I don’t really leave comments on blogs any more. Most of the stuff I read is via RSS and if I am on an actual site, well, I guess I’ve gotten used to the threaded discussion features of social media platforms and writing something in a comment section feels a bit like throwing a bottle out to sea. But as a person who continues, for some ill-advised reason, to keep her own ancient blog on life support, I still love comments. Even the spambots get me briefly excited, especially the weirdly poetic ones (actual excerpt: You can see wells in many fairy tales where you make a wish, push people into them,Womens Paul Hornung Jersey, and consume it for bathing or drinking purposes.)

Anyway, if you’re out there, stop and say hi, will you? Just because … why not. Tell me where you’re spending your online time these days (me: Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, whatever’s still trickling into my Feedly, Google News, a game called Subnautica). Tell me how old your kids are (10 and 12). Tell me what job you’re doing now and whether you enjoy it (freelance writing still, marketing articles, and yes — but I really miss working with people and I keep looking for a good volunteer/part-time-something that will offer more in that department). Tell me about the last book you could not put down (Behind Closed Doors; it wasn’t the best writing in the world but it sure kept me interested). Tell me, are you doing okay? (Yes. I mean: mostly? Mostly yes. Ugh, mostly looks like MOISTLY. I am MOISTLY doing okay, MOIST of the time.)

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Andrea
Andrea
6 years ago

Hi! I’m Andrea, an almost-40 year old mom of 2 in Massachusetts. I work in IT. I found your blog years ago and just really enjoy your writing. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your life with us!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

I’m late to the game (the email alert for today’s blog reminded me!) but…
I’m Jo. I have a 19-month-old daughter who delights and frustrates me in equal measure, as I think is normal for a toddler! I love me some Instagram, a bit of Facebook and some news sites. I work in marketing at a university. The last book I read (I want to read more but…toddler) was ‘Still Me’ by Jojo Moyes. I found your blog years ago (must be 12+ as I remember you announcing you were pregnant with Riley!) and love your writing.

Mandy
Mandy
6 years ago

I’m Mandy. I’m 48; my son is 13. I think I found your first blog when I was pregnant with him, and went back and read it all from the beginning. I’m mostly on Twitter and Facebook. I work for Medicaid in Texas, a mostly frustrating endeavor. The last book I read straight through was The Woman in the Window, which I found entertaining but I figured out right away because I read too many thrillers. I’m so happy you still write for us. You have a real gift and it is a really a pleasure to read your writing.

Kate
Kate
6 years ago

I’m super late but I hope you’re still interested in responses, because here goes…

I’m Kate and I’ve been reading your blog since it was an online journal (am so old). I think I started right about the time Riley was born. I’m so glad you’re still writing, by the way. I have two daughters, they’re 12 and 3 (a nice, and also challenging age gap).
My time online is spent futilely refreshing Twitter (which stresses me out a lot, tbh, with the state of the world currently), Facebook, Instagram, and Buzzfeed. As for job, I’m a stay-at-home mom and this 3-year-old takes all of my energy in a way her big sister didn’t, and not just because I’m 9 years older. The last book I could not put down was Hazel Rowley’s biography of the Roosevelts, ‘Franklin and Eleanor.’ It was a great read; they were a fascinating couple and Rowley has a really engaging writing style.

Am I doing okay? Mostly. We’ve moved to a different state and I’m adjusting, but it’s hard and I’m lonely. I feel okay admitting that here, but not to people I actually know in real life. I’m not sure why that is.

Laurelie
Laurelie
6 years ago

Late to the game as well, but I’ve been reading for longer than I can remember. Like before you even had kids…god that makes me feel old. I’m on the tail end of my 30’s and a mom of 2 boys…we lead kind of parallel lives except my boys are a few years younger and we get more snow here and have a Prime Minister instead of a President.

Karen
Karen
6 years ago

Linda, I’m on a macbook, and maybe it’s my crazy machine that is on its last leg, but I can’t go back to see all of the comments. Bummer! I would love to read all of them!

