I've got no business blogging right now. I'm tired. I'm a leeetle bit grumpy (mainly due to the headache from fasting that hopefully will go away now that I'm fed). But, mostly, I've got no business blogging because I taught Elder Bednar's CES Fireside message today in Relief Society about Things As They Really Are, and the dangers of all things cyber related. (By the way, it's a good talk. Read it.)
Truthfully, his message struck a nerve. I'll make no bones about it, I spend too much time on the computer. No defenses. I know I do.
But, I also think that some really great things have happened because of blogging (I'm not so sure about Facebook. I'm still pondering the merits of that). Elder Bednar is very frank that using computers, or any technology for that fact, is not inherently bad. In fact, a lot of good things are accomplished by its rapid development. While I haven't taught any surgeons how to perform a delicate surgery with my virtual software, nor have I learned any aeronautical skills with flight simulators, I have shared my testimony. I have made real relationships. I have grown closer to certain friends and family members with this medium of sharing. Not to mention, there are some really, really good blogs out there. Don't believe me? Read her, and you'll get a daily dose of home grown inspiration.
Those are the good things. But, like I said earlier, I haven't solely used it for good. I have wasted countless hours surfing blogs of people that don't matter to me. Not that they don't matter. That would be mean. They just don't matter to me. I don't know them well enough to care about what they are making for dinner or how they found the time with four young children to reupholster their furniture. There isn't any validation, besides being a voyeur, for that time spent.
(Hours later)
Man. I just cannot finish a blog post anymore. And, you know what? I'm tired of it! I know that there are better things to do with my time. I know that my body NEEDS me to have better hobbies. But, it stinks to have something I enjoy singled out as a time waster. Where are the talks that warn about the hours and hours and hours that quilting takes away from better endeavors. Or candle making? Or, please, could someone high up condemn running? Just so that I can feel less guilty for hating it so?
Wow. That kind of came out of nowhere. I mean, you wouldn't suspect that I just gave a lesson about getting off the computer. And I meant everything I said. I loved his message. But, now I feel bad about wanting to blog, and that's not what he meant. I think I've had this guilt spinning around in the back of my mind for sometime. Guilt and boredom. My blog has just become so....sanitized...lately.
I've become sanitized. I'm afraid of saying anything interesting. Or maybe I just don't have anything interesting to say. I'm not going to knock blogging because, truthfully, one of the most annoying things ever is to read a blog knocking blogging. Seriously, talk about a conflict of interests. I've read them before and been just as irritated as you probably are now. So...now what?
I know the answer is moderation. That makes sense. It usually does.
Struggling to finish....no wonder I have so many posts stuck in draft mode. Publishing anyways.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
What Happens When I Ramble and Post Anyways
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14 comments:
I love reading your posts Lucy. It makes me think about my wonderful past with you in it and I've loved reconnecting this way for the past several years. You give me hope on days that I worry about having a family of my own. Publish away my friend, publish away.
I just got assigned the topic "Finding Appropriate Balance without Sacrificing that which is Most Important" to speak on at the end of the month. Such a timely post for you and me both. Love ya!
This almost seems like 2 blog posts in one.
I think anything can become something that takes away from what we should be doing if it becomes obsessive -- running, blogging, or even something like family history. Maybe just the computer is an easy target because it's so easy to go from one website to another and not even realize how much time has passed. So, no guilt about blogging. (Easy for me to say since it's my own "vice", right?) But, you, like Jane, are one of those *good* blogs in the world.
As far as being sanitized -- I'm interested to know more about why you are feeling this way.
Today was my first time back in RS after 2 1/2 years in primary and this is the talk I listen to. Oh man, I felt it. Everything you wrote.
I whole wholeheartedly agree with Kelly, you (and Jane) are the 'good' blogs of the world. You've lifted me with your writing, your wit and most importantly your testimony. I'm so glad you publish!
Oh gee, Lucy, I remember when I heard this talk in May. I blushed, I cheered, I worried, I felt validated, I felt guilty, I wanted to get transported to a log cabin on the prairie so I wouldn't be tempted to waste time, I verbally tallied the good, I repented, I wrote more, I re-evaluated. In short, I was conflicted, but I came out the other side feeling a lot more whole than I went in (a week or two later :). Thank you for the kind and generous link, you actually confirmed part of the answer I received.
