Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The blogger's life for me

I don't really consider myself a blogger. Sure, I have a blog. Sure, I post to it. But I'm not sure if I really get the whole blogging thing.

Here's my deal. I like to think about things. And then overthink them. Then reflect on them. Then provide commentary on them. Sometimes I skip the thinking part and just go right to the commentary. Those usually aren't my best moments. Regardless of all of that, what I enjoy the most about this process is writing about it. I can't believe after 16 years of schooling (I went to college. I didn't fail 4 times if that's what you were thinking) that I actually enjoy writing. I even like reading what I have written.

So as some of you know, I started this blog as a bit of a creative release. And maybe even a little portfolio building (it's nice to be able to refer to your own blog when someone asks you for writing samples). But I'm getting ready to cross the line and enter the REAL blogging world. And I have to tell you, I'm a little unsure of what to expect.

At the suggestion of my darling friend, Sue of Motherhood and Me, who I seem to promote every week, I signed up to attend Bloggy Boot Camp in Baltimore on Saturday, 3/6. It's a blogging and social media workshop for women. I'm kind of excited to learn more. But at the same time, I'm not sure what to do with that knowledge.

It seems like most women going are full-on, go-get-em bloggers who have a purpose. Raising twins! Crafts! Cooking! Mommies! I just like to write. And I'm not even consistent with that. I anticipate some of the things I probably don't do "right":
  • I don't post frequently and certainly not consistently
  • I don't have a theme throughout my blog
  • I still use my blogspot URL (at least I have a forward set up on www.allthingsfadra.com!)
  • I don't have a customized template
  • I don't have advertisement
  • I don't highly promote my blog (usually just a quick Twitter and Facebook share)
Just so I wouldn't have to hang my head in shame in comparison to all the other bloggers, I thought I would write a new post. This is it. I also slightly customized my blog template (got rid of some annoying text tags) and I added bling! This is more or less a badge telling everyone I am going to Bloggy Boot Camp. And I signed up for Google Adsense so that you can click on things that interested you and I will make .0003 cents or something like that. I'm a little impressed with myself.

I don't really know what to expect on Saturday. Right now, I envision a lot of enthusiastic women, a lot of pink, and a lot of hugging. None of those are really me. What I hope is that I will come back pleasantly surprised, a lot more knowledgeable, and maybe even with a few more friends.

So at the suggestion of Evolving Mommy (oops, I called you Mama in the video), I put together an intro video about myself for my fellow bloggers and for my loyal followers (all 3 of you?) to learn some fun facts about Fadra.

14 comments:

  1. I love your video, Fadra! So excited to meet you!

    I love mac & cheese too, I love velveeta- yum! I think you would look great with long hair.

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  2. First, I am so jealous of your neat office. Mine is a wreck.
    Secondly, I loved listening to you go on and on. It's just like I'm there with you, visiting, except I'm here, in my messy office being a voyeur instead.
    I like learning random things about you, like the love of scarves and your hair.
    It's all very interesting to me.
    Thanks for posting this.
    And yes, you were a goody two shoes, but I guess it takes one to know one.

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  3. ok, you inspired me to post a story to my blog today.
    http://sophienviv.blogspot.com

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  4. Shelle - watched your video tonight. Feels like I know you already!
    And Ro - can't judge my office my a calendar and a lamp in the background. It's my office/playroom so just out of view is an entire town made of Geotrax.

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  5. I was like you when I was starting out but it's addictive once you get immerse in the world that is blogging. I hope to see more of you in the blogosphere and great to meet another NC'er :)

    @MaricrisG

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  6. I love that you jumped right in there and vlogged! It can be a little intimidating but the more you do it the easier it gets. I can't wait to meet you, maybe we can share box of mac n' cheese? ;)

    p.s. I love your wall color!

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  7. This was funny to me since I can relate to things that aren't "you": enthusiastic women, hugging and lots of pink!
    I just started blogging in January and the more people I talk with about it, seem to be newbies too. We'll have FUN!! (sorry, was that too enthusiastic?) We'll have fun.

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  8. I just knew I was right on target. As long as nobody tries to sell me Tupperware or make me over with Mary Kay make up, I'll be fine. Oh wait. I actually love Tupperware. Okay. Now I'm starting to think we'll have FUN!!!

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  9. Fadra - loved it!!! Laughing at the "didn't know if I could find make up or lighting to take off 10 lbs. and 10 years".

    Classic! Can't wait to meet you! I wasn't brave enough to do a VLOG, but did a "6 things" on my blog...

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  10. Thanks for clearing up the name game before we even meet!!
    Ummm .... and I'll be bringing some pink!

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  11. I'm gonna bring you a blinkity blink ring---that'll make it all better!!

    I am totally with you. I am so shy---that's why I blog for petes sake. What was I THINKING?????

    Oh well, we'll be under the table drinking, right?!!! See you tomorrow.

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  12. Sounds like many of us are not the super social pep rally types. Yeah. That IS why we hide behind a computer. We'll scalp a table in the way back with our sippy cups :)

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  13. This is awesome, especially after meeting you IRL! Your video really is you and is such a cool little peek into who you are. I had a great time having lunch with you and thank you for having a little pity on a girl and showing me Twitter. (Setting up an account is the first thing on my to-do list today.)

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  14. It was really excellent to chat with you on Saturday. I can't wait to see what you have going on in the months to come. :)

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