Three months in and I have mixed emotions on my newly acquired hobby.
Five Things That Drive Me Mad About Blogging.
1: That all-consuming moment when I have an idea just bursting to come out of my head but I have to sit at the dinner table, listening to my plumber husband telling me about how the pipe wouldn’t screw onto the o-ring and how it’s been a hell of a day.
In my head, I’m screaming “Shhhadd uuup! I don’t care. Eat faster. Go and take the dog down the road for a poo so I can scribble some notes down”. But I have to sit there and say “Ahh, that’s nice, why didn’t you use your pipe twister?” Then smile. And wait. Like a demonic nutter.
2: Every area of your life becomes an opportunity for a blog post.
The kids say something and I start muttering and chuckling to myself like a mad woman. Them, staring in disbelief and horror threatening, “you’d better not post that on FaceBook-I’m warning you.” Me, scribbling furiously with my little but end of a pencil on the back of the shopping list, shaking like a hag possessed.
3: The stupid amount of hours I’ve wasted on setting things up on my site, only to disappear again two days later. I think all blogs should be written on the back of supermarket receipts then thrown into the sky for someone to find. No stats. No header configuration. No ranky, wanky rating thingys. Ok, good point. I just don’t deal very well with anything techy. It drives me insane and makes me cry.
4: You start dreaming of a life where everything you have is sponsored and so therefore free.
Free holidays, free wine, free carpets. Free anything I could write a post on convincing people how amazing the product was.
The reality? Sending the kids to my mums for the weekend, getting sloshed on a bottle of cheap red wine, and putting my slippers on so I can’t feel the grit on the tiles in the kitchen.
5: Since I’ve started blogging my house is a shit tip.
Five Things I Love About Blogging
1: It’s something just for me. Blogging is mine. All mine. For the past sixteen years, everything I have undertaken ties to my kids in some way. Singing lessons so I can use my diaphragm to scream at them without hurting my voice.
Going to the gym in the mornings so I don’t have to listen to the same old crap about who’s turn it is to put the dishes in the dishwasher.
Meditation. They think I’m a weird new age freak. Good. It keeps them out of my bedroom for at least half an hour.
2: I hadn’t realised what an amazing community there is out there. I never believed for one minute that people, strangers, would be interested in reading my work. That other writer would take the time to connect with me and even comment on posts. If you’re a saddo like me with no friends (other than two teenagers who spend time with you through no choice of their own, and a bull mastiff dog with anxiety issues) it’s wonderful for your self-esteem.
3: You get to say stuff that you wouldn’t dare say in real life. Meet me face to face and all I tend to say ”Ahhh, that’s nice.” A lot. Although to be honest, you’ll probably never get to meet me in real life because I’m antisocial. I just stay at home with my dog. And cry a lot in the toilet.
4: You get to read fantastic posts from extremely talented writers. Before I started blogging I’d scan the National Geographic for five minutes in the toilet each morning. That’s if I was lucky. Usually, it meant reading the same page over and over since I always lost my place. Now, I have an array of well written and more often than not funny posts at my fingertips. It’s so refreshing to read about other things other than why the world is running out of water and what the green-eyed frog lives on in Mozambique.
5: I’d forgotten how much I love to write. I used to write letters to my friends when I was on holiday or when I went travelling. I’d write to my Grandma every week (admittedly in the hope that she’d cellotape a pound note to the inside of her next letter).
It’s a creative outlet. I love how it makes me feel when I release all of that ‘stuff’ inside of me. I feel incredibly lighter after I’ve written things down and a bonus? I’m a really nice person for about three hours after I’ve published a post.
Well. Maybe two.
Oh… Bless him! I can’t seem to get it right but I always get it wrong.
Oh god I love these bloody blogs! Makes me start my day with a smile!
Xxx
So so true! I’m 6 months in and I’m supposed to be at work!……
Like…now,?
Ha! Ha! Go!!!!
Fab post and it is frustrating when you have so many ideas but got to wait for an opportunity to sit down alone to write them, I know what you mean every moment is evaluated whether it can be turned into a post. I love blogging though, it is a great way to get thoughts out your head X #coolmumclub
Me too! Mostly!!! X
Great post. I find the tech bits the hardest too- its a steep learning curve but very rewarding! #coolmumclub
True! After I’ve wasted a whole Saturday on WordPress I hear myself saying “that’s it! I quit!” And then get panicky because I can’t find my pencil beside my bed …!