Nicole
Nicole
6 years ago

I’m Nicole I’m 41, I live in Arizona and have an 11 year old daughter. I have been reading your blog for years and just enjoy your writing so much. You inspired me to train for a triathlon years ago so even though this is late I’d like to say thank you!

I work part-time as a Dietitian in the ICU at the VA hospital and while I love my work and believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the VA I can’t help but feel a little unfulfilled. I ask myself often what else should I be doing? Who knows.

I cycle through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter incessantly and just started playing HQ even though it gives me anxiety.

I’ve been reading a lot lately – I joined the Book of the Month Club and the joy of getting a box of new books each month is amazing!

Thank you for sharing a little of yourself with all of us, I appreciate it and hope you know how talented you are.

T
T
6 years ago

Late on this one but I’m spending way too much time on Facebook these day, I also enjoy Instagram and the occasional Pinterest time suck. I used to be on livejournal in the old days and really miss all the blogs that used to be out there. I started reading yours around year 2002, way back before kiddos. I myself don’t have any kids. I have a cat who keeps me company. And I’m working in insurance. I used to really enjoy what I did til I was moved to management a few years ago, which I despise. I’m doing mostly ok most of the time. I just read Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley” & enjoyed it. My iPhone won’t let me read the other comments but I hope to catch them on the laptop later for some new book suggestions!!

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

Hi there,

Piping up to say hey from Australia. Just about to turn 37, no kids yet, live with my partner in Sydney but planning a move out of the city onto 5 acres we just bought.

I’ve been reading for a long time and am so pleased you’ve been writing regularly lately. I’ve been reading since diaryland days so for quite a while.

How have you been doing?

Anu
Anu
6 years ago

I don’t date all the way back to Diaryland-I started reading you right around the time Riley was born and I’ve left you comments before.

I’m not online very much anymore and I literally typed your blog address into the bar to see if you were updating…I think 8 months ago? I was so excited to see new posts and I check in to old blogs I used to read in the early to mid 2000s in the same way. I have a low engagement Facebook and an Instagram. Other than that, I occasionally peruse Reddit Asian Beauty and Skincare Addiction. When Game of Thrones is on air, I also check into that subreddit.

I haven’t had kids yet. I did get married but it didn’t work out. I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about it.

I quit practicing law and went back to school to get an MBA. It was the best decision I ever made. Also I’m going to sound like a total tool…but I majored in “Strategy.” Yup, I quit being a lawyer with a tenured federal job at an exec agency to work in strategery. Anyway, it did work out extremely well for me.

I blazed through Columbine, though I know some of the victims take issue with the book and reporting. Also, The Wife Between Us.

I would say I’m great. I’m not jumping for joy every day but I would say I’m content-ish. Getting divorced really sucked but also gave me perspective, on so many things. Like how we have these goalposts we think we need to hit in life, we obsess and worry about them for a long time and then things don’t go as we expect. And yet, I picked myself up and moved on with, frankly, equanimity and class. It made me realize…hey you’re strong. You’re capable of grieving and moving on and focusing on other things. Quitting law and doing well in my second career boosted my self esteem in an incredible way because I found something I was great at AND enjoyed, and that filled a professional hole that I had before. Not as great stuff? It turns out that I’ve had ADHD my whole life-I am finally on medication for it and it’s good, but I haaaaaaate that I have a learning disability/mental illness. Still some shame around that. I am still not hugely extroverted. I’ve lived in NYC for 6 years now and I don’t have a huge friendship circle…and I’m still not sure I care. That’s a whole screed but basically, I’m okay, I continue to figure myself out and I think I will be the type of person who tries to figure herself out till death. I’m okay with that. Wishing you well, Linda…I love popping in and seeing your writing. It’s as warm and human as when I first started reading you.

Martha
Martha
6 years ago

Late to the party, as usual. I have been reading your blog since before you had Riley and adore your writing style. I find you refreshing and inspirational.

I am 52, married, and have a 9 year old boy. We live in NH where we just experienced our THIRD nor’easter of March with over a foot of snow.

I spend far too much time on Facebook and Instagram. I never “got” Twitter and since November of 2016, I am glad I don’t frequent it. I also watch WAY TOO MUCH Netflix (not social media, I know, but still).

