Saturday, April 12, 2008

Why Every Mom Needs a Blog

Everybody knows that you don't get into the whole motherhood gig for the big bucks and the fancy office. If tedium, bad smells and repetition get you down, this may not be the career choice for you. And, if words of affirmation are your love language, then just toss your self-esteem into the Diaper Genie.

Unless you have a blog...

Then you post a moderately-attractive picture of your family and within 24 hours, you will have a few friendly comments. Your kids are adorable! Your hair looks great! You write a few truthful paragraphs about your struggles with a special-needs child and all kinds of people you've never met before will be sending well-wishes. You are such a good mom! Hang in there! I've been there, too. You paste some photos of famous Mormons and type your thoughts on polygamy and you will feel like a cyber-celebrity for 8 glorious hours.

Thanks to everyone who has written in, commented and linked this weekend. It has been so good for the self-esteem of this affirmation-craving-stay-at-home-mommy type.

Yesterday, when my 3rd grader's little buddy hopped into the minivan with some constructive criticism--Wow! You REALLY need to clean up in here!--I didn't get defensive. Instead, I mentally traveled to my online-happy-place. Who needs a clean car anyway? After all, Dancin'Queen thinks I'm "brilliant!"

Today at the grocery store, the cashier gave me a withering look as the twins went into their traditional checkout freak-out. So what?! I thought. Who cares what he thinks? At least, Hollyween likes and links me!

Losing a ten-minute debate with my three-year-old about certain health risks involving a lollipop and a soccer field port-a-potty didn't get me down. Hey, you little squirt! You might think I'm a nag and a spoilsport. But The Mombabe sent me two comments. She even sang Hallelujah! With teeny-tiny music notes! (Tutorial please, Mombabe.)

So thanks again, everybody. You made me feel like a million bucks.

Now, just convince the people who live with me...

28 comments:

Wendi said...

Heck ya, I do!

Caroline C. Bingham said...

silly Gab. Now you linked me. ;)

Ready for your tutorial? heh-heh-hehm.

Alt + a number = graphics. SO, hold alt, use your 10 key pad (with num lock ON) and have fun.

alt 1 ☺
alt 2 ☻
alt 3 ♥
alt 4 ♦

and so on and so forth. You can even do double and triple digit alt codes. like this:

alt 13 ♪
alt 14 ♫

Tutorial is now complete. Go forth and use those cadences!

Paige said...

You need to go to your statcounter and see how many people have linked you. I've counted at least ten. You can't help it if you are a genius where it truly counts- in the virtual world!

the wrath of khandrea said...

how do you EVEN READ 81 comments? holy smokes!
and i'm with you. some may call blogging narcissistic, but your preferred term of "self-affirming" sits well with me.

Bridget said...

You deserve it. I feel so special to have, as I mentioned on my blog, three ties to you. Even this "thank you post" is well written. You truly have a talent for words. And I agree, it is fun to have this little life inside your computer where bad days can suddenly not be so bad any more, because at least you can blog about it.

Bekki said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rochelleht said...

Ha ha! I've been thinking all day that I can say 'I knew you when'...

Bekki said...

Too bad you can't simple edit your posts. Instead you look like a retard for deleting whatever it was you posted.
I wanted to add my 2 cents- for what it's worth. I might add the effort made to post should be noted since I'm doing it without a spacebar.
I LOVED YOUR POST! It was linked on Lauren's blog and I came to check it out. Thanks for your thoughts & to mombabe for the tutorial. I will be sure to use them oft.

crystal said...

Heeheehee! You made my DAY! My 3rd grader's buddy did the exact same thing a few weeks ago when he got in our van! The stinker said, "Why don't you ever clean your car?"

Now, thanks, to you, I'll know to go to my happy place :)

Lindsey said...

Don't kid yourself... YOU ARE AN INTERNET CELEBRITY... ALWAYS!

Paige said...

