I’m beginning to think that after last week it can only go up from here. It started with my epic parent fail and the drama of being THAT mom. I was just trying to keep it real as any Theta Mom would but when I blogged about the truth of performing reviews and giveaways, I sensed that I was in some serious need for some positive vibes on the blog.
I was thinking about a previous post about what makes bloggers REALLY follow a blog. What I found interesting is that the bloggers who commented actually admitted to following a blog because the person behind the blog is someone they could actually picture themselves being friends with in real life; a blogger who they connect with which may even override amazing content alone.
I was inspired by this discussion so I’ve decided to publish a post just. about. me. Something I rarely do but hoping you take this as an opportunity to get to know me a little better all in an effort to establish a further connection with you – the BEST readers on the planet.
So here we go ladies, in no particular order:
I am dreamer and a realist depending on the situation.
I love to write.
I am an over-analyzer especially if I can’t make an immediate decision.
I adore make-up and my must haves are some foundation, black mascara and a slammin’ good lipstick.
I am petrified of bees.
I love vanilla ice-cream.
I have one (in particular) wonderfully written children’s manuscript just waiting to be published. I am still holding out for that big break and I won’t stop until I am officially a published children’s book author.
I grew up at The Jersey Shore but my Jersey Shore is nothing like that portrayed on MTV.
The ocean is one of my favorite “places” in the world.
I met my husband in a bar. (I think that deserves its own post so, to be continued…)
I attended graduate school in NYC, an unforgettable experience and impressionable time in my life.
I have two beautiful children.
I love to dance.
I took a pottery class and used to belong to a book club before I had kids. I was an avid reader and now? I read blogs…
I used to work out like a fanatic and now I am just trying to lose some of this “baby” weight. The operative word here is *trying*
My home used to be spotless…and then I had kids.
I never knew how much the Earth would shift when I became a mother.
I am currently a WAHM making this all work, every day.
I know who I am.
I know what I stand for.
I know what I want out of life.
I have high expectations and I am inspired by driven people.
I don’t tolerate negativity.
I admire women at the forefront of chasing after a dream.
I continue to dream big dreams and I encourage my children to dream big dreams…
I am strong-willed and full of conviction.
I am passionate, determined and hard working. I have an amazing work ethic and I have my parents to thank for that.
I had an unbelievable childhood – we didn’t have much money, but I was loved more than you could ever imagine. I am trying to replicate my childhood experience with my own children – and I’ll consider myself lucky if I can be even half of a parent that my own parents were to me.
I am learning from my mistakes and becoming a better mother in the process.
This blog has taught me more about myself and the sisterhood of motherhood.
This blog has become a platform to share my ideas and aspirations that I never even knew existed. I never knew how much I would love this blog and the ability to share my voice…
I am a Theta Mom – and I couldn’t be happier that you are here with me.
Love learning all about the incredible THETA MOM! Yes, yes, yes to chasing dreams and turning them into realities!
And KUDOS to a stellar work ethic ~ oh the places we can go with this!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Lemon Love =-.
Melissa – Oh the places we can go is right! Inspiring, creative, hard-working and driven women – LOVE IT!
It’s so good to learn more about you Heather! I’ve only found your blog a couple of weeks ago but already I’m hooked! Hope you’ll get that book out in the bookstore soon and hopefully I can get it from amazon – because they ship here 😉
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..Dancing In The Rain =-.
Loving the new avatar girl! And you are another faithful supporter who I adore, thank you for reading!
Good for you doing this…I recently did close to the same thing (http://littlemissrylee.blogspot.com/2010/04/about-me.html) on my blog. I tend to share the same sentiments with the others that I mainly follow blogs that I feel like I could be friends with the mama in “real life”.
I think I need to make it official and join the ThetaMom community!
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..Rylee’s 2nd Birthday Celebration! (Warning: It’s a LONG one!) =-.
Loved this post, Heather! ;0) Made me think about the degree I allow people to “know” me on my blog. I find it to be very tricky for me right now. I’m a really open person, but the stage my kids are at — 10 and 13 — I’m going through some parenting stuff that I just CAN’T talk about. They are old enough to read my blog, obviously, and my teenager, especially, wants her and deserves her privacy. She’s fine w/me blogging, but I can’t talk about her too much (and I run things by both of them if there’s any question). There’s so much I have to say about the phase of parenting I’m in and my feelings, thoughts about it, but it will have to wait until they’re older and all of the current ups and downs have passed. In the meantime, I just try to be real about the parenting things I CAN talk about. We’ve dialogued about this before on your blog, but from a safety standpoint. In addition to safety issues, however, I also struggle with being real and open, but still maintaining the trust of my children, which is my #1 priority. Once again, your post made me think and reassess some things. Now there’s a great reason to keep coming back! ;0)
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..Hair-Raising Battles =-.