I feel screen time has taken over from my actual reading of books. I have so many books started on my Kindle, but I rarely take the time to read them. It’s pathetic, really. I used to be a voracious reader. The last “hold in your hands book” I read, on your recommendation, was “Hunger” by Roxane Gay. It was brilliant.

My current job is as a paraprofessional at a middle school. I work with kids with learning disabilities. Before becoming a Mom, I had been working toward getting certified to teach Language Arts, grades 6-12. I thought teaching was my calling. With the current climate in U.S. schools, and for a multitude of reasons, I am no longer certain of that.

I am going through a long period of not being OK, after suffering a series of losses and questioning so many things about my life. I am clawing my way out, struggling to find my purpose. The truth is, I need to stop being so freaking ungrateful.

Gillian
Gillian
6 years ago

Hi. I’ve been reading you forever – almost 15 years I think? I’m 41 and married. My best friend (she’s here in the comments somewhere) have occasionally emailed you and a response always elicited a squeal of joy, like seeing a celebrity :) Internet ‘knowing’ you and a handful of other bloggers has truly felt like it’s own little special friendgroup. I cheer for you like I do the friends I see everyday in real life. I work as a therapist in private practice and I truly love it. I can’t believe I get paid to do it. I have an 8 year old daughter and 4 year old son and that’s just all the stuff everyone else has said about parenting. The best, the worst, exploding joy, tedious crazytown ( remember that thing you wrote about angry toddler boys with sharks for arms? Super accurate). I don’t spend too much time online anymore. Took FB off my phone because all the news coverage gave me too much anxiety. I still read a few blogs and follow the writings of people I admire. Just trying to be in my own life more but the ease of which to check out using the web is strong. I am okay? Good? My marriage is a mess and I don’t know what the outcome will be. That’s the most stressful part of my life. I think we broke it 5 years ago and have been paddling ever since. It’s scary. So. Moistly okay. Here. Thanks for being you, Sundry.

Erica
Erica
6 years ago

*wave* I’m here. I also only read through RSS (I use Inoreader), and I read in batches and clumps – which is why I’m late here. I have two boys, one turning 4 this weekend and one who’ll be 11 months next week. I remember when your kids were little(r??), and it freaks me out that they’ve become such fascinating and independent people. But then, I already feel that way about my own big kid (seriously, he’s not yet 4 and tonight he said “I can clean that up – no worries!” I’m still on mat leave (Canada yay!), but I can feel this weird full-time momming year slipping away. It is both gut wrenching and thrilling to think about going back to work – I loathe big changes, but I know enough to crave the next phase when I’m settled into the newness.

Just a wee hello to say that I’m here and I’m reading.

N
N
6 years ago

I’ve read you since before R was born. I talk about you like we’re friends IRL and I do love you so. In a non creepy way of course.

My boys are 22 and 20, I’m a banker not currently in love with my life. It’s fine. I’ll figure it out. Thanks for asking.

Chloe
Chloe
6 years ago

Hi. Mostly baby center- I have a 10 month old. I work in regulatory, and mostly I don’t like it much right now. Too many responsibilities, not enough time, and I want to have more energy for my son. I look forward to reading books for pleasure again someday. I’m not great right now. I just lost the one member of my childhood family that I liked and trusted and could depend on. But, I know life goes on.

Bree
6 years ago

Tell me –

Where you’re spending your online time these days: It was mainly Instagram and Twitter; I took Facebook off my phone around the start of Lent, but I just removed Instagram too. I’ve only been off for two days and it’s amazing already how much better I feel. I love social media, but I’m not good at limiting my time.

How old your kids are: 10, 9 and 6.

What job you’re doing now and whether you enjoy it: I’m in corporate communications for a financial services company. The job is fine, but I feel drawn to trying something different or new. Maybe related to ministry or service. Not really sure yet, but it’s been on my heart for years.

Tell me about the last book you could not put down: Honestly, I think it was when I devoured the Little House series in 2016. I’m still reading, but nothing has grabbed me in the same way.

