I know I've been sparse on the posts lately.
My reason? I've been struggling with the inner demons of my neurotic nature.
Last week, talking to my sister, she informed me Oprah had a criminologist on her show who said he would never post photos of his children on the Web. Julia said she was going to stop and sure enough, I haven't seen a photo of my little sandy-blond cherubs all week.
This got me back to my neurotic side that says I'm a bad mother for posting photos of my adorable chubby-cheeked beauty all over the Web.
You see, I could care less about Lane and I. He's a big boy. And I'm very intimidating (I think). Plus, I spent my early adulthood having anyone who read the paper know exactly who I was, what I looked like and where I was -- particularly the inmates of the state penitentiary that I covered as a journalist.
But Jane. Jane I worry about. I purposely leave off our last name in an effort (or peace of mind) to thwart any attempts for stalking (I prefer to be "Rachel" like Prince or Madonna -- it's glamorous, no?).
Once upon a time, I watched a 20/20 where they spotted a minivan with the bumper stickers of "my child is an honor roll student at blah blah" and the football with a jersey number in the middle. From that information and the license plate, they gathered ALL the information about that family's children. Scary.
So I've struggled. I loathe to go private (and all you who are private, you know I love you more than my luggage).
I find secret joy in finding someone I remotely know and catching up on the inner workings of their life. I reveal in that information. And don't look at me that way -- you know you all do too.
I can no longer blog stalk a girl from high school because she made her blog private. I was too ashamed to include my e-mail in her comment section where she petitioned any readers to keep up with her blog. As a result, I can no longer read about the other random acquaintances she had linked on her blog ... because I don't know their blog addresses.
So why would I draw the proverbial curtain up around my blog? I don't (for the most part) publish anything I'll be embarrassed about later. But my baby. I would more likely quit blogging all together (I heard that collective gasp from my 3 devoted readers).
What do I do? I'm struggling. Really, I am.
Until this neurotic surge is quenched or quelled, I will selfishly horde the myriad (that one's for you, Lisa and Kallee) of pictures I have of my baby.
Perhaps you have words of wisdom?
P.S. Happy, happy birthday to my beautiful sister.
7 comments:
Go private. You can still blog stock anyone you like but can post pictures of your family without worrying about the weirdo down the street looking at your pictures. Doesn't it creep you out a little that there may be people you completely don't know looking at your posts?!
First of all, I do not like Oprah. She is out to scare people.
I don't think it's a big deal to be public. Maybe I'm very stupid and naive, but that's what I think.
Besides, Google Reader does not work with private blogs.
Predators and perverts will accomplish whatever if they are that determined. Prudence. . .yes. . .however, living in fear of the evil may be more than allows the joy of life to be experienced. You have been cautious by not posting last names, specifics. . .but always doing that which brings you comfort and peace of mind is a good guideline. If you go private, please include us. . .we love 'visiting' you often through pictures and printed narrative.
Lorin and Donna
First, thanks for the birthday wishes. Second, I have struggled with the same thoughts deciding what to do with my children's pictures that I am bound to want to share (some day). Right now, I don't know but I would rather error on the side of caution. Loves!
Rach, after reading your post, I redid my page to remove all last names of my friends' blog links. I hope that adds to your peace of mind somehow. I wish I had thought of it sooner ;)
Don't you hate those 20/20 shows!
Why don't you join Facebook? You can customize your privacy settings so only the people you want will see certain things. (I'm a bit of a Luddite when it comes to these things, and finally caved in 2 weeks ago and got a Facebook profile. It was really addictive at first, but I've gotten a little more restrained about it!).
I'm so curious to know who you were blog stalking from high school! I really should go to the next reunion--I thought maybe I could find people on Facebook, but I suddenly realized that I couldn't remember anyone's last name!! Time to find the old yearbooks!
Well you know I'm private. But then again, how many families do you know with my last name? Last time I checked, I was the only one in the bay area.
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