The vast majority of the comments I get on this website are helpful, pleasing, entertaining, and basically an utter joy to read. To the very few, though, who took the time out of their busy day yesterday to display their lack of manners, I can only say this: I think I know where you’re coming from, and it’s an ugly, unpleasant place, and I truly hope you find your way out of it soon. I’d tell you to suck a bag of leprous dicks, but I think you’ve got enough unhappiness in your life as is.

In other news, while I was in the midst of navel-gazing about feeling stagnated in my job and pondering my options for the future and how much I’d be willing to change to make change happen and all of THAT happy crappy, my boss up and quit. Things are definitely different now at Workplace than they were, say, a week ago, and while I sure don’t know what it means for the long term — it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll hire a replacement any time soon, is that good or bad? Will my one remaining marketing coworker and I survive the period of time between now and Macworld all on our own? How does this effect some of my goals for 2009? — I feel . . . hmm, it’s hard to describe. Not happy about this situation, exactly, but like at least some small sense of usefulness has been injected back into my machinations there.

I don’t think I’m saying anything here that hasn’t been made common knowledge at my office, but my boss — with whom I thought I had a pretty good working relationship and we got along on a friendly basis just fine — left abruptly, not long after a meeting last week that turned into a bit of a heated discussion between the three of us in marketing. I mean, he didn’t storm out of the building telling me that he hated my coworker and I and our ASS FACES, but man, it wasn’t totally far off from that, either. I know he wasn’t happy and our meeting was surely the proverbial last straw and I don’t blame myself for his departure, but I feel shitty that it ended so badly. I suppose I also feel a little angry and resentful that he chose to write me off so quickly — as a colleague he supposedly respected, as his employee for the past twelve months. It’s so weird, one day we’re cracking jokes in each other’s offices and bullshitting about product taglines, the next he’s cleaned out his desk and left without so much as a goodbye.

Well. So, there’s that.

Since I’ve got nothing but luxurious amounts of extra time on my hands these days, I’ve started writing for a new website. My first post is up today, and some of you may find the blog name familiar. Come by and say howdy!

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Kim
Kim
16 years ago

Man.
I was so excited and inspired by yesterday’s post and even happier to tell you I joined the Jillian pain train – I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years somebody could’ve gotten negative connotations out of it. Perspective is a weird thing, but now I’m thankful to be a pretty happy person – I’d hate to go through life that bitter all the time. Over the years there have been times your blog spoke directly to me. With all the blogs out there now, yours is still my favorite and I look forward to whatever it is you feel like writing about every day.

Cassie
Cassie
16 years ago

Sundry, you are a beautiful, inspirational person. Let assholes be assholes. You open up your personal life and your deepest thoughts on this website. If they cannot respect that, then eff them! After reading yesterday’s post, I was thinking I need to get off my fat ass and be more like you! You are an inspiration to me on so many levels it is not even funny. I am married, work full time, go to school part-time and have no children. I make excuse after excuse as to why I cannot eat better and exercise. You are right, I need to make the time and I am going to start…next week. LOL Just kidding. Anyway, keep up the super work and I look forward to continuing reading your inspirational, funny words! You rock girl!

sooboo
sooboo
16 years ago

When a person decides they hate their job, there really isn’t any turning back and things can get ugly fast. I wouldn’t take the meeting you had with bossman personally. He probably just was PO’ed at his situation and took it out on ya’ll. Also, I like the fitness entry. A person makes time for what matters. I don’t see how that’s considered luxurious.

caroline (cazbag)
caroline (cazbag)
16 years ago

Thank you so much for the post yesterday. Inspiration from your flickr pics and twitter tweets made me buy 30 day shred last week and the 2 times I did it – it totally kicked my ass! Of course I then had a friend in town and a “big” weekend, and now am feeling under the weather, but boy-howdy have you inspired me to get my ass in gear and stop making excuses! I sooo needed to hear everything you said and I’m so grateful you said it.

Just wanted to let you know what an inspiration you’ve been, and what a pleasure it is to have you share your world with us. Thank you. (my ass -wow that’s the 3rd time I’ve used ass in this comment -and my clothes that I’m hoping will start fitting again soon thank you too).

Jem
Jem
16 years ago

From yesterday, I guess I have no problem with people making up excuses for why they CAN’T do exercise…I mean, they’re just excuses, and thats their own problem. Hell, I make enough myself. But not only blaming someone else for being successful, but actually going to their website and whining about it is something else. Seriously, if you have time to watch TV, or you have time to read someone’s blog and post to it whining about stuff, I’m pretty sure you could find time to work on your health if you want to, physical AND mental.