Tell me, are you doing okay? Mostly, yes. I’m in the early months of therapy and am at the point where I know many of the changes I need to make, and I don’t really want to make them. But I do. But not yet. But I really do.

Danish
Danish
6 years ago

Linda I’m so glad you’re blogging again. I was a reader for years and years and when you left the internet I was bereft. Silly, right? I just caught up on your 2018 entries. I still miss you on twitter where I spend most of my time online, lurking as I’ve always been a lurker.
I have reg Facebook which mostly infuriates me, had to block so many people after the election and cannot believe the seemed lack of concern about the state of the world. and a secondary Facebook acct as I am a reseller and learn so much from reselling groups.
My boys are almost 12 and 7. I loved reading about Riley bc he and my son are so much alike.
Glad you’re back and hope you’re doing well.

Jenny Hoffman
Jenny Hoffman
6 years ago

Hi Linda!

I’ve been reading your blog since before you flew the boys to DC and were looking for advice on how to keep them occupied on the plane! I spend my time online trying to keep up with all the political emails I get, which is why I’m just now commenting. I always keep your emails until I get a chance to read the blog post. I also use Facebook to keep up with my far-flung family and friends (Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Wyoming, and I live in Maryland).

My daughter is 12 now and she’s getting boobs. !!! I’m still waiting for mine at 42, haha. We live with my boyfriend of three years and have his 17-year-old son around a lot, too.

I work in email marketing for colleges, and I just got the worst review of my life. Well, maybe the second worst. I might not be cut out for this. Before I was more writing and editing, which I’m awesome at.

I haven’t read much since we moved in with the bf. other things to do at bedtime! But I do really enjoy zombie apocalypse stories.

Am I okay? I was, until the aforementioned work review. But my manager is fighting for me, and I’m determined to learn what I need to know and rock this job. My boyfriend is the love of my life and makes everything worth it. And my daughter is her own quirky talented person who inspires me and worries me all at once. My life has become amazingly good in the past few years and that’s how I’m determined to keep it.

Thanks for asking!

Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago

Hey there!

I’ve been reading you for years it seems, since well before you moved and have always loved your humor and honesty. As I got too busy to keep up with all the blogs I followed, yours was/is one I’ve made a point to stick with. I live in Texas with my 12 yo girl and 9 yo boy and work part time at a variety of things. My husband passed away recently, but we’re doing ok, considering. My brother lives in Eugene and I visit there about once a year. Planning my next one for may.

Glad to see you writing regularly.

Megsie
6 years ago

Hi Linda,

I am a lurker here, but I absolutely LOVE your writing. In fact I have written to you before (YEARS ago about using one of your essays in my classroom–“Pieces”–and I still use it every semester. It is one of my students’ favorite readings).

I check Facebook once in a while, but I still read my favorite blogs (who still write). People who are writing are: The Book of June (used to be Bye Bye, Pie), Amalah, Lizardek Obiter Dictum, Do Today Well, and once in a while A Diamond in the Window and Momastery. (Oh, and YOU, of course.)

My kids are 16 & 14 & 14.

I teach at a local Community College. I teach reading and freshman comp courses. I love my job, but it is exhausting!

The last book I couldn’t put down? I am a reading teacher that doesn’t have time to read whole books. I am still in the middle of The Late Homecomer…excellent…but I started it before this semester began and it is sitting on the dining room table. Last summer I read The Grave Yard Book by Neil Gaiman and I LOVED it. And The Book of Ove. And Ordinary Grace. Okay, I’ll stop.

I am doing fine, and I am so glad you are too…moist of the time! Hawaii sounded awesome by the way!

Lori
Lori
6 years ago

I, too, have been reading you for years. I wrote you a number of years ago when we were considering a move to Seattle. Nope, still in Georgia. Still longing for a change.

I have a high school senior and a kindergartner. One of them makes me question my sanity almost daily.

I do finance stuff for work.

I spend most of my online time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Mr. Money Mustache forums.

I’m currently reading Feast: True Love in and out of the Kitchen. It speaks to me on some level.

