Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Blogging in public

A few weeks ago after conducting a reference check on a candidate, I received an email from the man who provided the reference. He told me that after our call he "looked me up" and stumbled on my blog. He said it was "clever." This incident served as a reminder that I am far from anonymous when I blog. Although I am hardly a well followed writer, I never do know who will log on to getrealmama. In a way this is a thrill. My voice is heard! People are actually interested in what I have to say! But I also realize that this is limiting in terms of content. Most of my readers are family members (hi mom!), friends, acquaintances and coworkers. Sometimes I am unable to post what is really on my mind for that very reason. I have to think to myself, do I want my boss to read this? Does my friend want to be mentioned in my blog? Will that mom from preschool be offended if I document how I really feel about the"fall festival"? So I bite my tongue and write about safe topics, ones that won't get me into (too much) trouble.

Lately this has been difficult for me. I have had a lot on my mind that I am simply not able or not ready to blog about. I think that these topics would probably make the best posts, they are from the heart, they represent what I am really thinking about. Yet it all must remain unsaid in this public forum.I have found difficulty finding the inspiration to write about other things, thus I have been quiet.

So I'll wrap up today with a cute little story about my middle child, because who doesn't like to hear anecdotes about other people's kids? (Being facetious people.)

Yesterday while pushing the double stroller up a particularly grueling hill, Evan turned around and looked at me. I was huffing and puffing in 90 degree sunshine and struggling just to keep the buggy moving forward. Evan reached to put on his shoes and informed me "Mom, I'm going to put on my shoes and get out and walk. It must be so hard for you to push two boys up this big hill." I was surprised by his compassion, and answered with an enthusiastic "bless you." He climbed out of the stroller and came around to hug my legs telling me "I'm walking because I love you." 

Sweet little baby doll.

7 comments:

  1. You and Dave are diing an excellent job of parenting. You are teaching your children to be compassionate and empathetic. Wonderful children and wonderful parents!

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  2. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I, too, have been quiet, even though I've been in the thick of some crap lately. The things I post are about 10% of what I'm actually thinking about daily.

    VERY cute story about your little guy, though!! :)

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  3. I read your blog b/c I think you're sweet, funny, snarky, and think a bit like I do on most things. I can completely relate to what you're saying as I have some readers that I can't share what I would like to on certain things either. Maybe that's a good thing though. I don't know. I could do blog with a log in for only followers I want to read it but then I wouldn't have anyone reading it so I leave it public and limit what I post on most personal stuff. Trade off.

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  4. It is tricky knowing that what we put on our blogs is sooooo visible to....EVERYBODY!
    At least that guy kept his opinion about your blog positive....

    I would love to talk to you in person, though, if this is only 10% of what goes on in your head! A glass of wine and kids in bed and we could have a great conversation....haha!

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  5. Awwwwww.. that is a gorgeous story. What a sweetheart. I could use a little bit of that from my boy now and then...
    ....Have I said before I love your blog? It's probably the most honest of blogs I regularly read which I love but I appreciate what you are saying. The more followers you get the more censored you feel. I ended up starting another one (Trophy Wife) where I'm anonymous and get to take the crap as much as I like. Personally would love to hear what you really feel about the "Fall Festival"....:)

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