Angst of a Type-A Freshly Pressed Blogger
I am going to begin this post in a way I never have and likely never will again: seriously.
To be chosen Freshly Pressed by the WordPress Lords was surprising, humbling, and, sit-up-straight exciting (sorry, not the jump up and down type). Now, don’t get me wrong. I know there are people without food. I know there are people mired in political strife. I know there are people footing the pavement for jobs. To the festering wound that is life, I am but an insignificant scab. But on February 2nd, after seeing my site stats climb from 19 to 350 to 900 to 2,850 (!), the sun beamed on me, and I absorbed its rays without guilt.
Talk about Big Skyscraper on the Prairie!
Image of my stats after one day of Freshly Pressed
But what really got this crusty old lady (my son’s loving moniker) heart-cinched was not the number, but rather the amazing people who took time away from relaxing, cooking, working, eating, peeing, fornicating, or whatever the case happened to be, to read my blog, click the like button, and/or comment. For someone enmeshed in her own little world, that is pretty freaking cool.
And the comments were so kind and supportive! Not a mean-spirited one in the bunch. As moderator, the only comment I had to delete was a very long—though I’m sure quite lovely—tale in a language unrecognizable to me. It looked something like this:
Etjlri ilrie;l lieinofj koie l ijeiosihsil lkemfl iheushfw,. Lfjidlnke hwienknld ekkk lwen Kle hkel lkel ljskejl mfmemel. Jkelklf hekklk;[el. Jkeklke khoel. Lep;’jl. Kalkehl. Ielklkt leklknrl jehegk lieorl jiheuhl lkel. kKe tlkj ekjleijn sehioiw fjiej woepepjtpmre hejlej peoptjlo ejijoe le;to;l eioweji. I eojlk eolmek isenfl ejkwle ieonienk euwiueir nosiejlkfe skoeml itoekml osienlnfk uerihje otkl eo lijeono eoriejo jtioenrn hgeyryuw, keorj. RTeijrlek liu iorijt eowijlm otlemk euiowj eik oee poepr lkeoirjoij eoirejorl peokle oek. Keowl wlekje kelwk. Erjlkj ekjrol ielrkrjl iwerklkluie ejrioewio lekrjkr lierlkmlek!
Which I roughly translated as: “You rock.”
But just in case I was wrong, I trashed it.
Now, I am a not a platitude gal. If I say something, I mean it. And with that knowledge, know that my thank you is truly heartfelt and sincere. I loved hearing from you. I loved discovering our similarities. I loved the laughs you provided. And once I catch my breath, I look forward to visiting more of your blogs.
But now I must apologize, as my tone is about to change. You didn’t think I’d remain warm and fuzzy, did you? Look back at my title, for goodness’ sake.
As always, the inevitable happened. My personality popped in like an uninvited Griswold. That Type-A fiend who refuses to stay out of my head, eager to disrupt my bliss. Our conversation went something like this:
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Well, you know you need to respond to all of these comments, don’t you?”
Me, putting a hand to my crepe-paper neck: “Surely that won’t be expected. I mean, that would take hours, wouldn’t it?”
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Of course it will, you old fool. But you’ll do it anyway.”
Me, lifting my shoulders in defiance but managing a torn muscle instead: “How do you know?”
Mr. Nasty Pants: “Duh! One, because you and your soft Twinkie center will want to acknowledge all of these nice people; two, you can’t ever do anything half-assed—that is one of your posted quotes, after all; and three, because you are a flipping, tight-assed perfectionist.”
Ouch. That imp can be mean sometimes.
But he is right. I will continue to respond to all comments. Mostly out of sheer appreciation—they make my day, really. But also because, well, I have to. And for any Type A’s out there, I doubt I need to say more.
Finally, if you are still reading, and haven’t yet asked yourself why, I will close this post with one shame-faced regret:
Why, oh why, couldn’t this Freshly Pressed business coincide with my book release next fall? Yeah, I said it. And I’m sure you would be thinking the same.
Or at least I’ll pretend you would.
Cartoon images from Microsoft Clip Art
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Oh, the inner dialogue…
It can be such a pain in the ass, can’t it?
Looking forward to reading your book when it comes out. I wonder if it wil reach this corner of Africa, though. Hope it does! Congs on the FP.
And isn’t this what makes online sites wonderful? Communicating with someone from Africa while I watch the snow fall in Ohio!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
I appreciated very much that you responded to my comment… along with what… like 180 others? I’m impressed.
Nice skyscraper!
Oh, but I enjoy reading the comments and responding. It’s wonderful to learn there are so many others out there like me! You have a great blog yourself–lots of variety. I admire those who write poetry, because it is a skill I most definitely lack.
