Sunday, February 18

Anyone still there???

Addictive personality, table for one please!! MAN. This week I have not been on the computer hardly at all. I mean I either I am blogging every hour or I just don't do it at all. There is no in between for me it seems.

I am like that in life in general also. With friends, with exercising, with food, with anything good, anything bad, I just am either addicted or I'm not. There is NO IN BETWEEN!!!! I have known that I am like that for a LONG while. I hate that little tid bit about myself, but have come to realize that it is a really hard thing to change.

This week I made it down to the J's in my bloglines ONCE, so if your blog starts with a letter past the J's, I did NOT come to your blog this week. I know. I can hear the loser comments already. You have that right. I have NOT been a good blogging friend. I didn't even go to my Bestie's blog. THAT is bad!!

So, If you will forgive me, I am going to try a new technique this week. You'll have to bear with me though because I am going to have to split up my comments to every other day. I know that makes people not want to comment on mine, and I TOTALLY understand!!! It is just that if I comment in EVERYONE'S blog everyday, then it would take me 2 hours. SERIOUSLY. I guess it just takes me a long time to comment. I never have been a fast typer.

I guess the main reason I am cutting back is because I feel like I am not seeing my kids and spending the time I need to with them OR Glen. Am I the only one that feels that? How does everyone do it? Do you just comment on the days that you post. And what if you post everyday???

I am just trying to figure this all out, STILL!! You would think after so many months that I would have this down. HA. Not so much. :)

posted by Nicole at 2:51 PM

45 Comments:

  • Hi Nicole,
    Well I think the whole blogging thing is very individualistic. I have been blogging for a year and have moved my blog twice. Each time feeling ready for a new start, and having to start with a new group of people (for the most part). In moving I knew that there would be those who wouldnt follow me, and that was okay with me. I even had to weed back my list of friends. Not all of them, could I read, or did I truly want to. Women are so careful about taking care of people, that it is in our nature. However, your family should always come first and we as moms need to respect that in each other. I decided a long time ago that I blog as a journal. Small things that I want to remember or that I want my boys to read later. I print off most of my posts and put them in a binder for us later. If I get comments that is such a bonus, and I love it, but the blogging is for me! Just evaluate what YOU want from the experience.

    By Blogger Trina, at 3:20 PM  

  • Not to be a bad blogger or anything, but even if you don't comment, people STILL read your blog!

    So, I do it when I can, but mainly I just comment on my closest blogger friends' blogs and get to all others when I have a chance. Then I actually have time to read and am not just commenting to "comment" like it's my chore. When I comment then it really means something.

    And we have similar personalities, it sounds like. Up or Down- no in between!

    And not to draw you into it further, but I am doing a Blogger Mama Mamas photo tag for tomorrow's post- post a pic of your mom if you want so we can all see the Moms behind the Bloggin' Moms!

    By Blogger Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph, at 3:58 PM  

  • I strictly budget my comptuer time (most days. Some days I suck.) and write my blog after my kids are off in school and while the baby has her mid morning snack. Then off the computer until the baby's naptime and then only for an hour... and I can check my email again while the kids are being checked in, but then the rest of the evening is my husband's. I'm a FAST reader and an insanely fast typist, though, so that means I can read a lot of blogs in a limited time.

    By Blogger Beck, at 4:26 PM  

  • I have noticed that about you. :) But knowing that, I don't get my feelings hurt when I don't hear from you for a while. About the blogging: family needs to come first, but you also need some
    "you" time. So if blogging is something you enjoy doing and think benefits you, then you just have to find the time to fit it in. I'd suggest finding a time of day when you wouldn't be spending time with Glen or the kids anyway -like nap time, early in the morning, after they're in bed at night? Good to see you're back!

    By Blogger cindy, at 4:27 PM  

  • Its about finding that happy medium. I'm sure people will understand!

    By Blogger Mall Worker, at 4:30 PM  

  • I always READ you blog, but I only post when I feel I have something I'd like to add. Lately it been less than that...my computer has been really slow so it just takes forever to post a comment.