Tonight I was at a ward party and FOUR different people commented on how great your post was. And then I got to claim you because they got to you thru me. In case they ever check, we are best friends and have known each other forever. I couldn't confess I don't actually know you IRL-yet.

How're you gonna top it??? No pressure.

Anderson Zoo Keepers said...

I hope it's ok - but add me to the fandom...
I linked through a link and then added your link to my blog. I've said you can speak for me on the subject. If that's ok...

Thanks.

Jenibelle said...

When I grow up, if I grow up...I want to be as talented as Gabi. I don't plan on growing up anytime soon, so I'll have to stay Jeni and learn to like that too!

I have my "must reads" you're in the top 3. I don't want to start a sibling war so I won't mention the other two.

Lauren in GA said...

See, even this post is brilliant! I loved the, "toss your self-esteem into the Diaper Genie." You are so talented with the written word...and many other things...I can tell.

Thank you for letting me link you. It was just too good not to link. I should link your whole blog.

calibosmom said...

Unfortunately, they won't fully appreciate you until they have their own. I think its genetically impossible to appreciate your parents before the age of 30. So, you'll just have to believe all your blog buddies when they say you are great!

Jen said...

Writing is so therapeutic for me, and blogging is the perfect way for me to express myself. I agree that every mom needs a blog.

And I loved this post! Lots of people love you and from reading your blog I can see why!

Jessica said...

SO true.

But after BP we'll all know each other and the compliments can be that much more REAL!

Hollyween said...

Thank you for linking me!! I feel so special since you're so famous!

And so many friends and family members of mine absolutely loved your post! Thank you SOO much for posting that! You're a celebrity!
And I'm pretty sure that the "australian mormon" was my cousin. You're famous all over the world!

And now I must thank 'Mombabe' for the know-how of cool things I can do in my comments like this ♥ and this ♪!!
except alt 14 won't work!!!

But I still feel so cool!

Gab, you're amazing. And you write so well!

Ilene said...

Cue the Oscar music when reading this post. You are a star.

Tip Junkie said...

Touché! Life is a little brighter with 'words of affirmation' in your inbox. I'm so glad you got the propper props for such a powerful post.

Margaret said...

Ilene sent me to your blog. She is a friend of mine from her Oregon days.

Loved the "Some Mormons" post! I've been thinking I needed to set the record straight in my own way. I was flying this weekend from California to Oregon and a guy asked "Are you Mormon?" (point blank) and then "Don't you believe in polygamy?" It was a good discussion that wouldn't have come up if news outlets hadn't started spreading the false mormon links. So, thanks for your post!

jill said...

You are adorable! You're so right, a blog is a great boost for a stay at home mom, you've captured it perfectly. I might just start mine up again. By the way, you don't know me, but I'm a Mormon and your Mormon entry hit the nail on the head! You are a fabulous writer!

Buzybugs pixie.blogspot.com said...

Hi there,
I have listed your blog onto one that I like to read, I hope you do not mind..
You have such humor and I just enjoy logging to see what the latest is.
Thanks

Annemarie said...

Amen. amen, amen! I used to worry about the time I spent worrying about blogs & comments...then I realized that some days it can be my major source of adult feedback & it's always a feel good moment! I love this post!!

Leeann said...

I agree with you completely. We all need a pat on the back now and then.
Great blog!

Jodi said...

I had to write even though you closed you comments on the For The Record post that you are brilliant! It's one of those things I read, and hit my head, thinking...."WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT!!"

AWESOME! Waiting for more!

Lauralee said...

I just found your blog.. WOW.. love it.. I am going to add you to my sidebar.. so I don't forget you.. loved your poligamy post.. found you thru jennifro.. from kristi's... anyway.. love how you write! so entertaining! ♥ had to try it!

Margaret said...

I just found your post on my brother-in-law's blog http://davisfamilylifeasweknowit.blogspot.com/ I'll let him know if was original from you!

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