My blog, my friend. My blog, my enemy. MY BLOG. Period.
September 13, 2009
I have had so many things to say but have found myself in a position I swore I would never be stuck in with this blog. I find myself needing to censor myself. I mean really, when do you ever see me put an “*” in the middle of a word so it suddenly is not such a curse word after all. I mean, really? (That is my next post but this one became too long.)
I guess it started when I found more and more people in my real life reading my blog. Now, I was outed years ago by a friend who loved the blog and shared it with friends at school. That did not bother me. They commented or admitted to reading it or just flat out didn’t care. I could be myself. That is what this blog is all about. It doesn’t bother me that people I see on a daily basis read this. I have nothing to hide. Not exactly. It is just that it becomes a one way street. They are allowed into my private life and into my thoughts but I am not privy to theirs. It seems…off balance. You can know me, but I cannot know you. That doesn’t so much work for me.
Oh, but on the humorous side of this, I did have a mom from the school who emailed me a few days ago. You see– for those of you just joining us– I am the PTA president at the school of one of my kids. Now, if you have been here for a while that statement is STILL making you laugh. I get it. I do! But this email was classic.
Dear Jennifer, PTA President,
I came across your blog the other day. (It wasn’t hard to find. You might want to think about not being so visible if you are taking on such a big volunteer role. Especially when the kid is so young.) However, I found a few posts that made me wonder how you must be feeling about your words now. These posts are not very flattering to the PTA and now you stand up as their president. It seems a bit hipocritical [sic]. I wanted to know how you feel about the PTA now and if you take back what you said now that you are “the leader” of the “Stepfords”.
From,
A Mom Out To Cause Trouble
Well, in answer to your question, pretty damn good.
Here is my response:
Dear Mom Trying to Cause Trouble,
I have two policies on my blog: 1) I do not delete a post UNLESS I have directly inflicted pain on someone unintentionally and 2) I do not say anything on my blog that I would not say to someone’s face. (Oh, and let’s throw in #3: No nude pictures. Of me.)
Thank you so much for pointing out these old posts! I mean it! It really reminds me what it felt like to be treated so badly and to feel so unwelcome. Your email helps remind me I never want to make anyone who volunteers at the school feel that way. You must be very caring to ensure that I am reminded of that bad time so that I can avoid it while I am in a position that holds at least a little bit of power.
Thank you so much for your concern and caring for our volunteers!
I look forward to seeing you at school,
~Jenn
For those of you who have been here a while, you are surely aware of what she is talking about. For those of you who are new, here are links to the horrible, awful, no good posts I wrote. Including trying to fake my own death to avoid the PTA. (Again, I am not apologetic about my words. I was working with women who were the Meanie Moms of the school and they had no problem excluding, belittling and bringing volunteers to tears.)
These posts (if you look at the year they were written) are old. I still stand by them because I was treated in a manner that I hope a PTA volunteer at the school I am active in is NEVER, EVER treated. It was a horrible time in my life and a horrible way to be treated by anyone. Now? Now I know I set myself up for mocking because of these old posts. Do I care? Sure! I already feel like an outsider anyway. However, I am strong enough to take it. I know that what I went through only made me more determined to make sure anyone who wants to volunteer is not only welcome, but praised for their work. Whether it is one hour every other month or 15 hours a week. They all matter. They ALL deserve respect. I am thankful for each of them!
So, Ms. Mom Trying To Cause Trouble, take your spite elsewhere. If you want to volunteer, you are welcome to do so. If you want to try to make me look bad? Oh, honey, I do that enough on my own and really don’t need your help, thankyouverymuch.
Anyone else have stones? Feel free to hurl them. Trust me. I can take it.
Posted by Jenn @
6:25 PM |
Back to Blogging, Back to Basics
July 12, 2009
I know after a long blogging absence most bloggers will write something like “I am sorry it has been so long” or “I missed blogging so much!” or something along those lines.
The truth?
I didn’t miss blogging.