That is tough Melinda and I don’t even know how to begin to answer that since mine cannot even read yet.
You’ll know the balance and what feels right – staying open and honest with your kids is no doubt top priority.
Great post! Very inspirational!
.-= MamaOnDaGo´s last blog ..Michael Hoffman RIP =-.
What a lovely family you have!
You know, I almost forgot you lived in NJ. I had just made a comment to a friend about “The Jersey Shore” and how it’s coming back. ACK, our poor poor state
I think we’re one in the same girlie. Books turned to blogs, orderly house torn to shreds by the baby, “baby weight” still “trying to shed 😛
I like it when you share bits of yourself like this, carry on.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Mind Your Business =-.
ah, new jersey…that’s all i’m saying about that 😉
thanks for the 411, i’ve been waiting for you to get a little more personal! and love the picture of you, you look like you’re the babysitter the real theta mom hired. what are you, sixteen?!
.-= alexis´s last blog ..the catheter is just a bonus. =-.
OMG Alexis – I so heart you for this comment.
16? Not quite. I am a proud 34 and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the support you have shown on my blog and TMC recently.
You rock.
xoxo
you couldn’t pay me to not comment. well, maybe i’d do it for the right price. 😉
.-= alexis´s last blog ..the catheter is just a bonus. =-.
Wow, great to get to know you a little better. I have no idea how you do it all. I’m in the office half the day and at home the rest with the kids. I barely have the time to post let alone do all that you do with the blog and community you’re running. You’re an amazing lady my dear.
-Jen
Jen –
Thank you so much for this AWESOME comment and for reading. I appreciate it more than you know.
Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself! I have been thinking of doing this very same thing (when I ever get back to my own blog).
.-= My Modern Country´s last blog ..Pigs In My Kitchen! And I’m Not Talkin’ In The Freezer =-.
Heather…This is a GREAT post. I’m so glad you shared some of the inner-you because you’re spectacular. I adore the last photo…
And I love being a part of the sisterhood of motherhood (love that line…) with you. xo
.-= musingsdemommy´s last blog ..Talisman =-.
“I had an unbelievable childhood – we didn’t have much money, but I was loved more than you could ever imagine. I am trying to replicate my childhood experience with my own children – and I’ll consider myself lucky if I can be even half of a parent that my own parents were to me.”
This is EXACTLY how I feel about raising my daughter and child-to-be!
.-= Bryna´s last blog ..BHE (Best Husband Ever!) =-.
I am a new follower here and I just love that you opened up so much! It is so nice getting to know you!
.-= Rachel @ Mommy Needs a Vacation´s last blog ..The Great Baby Gear Purge =-.
Wonderful post. Love it. Where did you go to school in NYC? Maybe we crossed paths back in the day?! 😉
.-= andrea´s last blog ..Being a mom means … =-.
OMG – How funny would that be Andrea?! I went to Columbia University. You?
I went to Fordham for grad school. Had a friend or two at Columbia, though! Too funny. I swear that anyone who was in NY at the same time must have at the very least passed me in the street at least once, or danced next to me in a bar! Ah, those were the days! 😉
Exactly!!! Without a doubt we passed each other on the street – so glad our paths crossed now.
And yes, those were THE days!!!
hey, i lived right near columbia! (well, kind of–the furthest north i lived was 101st and CPW, furthest south was 86th and columbus). *sigh* i miss ny.
.-= alexis´s last blog ..the catheter is just a bonus. =-.
I miss NYC, too.
Thanks for sharing Heather, you did great! I love finding out more about the person behind the blog. I often find myself returning to blogs where I feel I ‘know’ the author and that I have something in common with. I think it’s especially true when you see the same names and profile pics around, you get curious, well, at least I do but then again I’m really nosy!! For me blogging is about building a readership but it’s also about building friendships!
.-= Pumpkin and Piglet´s last blog ..Operation Yummy Mummy =-.
I totally agree – it felt SO GOOD to share. Thanks for your awesome comment.
Loved this post so much. Very good to learn more about you and walk through this journey of motherhood with you!!!
.-= A Mom After God’s Own Heart´s last blog ..Putumayo: Jazz Playground Review & Giveaway! =-.
I’d follow your blog just based on the fact that you’re from the Jersey Shore and you met your husband in a bar…I like the rest though…love strong women!!!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Toddlers…blah =-.
That’s such a lovely post and great to get to know you! You Rock xxx
.-= Emma´s last blog ..Secret Post Club =-.
Great post Heather, it was a nice change to hear more about you on a personal level. Looking forward to hearing the story of how you met your husband in a bar, that should be a good one.
Great post! Love driven women as I happen to be one myself!
Well, nice to meet you! And you are so pretty!
