will i keep blogging?
Posted: November 1, 2010 at 7:00 pmHow was everyone’s first day of November? Mine was pretty normal. I enjoyed some extra quiet time this morning thanks to M sleeping in until 8 am. That never happens. Perhaps there’s something to the 2 hours of trick-or-treating? Too bad I woke up sore and achy as well.
Today I headed to the store for groceries. While at the store, something hit me. Christmas decorations. Lots of Christmas decorations. Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas, but I cannot get into the spirit until after Thanksgiving. Although, maybe I could benefit from doing so. Preparing earlier for Christmas can’t be a bad thing, huh? You still won’t see this up in my house until after Thanksgiving though.
I actually thought it would be fun for me to organize and host a Blogger Holiday Gift Share, where we each get a secret buddy to send a present to in December. If I did that, I would have to embrace the spirit before the end of November. Would anyone be interested? Or is there something like that typically set up? I don’t want to step on any toes! Plus, I would be happy to help out with it as kind of a last blogging-hoorah act before the baby comes. Which actually brings me to the first installment of my November Q + A series!
For this series, I will feature one or two questions per day in the month of November, depending on how many I receive and if I decide to also do them on weekends. Now, let’s get started with Question #1:
Do you plan to keep blogging regularly after the baby is born?
Short Answer:
Long Answer: I mentioned before in my post on scheduling my priorities that blogging is one of those “me” things that I truly need in my life. Blogging, along with workouts, will continue to serve as my two outlets to fulfill my interests after Braedon arrives. And I refuse to feel badly for taking time for these things.
After Makenzie was born, I went through a bit of a funk for awhile. It wasn’t anything serious or even close to post-partum depression, but I definitely felt out of sorts. I remember crying to Peter that I hated feeling like my only purpose was to be a “booby bar”. A lot of that negativity and frustration came from not having anything to call my own. For that reason, I fully intend to continue blogging regularly.
I would like to keep somewhat close to what I have set up in recent months here, but don’t have any set plans on posting once/twice/every other day. I will NOT put pressure on myself to blog. I can get posts up pretty quickly these days, so I don’t plan on it being a huge issue to continue as I hope. Basically, I will go with the flow and keep it up because it does help me relieve tension.
I honestly cannot wait for the path the blog takes after this baby, which I have a whole post planned closer to my due date. Don’t worry – it’s nothing crazy! I just feel so excited to share my progress on getting back in shape (not that I’m out of shape now), adjusting to a life with two children, continuing to find balance in everything, taking up new challenges, and more. I don’t think I could refrain from blogging! It’s that huge of a positive outlet for me. My family will always take precedence, but my passions have value too. So I will make time for them and you will still see a lot of Tina! I’m not quitting on you, yet. If ever. 😀
- How important is blogging to you? Is it a priority? Why or why not?
- How soon do you get into the holiday spirit? Also, would you be interested in the blogger gift exchange if I set something up?
- If you haven’t yet and would like to – ASK ME ANYTHING!!!!
Tags: blogging
I know it was probably not funny at the time, but “booby bar” is a pretty hilarious term. 🙂
I’m glad to hear you are going to keep blogging!
I love blogging as well. It is definitely a priority for me as well. Some days it is the only thing I want to do, and then there are other days (like today) when I don’t really have anything to say, that I just don’t post.
Haha. I do laugh at that term now. I did NOT laugh then. Especially when Peter’s response was “moooooo”. Hahaha!!!
I’m glad that you are going to keep blogging. It always makes me sad when my favorite bloggers stop.
I’m down for a present exchange.
I was scared when I saw the title of the post that you were going to say no!! I am so glad you are going to continue and do something for you! I am already starting to get into the holiday season!! I have only been blogging for a little while but I am absolutely loving it and I love reading blogs!!
Blogging after a run is something I look forward to doing. I don’t have many people to talk to about my running, how I feel, patterns I notice, and all those things, so my blog is a chance for me to get all those things out.
It also gives me a good excuse to play with PhotoBooth on the Mac I’m using. 😉
I’m glad you’re going to keep blogging after Braedon arrives, and that you realize you need time and things for yourself! 🙂
As for the holidays, I don’t do ANYTHING Christmas oriented until Thanksgiving has come. By then, I’m so excited about it, I don’t need any real help getting in to the spirit. I just love the sense of warmth and love about the season. I can’t wait for that! 🙂
I would TOTALLY do a blogger gift exchange!