I have been off the grid (with the exception of occasional Facebook or rare Twitter and of course I have had my weekly online column for Parenting) and it has felt good. I so needed a break from the … how do I put this? I needed a break from the drama and crap that seemed to have swirled around the mommyblogging world. (Review or don’t review. Ads or no ads. Tranparency or no transparency. Sponsorship or no sponsorship. Enough!) So, I just unplugged and enjoyed life without worrying about my site, my ranks, review opporunities etc. I just unplugged.
So what did I do?
Well, I enjoyed a week’s worth of this:
During the day I was able to relax and just enjoy the calmness of life. I was able to actually find peace here:
When it was too hot to play in the sun and surf, I hung out with these fun people:
I can’t tell you how much I needed time away from everything that was reality based. It was good for my mental health and good for me to find peace that I am going to need for the upcoming months. (Though, I am ready to go back and find my Zen on the beach again!)
If you emailed me and I never responded, I apologize. I had well over 1,100 emails when I got back and I am sure I missed more than a few. I am sorry. If I owe you a phone call and have not gotten back to you, don’t hesitate to call me or shoot me another email telling me to get on the ball. I know I have been out of touch at times that it was tough for others. But for me? It was a break I had to have!
Now? I am working my tail off until BlogHer. Which I hear is just around the corner.
That’s right. I am going to BlogHer. I figured after being there every year, how can I miss the 5th anniversary? The answer is, I can’t! There is so much going on in such a few short days. (Hello? Nintendo? Remember me and all the work I did for you? The friendships? The whole tattoo with “I heart Nintendo” just for you? Looking for your email! I’m just sayin! *grin*) Anyway, I am really looking forward to seeing some old friends and catching up. I look forward to making new friends and learning about bloggers I have only read online. And? I look forward to laughing with some absolutely amazing women. Because I have some of my best laughs while I am at BlogHer. (Are you going? Let me know!)
Until then, it is work, work, work. (And daydreaming about the beach!)
So, I am back baby. I can’t tell you how often I will blog or what I will blog about because I am taking it as it comes. Here you have it. Hope you stick around.
Posted by Jenn @
2:52 PM |
When Life Makes Blogging Take a Backseat
May 5, 2009
First, I know you want to read something fun or of substance from me. Go read (and comment) over at Mommy Madness DFW to read about my weekend freak out when I heard an explosive sound and knew my Traverse was totaled outside. Oh and remember to vote because you love me and I shall cry if you don’t. Or not. But vote anyway because you can! Then? Since you just cannot get enough of me, hop over to Parenting and read this week’s column. It involves noodles and crayons.
—
Okay, so let’s see how much you really know about me. Pick the real reason I have been too swamped to keep up with my blog this week and last.
1. The PTA is busy sucking out my Brain.
2. The Swine Flu.
3. I have been too busy working on my book(s).
4. Blog? I have a blog?
So? Which one did you choose?
My long time readers probably looked at #1, laughed and said for sure that must be the one. If you live locally or anywhere that gets news coverage you probably rolled your eyes since everything and everyone is up in arms over the Swine Flu so you may have chosen that as a default. If you are my agent, most definitely you should choose #3 and believe it with all of your heart. And many of you have read too many posts like this and knew the real reason was probably #4.
The winners? Those of you who chose….
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Posted by Jenn @
12:29 PM |
Why do I still blog after all these years and can I still love it?
February 27, 2009
I have a confession to make. This whole blogging thing has beaten me down lately. Can you believe I have been at this for almost 6 years? I can see how it has taken a downward slide lately. I was talking to an old friend of mine who mentioned that I just don’t update as often and he missed reading it. We talked about how it used to make him either laugh, think or just get a glimpse into my life. You know what? I miss that blog, too. I thought maybe I fell out of love with blogging and was ready to move on, but that just isn’t how I really feel. I really enjoy writing over at Parenting because I get a chance– the freedom– to do what I love to do: tell stories. Maybe the chance to make someone laugh or think. Or just laugh because thinking can be overrated.
