Wednesday, March 25, 2009

This is really me.

The funny thing about writing a blog is that you can never properly paint a picture of yourself because the words and photographs only document, oh... about three percent of your everyday life.

What I do share here on my little wee blog, is tidbits of what I would normally share with a neighbor, an old college roommate, a PTA girlfriend, or a friend at preschool drop off and I think very deeply about my words as they are permanently etched into the internet forever. I would never compromise the happiness of my children for a post that reveals more then enough blackmail, on their future bus rides to middle school. I can only imagine how the conversation would go, "Heh. I read about your mom and her so-and-so doing so-and-so on the so-and-so." No matter how much confidence I instill in my children that conversation could not be very pleasant for a teenager.

So. I might not very "edgy" or "radical" like many others online spilling their inner most thoughts whom I love dearly, but I am not those words in real life either. I struggle with what I share with you not to censor myself but instead to be true to my own voice as I would be to a good friend. I am glad many of my friends/family reads, in return they remind me of who I am. This really is very much me.

The daily words of a SAHM of three in Ohio struggling to remain both sane and classy. Blogging is a narcissistic outlet to let your voice be heard. I follow blogs when I hear people's honest spirits shine through. Those captivate me. And there is nothing more humbling when someone admits, "You are just like I imagined you would be!"

Me, sans make-up on web cam, writing this very post. This is really me.

Without further ado, I present to you my classy readers the answers to your questions here.

56classy comments:

Anonymous said...

i loved this.

i tend to struggle with blogging because i haven't really found a "niche" so to speak. I'm not a mommy blogger, I'm not a fashion blogger, a cooking blogger, or anything that has a set concentration. I blog about my past, how I'm healing from it, and my day to day life. It's more like a journal, for the world to see.

I used to think that my words had no impact, made no difference, but over the course of the past (almost) 5 years, I have gotten plenty of emails, comments, and letters telling me otherwise.

If anything, I've learned that being honest in my blog, even as harsh as the entry or truth might be, always wins and is always classy, no matter what. It may not be the prettiest to always read, but it's mine.

Cheers to us, for staying classy ;)

Lisa said...

I think you're beautiful and perfect and very real. I am sure if we were to ever really meet I would think you are lovely - just as I do now!!! Anyone who thinks differently has a few screws loose!

krissy said...

I understand your words. However, you may not show us all the juicy parts of your life. You may not always tell us that you lose your temper, where sweats with holes in them on relaxing days or that your house isn't always white-gloved clean but you give us the best part of you. You give us your heart. And we see the soul that you have and that is why we love you so.

I'm a more open, tell it the way it is kinda girl, but that is my story and I don't mind having it public. I just love how your words make me feel like if I lived in Ohio with you, and we were good friends, you would always wear your heart on your sleeve and be my biggest supporter.

As I said, you are giving us the best part of you on this blog and I am so proud when I see a comment from you on my blog, because I love your heart and class.

Stay true to you...that's my mantra. Hugs friend. The Q & A's were great. Loved them.

Cecily R said...

We connected from the very beginning because of your realness...and because you are sophisticated (remember THAT?) and classy. And because I lurve you! :)

Gretchen said...

Thanks for showing your self to us. It was very cool.

And, one thing that just occurred to me.... do you speak with an accent? I assumed you just spoke regular ohio-ese but maybe you have an Eastern European accent?

carrie said...

OK - I had this really long comment about how real and honest I have always thought you have been and how I think that will get you farther than being fake and an attention-seeker and how if you lived down the street I was certain we'd be having these conversations in real life...and then blogger ate that comment right up!

Basically, you rock.

carrie said...

Oh --- and I completely understand this post. :)

Kelley @ magneto bold too said...

You are perfect just the way you are.

And I am the same. Everything I say on my blog I have pretty much already told someone else in real life in one form or another. And my kids friends think I am a nutter anyway ;)

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

It's funny, just yesterday I was wondering...do I reveal too much on my blog? Not enough?
You look great, I love your latest hair style.

Mom said...

I doubt kids will be teasing your kids if anything I think they will be say what a cool mammy they have!!!

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

I know what you mean. It's hard to decide how much to share on our blogs! But in the end, all we can do is be ourselves. There isn't any pride not pleasure in being liked for someone you are not.