Thanks so much for reading! X
It’s so true…it’s such a roller coaster! But then again roller coasters are supposed to be fun, so hang on!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#ablogginggoodtime
Nobody told me this one goes upside down and sometimes gets stuck on the rails though!! ?Thanks so much for reading! X
I have been blogging for 2 years now and I still have a love/hate relationship with it. I love to write but there are definitely some things I hate about it, like the tech stuff and marketing stuff that I’m looking into but it’s confusing and frustrating so I get to the point where I stop altogether and have to walk away from blogging for a bit. The marketing is my least favorite part. Popping over from #ablogginggoodtime
Good on you for the 2 years! I look at everyone else’s beautiful blogs and wonder how on earth they manage that when I can’t even get my bloody social media icons to stay in the right place! You’re right though, it’s the love of writing that it’s all about . Thanks for making me feel better! X
Lmao!!!!!!
Laughing so much at the “you start thinking about everything free…” yes!!! Hahaha I don’t even get free stuff (or blog for free stuff) but the other day I was sat there thinking wow imagine what you could really get if you were massive? Free phones, free cruise… I wonder if anyone gets a free house?!
Lmao!
And the my house is a shit tip. Yep! Totally. My OH thinks I have lost the plot. Sometimes I just come out with “wait!!! I’ve just thought of a really good blog post!!!!!”
Hahahah I loved this! Following you on twitter and shared it 🙂 xx
#coolmumclub
Oh thank you Naomi! What a lovely comment! I’m glad it’s not just me. You wait and see… we will both be there on our cruises saying” I hope the cleaner has sorted that shit tip out by the time we get back..”?
My house is a shit tip since I started my blog; I should be tidying up right this minute! Haha. The absolute best thing for me is the community. Who knew?
#stayclassymama
So glad it’s not just me! Maybe we should start a new linky #shittip ??
Thanks so much for reading! X
Haha. Tell us how you’ve got all the mum guilt for the #shittip house/car/garden ?
Oh the car?? Don’t even go there…! X
Yes, Yes, Yes! Blogging is totally addictive, the tech stuff is maddening and the people are fab! Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime ?
Thanks to people like you who do these linkys ?
Haha great post and so true in so many ways #stayclassymama
Thanks for reading Sarah!
You totally hit the nail on the head with this post! There is so much to give with blogging, yet sometimes you have to stop and take stock – see if it’s actually sending me a little bit loopy!
Thanks so much for sharing with #coolmumclub
Loopy…Yes! That’s what it sends me after a few hours on wordpress! Then I wake up in New Zealand to lots of lovely comments and it makes it all worth it! X
Haha, my flat is also a shit tip because I blog instead of tidy. My mum looks after Cygnet during the day whilst I am at work. When she leaves the washing up is in the bowl and Cygnet’s toys on the floor. The washing needs hanging up. When she returns the next morning, all of these things still need doing. I think she wonders what I do all evening.
Wine and blogging – that’s the answer. Except my blog is anonymous so my mum doesn’t know. She just thinks I am lazy. Pen x #coolmumclub
Wine! yes!!!
I am intrigued by your blog, it’s beautiful. It’s not easy trying to fit boring jobs in with a creative passion is it? Us mums have to try and do it all… Thanks so much for reading x
I’ve been blogging for just over a year now and everything you’ve written here is still just as true! But once you start, it’s hard to stop, and the people you meet are so supportive and encouraging. It’s a great hobby and I keep wondering what on earth I’d do without it now! #ablogginggoodtime
Me too Lucy! I love the blogging community, it’s so supportive 🙂 it’s just all of those Saturdays given up to WordPress ‘customise your site shite’ I want to go self hosted but I think I’d have a nervous breakdown!
It’s definitely worth it though! I hope I get to a year! Thanks so much for reading! X
This is brill! I both love and hate how addictive blogging has become for me, and I really have to common sense filter what I write about because otherwise I would write about EVERYTHING!! Haha!! #ablogginggoodtime
Oh I love the word brill! Are you from the north? I was born in Lancashire and EVERYONE said brill! I haven’t heard it for yonks!?