.-= Katie’s Dailies´s last blog ..Nine Days & A Wake Up =-.
I just want to give you a standing ovation for this!
.-= Miranda´s last blog ..Blogging for PPD/PPA Awareness, Day Nine =-.
You are so lovely and a wonderful inspiration. I already feel like your friend! Thanks for sharing, it is great to learn more about you!
.-= Your Mommy Friend Lori´s last blog ..Makeup Free Mondays =-.
I loved reading all about YOU. I especially loved the photos. I adore personal posts like this one and I really enjoyed a glimpse inside of you because you’re right, it’s rare.
Thank you so much for your kind comments on my blog today—I know my family appreciates it as much as I do!!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Monkey Minute: *Snort* edition, Daffy / Duckalicious style =-.
That was gorgeous! We’re alike in many ways- vanilla ice cream, strong convictions, overanalysis until indecision.
I will admit my home is not spotless. When we have a family, we’re getting a maid. At least they’re less expensive here so it’s a good investment.
.-= Chic ‘n Cheap Living´s last blog ..Little White Dress Love (and some fab picks from around the web) =-.
Amen.
The babies change it all.
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..If The Name Is Lame…. =-.
I think reading your feelings and thoughts helps us all see our comparable goals, struggles, and joys; and that it is good to have like and unlike qualities among us. But over all we are moms, all wanting the best for our children, and for our children to be the best they can be. That goal doesn’t change as we advance to the role of grandma and see our children becoming parents and see new moms awaken to these goals too! You have a lovely family and admirable lifestyle. Good luck to you & yours!
Wow Judy – thank you so much for this comment!
Oh, I like this! It’s nice to know more about the actual woman that is ThetaMom! I really, really hope you get your book published. When you do, please tell us all about it so we can go buy and read. You’re a wonderful writer. That’s a dream I share, so consider me on the sidelines with pom-poms cheering for you!
Vanilla ice cream rocks. It’s terrible that “vanilla” has become code for bad or bland. Not so!
Also, please, please do a post on meeting your husband in a bar! That’s got to be a great story.
Thank you for sharing all of this with us.
.-= Angie @ On the rocks and straight up´s last blog ..The dangers of exercise =-.
So nice to meet you Thetamom. Although I was not part of the discussion I would have to say what was expressed about why we read blogs was bang on. I have a variety of blogs I read, and the reason I return is because somehow the voice of the writer resonated with me. The voice of a friend perhaps?
Thanks for letting us in.
Dana
Exactly how I am beginning to feel with some of you. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. This was a risk for me, but oh so worth it!
xoxo
I loved this post. So sincere and really nice to get to know the woman behind the words. Very admirable woman and mom. Thanks for sharing. Hope to hear good news soon on where to buy your book soon.
Thank you so much – and that book getting published, will be one fine day for sure!
Great post! We have more than a few things in common! I love make-up, I hate bees, vanilla ice cream is deelish, I’m a big dreamer, I didn’t grow up on the shore but I was born in NJ and go back every year to visit!!
I also love the fact that you met your husband in a bar! You must write a post on this soon!!
.-= Adventures in Mommywood´s last blog ..The difference a year makes… =-.
I’ve been inspired by some of you ladies to actually write that post. Thanks for the push.
Not sure why but I pictured you as an NYC-er. Love the post. And TMC. Keep it up!
.-= The McGlothin Family Nest´s last blog ..Contentment =-.
Attending school in NYC – does that count? 😉
Yes! Braving the streets of NYC for any period of time counts in my book.
Do you get emails each time someone comments? How do you set that up?
.-= The McGlothin Family Nest´s last blog ..Contentment =-.
I am self-hosted on WP and I have a plug-in that emails any comment to the original commentor and then they become embedded in the comments. Since you are on Blogger, you are not able to do this, but what you could do is set it up for your comments to go to your email and then you could respond directly from there – but the response won’t become a part of your comments…if that makes sense.
I stopped by your blog because I have been reading about the great discussion you had about why people follow the blogs they do. I am sorry I missed the big discussion but reading your summary of what was said I totally agree, initially I read and follow blogs because I like the writing but long term I keep coming back to the blogs I not only like but whose writers I find myself developing an on-line relationship with. I’ve only been blogging for three months and never expected when I started to meet so many wonderful fellow Moms and make already some very special new friendships.
I just adore your sense of self and positivity! I need to let a little of that rub off on me. I am a dreamer and a hard worker too with a penchant for all things girlie including heels, frilly dresses and yes, a slammin’ good lipstick.
And, I too, have a novel ready to go and as I take a deep breath and close my eyes, I am about to jump off the cliff and into the world of querying literary agents. And, I will say in a whisper, “I am scared to death.”
Love this post, Theta Mom. Thank you.
