1) As it happens, this edition of Random Friday falls on the final day of November, which subsequently means it’s the last day of NaBloPoMo. I was successful in posting every day this month, the same as last year.
Among other things, this month I gave a 101 Things update; talked about the making of a semi-raw pumpkin pie; posted my gym playlist; got hit on by a scary man in Wal-Mart; talked about various holiday family traditions; posted some photos of me and my cute sisters; listed seven random things about myself; disclosed my mom’s secret recipe for Graham Cracker Balls; bought a Macbook; and signed a lease on a new apartment in Old Town Alexandria.
2) Blogging every day for a month might cause a person to ask, “Is there such a thing as too much blogging?” Even though the frequency of my posts have gone up and down over the years, a friend recently told me that I sometimes seem to be bound by a blogger’s creed. In his words, the creed would be as follows: “I pledge never to deny my true love of the internet, despite the costs. I am a blogger.”
Now, true, blogging isn’t just about your OWN writing; there’s more of a time commitment involved because it’s also a social system –- if you’re a blogger, you tend to read other people’s blogs and do your share of commenting. But this give-and-take usually isn’t a chore, it’s just a fun time way to spend your free time –- especially if you read a wide range of people who write interesting content on a regular basis.
I thought about this when Mighty Maggie gave her history of internet addiction.
You try to write better. Or at least not be so silly. (Then you decide you prefer silly.) You spend a long time responding to comments. You try to be a better commenter on other people’s blogs, even if you don’t really like them, because you’re flattered that they commented on yours. You want your readers to know you like having them around. You start a Google Reader or Bloglines account and spend your valuable shower time reading other blogs. You excitedly tell your husband about new blogger babies, sad blogger news, funny posts, posts that made you think. You start to think of blogging and its related activities as your Job.
3) At age 36, Liz says she still sleeps with a teddy bear. But have you ever heard of anyone sleeping with a dictionary? That was the admission made by the first person to leave a comment on Liz’s post. She says it’s because she likes words, and likes to have quick access to look up those words –- which is all well and good. But why not just leave the dictionary on the night stand?
4) I’ve heard about people who love their Macs and say they would never go back to using Windows, but I was still surprised at the amount of congratulatory comments I received when I said I was buying one myself. In addition, more than a few people have emailed me links to websites that will answer PC-to-Mac questions that might come up, have offered to answer questions for me themselves if I should have any, and also offered the use of certain software that I might like to load onto my new laptop. I think I really like the people in this Mac community.
7 Comments
I am so psyched about your Macbook! Earlier this fall I began thinking that I would make my next computer a Macbook – but it made me feel kind of guilty and adulterous. I have always owned PCs before! It might seem dorky that I’m so hung up about it, but this is kind of a big step for me. So anyway, kudos to you on your new Mac! I’m not planning to buy mine for another month or two now, but I’m reassured that you are having a positive experience.
The Mac community’s pretty intense, I’ve found. I don’t think that people identify themselves as strongly with one side of the camp or the other as when they opt for Mac.
I think something about the layout and formatting of the desktop and all aspects of the operating system just feel more creative. I love it.
At work, I’m stuck with PC. At home in the evenings, love being liberated within my Mac world!
There is something liberating about a mac… maybe it’s the pretty colors or the smooth running programs…. as the years have progressed, the PC-to-Mac program relations have improved. I used to feel very cut off from the rest of the computer world on my older macs, but now I hardly feel the crunch. Especially w/our MacBook, the possibilities are endless!!
For your viewing pleasure!!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kF2GEIp9_GM
@ ABD: you know when I bought my first Mac I kept my old PC during one year, and then one day the guilt was gone and I was really not using it anymore so I gave it to my dad and never looked back
Zan, I really enjoyed reading you every day this month. I love having blogs to come home to every day (now that makes me sound like a deperate old spinster with no social life LOL) or to read with my morning tea and I miss them when there’s nothing new (putting some more pressure on you LOL). Congrats on finishing NaBloPoMo!
Nice job on getting through NaBlo again. I love daily blogging, so doesn’t worry me!
I second Marie’s remark. I’m a relatively new reader – I think I started lurking in September, but I find your blog a real pleasure to read. I loved NBPM (sorry, Na Blow Poh Moh is so cumbersome!) because I had some Zandria to read every single day. It gave me something to look forward to at lunch every day.
Marie, thanks for the comment. I am so excited for my new Mac! I went to the eye doctor and he asked if I still wanted to get those fancy reverse geometry nighttime contacts and I said hell no, I’m buying a Mac instead!
About Blogging. Yeah. Religion, Sex, and Money. All rolled into one, or one at a time trying to squeeze the other two out!
I’m running out of dirty stories. So sometimes I just cuss.
Best cussing that everyone can listen to that I ever heard was by Darren McGavin in “A Christmas Story”. High octane stuff.