Haha, no I’m London through and through, although my mum did start off a northerner and has a few tendencies haha! I wonder, I’ll have to listen to see if it’s something she says!!!xx
There you go then! It’s your mum coming out in you… how we live to turn into our mothers!!?
I love this! I do think blogging is amazing but I still hate the techy side. Why does it have to be techy. I just want to write. Give me a board and chalk (and the free wine and holidays) #FridayFrolics
Exactly! Why does it have to be so hard?? ?
I’m three years in and these still apply. Especially the one about the house! I love your blog. Thanks for linking up to #FridayFrolics
Thank you so much for that lovely comment?I love yours too x
My only problem with blogging is finding the time! I have 3 kids plus 3 other jobs so have to stay up late to get posts written 🙁 #stayclassymama
Hats off to you my friend! I’ll stop moaning for a while now. No wonder you’re a tired mummy… love your posts too x
Thank you! You have every right to moan, raising kids is hard, trying to write at the same time is harder! popping back from #anythinggoes
All of this! It would be so much easier if I could just write and not worry about promotion or technical things. I’m not even bothered about freebies tbh
True isn’t it?! I keep trying to remember that it’s the journey that counts… surely all this stuff will get easier ?? Thanks so much for reading! X
My blog turned 2 this month and I have a definite love/hate relationship with it. So many things wind me up and it gets me down but my love of writing and having an opinion will always prevail.
Great post – can really relate. #fridayfrolics
Thank you for your comment 🙂 I’ve just read one of your posts on blogging and your idea of slow blogging. I think for my sanity ( and that if my family) I’ll give it a go! Thank you x
OMG you’ve literally read my mind! I’m only 4 months in and this hobby has taken over my life. My house is also a sh*t heap, I think about posts to write ALL the time. I completely ignore my kids when I’m desperately trying to get something published, but I also feel wonderful for about 3 hours after I have got a post out, I’m finally thinking about something for me, I’ve met so many encouraging lovely fellow bloggers and I also just love writing. The social media side of it though..argh! Great post #FridayFrolics
But your blog is sooo amazing!! I thought you were an ‘oldie’ not a newbie! You’ve absolutely nailed the whole niche thingy and your site is beautiful. I wish I lived in London so I could bribe you with a bottle of red and you could help me ! ? until then, keep in touch on the WWW my friend, I just know you’ll be huge one day xx
Great post – it’s true that it’s great to be part of such a fab community and write things people actually want to read (who knew? lol) – but thw writers block, self-doubt and juggling everything else you need to get done can be really tough! #FridayFrolics
The community is the best❤️ I’m having a good day today so it’s a big fat like for blogging!! Thanks so much for reading! Liz x
Blogging is quite the addiction. 6 and a half years in and I’m still consumed by it!!!!
Wow! You’re amazing… if I get to a year I’ll be so proud of myself!
Thanks so much for reading!
haha … great post. I love this. I too say things I wouldn’t really say in real life. In fact very few people who know me, know that I do even blog. It’s my secret world that I don’t share with all the nosy parkers who stalk me on facebook cos we were in the same class in Grade 3.
#fridayfrolics
I sometimes wish I’d written as anonymous… imagine that! You could have a field day!?
Haha … yes but I try control myself. Lol
Ha ha, I think you’ve nailed the pros and cons perfectly!
#Ablogginggoodtime
Thanks so much for reading!
Hahaha I love number 5! I laughed out! I feel mine is too. It’s tidy as I’m a bit OCD about clutter and mess, but it’s not as clean anymore. Something had to give! Now I just moan at my husband all the time because he should be cleaning it so I can get on with blogging… #thelistlinky
Exactly! Lazy sods… don’t they know we’ve got creative aspirations … ? Thanks so much for reading! X
Yes! I agree with all of these! And OMG do my kids beg me not to put some things on Facebook. (And I don’t, if they really don’t want me to, but it’s SO HARD! They say and do some really funny stuff!)