    By Blogger Holly, at 4:30 PM  

  • Well, you know me...I read REALLY fast...and type even faster! I have a little over 30 on my bloglines..and I can usually go down the entire list in about 30 min. So..I do this once a day...and usually at night, or early in the morning when kids aren't needing me. =) I am definately not one to get on the computer if something else is going on. Now, throughout the day...I may quickly jump on here & check my comments...but that's about it. I have always known I lean on the side of having A.D.D....hahahaha...so I literally would DIE if I sat on here for 2 hours. ha!!! I HAVE to be quick!

    Don't worry about not reading my blog Nicoley...I'll forgive you...even though you ARE my bestie!! =) Don't let it happen again though. LOVE YOU! Glad you are back. Hope your new approach to blogging/computer time works for you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:53 PM  

  • Hey Nicole...glad you are back up!

    I post everyday and go through a list of about 20 I am really into! It is hard to keep up with....

    By Blogger Anna, at 5:25 PM  

  • It does get hard to keep up sometimes... and I'm the same way, all or nothing! LOL

    Enjoy some time with your family, they're the ones that matter most! :o)

    By Blogger Michelle, at 5:50 PM  

  • Hi Nicole! Welcome back!!! I am Happy to see you back! You will find the happy medium you need! I am the same way! I get so addicted to things too like mwhen i was buying on ebay? i bought everything, then I got addicted to selling EVERYTHING and now well i just mostly sell when they have the discount day! I am still very much into the Blog thing however I can't wait to see who and if anyone has commented...I try so hard to keep up with this too!!
    Have a great night!

    By Blogger palmtreefanatic, at 5:54 PM  

  • We can't all comment on everyone's blog all the time!! Where would our lives be? In the internet, that's where!! Spending time with family SHOULD be your first priority, so don't feel bad at all! There are times when I read everyone's blog in one day (mostly the weekends) and then there are times when I just read the ones that I am beginning to make blog-friendships with, and then there are times when I read nothing at all when I'm super busy. Do what you can. My favorite uncle once told me that YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE THAT'S ALL YOU'LL EVER BE. And it's true!! Have a good Sunday evening with you family, and thanks for suggesting the grocery store for boxes....I never thought of going there and asking them, so you can bet I'll be there tomorrow!!!

    By Blogger Lindsey, at 6:24 PM  

  • I totally understand. That is why I only post twice a week. Otherwise it cuts into family time.

    Blogging is not supposed to be stressful or full of expectations.

    You need to read Twilight and you still need to read that book that Allison and I love so much from Francine Rivers entitled "Redeeming love". Happy reading.

    By Blogger Ashley, at 6:50 PM  

  • I am new at this so I am totally addicted!! I spend way to much time on the computer. I am trying to wean myself!!!!

    By Blogger Jennifer (mom of four), at 6:56 PM  

  • I agree with everyone - blogging is a totally individual thing. I am sometimes like you -- all or nothing and then on my good days (and there aren't too many of them, but I am working on it) I will ONLY comment on those where I can identify or feel like my comment is needed. I try NOT to feel that commenting is a chore, though often it seems so ---- My family is first and I try to keep it that way! My blog is a journal of MY thoughts and things that are so important to me...I love having readers and comments, but it is certainly not a necessity!

    Good luck -- and know I enjoy your blogging! :)

    By Blogger uuu, at 7:14 PM  

  • I read almost 100 blogs...so there is no way that I comment on all of them each and every day. If I have something to say, I comment. Otherwise I move on. Blogging is fun, don't make it a chore!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 7:36 PM  

  • I have missed you!! I was worried that you, Glen and the kiddos got that tummy bug from your family.
    I understnad the comment things... I can not do it either! Tried but it doesnt work so well!
    You have to enjoy blogging and life not one or the other!
    We all just look forward to your posts and comments thats all... no worries!
    LOVE YAH!