That’s how I feel too. On both things. I love blogging because its a way to share things with others who have the same interests. And also with Christmas. After Thanksgiving, I’m really into it. It feels pushed before then.
A blogger gift exchange sounds like a blast! Count me in.
I blog sporadically … when the diet/exercise is going well, I can’t wait to talk about it. When I’m silent, it’s usually because I’m not doing so great.
I don’t like to think about Christmas decorations until the day after Thanksgiving. (But then I’m all over it!)
Yay! I’m so excited to know that you’ll keep blogging after the baby’s birth. Cool name!
I would love to do a blogger gift exchange!
i would love to have a holiday gift share! so count me in! sounds exciting!
This is _way_ too early for Christmas! Totally with you there.
Christmas gift exchange sounds great – probably would need some parameters to make sure that everyone knew how much to put into it.
Glad you’re protecting your blogging and that you’re not setting specific expectations on it either.
I’m traveling for a couple weeks – not sure how much I’m going to be around, but sending you love.
Ela
Hope the travels go well!! And I would definitely set up more guidelines and then have a formal post/sign-up later on. Like you mentioned – how much to spend, being sure to COMMIT if you sign up so people aren’t left giftless, what to do about international readers, etc.
Keep calm and blog on – love it! I agree – such a stress reliever, I don’t see an end of blogging in sight for me – enjoy it and the community too much! So glad you’ve worked it out to be able to stay!!!
I think Peter would actually be disappointed if I stopped since he’s put a lot of work into designing things for the site. Plus, then I would always talk his ear off. 😉 He’s all for supporting me keeping this up and my hopes for blogging. That support I know will help a lot in me keeping up with it after the baby.
How important is blogging to you? Is it a priority? Why or why not?
-I think for us now it is a priority, and I hope that I can make it something of a life’s work if you will. A chronicle of my journey with the monkey. That said, there are days when I just have no desire to blog.
How soon do you get into the holiday spirit? Also, would you be interested in the blogger gift exchange if I set something up?
-HA! I am in the holiday spirit year round. 🙂 There was one year we didn’t take down our pretty red tree until September 30. We do try to wait until November to start bringing things out. Christmas movies are already starting to be watched in our house, and I plan to change out the music in my car this week. I wouldn’t mind a small gift exchange! 🙂
I would love to be involved in a holiday gift exchange, so put my name down if there is a list starting.
Also, you freaked me out when I saw that question about whether you will continue blogging and I am so glad that you said that for sure you are!! 🙂
Tina – So glad to hear you will continue blogging! I am new to the blogging world but so far I really love it. Even though I work from about 7 – 6 or 7 every day I have been making time for it because it makes me happy!
Also, a gift exchange sounds great.
I am with you on celebrating the holiday’s too early – when I went to the Pumpkin patch yesterday they had already cleared out most of the pumpkins and moved in Christmas trees and ornaments!!
I start thinking about Christmas in September – mostly about what gifts I will make vs. what I will buy, how I will do my cards each year, what has to happen… I just get excited.
Which is good, because my work gets VERY busy between Thanksgiving and until the week before Christmas (planning fellowship group parties and organizing a gift drive for needy children), so I don’t end up doing anything during that time except maybe writing cards. Then the week before Christmas I get back into the spirit. It’s a shame that work takes so much out of me during those first weeks of Advent – my family is German and we always celebrated Advent and I miss it, but it’s just too much to be planning Christmas stuff at work and then come home and do it too.
That said, I would be interested in a *small* holiday blogger gift exchange. I’ve never taken part in one but I think it would be fun.
PHEW! I was nervous you were going to say no! I’d miss your blog so much!! I’m with you though – blogging shouldn’t become stressful, but should truly be your “me” time and that’s it. I totally view it that way, its my source of inspiration sometimes, while other times it’s simply my place to call “home” when I need to get something off my chest. And other times it’s to spread inspiration, joy, whatever the mood strikes. All I know is it’s mine and nobody can take that from me 🙂
I’m so glad you are going to keep blogging!
I’m not going to lie… I was listening to Christmas music today 🙂
I would love a blogger gift exchange! I’ll totally take part. 🙂 I actually wanted to set up some sort of blogger cookie swap, but it seems complicated.