You’re so kind Nicole… let’s face it, without them we’d have no materiel? x
Yes! Your 5 reasons to blog are identical to mine – plus I’m very similar in newness as you are ? This is a great list which reminded me on a slow blogging day of why I started doing it in the first place! #coolmumclub
That’s right, we need to remember that’s it’s not all about stats and stuff but just writing for the love of it ❤️ love your blog x
I’m sure you’re a really nice person all of the time. Even when crying in the toilet, or reading in the toilet! There’s a lot goes on in your toilet, isn’t there? Anyway, I love your style of writing, and I love that I ee so much of myself in it too! #TheListLinky
Ha! Ha! I’ve just looked at your’place to sit and think’ it’s loads more glamorous than mine!! It’s beautiful. I too have beautiful places around but never seem to be able to escape from the house long enough to seek them out. So the toilet it is! I love that toilet. I told you, I’d move my bed in there if I could ?thank you for your lovely comment , liz x
Yes, on everything being a blog post. I have so many ideas for blog posts and not nearly enough time to sit down and write them. Doing it for yourself is definitely the most important part. #globalblogging
Number 1. I realized the psycho smile could end my marriage so now I just walk off mid-sentence to jot a note or two. Hubster said he prefers it to my silently hoping he loses the ability to talk. Poor bastard, living with a writer must be hard! #GlobalBlogging
Great post! The first half made me laugh loads! 🙂 #TheListLinky
Thank you x
Nice to meet you from #globalblogging! I’ve been writing my blog since 2008 or 9 and still feel the same way, both love and hate. I especially hate the techy stuff. I love the community!
BTW, since you are a mom to teens you should check out #tweensteensbeyond linky on Adventures after the playground (I think).
Nice to meet you too!! Wow.. that’s s long time, well done you! I’ve joined that linky a couple of times and it was fab so I’ll hear back over there this week 🙂 Thanks so much for reading! X
Popping back with #globalblogging xx
I am over a year in and still have a love hate relationship, especially as you so brilliantly called it the ranky, wanky rating thingys. I find when I get really cross at it I just need to stop screen time and have a weeks break and I feel less haggard and Tweeted out. The love for the posts you read and the people you meet is still always there and always I am so grateful for this. Is it bad that I enjoy cheap wine? #ablogginggoodtime xx
Ha! Ha! Not at all! Cheap wine does the trick ? good idea to stop the screen time, I tell it to my kids so often, I need to listen to my own advice! Thanks so much for reading! Xx
Absolutely love this 3 years on and I still feel like at times , but I love Blogging it’s mine all mine, welcome to the world of Blogging I would like to say it gets easier but it doesn’t haha! Fab read #globalblogging
Oh no!!! Don’t tell me that!! Pleaaassse x
Yes to all of this – especially the house bit! I find myself cramming posts in during my son’s (rare!) naps, or when I probably should be making a start on dinner to ensure we eat before 9pm, but I just can’t help myself! I find the techy bits confusing and they take me ages too! #TwinklyTuesday
That makes me feel so much better:) thank you! X
Haha my house is a mess,I’m always being told off – but if I cleaned I wouldnt have any time to blog!!
Oh this is fab! All the love of blogging but all the frustrations too. I so agree with you about the love of writing and the fab posts at your fingertips when you have five minutes to sit down with a coffee and a read – I love too! Great post! #TweenTeensBeyond
You sound fabulous. I love the comment about writing on the back of a receipt. I know what you mean though when you get an idea in your head, thank goodness for the notebook on my phone! #Twinkly Tuesday
Thank you! I hoped other bloggers would understand! Thanks so much for reading! X
I definitely love the fact that I can say whatever I want! I too forgot how much I love to write. The photo on the first one of your psycho face made me LOL and I’m on a quiet train home ??? thanks for sharing with #StayClassyMama!