I have been talking to friends of mine who have been at this for a few years as well and they have felt it, too. And it isn’t just burn out. I don’t think it is all about how much things have changed either. Though, that is a lot of it. Back “in the day” when some of us started blogging it was story telling and commenting and hanging out on each others’ blogs to share our lives and stories. SEO? What is the world was that? Reviews? That was just when we laughed at someone else’s stupid typos in a post. Blogging trips? That was when you went to another blogger’s home to visit. It was just different. It’s not like I am sitting in a rocking chair talking about the good old days and yelling at the new bloggers to get off of my lawn. Change happens. “Blogging just isn’t as easy as it used to be.”
I am at a turning point in this whole thing. I either remember why I love blogging and get to it or I play the game that the new wave of blogging has become or I quit. Well, let’s just say upfront that quitting is not an option for me. I love writing. I love telling stories. I love my corner of the Internet– cobwebs and all. But phoning it in and posting only because I am being told I have to by someone else who has no interest in my blog but in my pageviews or even just writing to say “Hey, look! I have a blog!” are not acceptable to me anymore. Write or get off the blog.
And then my dorkner-in-crime wrote such a brilliant post that I am going to cut it paste it right here.
No. Not really.
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Posted by Jenn @
12:29 PM |
New York Times readers show up and I didn’t even clean the place up first.
February 23, 2008
If you are here courtesy of the New York Times article featuring Anita Renfoe, welcome. Here are links to her “Total Momsense” video and the lyrics to “Total Momsense” as well. But most importantly, be sure to visit Anita Renfroe’s website for more fun!
I have had an email stalking relationship with her since I found her video online and I can honestly tell you, she is one of the kindest women I have met online. And I have been doing this for years. In fact, we are currently in negotiations for the status of BFF and have agreed to hammer out details over a cup of coffee–time and location permitting.
But, while you are here, feel free to peruse the blog and the archives. It’s not like I am impressed you are here from the NYT Magazine or anything (yes I am) or want you to stay (yes I do) but more importantly, I want you to feel welcome. (But, really? Use a coaster because getting those water rings out of a blog is tough!)
Posted by Jenn @
11:26 AM |
Bee-oring movie!
November 10, 2007
I took the kids to see the Bee Movie today.
I can never get that time of my life back. Before it was over, Brandon and I were hoping they would all sting each other and die.
Who are the critics who loved this movie? Where are they? Maybe I have been spoiled by other animated movies that cater to adults and children alike. Maybe I was lulled into the false sense that perhaps because of the amazing cast it would rock.
I will admit I might have missed something. Maybe I was not in the best animated movie going mood? Maybe I was tired? Maybe I wanted to actually see a movie WORTH the money I spent? If you liked it, feel free to share.
I came home grumpy and wanting to eat a lot of honey and swat bees just to piss them off.
So, any good movies that someone my age might like. I need to redeem myself and my movie record.
Suggestions?
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Posted by Jenn @
11:58 PM |
Celebrate good times…3 years!
July 4, 2006
Clint said there were fireworks planned. And parades. Celebrations all over town. He asked which one I wanted to attend.
“Well, shouldn’t I attend them all?” I replied
“Why would you do that?” he asked.
“Fireworks. Celebrations. Cook-outs. Parades. I mean, if they went to all that trouble to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of my blog, I should go!” I told him with glee and self importance.
“Dear (always with the dear when he is trying not to have me committed), it is NOT always about YOU.”
Silence
“Yes it is.”
Rolling is eyes, he replied, “Yes, all of America is celebrating the 3rd anniversary of you starting your blog. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that this is Independence Day or anything.”
“Awwww, aren’t they sweet!” I batted my eyes at him.
“You’re insane. I love you. But you are INSANE.”
So, Happy 3rd Birthday to my BLOG (a day late). And Happy 4th of July to everyone else!
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Posted by Jenn @
2:45 PM |
My server needs V*iagra to stay up!
August 13, 2005
Apparently my server has some performance anxiety. Traffic spiked and it went into full fledged freak out mode and locked itself in the bathroom.
Clint persuaded the server to work again, but when you are dealing with a case of Server Performance Anxiety, you just never know how long it will stay up. (I gave it the whole, “Come on now, Server. It happens to all Servers at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s try again. I’m not mad. I swear!”)
