I've been so bad lately at leaving comments on peoples blogs because I am SO DARN BUSY! I wish I had the time and energy to give everyone the support they deserve but I just can't. I've been out of town and now I feel SO BEHIND!
On another note...Private blog? I know, I know, I've done this before, and I know it's a hot topic of late. I haven't made up my mind yet, but to be honest there is another motive to this possibility. Like I said in the above paragraph I feel like I'm falling short on yet another thing when I am not properly caught up on peoples blogs. HOW RIDICULOUS IS THAT?! I have a hard time feeling adequate in anything I do, but I'm thinking being "up" on every one's blogs is not something I need to worry about. So, here is my theory. If I'm private then only the people that really do care about me and my life will request an invite. This will shorten my list of bloggers that I in turn need to worry myself about. How lame am I to think that other bloggers even care about if my blog is private or not?
On to more randomness. I really do think I'm over the "need" for comments. C'mon now...admit it...you all like comments and always want more. The thing is, I'd really like to know WHO is reading my blog. Not because I'm worried, but because it's a little awkward when your in Primary Presidency meeting, your telling a story that you blogged about, and someone says, "oh ya, I read that in your blog." What?! I'd like to save myself from the embarrassment of retelling stories to people over and over again. Or, when you run into someone you haven't seen for a while or don't know really well and they tell you about all their friends who read your blog. Let me say that I think it's great, and NO it doesn't creep me out, but I'd really love to know who people are. I really am friendly and am not going to think your weird if you read it.
I have gotten back in touch with a few of girls that I knew in High School just because they were brave enough to leave a comment. (Shannan, Ashli and Sarah) Granted, we were more acquaintances than friends then, but now I really do consider them great friends and examples. Isn't that one of the great things about blogging?
Anyway, enough of the ranting. I'd love to know who you are. Let me know what you think about me going private. If my blog isn't your bag...no prob-lem-o! Like I said, I just want to know who my friends are and give myself permission to narrow my "blogging friend" world. Thanks to all of you who have always been so supportive of me and made me feel better than I really am. I know I'm not the most exciting, witty, creative blogger. I know I don't have amazing visual pictures or stimulate the mind, but what you see is what you get...it's me.
39 comments:
You are so cute! Rich laughs at me as I click down my blog list just checkin' in with everyone, nearly everyday. I think it's my sanity time. But it does take time to read and comment. Hard, but worth it. Love the friendships I have through it- like YOU!
Just so you know, I care about what you say. I check your blog everyday and I am very excited when you have new posts. So know that there are MANY people out there who do love what your write, your fun, easy going nature and your stories. If you do choose to go private (I'm not one to council since I started private), please let me come along for the ride!
I am guessing it's spring break? If it is, ENJOY. If not, you still have some down time to look forward too (wait- kids home for a week, maybe not down time, but fun times ahead!)
I for one LOVE your blog and want an invite!
PS, another reason I want to go private is because I don't like that people I know, but don't "really know," read my blog, never comment, and then know everything about my life. Meanwhile I have no idea. I think if you read a blog regularly you should leave a comment so that the blogger knows. It would take some of the awkward away.
I completely agree. I have people all of the time say that they read about that on my blog. I see my counter skyrocket and wonder who is reading. I'm not past the comment thing. I LOVE comments. It's bad! It is so exciting getting comments in my email - even from people I don't know. After all, blogging is how I met you. It is such a great way to meet new people. Like I've said before, I wish there was a way to email someone with a private blog and request access. I also agree with having time for it all and I sometimes struggle with what to blog about. I would love to go a weekend without my computer, but it is so addicting and a tough habit to break.
If you do go private, I would love an invite. I love reading your blog - your adventures with your cute little family.
Just think of it as a journal. You'll be so glad you have this documented later in life. I have a friend who posted a shot of a cookie and got like 50 comments. You might know her. I think about what I'm going to post for days, then I'm lucky to get more than 5. I can't worry about it. Too many other more important things.
BTW, how is your primary activity planning going?
Looked at your last post, you have a great smile! I want your teeth!
I totally am with you on all you said!
If you go private, I would love to keep in touch.
Laughing at your blog graphics!