Blogging for me is not exatly my top priority yet, but it’s something I enjoy. I try to blog at least once a day…
I know how the Christmas thing goes. I helped put out Christmas candy at work tonight. And we’ve been putting out Christmas giftware for weeks. But we don’t start decorating our house for Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving.
1. Loved your pumpkin tummy. B’s first costume 🙂
2. I’m so glad that you are going to keep blogging! I completely agree that you need something for you to keep you sane. My mother always told me that when you become a mother you are a better mother if you take a few moments for yourself.
3. Blogging is great if I don’t pressure myself to be witty/post enough/post interesting recipes.
4. I’d be thrilled to participate in a blogger exchange!!
I would love to get a gift exchange–I know Janetha organized one would Valentines Day last year and it was a blast–you might contact her for logistics!
I too love blogging and I hate when I’m too busy to post–like this week! 🙁
Good for you! You definitely deserve to be a healthy, happy mama both physically AND mentally.
Blogging is becoming more of a priority because it’s my creative outlet. When I decided to do it for me (and not for anything/anyone else) I found that it helped me love and appreciate myself in real life!
I would be interested in a blogger gift exchange…FUN 🙂
Hi Tina!
I’m so glad you will keep blogging after baby. When I start student teaching full time, my blogging schedule will need to be adjusted too, but I’ll work it out!
And I’d love to participate in a blogger gift exchange, please keep me posted! 🙂
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A blogger gift exchange would be so much fun – definitely count me in. Thanks for setting something up!
“Booby bar”, huh? You make me look forward to motherhood so bad. 🙂
It’s not a big priority for me but love doing it, and a great creative outlet.
I found one online a few years back and loved it! So count me in too!
I’m still a young blogger (meaning I started in May) so I think I’ll keep at it for awhile. Even when I’m super busy, it brings me a lot of happiness.
Glad you will stick around =)
I’m glad that you’ll continue blogging because I love reading about your life. You are so kind, down to earth and full of awesome advice!
I like to blog because I love the community..some months I am better at keeping up with mine and others, and some I am not! It all evens out 🙂
I’m so glad that you are going to continue blogging! I have fallen in love with your blog!!! 🙂
Even though I don’t have a great big group of followers (yet 😉 lol…just kidding) I love how supportive the people who do read (and occasionally leave comments) are.
I’m like you! I can’t even think about Christmas until Thanksgiving is done!!! 🙂
Oh and I think that the blogger gift exchange is a good idea. Sounds like fun!
The community is certainly a huge factor in continuing. I know having that support from you all will help so much. Every single reader and supporter counts…whether few or many. 🙂
I would love to do a blogger gift share! My church used to have secret pals that would send notes and fits throughout the year and it is always fun to give and get things 🙂
I started blogging so my friends and family could stay up to date with what is happening in my last year of college. I have found that blogging, along with cooking have become stress relievers for me.
I start thinking of gifts throughout the year but try to hold off listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Today I started handing out Christmas music to my piano students 🙂
I plan on blogging for as long as I am having fun with it – which I hope is a VERY long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ooh, what a great question for you! Glad to know that you will still be with us, but I also understand that things will be crazy in your life!
Blogging is and isn’t important to me. Some days I love it and others I do not. I’m new to it and still trying to find my niche, which I suppose will come with time.
Yes! I love holiday gift exchanges and so many bloggers are easy to buy for – moreso than my friends and coworkers!
I would SO be down for a gift exchange. But I don’t really count as a blogger anymore, I don’t think. Could I still participate? I’m good for a gift I promise 😉
Of course! I think it should be open to bloggers and readers who regularly comment or used to blog. I don’t know if I would feel comfortable with some random person hopping in, but I think if you participate in the community (blog or not) it should be okay. 🙂
Gift exchange sounds fun!
Blogging shouldn’t be a chore. It should be a creative outlet and fun. Just do what you feel. I know I’ll keep reading 🙂
yes blogger exchanges are SO fun! i would totally be in for that 🙂
blogging should NEVER be something that I don’t want to do, and I don’t want to do it then I simply don[t! I don’t think I will ever be one of those people who blogs everyday…I just get busy and things come up and I also don’t have THAT much to share lol
I cant wait to hear about the next journey in your life with the little newborn!!!
I was very scared when I read the title, but I am SO glad that you will keep blogging! I think it is great that you aren’t not going to put any pressure on yourself and continue. Yay!