I suppose it worked because look…it is UP!
We are going to do a major site overhaul this weekend and hopefully that will fix things. Drop me an email if you notice things acting wonky. I appreciate the emails and phone calls making sure everything was okay.
Fingers crossed and all that positive mo-jo sent this way should help. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a whole new site design come tomorrow night! (I know….I know….you can hardly wait!)
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Posted by Jenn @
9:04 PM |
A Saturday riddle for you
July 9, 2005
Question:What do you get when you cross a writer who has a blog with a woman who has no friggin’ clue how to update, redesign, edit or code a website?
Answer: An anxiety-ridden, overly-stressed, panic prone, foul-mouthed person now resorting to curling into the fetal position sucking her thumb and has been heard mumbling I just wanted a new look and a new link page, damn you EE! named Jenn.
But I bet you already figured that one out.
I am torn between upgrading my Expression Engine to the latest release with it’s new bells and whistles (which by upgrading of course I mean begging Clint to upgrade for me since I have no damn clue what I am doing anymore!) or changing over to Word Press since my programmer and web designer (again, of course I mean Clint) uses, knows and can be of immense help if I use Word Press.
But EE is so cool with so many features (that I really don’t know how to use, actually) and as of now, there is no documentation on how to switch from EE to Word Press so how the hell do I keep it all safe?
See? SEE!? NOW do you understand why I have been reduced to an anxiety-ridden, overly-stressed, panic prone, foul-mouthed person now resorting to curling into the fetal position sucking my thumb mumbling I just wanted a new look and a new link page, damn you EE!?
EE pros? Word Press Pros? Chill the hell out Pros? Help. Me.
Oh, and if you come back later and see a big jumbled mess of nonsense (other than the normal jumbled mess of nonsense) or a blank page or illicit photos of donkeys and sheep, just be patient. Hopefully, I won’t kill the blog.
Hopefully!
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Posted by Jenn @
3:37 PM |
Boring Bloggish Business
April 23, 2005
She’s back! She’s back! Oh, dear Internet, my blog is back. Did you miss me? (Please don’t say you didn’t notice. That would break my heart. LIE if you have to.) Apparently, the server was horked all day yesterday. I couldn’t EVEN blog. At all. All day. Not that I have been good about blogging everyday, but still. The option was there. Yesterday, all I saw was some “blah blah blah screw you I won’t let you get to your blog” message. It was so very rude!
But I am back now.
With nothing to say.
But I do have to cover some Boring Blog Business. The time has come when Blogrolling wants more money from me to continue with my multiple blogrolls and cool features as such, but here is the deal. I don’t want to give them any more money. I think I am going to just dump the blogroll entirely. I will still have a links page, but the blogroll is out of control. So, while I wipe it clean, I may lose a link or two. If I have you there and you give a damn whether or not you stay there, drop me a line to ensure I don’t lose you in the dumpage. If you are not there and want to be, drop me a line as well. If you wish I would shut the hell up about Boring Blog Business, that’s just not nice.
I am still waiting on the new look. I am not sure when it will be up, but when it does show up here, be sure to let me know if there are any bugs. I am eager to show off my new bloggish beauty.
Finally, I want to apologize for the rarity of my posts here. I have been completely swamped with other commitments and frankly, didn’t have much to say that would be intelligible. I am thinking that an entry that says not much more than “oogkkkekn klsljfklaruiod, thaei;udhf” would interest anyone over the age of 1. I will do better. Really. Once I figure out what to say that would be worth your time.
I do hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. It is our FIRST non-soccer weekend in so long that I cannot remember what I used to do on Saturdays. I have asked Clint about 6 times today, “So what are the plans for today? What’s going on?” He said I need to just go play with his shop*vac and stop asking. But no soccer? On Saturday? What do you people do without soccer on a Saturday? Thankfully, I have 2 full days of soccer to fill next weekend. *whew*
Okay, I nodded off while reading my own entry. Forgive me for boring the hell out of you. Blame it on the lack of soccer. I don’t do well without my familiar routine and soccer mom brain washing.
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Posted by Jenn @
9:48 AM |