Sums my face up perfectly! Thanks so much for reading! X
Totally feel ya pain, I however have two small children so its more like mummy i need a wee every 5 mins and always seems to be when I’m having a blog brain wave.. its all fun and games. I also love it but hate it at times, I’m almost 3 years in now 🙂 thanks for sharing #twinklytuesday
Lol, in one witty blog post, you managed to sum up my blogging experience. I both love it and hate it, sometimes all in the same day. I must agree with you on the joyful blogging community and cyber friends I’ve made along the way, best part of being a blogger (besides the free stuff) hands down. Xo Jonet
http://www.FabulouslyChicOver50.com
Thank you Jonet. Today is a hate it day… stayed up until midnight on a post only to wake up to 4 views?? I know by lunch time though I’ll be thinking “I’ll just give it one more try…” thanks for reading! Liz xx
Love this, I go from loving my blog and wanting to write every day to completely hating it and wanting to give all up. Blogging definitely takes over your life!xx #coolmumclub
It does, and I’m trying to decide whether that’s good or bad?! Until then Wendy, let’s keep going! X
The bit about blogging on the back of receipts is utter genius!
I know you ‘binge read’ me when you first found me but I don’t know if you saw the ‘blog geek’ one. You’re warned…that’ll be you this time next year. Just saying. #coolmumclub
I’m going to look for it RIGHT now… I’ll get back to you … x
Can you send it to me on twitter? I can’t find it! Just read your post about 13 things a blogger needs to know ( twatter??!! Nearly wet my pants!) you’re so right
I stayed up until midnight last night to write a post and when I woke up this morning? 4 views??aarggg! Should have cuddled Tess in bed instead … hence I’m on a hate it day today. Send me the link please missy xx
ah ok I figured out what you meant by ‘sent you a message on wordpress’. I promise I’m NOT laughing at your IT proficiency. Well ok a little bit I am. Glad you saw the 13 things one. Ignore that tweet lol. Sent you the other 🙂 Sorry about the views. But your blog is a breath of fresh air…those views will be rolling in.
Thank you my friend, you’re my writing hero so that means a lot to me ? IT proficiency? Nah. Not me …xx
Loved this post! I love that blogging is mine and the community of friends I have found here. I love reading such different styles of writing and am amazed by the creative talent out there.
#TweensTeensBeyond
Thanks so much for reading! X
All so true! Generally I have a good post idea when I’m too busy to write it, and it no longer seems a good idea by the time I can write it!
Thanks so much for joining us for #FridayFrolics
Me too! What’s that all about??!
That’s very true about getting to say things you’d never actually say in real life! #coolmumclub
Thanks so much for reading! X
I bloody love this post!!!! I identify fully…particularly with the frustration of having to hold on an idea , because of people !!Sometimes they come to me mid conversation and then I’m just smiling wildly till I can get away and scribble!!!#tweensteensbeyond
Hahaha!! Honestly, it turning me into an insane maniac …!
Oh you have hit the nail on the head for sure. I have a real love hate relationship with it all. A year on and I have decided that yes I do love it more than I hate it and I have met some fab people online who are real kindred spirits and we all love writing and as you say it is so liberating because you can say exactly what you like, but I have stopped talking to my family as much and I have really fallen behind on exercising or just moving in general and my eyesight is definitely deteriorating, but it is addictive so onwards and upwards. Thanks for linking. #TweensTeensBeyond
Hahaha! As I sit here in the Indian restaurant waiting for my take away( because I’ve been writing a blog post all day and therefore far too busy to cook) my bloody eyes are killing me! Feel like I’m getting cataracts …
Love this post! You are hilarious. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog. I don’t have too much opportunity to be funny, writing about food and tea and stuff like that.
Thank you so much Jean! I’ve just spent a half an hour on your site drooling over your gorgeous pictures…! I love both food and wine but would never be able to think of a way to blog about them… you’re very clever x liz
OMG! I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for three months and you have all of these comments!! That’s amazing! I’ve been going at it for over a year and seem to be getting nowhere. I love the writing and the publishing, and the lovely like-minded bloggers I’ve come across, but I’d also really love a few more followers lol!! #TweensTeensBeyond
That’s such a lovely comment… I also would love some more followers! The other night I stayed up till 12pm to write a post, my eyes were on stalks I swear, and when I got up in the morning it had had 4 views?? love your post! Let’s follow each other ?? X
PS How do I follow your blog?? I can’t see how to do it on your site x
Haha!! Did you read my last comment?? Please don’t tell me that my site is playing up… there should be a button that drops down to say subscribe when you’re reading the post and also there should be a little box in the right hand corner that says “follow”???oh bloody hell. WordPress drives me crazy!! Let me know xx
Yes I read your comment but after I’d tried to follow you – great minds! I’m on way back from a uni visit with eldest so will look again tonight. The follow box in the corner only puts blog posts on yr wordpress reader. It’s the subscribe box I need to locate. Ill let you know… ?