.-= joann mannix´s last blog ..If I End Up In The Same Titanic Lifeboat As William Shatner, Leonardo DiCaprio Is Gonna Pay The Price =-.
Wonderful! I knew I liked you before I even knew you, LOL! So true, the person is a big part of the blog and a large part of what makes me continue to follow.
.-= Gen X Mom´s last blog ..Packing bags and moving =-.
What a funny post…I mean that in a good way
I must get me one of them ABOUT ME pages sorted….
.-= Lottie´s last blog ..Your Family Tree =-.
Thank you for sharing a little more about YOU. I read the comments from the BF community about why people keep reading, and I agree that the connection you can make to the “person” matters a lot. I also love the idea of this motherhood thing being a sisterhood. One thing I never expected was the judgement that happens between mothers, so it is so nice to enter into a world of mommy blogs where women are supportive of one another.
I love reading stuff like this
Good luck with publishing your children’s book… that would be awesome! And I’m totally petrified of bees too.
.-= Mrs.F´s last blog ..Forever Chic Bowtique – [Review & Giveaway] =-.
This was awesome! Raw and honest … that’s how it felt and I loved it. Particularly the parts about a spotless house before kids and the earth shifting … I’m in that sisterhood with you! Thanks for sharing 😀
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Post-It Note Tuesday =-.
I loved learning more about you!
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..Slip and Slide =-.
As a mom of 2 trying to get a business off the ground and manage everything inbetween, reading your post gives me inspiration and a sense of calmness knowing that we are all in the same boat just trying to “get it done”! Good for you for letting it all hang out! BTW…what shore town are you from? We go to a great little town that is NOTHING like the Jersey Shore.
Trina – We are always trying to make this all work – I am right there with you! And let’s email – how funny would it be if our paths crossed?
You’re right! Even though I do follow many blogs, I tend to check in on the ones written by people I would love to be friends in real life with the most… like you!
We can be petrified of bees and eat vanilla ice cream (the only flavor I’ll eat besides Dulce de Leche) while we make our dreams a reality!
Go Theta Moms!!!
.-= Sophia’s Mom aka The Wannabe WAHM´s last blog ..Automatically Publish Your Blog Directly to Your Facebook Fan Page =-.
Awesome post!!! Love the pictures.
Thanks so much for sharing your most personal self with us. All of us are THAT mom at one time or another. It’s human. It’s what enables us to learn and grow as moms.
I love the Theta Mom community and am happy and honored to be a part of it and to have the ability to connect with you and other fabulous and real moms.
Keep up the great blogging, Heather. You’re an inspiration to all of us!
Sheila – Your comment really meant a lot to me – to know that you all connect and network in this space means that the community I worked so hard to build IS working.
Thank you. Because each and every one of YOU readers – inspire me.
xoxo
I love your love story! Just adorable. I love to hear love stories because people seem to light up whenever they tell theirs. I pictured you all lit up when you wrote it because that was how it made me feel. You lived happily ever after and you can’t ask for better than that.
.-= Your Mommy Friend Lori´s last blog ..My Rookie Mistake =-.
You are so dang cute! I new we were soul sisters, and now it’s confirmed! We have SO MUCH in common!
Thanks for doing this post! I love getting to know you better!
.-= Gerber Days´s last blog ..Cute Girls Hairstyles =-.
I found your blog thru your community on BlogFrog –love this post on sharing more of yourself — the blogs you truly like and read the most I always feel like I really know that person, but what I know is only what they write, so it is nice to see the more personal side, just like if we were friends outside of the online commuity. I too met my husband at a bar, and where you have an unpublished book sitting around my dream job would be a children’s book illustrator–does your book need pictures? Don’t let all the negative comments that have been going on elsewhere get ya down, I enjoy your community and now your blog too:)
Ooh I’m rushing over to read your story of meeting hubby 😉 I married for love too (believe me, many many don’t!) and it’s a great feeling. Even though he drives me CRAZY on a regular basis.
I love getting to know more about you through this post, but it’s funny even if you didn’t share these details, your writing voice just SPEAKS you.
.-= Babes about Town´s last blog ..A Pox on Both my Homies! =-.
Thank you so much for that – it means a lot to know that my voice can be heard through my writing. I am a big believer in this as well…you really feel like you begin to know the person behind the blog when you read their writing, don’t you think? Thanks for always leaving such awesome comments!!
Loved learning a little more about you AND love your blog! Thanks for sharing everyday!
.-= Kasey@All Things Mamma´s last blog ..Clearing The Clutter =-.
Amazing… you inspire me more everyday, to live, to laugh, to read, to blog, and to be the best mother i can be !!! 😀
.-= Shafeena´s last blog ..Blog by a Mum… a Mlog? =-.