“Temporary? Insanity”

http://temporaryinsanitybykym.com

For the ego stroking mainly. I’m selfish and needy like that. Well, that’s how it started anyway. Now it’s a combination of connecting in meaningful ways with other women and spiting the people who’ve sent me hate mail.

The summer of 2006. Only two and a half years ago, but it seems a lifetime ago.

I’m one of those bloggers it’s hard to categorize. Why do none of the blog catalogues have a Micellaneous section for bloggers like me? I blog about whatever pops into my head. A quirky thought. Something funny one of my kids said that got me to thinking. Recipes and writings. Love and laughter. Times of despair and striving just to keep afloat. It’s a hodge-podge, really.

I highly doubt there’s room here to list them all, but would encourage anyone looking for high quality bloggers to peruse my blog roll. Some of the best of the best are listed there, and I’m not exaggerating on behalf of my friends. They really are.

There are no I-have-to’s in blogging. You don’t have to post every day or multiple times a day. You don’t have to do every meme or join every pre-planned posting circle that crosses your path. Decide what you want your blog to mean to people and chase after that. Be genuine. Be kind. Remember that simply because you can’t see the face of the person you’re talking (commenting) to, doesn’t mean they aren’t a person.

I do when I can manage to make the time. Many of my visitors have become close friends. Some I’ve even been blessed to meet in person.

I think about a dozen or so. My mum. A few old friends and a few local ones.

I generally blog first thing in the morning. I cuddle my girls when they wake up, then serve them breakfast. While they’re chowing down, I type up my blog post for the day. I tend to read blogs sporadically throughout the day so I don’t take too much time from my girls. Little breaks from lego building and playdough shaping and whatnot.

I also blog at The Blogger’s Annex. Anyone can join and submit their favourite posts that they’d like to see get more exposure, and the moderators there (of whom I’m one) chose the very best and publish one post per day.

Of all the questions asked, this one hits home the most. Blogging has had a huge impact on my life. Addictive nature aside, I’ve grown in so many ways that my husband no longer begrudges me the time. He’s seen me grow and develop into a stronger, happier woman. The sense of community, the positive feedback, the ability to put the muddle of my thoughts into coherent words (more less), have benefited me in ways I’m ill qualified to describe. And the blogs I’ve read have given me so much in the way of insight and perspective. I have been comforted, inspired, and informed by what I’ve read on others’ blogs. It’s been a gift in my life. I think it isn’t too dramatic to say it has changed my life dramatically.