Ok! Hope the uni visit went well ?
Uni visit went well – they were giving out free ice-creams and popcorn…what’s not to love ?! Lol! I believe I’m now following you 🙂
Yay!! X
This is the funniest love it/hate it post I’ve ever read (& I’ve read a few!) You’re so funny! Only just stumbled across you from the linky but I shall be coming back for more for sure! And as for you crying in the toilet, well now, that just makes me downright sad, there’s no need for that young lady and if I lived nearby (who knows, maybe I do – maybe I’m the awful neighbour making you cry!?) (I hope not!) but anyway, if I lived nearby I’d definitely attempt to get you out of the crying-toilet. It’s not right! Nice to meet you. #tweensteensbeyond
Oh Alex you darling! What a lovely comment? If you happen to be in Taranaki, New Zealand then maybe we are neighbours!( if it’s you, sorry I put my recycling in your wheelie bin, I missed the pick up…) if not, I look forward to a happy blogosphere relationship with you! X
You are absolutely right 🙂 Blogging is like a creative drug, with a love-hate relationship! Darn those receipt papers, there have been some awesome blog posts that have started on the back of them! Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging Hope to see you next week! x
You certainly will! Thanks for hosting! X
Oh I hear you!! There are so many ups and downs to blogging, I go through phases of loving and hating it for all the reasons you mention, I love the sound of your doggy by the way, sounds like a great companion! Thanks for linking up with the #bigpinklink this week.
She’s gorgeous. The best of it is, she never answers me back! Thanks so much for reading! Liz x
Back from #GlobalBlogging – thanks for sharing this great post with us.
Hi Rach! Thanks so much for reading! X
Ah yes! I’m with you on all of these. I’m soooo slow on the techy things. I’ve been blogging for about a year and it’s taken me that long to master the basics! I’m so glad you started blogging, keep going! Thanks so much for joining us at #TweensTeensBeyond
Thank you! X
Love it! What a great post and I can totally relate to some of these points even now, and I have been blogging for coming up to 2 years. I think it’s the writing bug that got me. Nothing feels better. Lovely to have you over on the #DreamTeam.
Thanks so much for reading Annette! X
I can totally relate! Blogging can be all consuming, frustrating but oh so much fun!
Yore right! I just have to keep reminding myself I started this for pleasure! Thanks so much for reading! Liz x
Back from #GlobalBlogging, the first point is my life ON THE REG. : ) Thanks so much for sharing with us!
So glad that you have joined the scene, we certainly love having you here and at #tweensteensbeyond. It is all the things that you say – you are a fast learner. And you are also very popular Liz – that is clear – so you can take lots from that and fill up your jar of loveliness. Another house here in need of love, I’m further down the line so I guess I just have a thicker layer of dust!!! It’s like nothing else I’ve ever done before but a bringing together of every skill and passion I have. Well done for your achievements, Nicky
Thank you so, so much for that gorgeous comment Nicky. I absolutely love the community here and feel that at last (it’s only taken 46 years) I have a little place to feel myself. I’m determined to keep going despite the techy stuff that I do t think I’ll ever fathom out! It’s because of support from bloggers like yourself that is littlies keep going ,so thank you again . Liz xx
I remember when I first started and having all of those same thoughts! It is amazing when you discover just how much time blogging takes! I’m 3 years in now and I can’t even imagine how many hours I have spent on it! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
Ah I love all of these reasons and can so relate to this! I especially like the idea of writing my blog on a till receipt, throwing it into the air and not worrying about the stats, ha!! #DreamTeam
Yay!! Let’s start a petition! Thanks so much for reading Mrs Lightly! X
Yes! To all of this! We are all in the together and all feel the same I’m sure. We still keep coming back! Thank god it’s not just my house that suffers! ? #anythinggoes
No… I can assure you it’s not! X Thanks so much for reading!
This is all so true and really made me laugh. “Waiting. Like a psycho” was a particular favourite part of mine 🙂
Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
Debbie
Thanks for reading Debbie! ?