Blogging is my #1 since writing is my passion. I rarely feel like I “have” to blog, and it gives me something regimented to do every day that helps me with my writing. It is also my full-time job now, so it is quite important!
Hiya beautiful! Thank goodness you aren’t going anywhere! Phew! You may even be younger than I am, but I feel like a “kid sister” when I read your blog! You always brighten my day with your inspirational posts and sound advice and I’d miss ya too much:)
I’m with ya on Christmas AFTER Thanksgiving! It drives me bonkers to see Christmas stuff out even before Halloween is over HA!
Also, I am definitely in for the blogger Christmas gift exchange! Let me know if you need any help:)
I refuse to think about Christmas at least until after Thanksgiving. I was buggin’ at the mall a few weeks ago when they were putting them up. It’s one thing to have a few aisles of stuff being sold at Target- but to actually have them hanging already?!?! Woah…
On that note, um, I think a blogger gift share is a fantastic idea! Count me in! 🙂
blogging is definitely a priority, but like you i always put God, family, and friends before it. i know that i can balance it, so it’s never a big deal, but balance is DEFINITELY a priority!
I love how you said balance is the main priority, but it can be done. That’s how I feel. I really have found a good groove that fits well. It’s not much “work” to blog anymore because I can brainstorm posts through the day and then write/organize them quickly. I still have plenty of time for family and other obligations. Plus, when the baby comes other things will be on the back burner for a bit too – like the tutoring and only leading one small group instead of two.
Hi there! Can I just say I love the header on your blog! I would love to participate in a blogger gift exchange. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
YAY I’m so glad you’ll continue to blog! 😀 IT is certainly a priority in my life too, and sometimes I let it take precedence over other things and I know I shouldn’t. I’m still working on finding a good balance, and it seems to be getting easier these days. Can’t wait to see that post nearer your due date!! 🙂
I have to take time for myself throughout the day. Working out and blogging are me times and I am not willing to give those up. I need to be able to communicate with people on a daily basis since we are home all day without much outside contact. I don’t put pressure on myself either for how many times I post. Life is too unpredictable and I do what I can when I can.
Great pots! And so glad you are continuing to blog. IT becomes part of your every day routine, doesn’t it? And it is so fulfilling!
I’m the same way about Christmas…it comes AFTER Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving too much to totally skip over it!
I LOVE blogging! It’s such a great support network of wonderful people and it always cheers me up to read other blogs and especially to get comments on my own blog. Plus, I learn SO much through other blogs and learn about myself through my blog.
I feel the exact same. It is such a positive outlet for me – not only from the support from you all who read/comment here, but also from each of your blogs.
I am so with you on the holiday thing. Let’s get through one before we’re already 2 months on to the next one. I think blogging has become a bit of a priority for me (maybe too much). I love it though.
1) Definitely up for a blogger gift-exchange…even if I’ve been a quiet lil blogger recently.
2) Don’t scare us like that! What would we READ?
I’m so excited to see how life unfolds once the baby comes!! I can’t wait to see the little one!
That’s great that you plan to keep blogging after baby comes! I’m a pretty new reader–did you blog all throughout your pregnancy? Was it difficult during the morning sickness phase, or did you not have that?
I would love to take place in a blogger gift exchange–how fun!
I started blogging in Jan of this year, so yep all through the pregnancy. And early readers got to see the emotional ups/downs of me trying to conceive and having had to put on weight after my fitness competition to do so. I think that’s why I’m so excited to continue after the baby too. Then it will be like you guys have seen everything. Having to gain weight for conceiving. Going thruogh pregnancy. Losing the baby weight. Then maintaining and just living a healthy life. I’m excited!
“My family will always take precedence, but my passions have value too.”
I love this, and I hope to maintain the same attitude when I have a baby. I’m so glad you plan to keep blogging once the baby comes – great news for you and for us!
I would definitely be interested in a blogger gift exchange. I don’t remember anything like that happening last year, but I also didn’t read as many blogs as I do now, so maybe I missed it.
Yay, glad you are keeping blogging in your life! I need to get back into it! I fall in and then I fall out.
A blogger gift exchange sounds fun!
good for you!!! i think it’s so important to keep doing “you” things after the baby is born. i will love to keep following along on your new adventure 🙂 i would also love to do a holiday gift exchange!!!!!!!!!! let me know the deets when you figure it out!
Count me in on the gift exchange too, I was just thinking about that last night.