I am mostly fine. Striving to be better. So glad that you are mostly fine too. <3

allison
5 years ago

Hey Linda,

Still here. I don’t get around to commenting much either. My boys are around the same age as your boys, my oldest is to be 13 in June and is in the 7th grade, and my youngest will be 12 in September and is in Fifth grade. I left my job of 9+ years last year and now work for a nearby City in the law dept. Life is good, we got our first dog ever (I have seriously never owned a dog, nor has my husband) and holy cow, how great are dogs?! This former cat lady now loves the canines as well. I spend most of my time on Instagram, then facebook… I occasionally head over to buzzfeed and reddit. I am obsessed with my favorite murder the podcast and the podcast we’re no docs. Last great book was probably the one written by Tiffany Haddish. Though I listened to it, not actually read it. Highly recommend!

J
J
5 years ago

i am late to the game but I loved reading these, and I love how many people have been around for the long run. I started reading from Diaryland when I would click the “next journal” link. Or was it random? I remember when Riley was born and I think about the “first cagey expression” picture fondly. I don’t remember if I’ve left any comments. My kids are the same ages as yours now. I am working in a minimum wage part time job that I have a love/hate with so I can stay home and do things with them but still pay for those very things. And honestly I spend a lot of time on facebook but I have been trying to get out of that habit. I miss blogs, because blogs don’t really exist anymore the way they did way back when, and I’m old and set in my ways. I like to read.. so I have been getting offline and reading actual books these days. The last book that I couldn’t put down was Heart Shaped Box.. I recommend it! I also read The Road in one sitting and that was pretty depressing, but I’m glad I read it, if that makes sense. I am doing fine these days.. finally out of the baby/toddler fog and into the “I’m old, and I don’t give a crap what you think about me” stage, haha. Anyway I am glad to see you keeping on keeping on.. it’s been a joy!

Eilis
Eilis
5 years ago

Hi Linda! I’m consciously trying to spend LESS time online, particularly Facebook, which began as a forced situation due to a falling out with my family with the super fun added bonus of them threatening to sue me (Love you too, Mom)—But has turned out to be super good for me so I’m letting it ride. I checked in last week because I was going to be meeting my idol (Weird Al!) and everyone knows what a big event it was for me so I had fun keeping them posted on that. But then I found myself mindlessly scrolling again for no reason and remembered what a time suck it is and ditched it again. My kids are 9 (boy) and 8 (girl) and we have a ball together so not being a Facebook zombie definitely gives me more time with them. I love catching up on my blogs on nights like tonight when I’m making the conscious horrible decision not to put myself to bed at a decent hour—and yours has been a favorite for many years.
I work as a Physician Assistant in an Ear, Nose, and Throat office, a welcome change from the Emergency Room which I did for 7 years. This job is one of the reasons I can honestly say that I’m pretty happy right now. Well, it was the catalyst for many positive changes I’ve made over the past year. When I finally got up the nerve to bust out of the golden handcuffs and familiarity of the ER I started a whole personal “Boss Up and Change Your Life” revolution and the outcome has been epic so far. New job that brings me home to my kids and husband every night, weekend, and holiday. Dinner at the table together every night. I coached both kids’ basketball teams this year, a dream I’ve had since they could pick up a ball. I found the sources of some neck and jaw pain and now go for twice monthly therapeutic massages. I got back into an exercise routine and lost a bunch of weight. I made the startling yet not surprising realization that my family is super dysfunctional and manipulative and decided that shit’s not my bag anymore. That last one has been the hardest emotionally but hot damn life is so much better when you aren’t allowing yourself to be manipulated all the time! Especially when it’s been going on your whole life!
So, all in all I’d say life is pretgreat on my end right now, and I’m actively trying to change anything that’s NOT great.
I’m glad you’re doing moistly well and will continue to be your quiet champion cheering you on from the inter-webs.
Much Stranger Love,
Eilis

Jen
Jen
5 years ago

Hi, I’m Jen. I’m 40 and in Wisconsin. I work in Human Resources and have 5yo boy/girl twins and a 7yo son. I have been also reading you for years and years.

I get sucked into IG and Facebook- suddenly down a Scary Mommy comment section rabbit hole!

