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.
It was so much fun getting to know you a bit better! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some children’s book publisher reads this post and gives you that big break!!
I love vanilla ice cream too, and I’m not scared of bees but I’m completely terrified of butterflies. Totally weird, I know.
Can’t wait to hear more about how you met your hubby!
.-= The Mommyologist´s last blog ..A Mom Sexy Appetizer =-.
Oh my gosh! I’m scared of butterflies also!! Crazy … had to comment on that!!
Couldn’t agree more that people follow others blogs because they could imagine being friends with them. Thanks for sharing the personal info and I met my husband in a bar too! And yes, that’s a post all on it’s own!!
Sadie at heyMamas
.-= heyMamas´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Lily =-.
I like when bloggers share things about themselves like this. It helps me feel like I know them better. Although, I see you already have over 2,000 followers, so if you’re just sharing about yourself now, it must be something else that got you followers.
.-= Karen & Geard Zemek´s last blog ..God Comes Through Again! =-.
Karen – Funny you should ask that because I have “shared” some things on this blog before but never in a full actual post all about me – I’ve always been so focused on the writing to not even “think of” publishing a fun, about me kind of piece.
But I have to say, it felt good to share some personal things about me that make me who I am – and hoping that connection resonates with the reader as well.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Heather I get this and I’m so glad you shared! I love this kind of stuff, really getting to know the bloggers I read. You know how honest and open I am on my own blog, almost to a fault. I’m like that because that’s what I want this place to be, a virtual community, but one where I can make real connections with people who appreciate me for who I am. It’s the joy I’ve found in this world, the relationships I’ve developed and continue to develop through words and honesty and sharing real life that make it so real and valuable to me.
P.S. I’m with you on the whole strong-willed part! Much to my husband’s dismay.
.-= Christine LaRocque´s last blog ..On routines, life and strange epiphanies =-.
You are my hero
Keep up the stellar work Heather. You’re honesty, integrity, and relatibility will ensure your blog will be around for a very long time.
p.s “I never knew how much the Earth would shift when I became a mother.”…..DITTO
.-= franticmommy´s last blog ..Mom Squad Central: Mom Squad Quotes of The Week =-.
FranticMommy – You rock, thanks for visiting and being such an awesome reader.
xoxo
You have the most beautiful family! Loved this post!
.-= Lee´s last blog ..Negligence at it’s Finest =-.
Beautiful post!
.-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday =-.
Great post! Oh and I share the same love of makeup with you. I would be lost without those three essentials! =)
.-= The Flores Garden´s last blog ..New toys! =-.
I completely agree with you about the reasons that we follow blogs. It really is interesting to me how I can feel such a connection with people I’ve never met, but I do. And those are the bloggers I return to every time. Granted, lately I’ve been a horrible blog reader. I am thrilled to say that the Big stress….that thing hanging over me and making me feel like I was never DONE is going to be over (accomplished!!) this week. Yes, I am speaking at my first blogging conference this weekend. I never would have pictured anything like this in my life before I started blogging but I love it. I am constantly amazed at the opportunities that blogging has afforded me.
.-= Lolli´s last blog ..The Talk =-.
Love it and I believe it’s absolutely true. I read very few blogs every day …. but the ones I am committed to reading are written by people I believe I could enjoy coffee with on a daily basis. Great post and I love that you dream big dreams!
{I have a manuscript too … going to She Speaks with the hopes of finding that publisher!}
.-= Teri Lynne´s last blog ..Waiting Patiently {or "My Argument with God"} =-.
I love, love, love this post! And it is so true. I follow blogs because I discover women I admire and could picture myself hanging out with. That is the total truth!
.-= JenniferG of Hip As I Wanna Be´s last blog ..Momz Share: A Successful Silver Spring Soiree =-.
I couldn’t agree more Jennifer! It’s all about making a connection!
Aw! I’m so glad you did this. It’s easy to think we know someone based on the tone of their writing, but to actually get some real insight into your thoughts is super great.
.-= Lindsay @ Just My Blog´s last blog ..Monday Minute – *Snort* Edition =-.
Wonderful, fun post! My favorite flavor of ice cream is vanilla, too. My husband doesn’t believe that anyone can like just plain vanilla, so he always selects ice cream full of junk for us, grrr…
I never dreamed how addicting and fulfilling it would be to blog and read other blogs. I think the moment I went “live” is going to be a milestone that I look back at for many years, noting how it has changed my life for the better.
.-= Soup: Midwestern Mama Cooking Up Life in the Heartland´s last blog ..Plantin’ in the Dark =-.
Even though I am not a mom yet, I still LOVE reading your blog each morning. I don’t think your blog is just for mothers; it is entertaining and inspirational to everyone.
By the way, you DO NOT look like you need to lose any weight. In your pic you look fabulous!