So there’s that, and also, who gives a damn if they’re not interested in what you write about.

Kate
16 years ago

Man, I had to go back and read the comments from yesterday to know what you were talking about!

First off, sorry ’bout the haters that showed up and ruined the day. I think it’s true that either they’re just flat out jealous or their mamas never taught ’em no manners. Prolly both.

I mean seriously folks. See that little red X up in the right hand corner? If you don’t like what you’re reading…CLICK IT and go away. Nobody’s strapping you down and forcing Linda’s wise words into your eyeballs. You chose to come to her site and read her post. If you don’t like it, don’t come back. But maybe it hit just a little too close to home, huh?

Anyway, sorry about your boss Linda. Hope things don’t get shook up too much at your job but you never know. Maybe this will be the catalyst for thrusting you out into the freelance world on a full-time basis!

Mama Ritchie
16 years ago

Now I’m totally going back and reading the rest of the responses!

I have been thinking of your posting all day – really thinking about why it is that I resist doing things that are good for my body and my mind and my soul – and after you responded with your thoughts it really crystallized for me. It’s supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would be working out and eating 5 servings of veggies a day. But the payoff is so worth it. Look at you – you can not only see it in your pics – you are TIGHT, man – but you can hear it in your words.

Keep being fabulous!

Georgia
16 years ago

Wow…that is possibly the coolest website I’ve ever seen [lemondrop]. I can’t wait to spend the entire 8 hours of boring receptionist desk job on it tomorrow…seriously.

Jen
Jen
16 years ago

Hi Linda,
I have been lurking for several months now and also slowly working my way through your archives. (I love your writing. And I’m a stalker.) I’ve been wanting to tell you, I am so proud of all the positive changes you’ve made in your life these last few years. Yes, parenthood is a great motivator, but it takes courage and strength to keep making tough choices day after day. So many people don’t succeed at it. I hope you give yourself credit and don’t let haters bring you down.

I love hearing about your kids; my boys are very close in age to yours. You say things I wish I could say on my site but don’t have the guts- too many elderly family members read it and I don’t want to be left out of the will!

Anyway, good luck with the Workplace sitch. I’ve blathered on long enough.

Cali911Gal
Cali911Gal
16 years ago

Kudos to you on your successes with the fitness! Yesterday’s post was very inspiring to me. Now, if I can just get out of the chair and get moving……

Regardless, this is YOUR blog. Write whatever the fuck you want. Readers shouldn’t set the tone, and this isn’t a “target” audience, like a parenting or health blog.

It’s you. Your life, and all the many wonderful facets of it. That you give us a little glimpse into one small segment of it, on any given day, is a treasure.

If I don’t agree with something, I’ll likely just go away without comment. Because, as mother said, “If you don’t have something nice to say……..”. This isn’t a targeted forum, it’s Linda sharing aspects of life. Her life.

Haters: move on.

Linda: Keep your chin up.

Erin
16 years ago

That is bizarre about your boss!

My ears always perk up when you mention your job because I too work in a marketing group writing techy copy and handle our tradeshows (none as exciting as Macworld though!) Anyway, it is nice to find someone else who understands how freaking STRESSFUL tradeshow coordination is. GOD. I break into cold sweats at night and think OH GOD DID I REMEMBER TO ___. There is so much crap to keep up with in so little time!

Lesley
Lesley
16 years ago

I have to agree, there was a serious lack of respect shown yesterday.

JMH
JMH
16 years ago

Wow. I just read some of the comments from yesterday’s post and…wow. That is all I can say.

As for me, last Dec., you posted some questions reflecting on how the year turned out (It was around New Year’s Eve) One of the questions was something like “Are you in better shape than last year” and another was in reference to weighing more or less. Anyway, those questions really made me think about my body and my health.I have changed my diet (less processed food), work out more frequently and I have (slowly) lost and KEPT OFF 15 pounds since January. I have also lost several inches and gone down almost 2 pant sizes. So, personally, I really enjoy all of your fitness / diet posts and thanks to you, I am healthier and happier in 2008! There are always people who are jealous and want to “rain on your parade”, but PLEASE don’t stop writing from your heart.
Thanks for the inspiration!!

robin
robin
16 years ago

I had to go back and read the comments from yesterday too..I knew you’d get a few nasty ones after reading yesterdays post.

