You Asked / I Answer -- Part II

Last week, Running2Ks asked: Why do you blog?

and Bluegrass Mama asked: What's your favorite thing about blogging?  Your least favorite (other than blogger's block)?

Why do I blog? There are a number of things I get out of blogging. I enjoy the sense of community, the connection with others. I enjoy having an outlet for whatever I feel like sharing, whether its "creative" writing, journaling about my son, or just writing about every day stuff.

When I returned to work after having my son, I arranged to work part-time, and out of my home. The upside is that I get to spend lots of time with my little boy. The downside is that I'm not physically in a social environment every day. I am a social person, and while I still do things with friends and go in to the office at least once a week, I don't see friends as often as I used to. I think that blogging helps to fill that void somewhat.

I enjoy getting to know new people and I've made lots of new friends through blogging. As a kid, I had pen-pals who lived all over the world; I always enjoyed writing letters and getting acquainted with new people.

Blogging can be a great source of support too. I don't personally know a lot of "older" people with toddlers in real life, but I've met some through blogging; it's nice to know others who are going through similar stages -- joys and struggles -- in life. I also enjoy reading about people with interests and lives that are different from my own.  I'd say that my favorite thing about blogging is that it keeps me feeling connected to the world outside my home and family.

My least favorite thing, other than blogger's block? Hmm. I don't think I've had any bad experiences through blogging (knock on wood). But I guess my least favorite thing is that when I'm blogging I can't multi-task. It's not like folding laundry, where you can fold and watch a movie at the same time. So, in that sense it can be time-consuming. But when I'm super busy, I just don't post much, so that hasn't been a problem.

More answers to your wonderful questions as I get around to it! Some of your questions are really making me scratch my head and think!!

Comments

[Uisce]

Great question, great answer! And we've enjoyed getting to know you!

[Kristi]

Nice post, Marie. Even thought we know each other "in real life" it's nice to keep up with the day-to-day through your blog.

[running2ks]

I think those are fantastic reasons to blog. I love the blogging friendships and connection too :)

[Amanda]

That is so true! You can't multi-task while blogging. This is not good for me since I have a one year old and three year old.

[Bluegrass Mama]

Thanks for answering! I admit the time can be an issue--if I could only vacuum and blog at the same time! Oh wait--I never vacuum anyway.

[Kimi]

I have a toddler too, so I completely understand about needing some time to be around adults. Sometimes I think all there is to life is Dora and the Wiggles!

Michele sent me!

[vw bug]

Oh yes. I was overwhelmed being home with two small kids and no adults. And I got to "meet" wonderful moms (and dads) like you. Glad you are blogging.

[Holly]

I agree, Marie. Blogging has given me a social outlet that I would never have had otherwise!

[Carmi]

Blogging has connected me with people I wouldn't have otherwise met. It's opened up my writer's world in ways I never imagined when I hit "Publish" on that first entry.