    By Blogger Lindsay, at 8:03 PM  

  • I don't always make it on the computer everyday...I think that when you comment you comment, not everyone has something to say everyday. I know you will be there sooner or later reading what I have to say and if others can't take you being gone a couple of days then thats them and you will be fine not to comment on them anymore and that takes care of the stress. :)

    By Blogger Tasha, at 8:28 PM  

  • I don't have a very big list -- maybe that's why I only have a few comments... I don't have time to scour through all those blogs but every once in a while I'll hit a new one just to check it out. I have a very busy life too and when I have time to read and comment I do. Real family is much more important!!!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 8:53 PM  

  • Hi Nicole - was really nice to read your blog - I wish I have MORE time between work, kids, homeworks, blah, blah, blah..you know how it is. I will always visit your blog.

    By Blogger la bellina mammina, at 9:17 PM  

  • I know Adv. in Babywearing took a break and I was there a few months ago. NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY!!!

    By Blogger Glass Half Full, at 9:42 PM  

  • You're back! I honestly thought that your family had gotten the 'bug' from going to that birthday party last weekend! Glad you guys are ok!

    As for blogging, I don't read/comment on anywhere near as many as you do. I don't have the readers that you do either. You should probably break it down into manageable sections - read a certain number of blogs each day. If it's stressing you, then it's no fun and it's supposed to be fun! :-) I have two blogs that I read everyday but have never left a comment on - I just read 'em for the pictures (Farmfare girl) or they make me laugh (redneck mommy). But I don't comment. Yet, I love getting comments! So -basically I'm NO help! ha!

    By Blogger Lori, at 10:05 PM  

  • I think we all understand. I spend way to much time blogging. But it's normally when the kids are off at school and the baby is happy playing with his toys or the kids are in bed and DH is at work or sleeping. BUT DH is going back on days(he was coving for someone on nights) and with him working normal hours again and him being home in the evening, my computer time is going to be cut short. So I'm sure there will be days I don't read, let alone comment.. It doesn't help that we are still on dial up and it takes forever for each new blog to load. I did have a blogger point me to bloglines which helps alot in saving time, I'm no longer loading blogs that don't have any new post to them and I can read most if not all the blog entry from bloglines and only go to the blogs are the places I want to leave a comment. I have just over 30 blogs I read there are so many other great blogs out there but i don't have time to let myself start reading them all or my dishes would never get done my kids would have to email me to get my attention and I would never leave the computer.. So don't worry.. we all will read when you do post. I did get use to you posting and commenting every day that I was starting to worry about you though. I'm glad all is well and now i know not to worry when you go MIA for a few days :)

    By Blogger KC, at 10:07 PM  

  • That it. I'm changing my blog to A Wooden Porch. I'm sick of being at the bottom of everyone's list.

    :-) I totally understand. I get that way too and just need to take a break and figure out how to tone down the blogging thing. There really isn't any pressure to always comment and always post everyday.

    By Blogger Miss Notesy, at 10:16 PM  

  • I get into a blogger funk too! There's two handfulls of blogs that I love and read as soon as they show up on my bloglines, and they know who they are since they get regular comments from me. The rest just feels like work! Ugh. It's not a hobby anymore when it starts feeling like work. So, I have mainly been reading my fave blogs (you're one of them!) and notsomuch on the others. My comments may go down, but that's ok. Also, I don't blog very much on the weekends. That's when SlowMo doesn't have school, so we spend time together. I think it is hard to find an equal balance.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:34 PM  

  • Hi Nicole, and thanks for visiting my blog! :)

    This blogging thing is really something - gives us the chance to meet folks from all over the world! I hope you come back and visit often, cause I've got your place bookmarked!

    I can identify with what you mean about addictive personalities - I tend to be a bit like that too. When I go for something, I go all out - but other times, I just can't manage it. Some may see it as blowing hot and cold, but I know it's just my sometimes scatterbrained approach :)

    Looking forward to reading more in your blog!

    Anna :)

    By Blogger Anna Ridley, at 11:37 PM  

  • Whatever it takes to keep yourself sane--I totally understand. I too have four children.