I’ve read you for a long, long time. Every blog…and I am just in awe at how great you look, more importantly how great you say you feel. I know it’s true..exercise makes you feel fabulous, but I resist. I also remember you writing something about how with 2 kids you don’t have time to be tired and lethargic all the time. Having just had my second in May, that’s what is motivating me. And your posts, pics, etc. The world is full of all kinds of people. Some would rather read about you finishing off a pint (or half-gallon) of Ben & Jerrys every night because it’s what they can relate to. I, personally, would rather be able to relate to the feeling absolutelyfucking great and better yet, looking great. To each his own.

I do wish you’d post what EXACTLY you are eating. I know getting off my ass will take care of part of the problem but when I’m faced with food choices is where I get in trouble. I need food advice. What are you eating, woman?

BTW-that sucks about your boss. That’d drive me insane, the not knowing.

Nic
Nic
16 years ago

Hi Linda. I meant to post a comment yesterday saying what inspiration I get from you. Your statement about junk food feeling goo for 5 min vs feeling good for hours with healthy choices really resonated with me. Pooh on those who can’t be happy for someone like you who has worked so hard.

Re work, I found that when I was w/o a boss for a while, I got a lot accomplished, so it was a good thing for me.

Jessaleigh
Jessaleigh
16 years ago

Hi, I never comment, but I just wanted to say that even though I’m not a mother, and I live on the other side of the country, reading your blog is one of the first things I do in the morning.

I love how you write and I think you’re an inspiration. I love that you are able to be so real while conquering things that most of us would find insurmountable.

I hope that’s not too stalkerish and creepy, I just thought you could use another positive comment today .

Eric's Mommy
Eric's Mommy
16 years ago

Linda, I loved your last post, seriously. I read it a few times and it motivated me to get off my ass at lunchtime and walk around our building here at work (which is HUGE I might add).

I am so glad Purple is a Fruit is back!

Lizzybee
16 years ago

I love your writing-don’t let the bad comments ruin your day!
I really enjoyed your post yesterday, and the junk food thing really stuck with me. I’m going to try and snack better, and hopefully get some more energy during the afternoon :)

rakel
rakel
16 years ago

loved yesterdays post, hell, I love everydays post. I was checking out the biggest loser website, watching some older clips and stuff (am sick in bed so I have to keep myself motivated somehow) and theres this clip from last season called clearing the air, MAN is Jillian one baddass chick! I totally have a girlcrush, I mean there was beep and beep and a beep and then beepbeepbeep!

Also charlie the unicorn has a sequel now!

C
C
16 years ago

Wait, there was a comment war yesterday? Darn it, I hate when I miss those (not that I like Linda being blasted..more like it is funny to watch people explode over a blog that is not theirs!) But what in the world did she say yesterday to cause a stir? I thought it was a post about positive work-out mindset? Hmmmm, I need to go re-read….

ashley
16 years ago

Maybe your boss was stealing copious amounts of paper clips and he knew the heat was coming down quick, so he quit before they fired him. Or maybe he was just a whiny pansy ass. It could go either way.

C
C
16 years ago

Ok, I went back and read comments..and ummm…I liked the post. Also, just to be clear I am NOT the same “C” that posted yesterday about “no sarcasm..let me cry” or whatever that was about. Ok, Hope everyone has a wonderful day, with a workout or without one! :)

Jolie
16 years ago

ok, I know you totally have enough people defending your right to life and liberty on here but I just wanted to be another one to reconfirm that people need to STFU about whether or not they like you being fit and talking about it?

I mean. I don’t know, speaking for myself, I just hate it when people come to MY PERSONAL BLOG and then whine about what I write about. What the hell? Then go read someone else?

I love reading whatever you write, and I totally understand the fitness posts because when you make it a priority and a standard in your life, you love to talk about it! You are excited and proud and want to help other people get there too! Rock on.

Deanna
Deanna
16 years ago

Congrats on the new writing gig. You gonna have a side bar thingie to it?
–an totally unrelated (except that I know you like good tv): have you seen the new shoe ‘Hole in the Wall’? Rip off of japanese gameshow bit but pretty funny.

kristylynne
kristylynne
16 years ago

As someone who duly needs to get off my ass, I loved yesterday’s post.

People, nobody can make you feel bad about your own fitness situation except yourself. Nobody’s judging you except your own self. If yesterday’s post made you feel bad, then you probably know you could do better. I know I could.

