Sometimes I am surprised when someone says they read my blog. I just don't think about how far reaching it is very often. When I sit here to write I imagine a few loyal members and readers taking a casual look. But, over the years I have had a few interesting experiences that remind me that there are actual more than just a handful of people tuning in.
One time Kath and I were at the waterpark at Canada's Wonderland all decked out in our bathing suits when someone approached us and said, "Hey! I know you! You are Jen and Kath from UrbanMoms!" It was both amazing and embarrassing as neither of us were sporting our bathing suit ready bodies and we had just been lecturing our kids, loudly, about sticking together.
Some of the past and present UrbanMoms team of bloggers and staff.
Then there was the time on the subway when, in the middle of my mom's battle with cancer, a woman stopped me and asked how she was doing. I lost it and ended up blubbering into her shoulder on the platform. Probably not what she was expecting.
I met someone in the airport in Vancouver a few years back who recognized me too. We had a long chat about the growth and evolution of social media and the positives and negatives of the term "Mommy Blogger". Fascinating.
But last week's revelation probably topped them all. I went in to meet my 8 year-old daughter's teacher for a little chat. Nothing serious. We had met a few times before. But when I sat down she said to me "I understand you have a big Birthday coming up. Happy Birthday!" I paused and then said, "Oh, did my daughter say something to you?" "No," she said, "I read your blog." WHAT?! My head started spinning. Had I ever said anything about the school in my posts? I didn't think so. Had I ever said anything about schoolyard dynamics? Likely. I fumbled a bit and then moved on to another topic.
Then, when I mentioned this to someone else in the school she said, "Oh yah. A bunch of staff read it."
Of course. What was I thinking. A lot of them are moms and dads and we have a bunch of fabulous writers here. And maybe hearing from parents about what they are thinking and how they are dealing with issues helps them as teachers. I actually really like this idea and aside from the slightly weird feeling of people knowing a lot more about me than I do about them (I have been doing this for nearly 6 years so I guess I should be getting used to it) I am glad to see educators tapping into the blogosphere to get a different perspective on what moms are thinking about.
So, in the spirit of all of this, if you read my blog, even occasionally, and you have never commented or haven't in a while please say a quick "hi" in the comments below. I would love to know you are reading!
Okay, I confess... I read you. Daily. *snort*
Seriously, I know just what you mean, Jen. And it's so very strange and humbling and fascinating all at the same time when someone tells you they read your blog... it's a wonderful thing! This form of media is so far-reaching, it amazes me more and more, all the time. :)
You better, Tracey! At least daily ;)
Oh I have always wanted to do a de-lurking post to see who reads. I have been surprised several times to find certain people read it.
One of the teachers commented on it awhile back and I was very surprised.
Lately I've gotten A LOT of "Soooo....How's Owen doing?!?! Hahaha" from people at the mall or grocery store. Then I know they read...
Sean came home from Moxie's last week telling me - jokingly - I was famous. He ran into 3 people at different times and they each told him to tell me that they (or their wife) loves my blog.
I read almost every blog post on this site. I have known Kath since our girls were in Kindergarten together and since she first mentioned the site, I have been hooked. I am constantly amazed at the honesty and openness you and your bloggers share for the world to see. And you definitely have an impact. After your post on Nov. 6 "It Gets Better Canada" I asked my teen daughter about how gay kids are treated in her school. I have received great advice on pre-teen books for my advanced reader. I read the auto reviews before buying my new car. I now understand what my sister had to go through with her autistic son (I was too young and too far away to get it at the time).
You all share so much that I am sure I am not the only one who feels like I 'know' you without ever having met you. And I thank you all for that.
This is AWESOME, Therese! Thanks for the comment and thanks for being such a loyal reader. I love that the "It Gets Better Canada" post had an impact.
I read your blog.....:) I positively love when I hear of someone other than my friends or family who read my blog. Getting a comment from someone who I don't know can inspire me to no end. I remember being in a bar and someone realized who I was - and went and got all her co-workers who all read - it was really sweet (that was in my Edge days).... And one of Will's classmates mom's came up to me and said - you blog at UrbanMoms! She worked for a competitor at the time and was scoping our site out....she said she ended up spending a lot of time on it...:).