    By Blogger Scribbit, at 11:54 PM  

  • I understand. I haven't been the best blog buddy this week either. I've been to obsessed with Anna Nicole (sad, I know), so my computer has been reading stuff about her. But something I've done in my favorites file that has helped me, is I have all my blogs in catagories. Daily, weekly, rarely, new ones.

    By Blogger ~Crystal~, at 12:52 AM  

  • Look Im exactly like you in every way. Im on the computer every hour or Im just not on at all. Im like that with friends as well. It's not that you dont love these things its just some times to much hard work. I understand.

    By Blogger Kim's Life, at 1:16 AM  

  • I've definitely had to moderate the amount of time I spend on my blog walks...I just have too many other things going on. But you definitely get around! The majority of the time, I always see your smiling profile gleaming back at me!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 7:39 AM  

  • You do get lots of comments and you give very kind ones also. I would do whatever it is that's best for you. I usually just read a few in the morning before work and at lunch time and comment then. I love comments too but you should write from your heart and don't worry about all it. If you comment every other day I don't think anyone will stop visiting your blog or leaving encouraging words for you. I find your stories very entertaining.

    By Blogger Nadine, at 8:42 AM  

  • I am like that too. Sometimes I get burned out on reading. As much as I love comments on mine, I get to the point where I just don't care because I am so worn out.

    I did miss you last week. I love reading your take on things. You always leave the most thoughtful comments too!

    By Blogger Gina, at 9:37 AM  

  • Hi Nicole,

    I too am very hot or cold. I am also very passionate about what I am doing. Just like my sister, Trina, I do this for myself, and the comments are bonuses. I too will print my blogs as family history of moving to Oklahoma. Trina let me know, it is for me and maybe to make some friends along the way. By the way, love your blog too.

    The Martins

    By Blogger Mrs.Martin, at 9:55 AM  

  • I uesed to struggle with this too, Nicole. Blogging took up way too much time and I was neglecting my responsibilities. I've lost a lot of my commenters because I'm so sporadic with blogging and don't get out to comment much. However, I've got my biggest fans and best commenters, living under the same room with me. So, I need to make sure that I don't neglect them.

    I think that blogging has been a wonderful thing, especially for us stay at home moms. However, it seems like too many are neglecting the important stuff, so that they can blog. Our top priorities must be our families and not these blogs. Besides, if our families fall into disrepair because of our neglect, then all we will have to blog about is how messed up our families are. Who wants to read about that? LOL!

    Don't feel obligated to comment at everyones blogs...except mine. (I kid. I kid.) Just do what you have time for, without missing out on your family. You don't want your husband and kids to always remember you as sitting in front of the computer, just so that someone you have never met will think that you are a good commenter. ;)

    Hang in there girly. (Hugs)

    By Blogger Nicki, at 11:45 AM  

  • Well obviously I think everyone is glad that you are back..you seem so funny and sweet that I think people are drawn to that
    As for your blogging dilemma, well I'm sure you have figured out what to do..I decided to probably not post everyday and probably only comment on the days I post..I'm still a newbie, but I think I will give that a try. So funny I am also always checking out my blog it can be VERY addictive...need to get that under control..hehe

    By Blogger marykathryn, at 12:35 PM  

  • this is me to a "T".

    I've been trying to figure out how to balance it all. It is hard.

    When my oldest was born I got sucked into a mom's board/forum (before everyone had blogs) -- it took so much of my time and finally I just had to walk away.

    Didn't regret it at all -- in fact, no one ever checked on me and it made me realize that I had spent all of that time on something and it never meant anything to anyone...

    Blogging is different though... hopefully we will get it figured out soon!

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karla

    By Blogger Karla Porter Archer, at 12:52 PM  

  • you have so many blog's in your blog roll! I don't think I could keep up with all that. I comment hear and there and sometimes I just read cuz otherwise it would take too long. My hubby gets upset when I am on too long and things don't get down around the house, so finding that balance is important. I wouldn't be too concerned about having to comment to everyone everyday, that is just too much and people will read you because they like you! I am sure this has already been said but holy cow woman 36 comments!! it would take so much time just reading them all yourself!