Of course you need to keep me on your invite list. Going private is a personal decision. I hear you about random people saying that they've read things on your blog and I hate the fact that they don't comment so at least you are aware. I for one am not over getting comments, I equate it to my self worth :)
Okay so it’s probably time I comment seeing as you are wondering who reads your blog. My name is Ashley, my husband is the 1st year oral surgery resident at Gunderson, we have 4 kids, and don’t live in resident housing (we bought a house). I’ve heard all about you and Paul from the residents who knew you here. I guess I read your blog mostly to know that there is life after residency!! I know I’ve never met you, but I feel like if we were to meet we could be friends. What a great impression your family has left here in Wisconsin! If you do go private, I’d have to say don’t invite me because you don’t know me, but I have to say I would miss reading your thoughts that I so closely relate with!
Well I Love your blog and check it very often. I know we have never met in person but I consider you a blogging buddy of mine and would love an invite to your blog. You are always so inspiring to me. ;)
Hi Kara,
Not sure if you'll even remember me, but I clicked through to you somehow through a friend of my younger sister, Whitney's blog -- I can't even remember the path, you know how it goes doing the blog click-through.
I'm the same age as Dave (actually he is the first person that I "went steady with" in the seventh grade - funny thing is that we NEVER talked to each other - ha ha) Will you tell him I said hello? What a beautiful family he (and you) have. And what a trip to see him all grown up with a family!
Anyway, you and I have a lot in common (4 kids and running as a way to maintain sanity come to mind). I contribute to a really fun blog for moms that run, if you're interested in good running conversations.
Just a note to say I found you and enjoy your writing.
Chelle (used to be Hammer)
p.s. don't go private! : )
I think about going private all the time so I can, well, maintain some privacy in my life. :) I love seeing what your family is up to, so if you go private, I'd love an invite!
Hi Kara, I have just joined the blogger world a bit a ago and just found out how to find old friends! I caught up with Robyn too. How was Wisconsin life. I think they had a record snowfall this year my parents say. We how ever have moved to oregon after philly. Glad to have gotten in touch. I just made our blogg open. Why not share in our joys ? christina
Kara, you crack me up. Since I already read your blog and I can request an invite, if you want to go private...go for it. But, you and I would merely be random family members who didn't really know each other anymore if it weren't for our blogs and finding them. I love your blog.
I'll be curious as to what you decide. I'm curious as to what I decide too. Hmmm. Interesting predicament!
Hey Kar
I think you should do what you feel is best. There are pros and cons to both sides of this debate. I love reading your blog and by the looks of it so do many others. Plus it is nice when you sometimes come in contact with people that you wouldn't normally. But at the same time it is weird when someone knows more about you than you think they do. But oh well. Who cares. If this is your journal than just go with it. I'm not sure what my opinion is. But no matter what, your the one that got me into this whole mess so you better not leave me!
P.S. I feel the same way about comments. As much as we love to have them and read them and value them, why do we even write the post to begin with? Is it just to get comments. Sometimes yes, but most of the time not really. For me it is my journal so comment or not, I am still going to be blogging. And when I have those prescious seconds to waste catching up with others I will leave a comment if I can. No pressure. Life is too busy sometimes. But then again my friend list is no where near yours. So maybe your problem is that you just have to many friends!! Try cutting back on that. Just kidding!
I understand what you're saying and what you decide is up to you, if you do go private and want to invite me I would love an invite.
Hi Kara! I DO read your blog on a regular basis and it makes me so happy to hear stories about your family! I miss your kids so much! They are getting so big!! If I ever make it to AZ, I'll have to stop by! :)
Kara-
I think its funny when public bloggers ask "who" is reading their blog because I think you've got to assume being public that EVERYONE is reading your blog. Everyone on your side bar has a side bar full of people who have probably stopped by at some point. I would bet that for every one person that comments there are another five who don't.
Why? I know that I read lots of other blogs (on occassion) and don't comment (Shawni, Julie etc.) They don't know me yet I find their posts fascinating and love their blogs. Maybe I should comment but being private I almost think thats worse because they can't get to my blog (assuming they wanted to) to see who I am and I am guessing that gets pretty annoying.
Either way, I don't think you should feel guilty for not being able to comment or keep up with everything. While this blogging thing is great and allows you to make lots of new friends- its IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with it all and you will kill yourself trying.
I hope that no one ever feels obligated to comment. I blog because I enjoy recording things/photots that I would never remember next week let alone in years to come. While comments are fun and great its unrealistic to comment on all that you would like.
Sorry this is so long, I just feel strongly that everyone should do what they think is best for them and not worry so much about what others think...lifes too short!
Love you and your blog!
