Posted in December 2007

Blogs as Journals and Litmus Tests

I used to think blogging was for megalomaniacs who think the world is interested in what they have to say (please, read the rest and save the hate mail), but now I realize that it’s a journal for most people and way of creating a community of people with common interests. It can also be a cathartic means of dealing with today’s rat race and bouncing your thoughts around as a litmus test for sanity. Or at least it will be for me.

According to Merriam-Webster, journal is defined as:

Main Entry: jourĀ·nal Pronunciation: ‘j&r-n&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, service book containing the day hours, from Anglo-French jurnal,jurnal, adjective, daily, from Latin diurnalis, from diurnus of the day, from dies day — more at DEITY
1 a : a record of current transactions; especially : a book of original entry in double-entry bookkeeping b : an account of day-to-day events c : a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use d : a record of transactions kept by a deliberative or legislative body e : LOG 3 f : LOG 4
2 a : a daily newspaper b : a periodical dealing especially with matters of current interest
3 : the part of a rotating shaft, axle, roll, or spindle that turns in a bearing

So although a personal journal is private (see dictionary entry “1c” above), written on paper, perhaps in a book-like format, a blog is none of these. And since this blog will be primarily used to keep family and friends updated on our lil’ monkey and mommy’s sanity pH levels, we’ll say this blog fits definition 2b (“of current interest” to myself and perhaps those wanting to know those little baby details). I hate actually writing with pen and paper now (my handwriting has deteriorated since college into scrawl) and I can attach pictures to this thing to illustrate points (something I can’t say I’d do in a written journal). So why keep a traditional journal? This will hopefully be much more fun.

Okay enough self-reflection for the day. Take care everyone.

Reality checks, tidbits and observations

I’ve come to realize there are just little things that you will not know as a non-parent until you actually have children.  I was sitting in bed this morning at 4:45, trying desperately to go back to sleep and began to make a mental list.  This list is comprised of reality checks, tidbits and general observations.  Some list items people probably didn’t want to tell you because you would have thought them crazy.  Some are so interwoven into the minutia of everyday parent life that you probably don’t really stop to think about them.  Some are really just a "DUH".  It’s sort of a "You know you’re a parent if … " type of list.

  • The "schedule" you so methodically planned prior to baby’s arrival is sure to fail ("l’ll feed him at 6 and be to yoga by 8 and then … ")
  • A little pee in your face, on your shirt or down your pajama pants isn’t the end of the world
  • Getting a little poop on your hand isn’t so gross
  • Going to the store with a little spit-up residue on your shoulder is OK
  • No doubt that when you start breastfeeding you will suddenly develop an itch where you cannot reach
  • Always take off baby’s socks prior to feeding him/her baby food (green bean toes!)
  • If pretending to feed Mr. Octopus makes the food disappear, then Mr. Octopus gets "fed"
  • The trick or game that worked this morning or five minutes ago, might not be the fun-filled activity of the moment
  • The song stuck in your head is probably from one of baby’s toys now (not from the radio)
  • Just because you are a parent, doesn’t mean you will automatically bond with other parents, in fact, it might be a point of tension
  • Some things are just not so important anymore, like showering everyday
  • You have no concept of what the word SACRIFICE means until you are a parent

I know I had more of these earlier this morning.  I will probably update this post again in the future.  But in the meantime, feel free to comment!  I know there’s probably a lot more of these tidbits and reality checks that I have yet to experience!

Good night!

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