A Crafty Mom said...

You do sane and classy perfectly :-)

I loved reading through all your questions and answers, there were a few of the answers that I hadn't read before. Love learning something new every single day!!

Kat said...

I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I am a little peeved that my hubby gave out my blog address to his mom and some friends because it takes away my ability to vent about certain issues. But it really is a good thing. Because that is not what I want my blog to be about anyway. I want to document my life with my boys, as it is now. And that can walk a fine line too. It is always such a balance.

You come across very real to me. I do feel you are who you are on your blog.

And... you are GORGEOUS without makeup!

kim-d said...

I think you are beautiful, with or without make-up, honest, kind and real. I like your humor, I like the way you parent your kids, I like the way you stay in touch with your heritage. I pretty much like everything about you, what you write, your whole blog.

Although, outwardly, you and I have nothing in common--I am much older than you, not so much with the classy, etc.--I know a good person when I run across one, and you are definitely one. Thanks for sharing you with us! :)

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I struggle with this, too!

And, I know that I put a lot more out there.

I appreciate and value your honesty:)

Nan Patience said...

I don't follow as many blogs as I used to! Your blog is fun and sweet with undercurrents of struggles that many of us share and even some that we don't which are unique to you. I also like the way you think about your readers and treat us like friends. You're awesome!

Blessings From Above said...

Thanks for this. LOVED reading all the Q & A's. Made me love you even more! :)

Stephanie said...

Loved the answers to these! Great post! Thanks for answering mine, too!

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

I understand your site philosophy perfectly & attempt to do the same myself. Always a struggle to keep that balance, but so worth it.

Loved reading your Q&A section as well. And, oh, those Loub's . . . glorious.

Crystal D said...

I love your new Q&A list! I am going to go back later tonight and visit some of the blogs of your questioners.
Hope you have a good day OHmommy!

Don Mills Diva said...

You're a doll.

I struggle with the same thing - my blog is not meant to be edgy and radical - it is read by many, many family members and it is meant to be a heartfelt, poignant slice if life. If some people find that too boring or sanitized then so be it...

Kari said...

I give out too much information pretty much all the time! I struggle with that. Sometimes I say something, and I am like...that was a bit much. But, with a blog it is easier to hold on to the reins. To hold back. I have always thought you to be candid, real, and honest about yourself and your life. That is why your blog is one of the first ones I check everyday. Ican relate to you. And, I wish we lived closer..because I would LOOOVE to be your real-life friend. ha ha

Anonymous said...

Wow, very well stated. Now if only I could comment with the Name/URL option!

Anonymous said...

Wow, very well stated. Now if only I could comment with the Name/URL option! ;)

Diva's Thoughts said...

I like the way you handle yourself on your blog. Your kids have no option but to be proud of you and happy that you are their mom.

Unknown said...

This is one of the reasons that I am excited to meet you in July. I honestly feel like you are one of the more "real" bloggers out there. I know I don't "know" you per se but just so you know, that's one of the reasons I keep reading...

And you're gorgeous. : )

Unknown said...

Its so interesting how people connect through blogs. I often feel I struggle to remain myself on my blog as well, and have recently been taking breaks here and there to figure out what I want my blog to really be for me. Thanks for the Q and A session, its always so fun to get to know classy people a little bit better :)

Rachel said...

wonderful!!!
I think the biggest compliment that I received at BlissDom was hearing that from people. "You're just like I thought you'd be"
or "this is just how I pictured you!"

made my day.

Can't wait to officially meet your darling self!

Amy said...

I completely understand this.

(You are adorable)

Jessica said...

I really liked this post -- you are gorgeous!

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

I get it, trust me! My teen daughter reads my blog....so I always think twice before publishing anything.

Michele said...

I have deleted many posts after writing them. I think very hard about what I am writing. I also try to put myself in my children's shoes if they were ever wanting to read my blog. How would they feel? I want them to always know they are safe and can come to us about anything without it going all over the web.

I guess that is why I get concerned about the children on reality TV because they do not have secrets. Every aspect of their lives is on TV for all to see. No matter how much money or fame I could not exploit my children that way. Every person has to make that decision though.

Jennifer said...

Having just touched on the same sentiments on my own blog recently, I get this. I really, really get this.