Jen – I LOVE the fact that you are not a mom yet and still read my blog – it means that I offer something to women in general, and that totally makes me excited.
And that picture is a little old – it was the only one I could find on my computer last night (holding one of my babies) without having to scan one – I swear, I think the whole 15 pounds I have to lose is my belly! My face and everything else is great – I’ll just take photos from the waist up until I lose it.
Hey, I just need to get back into the pre-preggers clothes comfortably. Then I’ll be a happy girl! Thanks so much for reading my blog.
xoxo
This is such a lovely post, and I agree with the thread you mentioned about following blogs where I think I would get on with the person in real life. In my mind each blog is a representation of the person behind the blog.
I met my boyfriend at a pub quiz so it was kind of in bar too. Although I don’t really like Ice Cream and I’m petrified by wasps but not bees.
Great to get to know you a bit better!
Jade
.-= Jade @ No Longer 25´s last blog ..Weekend Blogger Tip: Scrolling Buttons in Your Sidebar =-.
I love posts like this, I really do agree that people follow people, not content! I hope you get your book published!
Don’t tolerate negativity…amen sista! Lovin’ that one : ) mee tooooo!
See? Now I get why I like your blog, because I really think we would have fun drinking beers together.
OMG Krista – we TOTALLY would! I’m an Amstel Light kinda girl, but I also love Heineken.
You are an amazing lady
I always enjoy reading your posts.
.-= Complicated Mama´s last blog ..Protected: The more things change, the more they stay the same =-.
What a great post and loved getting to know you better even though I feel like I really do know the person you are through your posts. I always love reading your posts and they really do inspire me and make me feel good about myself. I too use to work out all of the time and now after a year trying to get back into it…so hard!
I totally met MacGyver in a bar, too.
Great post. So glad to read more about you.
.-= Jennifer @ three pugs & a baby´s last blog ..{ diy: beribboned pencil cup } =-.
I completely agree about why to follow blogs – I love insights into who bloggers really are.
Wonderful post! THanks for letting us get to know you better!! And good luck on following your dreams and publishing that book! I hope I get to read it to my son someday!
How awesome would THAT be Alysha??? One fine day, for sure. 😉
I love getting to know the person behind the words. I think we have a lot in common and would get along pretty well irl. Now I want to hear the story behind you meeting your husband!
Good luck with your book. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do as well.
.-= All You Need is Love´s last blog ..Helicopters and a Big Black What?!? =-.
I love personal posts. I didn’t see that thread in your forum, but I’m glad it pushed you to post this!
.-= Kmama´s last blog ..Week in Review: 5/22/10 =-.
Me, too – this felt great!
I started the thread in the SITS forum: http://theblogfrog.com/757946/forum/28890/why-do-you-really-follow-a-blog.html
Now that’s what I like to know! We have tons in common….
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..The Barney Blues =-.
I love this post! And a book…you are amazing! I have no doubt that your book will get picked up and become a favorite with all children! Can’t wait to hear about how you met your husband.
Cara – Thank you so much for your awesome comment. One fine day, I hope. I won’t give up without a good fight! And I think I’ve been inspired to write about how I met my man…it would make for great blog material.
This is one of my favorite blog posts from you yet! You are an awesome mother, woman and blogger! Thank you for sharing, have a great day.
These really are my favorite kinds of posts!! Loved it:)
.-= ModernMom´s last blog ..This Is How I Roll =-.
What a great post. Thanks for sharing. I think we would connect “in real life”….we have a alot of similar interests
And thanks for creating this great community…it has kept many of us sane since our world has shifted too!
.-= Circle of Love and the Craziness Around It´s last blog ..Talk Up Tuesday…. =-.
It’s so great to hear from YOU. You have done an INCREDIBLE and admirable job at creating the Theta community. I believe greatly in the sisterhood of motherhood and am happy to have found you. I need to join! Please keep up the great work that you are doing.
Love it! It’s so neat how much your honor your parents. I’m sure you are doing way more than “half as good as them”… Your family is beautiful. Keep workin’ hard!
What an absolutley amazing post. I agree…some of the blogs I follow may n0t have the highest qualify content, but I formed a connection with the person behind the blog. If that connection isn’t there, I just can’t care about the writing, no matter how good it is.
I love your comment about the earth shifting after becoming a parent. That’s exactly what it is.
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..A Super-Mom Moment =-.
Thank you so much for that comment Katherine- I was so nervous about “putting some things out there” but found the response has been amazing. True connections with readers – nothing better than that.
xoxo
Heather I bet everyone is SO excited to get to know you better. You are such a great friend / mom / woman and it is so nice to learn some of the things that move you. It’s funny because being your 1st follower, I actually knew a lot of those things. Post by post you get to know a blogger – even thought they may not alwasy post personal things!
xoxo
Brittany
.-= Brittany at Mommy Words´s last blog ..Cookin’ Night Off on Chili’s Grill & Bar {Review & Giveaway} =-.