And I so agree with Therese Jen - your blogs are SO thought provoking.
Funny, I had the same situation at the kids' school recently. Teacher mentioned something to me that she could have only known from reading. I think it's a good thing. You're not just some kids' parent, you're a fully rounded person who (maybe?) they can relate to.
I read your blog :). They are always thought provoking and well written.
The timing of this today is funny because one of my colleagues told me he found my blog today when he googled "unschooling". He homeschools so it's not surprising that he found me. I wonder if the administration ever will. :P (I think that's a wink, but I really don't know, isn't that lame.)
I know nothing about icons but looks like a tongue stick out!
You're right, Nancy. This is a tongue sticking out :P. This is a wink and smile ;)
But don't worry, Er. I just appreciate that you read my blog!
of course I read you!
the thing our readers don't realize is that they are caught up / intimate with us but we are not with them. We need to hear their news! When we see someone at the grocery store- we want their news as they tend to know ours and it is lopsided if they are our friends.
I enjoy your posts especially about parenting issues-very good.
I read you from time to time... and yes... I've had this happen to me as well. The weirdest moment for me what when TVO's Patty Sullivan approached me at a Kathy Buckworth book launch exclaiming that she'd always wanted to meet me! Really me?! Kinda cool...
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say excellent blog!
I read it! And everything that gets posted here. Love me some UrbanMoms! :)
You know I do!
good post...i have always wondered how you would react, or, if i ever saw you what i would say. it must be a weird feeling not knowing who "knows" you!
If you do ever see me please say "hi"!
You're famous!
(This is why on my own, I've been pretty squeamish about going public! Scary.
Of course, I've pretty much abandoned my own blog anyhow, the past couple of years.)
Scary in what way, Alice? I am really curious.
Sometimes I find it weird but not scary. I just think "I'm me. Why would anybody care what I have to say?" and then I am so surprised and appreciative when someone takes the time to stop and say "hi".
Hey Jen, I met you at the Baby and Toddler Show at the Metro Convention Centre in the Fall of 2005. You were doing a fun little questionnaire and asked me to check out the site. I've been reading it faithfully ever since. I really admire that you are courageous enough to put so much of yourself "out there". And I look forward to reading your blog for another 6 years or more!
I absolutely LOVE this, Angela! I totally remember that show because it was my first one ever and UrbanMoms was brand new. I am so glad you are still reading. It's like we grew up together ;)
I love reading your blog & thoroughly enjoy UrbanMoms. My day wouldn't be complete without it !!
Hello! I'm from Chicago and also read your blog, along with a few more lovely blogs on this site. I stumbled across this website after doing a project on Post Partum Depression and coming across 'Sleep Sanity and Skinny Jeans' blog( who had an entry on PPD). I love how you all are so open and such wonderful women. I live vicariously through all of your blogs. Your blogs offer great advice and awesome stories!
Awesome, Kay. I LOVE Chicago!
Hi Jen
I read your blog and really enjoy all the great stuff on UrbanMoms!
Hi :P
Who wouldn't read it?! :)
I find it strange when that happens too. One time I was at a drug store asking the clerk about where to find whatever, and she said "I love reading your blogs". She noted that she never ever comments....which reminded me that even when you feel like no one is out there because comments are low - they ARE out there!
Thanks, Julie. Means a lot coming from a celeb mom & entrepreneur like you!
Thanks Michelle, Michelle, Anne and everyone who commented!
Hi Jen, I have been reading your blog as well as the other blogs on Urban Moms for a long time now. I feel like I know you guys :) I think Urban Moms is fantastic and I really admire all fo you for putting yourselves out there and sharing your experiences!
I tune in to urbanmoms a couple of times a week and enjoy everything about it!Keep up the great work.
Hi Jen.. I'm Michelle and I do read your blog and follow UrbanMoms regularly.. this is a great place and I love being part of you and your experiences and learning from them and getting new perspectives. .
Hi Jen! Read and love it! I keep trying to think if I know who you are talking about that you met in Vancouver! Hahaha!
Too funny. I'd never thought about being reconized by one of my blog readers. I do enjoy reading comments.
Anyway. I thought your bog site was great. Going to pass along to some of my tutors and families. Keep the good thoughts flowing. EB