So glad you’re still writing

Frank
5 years ago

HI Linda. I’m Frank, I’m 66 and live in Virginia just outside DC. Like many, I have been reading you for years and years. I miss the good old days when everyone had a blog. I had one myself, but haven’t looked at it in years. I’m mostly on Facebook these days. I have a Twitter account, but rarely use it. More of a follower than a tweeter. I have three kids. A daughter 37, and twins 35 (boy/girl originally but girl/girl now). I’m retired but I use to buy things for the Air side of the Navy. Need a nice Sidewinder missile? I liked my job, but being retired and being paid to do what ever I want is the shit. I’m pretty happy with things these days although I’m rehabbing my right shoulder after tearing my rotator cuff. Getting old sucks.

SG
SG
5 years ago

Hello! Late to the show here too…..

I spend a lot of time on Facebook, a little time on Instagram and Pinterest, and my blog. I’m a nanny/personal assistant part time, and a special needs single mom. Life is busy and sometimes very frustrating. I’m gearing up for my kiddo to turn 18 in November, and the legal mountains involved with getting legal guardianship of him. (Yes. I have to get legal guardianship of my disabled son who will always live with me. Ridiculous.) Also, applying for Social Security benefits for him, and slugging it out with his father for the next 3 years of child support. I’m also now a board member with a group of teachers and fellow parents, trying to start a program for our kids after they age out of the public school system at age 21.

I’m tired.

I’m also working really hard on finding a balance with inner peace. Yoga, meditation ….allOthat.

Melissa
Melissa
5 years ago

Since I am like 2 weeks late to the party, clearly I have not been spending my time on Feedly. I blame that on a recent obsession with Legend of Zelda. That is sorta online, right?

I am an extreme introvert who gave birth to an extreme extrovert 7.5 years ago. She loves chatting up strangers while I try not to hyperventilate over saying hello to someone I don’t know.

I am a network engineer. Some days I like it, other days I want to flip a table. I am the only female on a team of 15. Anyone who thinks women are drama has never worked with a bunch of men, oh my gawd.

I am currently on book 5 of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series and I cannot put it down. I am thoroughly wrapped up in the storytelling and can’t wait to see how it ends. I love any kind of fiction that I can get lost in like that.

I am not 100% ok today–one of our dogs died unexpectedly last week. I was not prepared for the gaping hole he would leave in our family. I miss that crazy animal so much.

I’ve read your blog since well before my daughter was born, can’t remember when I started reading. I have always enjoyed your writing. You write like a real person navigating life, not Pinteresty curated bullshit. Thank you for sharing with all of us. If we ever meet on the street, I will give you an awkward nod and probably stare at my shoes, but inside I am giving you a high five.

Dawn
Dawn
5 years ago

I live in northern Canada in a small town, lovely little place. I work for the gov’t and my two daughters are 15 and 17. I am knee deep in the ups and downs of teenage girls. It is a very hard and trying time for us, the hormones are a flowing 😉 I have followed you for years and you are my favourite blogger, your honesty and realness is so refreshing. I also battle the bottle (some months better than others) and I see a lot of myself in you. Thanks for still posting, I truly enjoy your writing.
Oh the last book I read was We are never meeting in real life – just like everyone else. I am not overly original 😬

anne
anne
5 years ago

I live in Cleveland, Ohio. Moved here four months ago from Texas for my first nursing job after a career mostly in agricultural research. I don’t really like nursing, but I will find a way to make it work. I don’t have children – my body didn’t want them, apparently. I do have a partner I love more than words can say – he is my little brother’s best friend from the USMC. Said little brother committed suicide a year and a half ago. I don’t think I will ever recover from that.

I am with everyone else – I am so glad that you still share your words with us. I have also read you for years and years – you actually sent me an email probably a decade or so ago (maybe longer?) that helped me out through a difficult moment in my life. Thank you! You are an amazing human.

Last book I read… The War of the Flowers, Tad Williams.

ThatOneKim
ThatOneKim
5 years ago

*Waves hello* I mostly keep up with you on instagram but occasionally make it over to Feedly where I catch up on blogs and rarely comment. I am doing okay, my kids are growing at astounding rates and I’m ready for warmer weather.