I don't know why you are so hard on yourself. You're an amazing person and I love reading your blog (I check it regularly- more than others), so if you go private, please send me an invite. It's been so great to stay in touch. For me, my blog is a way to stay connected and to document life w/o having to get out my scrapbooking stuff or feeling guilty for not doing it. I do like comments, but realize we are all busy with life and it's ok to not leave a comment all the time. Love you!
Hi Kara--I read your blog regularly and just have been too lazy to comment...I love it though! And I have been meaning to say something since I read about you knowing Liz Pike. I worked at BYU telephone services with her--we were both BYU operators. And I love Liz! Anyway, small world, as always.
I go back and forth with the private thing as well. I think that it will always be a debate for us who worry about our children and families. Good luck with your decision! And I would love an invite if you decide to go that way!
Hey Kara, well if you do decide to go private, if you don't mind, I'd like an invite. I read your blog quite often. I dont know why, I just find it really interesting and entertaining. Plus, I get to know you a little better. I completly understand if you dont want to send an invite to me since you are trying to cut out on the LONG list of blogging buddies. Oh, and by the way, if anyone is seriously upset that you dont comment on their blog....well, that's just plain crazy!!!
Hmmm....this public private debate is an interesting one. I don't worry about it too much because I think my only readers are close friends and family. Interested to see what you decide to do!
kara,
Look at all the people who's lives you touch. Don't go private. With all the crap out there on the web, it's wonderful to have the opportunity to stumble onto greatness. Think of the network of goodhearted people that is here. Email, telephones, and lunch dates are for the real personal stuff. Keep it going. Keep it open.
Besides, the only thing I worry about is if that scary picture of me at the beach makes it onto my blog. That's when I'd shut 'er down.
Anonymous regards,
Brandon
Hey Kara-
Since you mentioned me, I thought I would crawl out of my blogging sabbatical to say HI and that this week for the first time I have felt the same way that your describe - that I simply can't keep up. I looked at my google reader this morning after two days of not touching my blogs and it had 62 new entries!! Of course, yours in one of the few I clicked on. I have to go feed a boy in about 10 minutes, but I wanted to just give you a shout out - I don't know what the point of private is - just comment when you want and don't when you don't want to - I think everyone in the community understands.
thanks for always commenting on mine though - it is nice to hear encouragement!
kara, funny that i just read this post after making our blog private---most of my family and friends don't comment and I really had no idea who read my blog. I just hear so many creepy stories about things online and matt and i had a discussion this week that it's just not worth the risk for us. I live in a bit of a "bubble" as i think everyone is so nice and sweet and would never do anything to hurt anyone. However, matt will point out many times that not everyone is like this. I just thought about the fact that some creepy guy could be reading all i put on our blog and i try and keep things vague (no last name, no address, phone, etc) but you just never know. and other people have put my last name on their blogs, so nothing is really safe. I am the last person to ever be paranoid about this stuff, but matt was right when he said to me, "What is the benefit to staying public? Why not be safe and go private?" so that's what we've done. we'll see what happens, but we'll still have the memories for our own family and that't the main reason i do it. good luck with your decision and hopefully this didn't sound like a lecture!!! i didn't mean for it to!
Kara: I have to take the opposite stand of my sweetheart (Fender Bender). Yours is one of three blogs that I follow. I enjoy it immensely. I love your outlook on life, your values, your sense of humor . . .
That being said, I think we all spend too much time on the computer. I preach to my boys about "screen time" and then when they're at school I'm parked in front of the computer myself. Hmm. I'm an old fashioned girl that would love to see people get back to talking on the phone, walks with friends and handwritten letters.
Blogging is a great way to keep up with out-of-town family. It has its place. I also think it can be a maddening distraction from the truly important things.
Bottom line, I would miss keeping up on someone I find so enjoyable but I would welcome back the 20 minutes I'm ignoring my kids each day. It's a win, win.
Good luck!
Jodi in S.L.
Your blog is fun to read...and hilarious. My favorite is still how Paul blew it on Mother's Day. Anyway, if you go private don't forget us!
Jennie
Hey Kara,
I kind of know you-my husband has met your husband. He was here in Iowa when he was taking boards. I love your blog. Sarah Blamires is one of my best friends so hey we have common friends anyway you are so fun and your blog is so real. If you do go private I would love an invite and I do comment every once in awhile. I am private and I think you also have an invite to mine.
When we come down to find a practice in AZ we may just have to meet sometime.
