I'm curious. I read this blog by BlogWhore at Mommies Are People, Too, and it got me thinking.

Who knows about your blog? Friends? Family? Your husband/wife/significant other?

If they don't know about your blog, then why?

If they do know about your blog, do they read it? Do they comment? Do they have an opinion about your blog and/or blogging habits?

If you post anonymously, do you worry about being found out? Do you worry about posting pictures?

Here are my answers:

*I've told most of my friends about my blog. My husband, SIL, and brother know about my blog. I purposely haven't told my parents about this blog.

*I'm not sure why I haven't told my parents, but it's probably because I worry that they would think it's weird and judge me.

*I don't know for sure which of my friends (who live out-of-town) read my blog. A few have left comments or told me that they read me. A few have left one or two comments then have not been back (according to site meter). As far as my husband, I don't know if he's ever read my blog. He tells me that he thinks that all I do is talk about him. (I do, of course, talk and bitch about him, but not all the time. Right?) Tate also teases me about being addicted to the computer, which is true.

*I use pseudonyms for my husband and kids. My name really is Jennifer. I say that we live in Lower Alabama but not the specific town. I do this because my husband is sure that predators are reading this blog waiting to come murder us all. He's possibly right. I do sort of worry about posting pictures, but I think that they add something to my blog. I'm a Mom, I love to show pictures of my kid(s).

I'd love to know what you think. If you'd rather write your own post, that's fine...please leave me your link in the comments section so that I can read about it.

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Then, I tried it! And what can I say? I can say, "scratch my ass and call me Lucy"...I'm hooked!

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Folks, it's really not too good to be true. My life has changed for the better. I actually have time for my son now! And for cleaning! And devising the Perfect Post! And feeding my ever growing addiction! Come on! What are you waiting for?!

Do you have 34,721 blogs to read each day? Does it take you hours to go through your blogroll and other's blogrolls to keep up-to-date on all the latest posts? Well then [insert reader thingy here] is for you! It only takes minutes to subscribe, and the time saved is time you can add to your LIFE!

Seriously, it's free! It's a time saver! It is a truly wonderful way to not forget any of my favorite bloggers! Why don't you join up, too?!

Subscribe in the next 10 minutes to [insert reader thingy here] and you'll receive a bonus gift. Please allow 6-8 decades for delivery of bonus gift.

Hurry!! Act Now!! The first 5 new subscribers to [insert reader thingy here] will get a cash back bonus!! (Women and men are not eligible to receive the cash back bonus.)

Disclaimer: [Insert reader thingy here] and Jennifer are not responsible for adding to your blogging addiction. They are not responsible for any expenses incurred when having to check into "The Betty" or for your childrens' therapy session due to Abandonment Secondary to Parental Blog Addiction Disorder. This was an unpaid endorsement. Subscribing to a reader is no excuse for lazy commenting. Commenting is a must. Please don't forget to check Jennifer's comments over and over so that her site meter will artificially show LOTS and LOTS of visitors. Also, the comments are usually the funniest part.

Now back to your regularly scheduled blogging book-a-long below....