    By Blogger Lala's world, at 1:06 PM  

  • I always enjoy getting your comments, but would hope that you (or anyone else for that matter) don't comment out of obligation.
    I will keep checking in on you and reading you, regardless, as I am sure everyone else will too.
    But definitely take care of your beautiful family before caring for your bloglife :)

    By Blogger Jamie, at 4:56 PM  

  • HEY! I think your every other day system would work well. I just don't think you should feel obligated to post a comment on EVERY single persons blog that you read. I comment on my bfs blogs every time they post. People that I am a friend of a friend of I just leave a comment if I feel that I have something to say on that matter.

    I have wondered how you have time to read all of those blogs and comment. If it breaks into family time, the for sure limit your time blogging. People will understand! I do!

    By Blogger Allison, at 5:29 PM  

  • Dude. You just got 40 freakin comments. THAT in itself is amazing to me...

    I digress... Probably the reason I never reach that number of comments is the fact that I only comment on posts that I feel require comments. Or that I only comment when I have the time. You know? And I don't usually read the comments of everyone else. Like this one has 40 comments?!? Yeah, I am SOOOOO not reading all of those. No time.

    By Blogger tracey.becker1@gmail.com, at 6:56 PM  

  • I'm delurking!! I've been reading for about two weeks & I really like your blog!! Did you go to ACU? I have a lot of friends that went there, but I had to be different! My husband and I both went to OC.

    I totally understand how easy it is to give more time to the blogging world than you're family! I've taken several breaks myself!

    Have a GREAT week!

    By Blogger suzspeaks, at 10:02 PM  

  • I'm HORRIBLE about reading other blogs and leaving comments! I don't know how women do it. I'm almost 2 months behind in most emails, most blogs I never even visit, and I usually post once a day. Sometimes more depending on how stressed out I am. I post a LOT when stressed out.

    I do all my computer stuff while children are napping (usually a 3 hour window) or after every one is asleep at night (like now). I almost never get on the computer if Ironman is home. Sometimes I will if he's in the shower or if we're both on our lap tops in bed.

    Since I'm almost never apart from my children (I usually even run my errands while they're napping and my mom is here), I don't feel any guilt about not spending time with them. We're all glued at the hips, and I write for my sanity. Some moms watch t.v., read, talk on the phone...I write.

    I don't get many comments because I don't do much visiting to other blogs, but I don't have time to do it all. Writing is definitely an outlet for me. The only hobby I've ever really had.

    So this novel was to say, "I have no idea." I hope all is well in your world!

    By Blogger Flawed And Disorderly, at 11:14 PM  

  • Hiya Nicole, I totally understand too and I do realise that it does takes about an hour or more just to comment at everyone's blog :P

    Still, I 'cheated' sometimes at work and also way past my bed time coz I need about 5 hours or less sleep so that's alright

    No worries dear pal...I'm sure you'll come to the letter S that's me hahahah...

    Take care!

    By Blogger Shionge, at 6:27 AM  

  • Girl, don't worry about commenting on people's blogs and not recieving them. As a blogger, I don't get to make the full rounds all the time either and I figure everyone else is the same so I don't take it personally! We are all busy people and sometimes we just like to read. It's all good!!!!

    Anyway, yes, I feel the same way about blogging too much and not being with the kids as much. I have been trying to curb it this week too!! It's hard!

    By Blogger Angel, at 8:38 AM  

  • Oh I'm the same - I either don't blog for days, or I blog a million times in one day!!

    P.s - Only found your blog the other day and I love them both!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 8:13 PM  

  • Hi Nicole! I noticed recently that we comment on soem of the same blogs, so I though I'd check you out. Well, not in THAT way. But you kwim. ;) Anyway - I can't comment on all the blogs I'd like to either, and my blogroll is not as long as yours, I don't think. If I really have something to say, I say it. If I have to force myself, I don't. I may get half as many comments on my blog those weeks, but I've learned to accept that. Ditto Karly ~ this is suppsoed to be fun, not a chore. Sometimes it reaches "commitment" status without us realizing it!

    By Blogger Lei, at 7:55 AM  

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