PS we went to Dental School with Natalie and your brother and they are GREAT peopel too.
Oh and yes I think I can spell I meant people.
Comments are fun & new friends are fun...but in the end, it's your journal. For YOU.
hi kara. i am a huge fan of having a private blog. i have sooo much to say about this. i mean, people should, of-course, do what they each feel best about, but i have some strange feelings about blogging at times. it's soo fun, don't get me wrong, to see what everyone else is up to, but it also can really feel like everyone is bragging, and for me, i sometimes even get super depressed thinking about what i don't have or what i didn't do or what my husband didn't do for me. i mean seriously, blog hop the day after valentine's or some other holiday. since blogging usually represents all of the good stuff (who writes about an argument w/ their husband on their blog? or a sleepless night over something super personal???) oh my goodness i hope this is not sounding like my husband is bad or i don't have a good life. . i'm just saying, it can feel like a bit of a superficial world at times, and then we are comparing to something that's not really real. i will say, that your blog is sooo much more genuine than many i've read. yours inspires me. but i will say, i do NOT understand how people like you, mindy shipp, erika wallin, etc, have the time to blog. i am glad you figure out a way, because i love to read your blogs, but then again i sometimes feel like "how can everyone do so much but me?" (and i am referring to typing super long blog entries all the time() seriously, i don't feel like i sit around wasting time at ALL, and i could never finish the long posts that so many do. okay, we should talk in person about this or i should email it to you because it is getting WAY too long!!! and i hope none of it sounds rude or judgemental. i'm just being honest about my thoughts and feelings. i'm so curious to hear more about what you think and decide to do. :) oh, and i didn't even get into my fear of creepy internet people finding out things aobut my family, and my what happened to my friend from her website. okay, for another day. i support you in whatever you choose, because it will be what works best for you! love ya!
Okay, I am almost embarassed to tell you this story but I will. I found your blog through Shawni's a few months ago. I started reading your posts and one day I went back into your archive and read your 101 random things. Needless to say I was inspired and wrote one on my blog as well as used a quote that you had. There were things on your 101 list that were so me that I copied even some of the same! (lame huh?)
So, (the story gets better)...after a few months of reading your blog of course I felt like I kind of knew you. I was in SLC one saturday morning for a "Layers" warehouse sale and I was standing in line to pay with a few of my friends. I grabbed one of their arms and said "Oh my gosh...that is Kara Jayne!" You would have thought I had just seen a rockstar or something. My friends laughed and I thought "wow I blog WAY too much!" I didn't say anything to you because I thought that would be wierd if someone I didn't know came up to me and said "I Know You from your blog!"
Anyway, You have a lot of "friends" that you don't even know that admire you and love to read your blog. I am one of those people. I went private a few months ago because the world is too scary and I want to protect my family. I understand if you do go private and would love an intvite if your list allows.
I was so inspired by your package that you sent to Julie (another blog I LOVE). It is so wonderful to have women helping other women out these days. Sometimes it seems like we aren't building each other up enough...you inspired me to build other mothers around me up. Thanks!
If you want to come visit my blog email me at jakeangellie@yahoo.com
I can send you an invite. If you already have too many blogs to keep up on I understand. Just know you are an inspiration!
I will comment on your blog from now on:)
First, I love the last pic. HAHAHA!! That really sums blogging up, doesn't it?
Well, I just happened by. Found you on the Blogapalooza Google Group and wanted to say hi and I hope you are going to Blogapalooza.
I'm kinda shy and awkward so I need to "meet" as many people in advance as I can. That way I won't be shunned.
I can't remember how I found your blog, but I love how positive and fun you are... fun ideas, cute style of bogging, etc. I'm private, so I guess that expresses my opinion on the matter, but I do enjoy your blog!
I would like an invite of course!
April
Always an interesting topic. I know what you mean about hard to keep up. I haven't been on my computer this week, busy with life, and I dont even think I'll bother with google reader. Just hit mark all as read and carry on I guess. Hope you had a fun trip!
I don't remember how I happened upon your blog either but I too enjoy it! I'm a grandma living in Austin TX who loves her family, her life and the gospel. I'd miss your blog if I couldn't read it.
jan
I would miss you if you went private! You were one of my first blogging friends I made after joining the blogging world and I check your blog often. You one of those people I know I would be good friends with, if we lived near each other. Anyway, that's my two bits...I'd love an invite if you do ever go private!
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