Brittany –
And you of all people know how I am about not disclosing family anmes, etc so I am still certainly learning to share a little bit more as my blog has evolved – I always write authentically, from my heart but never “spell out” pieces of me specifically as I’ve done here.
As you know, this was a risk for me but it felt so amazing to establish a further connection with each of you. And as for YOU being my very first follower, something I’ll never forget.
xoxo
I’m so glad you posted this! It’s nice to see who Theta Mom is
.-= Michelle @ Mommy Loves Stilettos´s last blog ..♥Monday Minute =-.
It’s so great to hear from YOU. You have done an INCREDIBLE job at creating the Theta community. I believe greatly in the sisterhood of motherhood and am happy to have found you. I need to join! Please keep up the great work that you are doing.
Let’s be friends
Came across your post via the Mommyologist. We have quite a bit in common! I’ve lived in NJ all my life and every summer has involved trips to the Jersey shore. And as you know, MOST of it is nothing like how it is protrayed on MTv. In fact, I’m doing a post on this very subject later this week to coincide with Memorial Day weekend. I too, love the ocean and have been a “fish” since I was a child.
Like yourself, I also met my husabnd in a bar. I’ll bet we could trade a story there!
Thanks for telling us about yourself. It’s been fun to “meet” you.
OMG – Jersey girl, where have you been all of my blogging life? Yes, every summer at the shore and I was a mermaid, too. Can’t wait to check out YOUR blog – glad we connected.
What an inspirational post. My blog is pretty strictly business. But, I’ve been thinking I’d like to personalize it a bit more with ‘me’. Reading this post solidifies that idea. I loved reading about you, the person.
Thanks!
Holly
.-= Holly-Accounting SPOT´s last blog ..Sneak Peak… =-.
This comment solidifies why I took the risk Holly – thank you for reading and reminding me to follow my own instincts.
Thnx for sharing! I enjoy reading your blog, not just because of the mommyhood connect, but because you reach out to connect with you readers like friends. I admire how much truth and effort you put into developing a real sense of community here. I’ve met other great women here too!
Blogging is constantly walking a fine line between telling your truth and maintaining your privacy. You’re a great leader in this area.
Jamie – Thank you so much for that comment! I still struggle with the whole privacy thing, but think I am finding a balance that works for me.
I am so happy that I stumbled across this blog. It has been so great knowing that I’m not alone in my motherhood journey. It’s been a true pleasure to get to know you through your blog as well as on Twitter. Becoming a mom has changed my friendships. Some friends I’ve lost and grown apart from, but I’m making new ones with help of blogs like yours and my own.
It feels great to have people I can relate to and who can relate to me and who don’t judge me.
.-= Yummommy´s last blog ..Montastic Monday =-.
You are never alone in this journey – that is one of the beautiful things about blogging.
Glad you are here!
How great to get to know you better. I was one of those commentors on blogfrog that picks people over content.
I can relate to your working out before and now and the clean house before and now, and the complete revolution of being a mom. Plus, having a great childhood without all the fixin’s and many others. Thanks for sharing!
we seem like VERY similar people. especially the childhood, manuscript, used to read and work out parts.
it’s nice to get to know you!
.-= ericka @ alabaster cow´s last blog ..just call me four eyes. =-.
Thank you so much for sharing this slice of yourself. It’s beautiful!
amber
.-= The Momma Stuff Blog´s last blog ..POM Wonderful Review & Giveaway =-.
Loved this refreshing post — love the realness. Thanks!
I had no idea about the children’s book, nor that you are a Jersey girl. That was fun!
.-= A Belle, A Bean & A Chicago Dog´s last blog ..What’s Your Color? =-.
Moths terrify me. I think they scare me more than bees, if that’s possible.
Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself and your beautiful family! It’s a great idea for a post.
.-= SpecialSauce in the House´s last blog ..Say it loud say it proud =-.
You are a terrific mom and a fabulous woman!
LOL – I met my husband in a bar too! So nice to know more about you.
.-= Stephanie @ Figments´s last blog ..Are you rich enough to hang? =-.
As I said on twitter, I totally love this post! Thanks again for sharing more about yourself!
I think you rock!
.-= Niki @ Ambitious Gurl´s last blog ..Follow Me Back Tuesday =-.
Wow! Your posts always amaze me! no wonder you have thousands of readers…
i hope one day my blog will get the same traffic as yours.
I’m working on it my dear.
I Love Breyer’s vanilla ice cream. it really is the best icecream!
.-= one cluttered brain´s last blog ..Mingling in my PJ’s….:) =-.