Amy
Amy
5 years ago

Hey! Still check my Feedly every once in awhile. My kids are 10 and 6. Been following you since…before my 10 year old was born? I’ve always felt a connection with you because my son and yours enjoy the same things. I’ve had my own pet sitting business for over 10 years but just decided to go back to a “real” job. I’m now a TA at my kids school where I’ve been a PTA mom for the past 4 years. Always joked I wished they paid me for being there and bam! Now they do. Pay is crappy but my first week went really well. I feel much less rushed/stressed/etc than running my own business. It’s like the past 10 years of having kids prepped me for caring for kids who don’t listen or follow directions LOL :)

-Jen
-Jen
5 years ago

Hi! I’m Jen, and I’m just back to my job in a University Library after three months of maternity leave. Hence why I’m just catching up on my Feedly. My boys are 9 and 3 months. Online time is spent on work stuff, some Instagram and Facebook (for sharing pictures with family). I miss books.

Am I doing okay? Yes, mostly. Two kids is hard, and two parents working with two kids is necessary, but damn, scheduling is taking up all of my life.

Liz
Liz
5 years ago

Sigh. Thank you for this. I feel the same way about blogs, too (and comments).

My kids are 12 and 13. I recently got myself banned from volunteering at their school (for a year) for running my mouth in a less than gracious but total annoyed mama bear moment.

I hate looking at all the “together” moms and thinking WHY CAN’T I JUST SHUT UP AND BE NORMAL?

Sometimes I hate being a cactus in a world of pine trees and just wish I could learn to be regular damn tree already.

Kate S
Kate S
5 years ago

Late to the game but replying anyway. I started reading your bog when my daughter was born in 2005. You made me feel like maybe I wasn’t crazy.

I still read your blog when I get a chance to go through all of my emails. I feel like we’ve been through some stuff together and, I know we will never meet, but if we did, we would look at each other like “Sheesh, we got through it. Not sure how, but we did.” Then you’d walk one way and I’d walk the other. I don’t know if we would speak, but I feel like we would both know. Is that weird?

kim
kim
5 years ago

Hi! I’ve been reading you since before Riley was born. :) I only read a couple of blogs these days – mostly I work too many hours and waste too much time on Facebook rabbit trails when I am online. I can’t remember the last book I read (and I love to read!). My daughters are 18 and 16 – the oldest graduates next Saturday! (she’s salutatorian!) I’m an accountant – working at a job I don’t enjoy, but I was unemployed too many years to get picky.

Am I doing OK? Wow, I suppose I am. Life is better than it used to be – but I mostly stay stressed All The Time. I’ve been better…

Kathleen
Kathleen
5 years ago

Hi! I am obviously a blog binger and just getting to this post… I read blogs in Flipboard and get behind a lot… I sorta check Facebook and Twitter. I have a 5 and 9 year old. And I enjoy your insights on life, so thanks for updating even if I’m slow to read!

Philip
5 years ago

Very occasionally checking here for updates—let’s see, looks like I last checked in February—so very belatedly stopping in to say hi. Online mostly on Facebook and Twitter, plus a variety of webcomics. My cat will be 15 in August, more or less, and my chances of having kids are increasingly hypothetical. Still doing the Microsoft marketing thing, though now as an employee of the vendor I used to subcontract through as a freelancer. Still volunteering for KEXP too, doing weekly tours of the station and really enjoying that. Kind of struggled with it for a couple years but this year I’m making more of an effort to make it work and I am still liking it overall. Still not reading books that regularly but let me tell you, there’s some excellent storytelling going on in a bunch of the aforementioned webcomics, in particular Erfworld and Kill Six Billion Demons. Overall yes, I’m doing okay—going full-time salaried for work, and refinancing my mortgage plus consolidating credit card debt into that has put me in place to regain my footing financially, and that’s been a big help. So now instead I can fret more about still being single and lonely, but that’s nothing new. But hey, there’s still great music being made, and I can still dance, so I’ve got that much.

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