Anonymous
Anonymous
16 years ago

I read all the comments from your fitness post and, damn! The way people were going on about it is ridiculous. You look amazing, but more importantly, you’re healthy. Anything I have read on your blog about exercise has always seemed to me to really stress the FITNESS aspect of it with the aesthetic aspect being a nice bonus. HOW can people object to you being healthy and encouraging other people to get healthy? With the obesity rate in America and the amount of people dying from weight-related diseases, you should be praised for trying to help motivate people. If more people were inspired to eat right and be fit we’d see a lot less heart attacks, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, etc. I’m not sure how that’s a bad thing. I do think the people who were most offended and upset were probably people who wallow in self-hate anyway and believe their own excuses and don’t want to be reminded that ANYONE can do it.

Ashley
Ashley
16 years ago

I honestly agree with one of the commenters who said it’s because you used “you” instead of “i” in your last post- it simply came off as a “lecture” to some, but inspirational for the majority. I say let it go and focus on what matters.

All Adither
16 years ago

Okay, now I have to go back and read the assholish comments you got. I can’t imagine why someone would take the time to write them.

Loved your Lemon drop post. You are truly a gifted writer.

Shawna
16 years ago

Wheeee!!! A new Linda blog to bookmark! Off to lemondrop I go, fingers crossed that the commenters there are cooler than those on a certain other site you recently quit.(PD, I’m looking at YOU…)

Bumbling
16 years ago

PURPLE IS A FRUIT!!!!!!
Glad to see that it’s reincarnated and that you are doing what you do best- writing good, funny stuff. Congratulations.

As for the “jefe” situation – if he couldn’t deal with it then too bad for him.
you are paid to do your job and if you disagree with the boss (reasonably of course) you are entitled to speak up. Unless you called him a douchey bag of shitballs, I think you aren’t to blame for his subsequent exit. Besides, who knows if it wasn’t that at all, he might be having personal issues that required him to go. Don’t stress!

Bumbling
16 years ago

P.S.: “I’d tell you to suck a bag of leprous dicks….” – LOVE IT.

Tiffany
Tiffany
16 years ago

I also had to look back at the comments from yesterday to see what you were talking about. Screw those haters. They truly are just angry b/c they feel they have been “called out” on their laziness. I think your blog was inspirational, hopefully it can motivate my lazy ass…

Casey
16 years ago

Wow, I had to scan through yesterday’s comments to find which fuckface you were referring to. What a bunch of assholes. I’m in a similar situation with you family-wise but unlike you, I’m lazy and don’t want to get off of my fat ass to exercise once the kids are in bed for the night. That’s my choice, and you busting your ass (which is admirable) is yours. Exercising is a choice, even single parents who work full time can make the choice, it just takes determination and the willingness to forego sleep (which I’m not). Why the fuck do people read your blog if they don’t want to hear what you have to say. Grrr.

Jenny
16 years ago

Linda, I just had to chime in here and repeat what you’ve already heard so many times, but here it is AGAIN. You are truly an inspiration. It is encouraging to hear things about how being fit ROCKS. It makes me remember that oh so good feeling after a workout and inspires me to get up and move and sweat and feel amazing later. So thank you for posts like those.

Valria
16 years ago

holy crap…..yea I didn’t make it to your comments yesterday morning because when I read the post I decided to walk ten feet out to my “gym” and at least get 30 minutes of cardio in before work, (i.e. inspired)

As for the work thing, that sucks! I’m glad your not feeling responsible. Sounds like your ‘boss’ had other issues going on. In this market and economy I wish the best for anyone walking out on a paying gig at this point.

Ok, going for my 30 minutes of cardio again! Thanks for the inspiration!

Sarah
Sarah
16 years ago

Can you please add some diet/food info to your posts about exercising? I seem to have a hard time with that – would be interested what you do – thanks!

Operation Pink Herring
16 years ago

I’m constantly amazed by your ability to continue writing without holding back and censoring yourself in the face of idiotic commenters.

That’s all I have time for, I have to go change my pants after noticing your most recent tweet up in the corner.

Julie
16 years ago

I was out of pocket yesterday at a training class and am apparently now out of the loop. I’ll have to go back and read yesterday’s post.

What’s the possibility of you moving on up into the boss’ chair? Have you considered it?

wherefrom
wherefrom
16 years ago

About yesterday, I was surprised that people would give you shit about what you choose to write on your own blog about your own self (as opposed to about others). Must have been a slow day for internet gossip.

That said, when things take a turn like that, I suggest you step back and do the math, as in, notice that like 98% of all substantive comments were positive and appreciative. When you’re 98%, who cares about the other 2%? Also, why give the jerks the attention they are obviously seeking? You’re not defined by what anonymous, often make-believe people on the internet think of you. You do believe that, right?

kelly west mars
kelly west mars
16 years ago

o.m.f.g.