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

"Blogging is a narcissistic outlet to let your voice be heard."

Amen.

Kelly said...

Awesome! Always very well written! Thanks for answering our questions! Classy! :)

Melissa ♥ Spoiled Mommy said...

Yeahhhh my question was in there...holy cow you are a busy gal! I had to ask because I just was boggled on how you mange to get it all done-now I know!
Thank you!!!

Tyne said...

I love your blog. I love your honesty, your classy-ness and the fact that you are modest and protective of your sweet loved ones. You have a strong voice, especially since you don't yell!

Tyne said...

Fun! How did I miss the q&a time? It was so great to read through and get to know you better!

Jaina said...

Beautiful post. I love it. You're awesome :)

Tara R. said...

You have a fabulous attitude about life and parenting. I had a blast reading your Q&As. I'm thinking book deal is imminent.

Miss Lisa said...

Wow--how long did writing those answers take you?! (great answers too!)

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

I know... it's hard to know where to draw the line. At least, when it comes to my own feelings. But when it comes to my kids, I basically know that if I have to ask myself if they'll be embarrassed, then I cannot post it.

Why not said...

I understand you, although I'm not a mother yet.

Really like your post style!

Flea said...

Look at you! You cut your hair! I like it.

Jill said...

You're just so darn cute I want to bottle you up! :)

I find that I always come back here because you hold the same values as a "family journalist" as I do... no swearing on your blog, no bashing family members, just good old fun story telling that is often times raw and emotional, but always honest and heartfelt.

GOHMommy!

Laski said...

I've been thinking a lot about this lately. Refection is inevitable when you are this hormonal--all those extra GIRL hormones, I'm sure.

Clearly, you aren't alone--as made evident by the comments.

How can we truly be who we really are ALL the time anyway? We project who we want to be, what parts of us we want people to see . . .

Blogging opens up such an odd dynamic between us and the reader. They THINK they know us, we THINK we know them.

But do we? Really?

No. We can't. We don't. Not completely, anyway. We only know what we read and what we choose to write.

The key is to make certain you are OK with the words that represent you, your life. That you FEEL them . . . and that no matter what anyone else says, you'll be OK.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Great post!! Wow, there were a lot of questions, you put a lot of time into this one.

One of the things I love about your blog is that you keep it real and you talk about anything from life with 3 kids to fashion or entertaining. You keep us coming back for more!

We all have different styles of how and what we blog, personally, I think that is what makes this so interesting!

And BTW, you look fab....you always do!

Lisa

Unknown said...

You are now, and always will be, with or without makeup, Gorgeous. Inside and out.

Tami said...

I love your blog. I can relate to so much of what you have to say. I am not comfortable sharing all my inner most thoughts with everyone either. You do it so well by sharing enough that we can see the real you. Your blog is my absolute all time favorite, the one I must read if I only have time for one.

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

I wrote about this once, not too long ago. Its hard to show a multi-faceted personality through posts that only cover (usually) a few topics.

Loved seeing the "real" you!

Scary Mommy said...

The real you rocks.

But I love that blogging documents only that 3%. That's why vlogging freaks me out-- it's just too much.

Lynn C Mama to 3 said...

Your "makeup less" you is so much better than my makeupped me... I better get radical and edgey, because the classy thing definitely goes to you! Whatever you call it...whoever you are... you do it pretty well.

jewelrybyrebecca said...

I just found you thanks to Alice.com I'm very intrigued. Can't wait to see what is next from you. See ya around the blog world...

Melissa said...

I think you are an awesome writer!! I love your stories!!

I am not a mommy blogger, but I love writing down my words about my life!!

Keep it up!

3 Peanuts said...

I loved your answers and you look beautiful even without make-up. And yes, we parent very similarly. I bought Kate some games and movies at Target this week (because she is too sick with mono for pre-school or play~dates or anything for a while) and I actually though of you because I don't buy the kids toys except for b-day's. either. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Hugs,
Kim

Anonymous said...

I've only been following the Chaos for a short while but it didn't take me long to get hooked. (Like, one post. Seriously.) Your authenticity is epic.

Reading your Q&As was such a treat... though they made me realize my Pole-dar was broken. Cholera jasna, how did I miss that?!

 

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