And tell me, where would I be without your book reviews? I've picked books because of you and passed over junk because of you. Thank you. I think of you as my book filter. I've also appreciated our discussions and what I've learned from them. And, I wouldn't have you as a friend were it not for blogging...a friend that would drive miles and miles to see me.
And the part about condemning running, excessive candle making and quilting made me smile. Good luck evaluating your spot in cyberspace.
i need to read that talk from Elder Bednar. Being in YWs i don't read the lessons in RS like i should. I agree that blogging can get in the way of our everyday things. Some days i may spend to much time on the computer, But ever since i have started to blog. i have been able to keep a better journal, have gotten help and advise from some wonderful sisters and have also made some great friends. I have a few friends that don't blog, but will spend all day reading books, and never get anything done. IT that just has bad? Yes i do blog, but i also am a very hands on MOM! :)
It's the never ending conflict huh? Moderation is the key...in my opinion. Un-sanitize yourself. Un-sanitized Lucy is my favorite! ;)
I know I waste too much time reading blogs of, like you said, people who aren't important in MY life. I am working on not doing it so much, but part of me feels like...it's bad blogging karma. Like, if I read random strangers' blogs then random strangers will read my blog, fall in love with my writing and then...I don't know what. It's dumb that I feel that way.
On the other hand, I think our blogs will be FASCINATING records one day. They are so full of opinions and ways of thinking. I think bloggers write with a different slant on their blogs (as opposed to writing in a journal). Wouldn't you love reading it, if your great great grandmother had had a blog?
Yeah, for me, that's what I need to remember: I'm writing for me, and for the experience of writing and maybe of someone else reading it. I need to not worry so much about blogging karma. ;)
btw, your book is on its way today. I tried all Saturday to get to the P.O. but I never made it. So sorry!
Our hobbies are our hobbies because they're usually something we're good at, right? You're good at blogging. You having interesting stories to tell and even when the story would be otherwise uninteresting, you still have a way of making it entertaining. I don't think you should feel one bit guilty about sharing your talents.
Surfing blogs of strangers might be another issue but I do think you and I are much better connected because of blogs and that has to be a good thing! :)
We all have time wasters. I've always prided myself on being a hardworker and yet I see myself growing increasingly lazy. That gets me feeling all sorts of guilt.
I listened to the talk by Elder Bednar when he gave it and I loved it. Lots to think about, in the ways that make my head hurt.
Our RS didn't do this lesson. Our president felt inspired to go a different direction and talked instead about ways we are distracted which really boils down to the same thing.
I think for the most part blogging is a very worthwhile activity. It's the reading of other blogs that get me. I know I'm overboard when I spend too much time reading other people's blogs while my husband does something else in the other room. WHen I first started blogging I felt the need to read everyone and leave comments. Now I rarely comment and actually read very few blogs. I feel more guilt about my lack of blog writing than anything. I love reading back on what I've written and the moments remembered. I agree with you that Neighbor Jane is one of the blogging greats.
I agree with Kristin that the unsanitized Lucy is the best.
I love reading your blog! So what ever you do, dont stop!
There is nothing wrong with considering blogging a hobby. But this is coming from somebody who does. The haters have never tried it and so they don't get it. For me, it is a great outlet and at times a chance to try out my writing skills. For you, you have obviously touched a lot of people and you are a great writer. I know that blogging it what has helped me in times that I have felt like a couped up SAHM. We are just a click away from understanding, sympathetic moms. There is nothing better for us than that. So keep it up. You are so good at it. :)
i came over here specifically to see if you would shed any light on your "hilbilly tooth." instead, i got wrapped in reading your words (well, not the book reviews. i skipped those. i like to get straight to the real lucy!!)
i've been her now for 10 minutes. i should moderate... you had me at han solo, though...
Please don't stop blogging! I did and guess what? I don't write anything down anymore, not even in my journal. For a time my blog replaced my journal and now. . . nothing. Sad.
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