Just finished (barely) my 1st 30 Day Shred level 1 work out. . . could barely keep up or get my feet off the ground. Saw life flash before eyes.

Must have emt on call tomorrow for next session.

Unisom? Really? Please tell me it’s okay to do that so I can get some sleep. Hot Pocket is teething this week.

Fuck teeth.

Karen
16 years ago

Yeah. Not commenting on yesterday’s post cause that was yesterday, hello?

My boss up & quit about 6 months ago. He gave notice but we’re IT folks and it’s common practice to escort us out when we give notice. It’s both unsettling and exciting, isn’t it? It definitely has a way of changing the entire dynamic of the workplace!

Amy M.
Amy M.
16 years ago

It’s tough to remain positive (or at least neutral) with negativity about, so kudos to you for not letting it bring you down!

Good luck at Workplace – we’re going through some changes at my workplace too, so I empathize. Hope it works out for the better!

Dawn
Dawn
16 years ago

I had to babies (almost) back to back and I’ve been working out for 4 months now trying to get back into pre-prego shape. Reading about your hard work and progress keeps me motivated. Yeh, the cock talk is funny as shit but laughing only burns so many calories.

Dawn
Dawn
16 years ago

(two) … and apparently can’t spell. Looking forward to the new site. I missed Purple is a Fruit.

Not Julia
Not Julia
16 years ago

Are you kidding me? ONE person made a comment yesterday that could have been taken rather trollish. Julia voiced her opinion and it wasn’t an attack at all. I do agree that Julia probably should have kept her thoughts to herself. Yet, everyone is all up in arms over this one comment compared to the hundreds of supportive comments showering you with praise and adoration?!?

Get over yourself, already, Linda. It was one fucking comment.

Mama Ritchie
16 years ago

MEOW!

:)

Sunny
Sunny
16 years ago

Reading the comment above, it looks to me like you need to order one more bag (super-sized, please) of leprous dicks for a rather unhappy camper.

E.
E.
16 years ago

I have to agree with Not Julia here. You write in a public sphere, and from time to time, people are going to disagree with what you write or how you write it. That comes with the territory, I think.

Telling people to just “stop reading” is kind of simplistic too. Maybe a “comment only if you think I am awesome” disclaimer would work, but it seems like an overreaction too. What if someone thinks you’re funny and smart and a great writer, but genuinely thinks your last entry was condescending and lecture-y? What if they genuinely think that if you were a single parent living in a ghetto and were underemployed with limited child care and surrounded by cheap fast food places instead of grocery stores that it would be just a tad harder to get fit than it is for you right now? It’s their opinion, and you have a comments section so people can share their opinion.

Having a readership means that sometimes people are going to disagree with what you’ve said, even if they enjoy reading your writing. Writing off those who take issue with your words as bitter, unhappy trolls is completely unfair, not to mention feeding directly into the toxicity you claim to be trying to avoid.

Your other commenters, many of whom are basically blowing sunshine up your ass (which is an “utter joy to read”), and the people who don’t, for whatever reason, are bitter, unhappy trolls. That just doesn’t ring fair with me.

E.
E.
16 years ago

I realize that I made a grammar mistake in my last paragraph, so before someone orders a big back of leprous dicks to toast my type, let me fix it:

“Your other commenters, many of whom are basically blowing sunshine up your ass (which is an “utter joy to read”) area awesome, and the people who don’t, for whatever reason, are bitter, unhappy trolls. That just doesn’t ring fair with me.”

And for the record, commenters who will likely try and rip me a new one here? I am an employed, educated, happy person who’s been reading this blog since back before Riley was even a consideration (and diaryland seemed high-tech!), and have continued to read for years because I think sundry is a great writer and a genuine person. Please consider these facts before spewing whatever vitriol you’re storing up to fling towards an anonymous individual on the internet my way.

E.
E.
16 years ago

I realize that I made a grammar mistake in my last paragraph, so before someone orders a big bag of leprous dicks to toast my typo, let me fix it:

“Your other commenters, many of whom are basically blowing sunshine up your ass (which is an “utter joy to read”) area awesome, and the people who don’t, for whatever reason, are bitter, unhappy trolls. That just doesn’t ring fair with me.”

And for the record, commenters who will likely try and rip me a new one here? I am an employed, educated, happy person who’s been reading this blog since back before Riley was even a consideration (and diaryland seemed high-tech!), and have continued to read for years because I think sundry is a great writer and a genuine person. Please consider these facts before spewing whatever vitriol you’re storing up to fling towards an anonymous individual on the internet my way.