Wow. You have no idea how utterly depressing it is that poetry stood out on my blog. I’m glad you stopped by though and thank you!
Oh, plenty more than that caught my eye. I just have a way of honing in on the talent I lack!
I’m enjoying your blog–Freshly Pressed definitely leads us to some great blogs! Totally understand that you’d like your blog traffic to coincide with the book release… hopefully, most will stick around and cheer you on in the fall, too. Best wishes, fellow writer!
Thank you! Great blog yourself, by the way. I could definitely identify with your most recent post.
Congratulations and what a brilliant response! Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog! Congrats on yours! Well Done!
Thanks so much for the kind words! Much appreciated!
I like to call it, Freshly Squeezed. It makes it feel like a warm hug. Congrats. Now the pressure is on to keep your “tower.” HF
Well, I’m sure my “tower” will come down quicker than my sons’ crushed lego castle, but at least I enjoyed the ride. Now, however, I’m feeling the pressure to create. Images of cats licking themselves may no longer cut it…http://carrierubin.com/2011/12/30/the-diva-among-us/
Thanks so much for stopping by! I really enjoy your blog. In fact, was just telling my husband about it last night!
Another entertaining post! If the foreign poster didn’t say it, I will. You Rock!
Thank you so much! And congrats on your new blog. Always nice to get that first post out!
Do people really stop fornicating to read your blog? That is the most impressive thing I have heard/read in a while.
Seriously, congrats
Isn’t it? Ahhh, the thrill of creative license! But, I suppose if someone really did stop in the middle of the act to read my blog, he or she might want to find a new partner!
Thanks so much for the laugh and for commenting on my various posts. Appreciate it!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! Awesome hittage. I am in awe of you replying to each comment. That’s a truly dedicated blogger.
But it’s so much fun! I am having a blast and will ride this wave for as long as it ripples!
Thanks, Kourtney for being so supportive of my blog and for the great writing tips on your own. For any writers out there, Kourtney recently summarized several events at the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York. Really helpful info.
Thanks for the lovely shout out Carrie! Your blog is like the local coffee shop. Something good is always going on over here and people flock to it.
Ok, you officially just made my night! Thank you!
You can write in a fun and what appears to be jovially superficial way and yet be quite profound. Kudos to you and to WordPress who found you as great to read as I did!
Will be following you even through my long journey (to me, though not to some) through Southeast Asia which I will embark on in 11 days.
My blog has evolved from just wanting to share my travel journal with people to taking them on a ride on my emotional journey.
Thank you for pointing me in the direction on how to write in an interesting way!
Oh, and you don’t need to respond to this one.
Oh, but I want to respond! Next to writing, traveling is one of my favorite things. I loved the look of your blog, and given my background in health care, I enjoyed the post about all those vaccinations you need for your trip. Doesn’t sound fun pain-wise nor pocketbook-wise!
Thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to visit my blog. Good luck on your travels!
I’m so glad that the world sees your light shining. You are truly sending warm, living light to a lot of cell phones and computers. Maybe you should be a sindicated columnist. One of your fans!!!
Aren’t mothers the best?! I know mine totally rocks! Thanks for stopping by Mumsy Dear!
Wow, impressive stats! Congratulations on your Freshly Pressed post and all your others too, I like your voice. I’m an IVert too, so guess I’ll follow you, see if I can learn anything.
“IVert”–I love that! Sounds much less stigmatizing than “introvert”. I think you should coin it! Thanks for the positive words and for taking the time to visit my blog!
LOL! This is fantastic and I think there are so many of us who would feel exactly the same way. I would feel compelled to respond to every single comment as well just so the writer knew I had read it. And appreciated it. Oh the burden of the writer!
Honestly, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing right now. But it is a lot of sitting, so it is really good I have my geeky treadmill shelf: http://carrierubin.com/2012/01/05/the-girl-with-the-treadmill-shelf/
I thought you’d appreciate that post given your fitness blog–which is great, by the way. Fitness is as important to me as writing. But I don’t pass on the chocolate…
Thanks for stopping by!
hi. about your book/contract/publishing thing. i’m curious – what’s your novel about? how did you go about it? (agent first? directly to publishing house?) how many queries rejected before acceptance? all those fun things – thanks.
rich
It is a medical thriller with little bit of sci fi to hopefully set it apart, as I know the genre has been “done before”. I actually wrote it 8 years ago and did a couple rewrites over the years, but everything was a slow process given my day job. I sent it to agents in two different batches a couple years apart (maybe 15-30 each batch? Don’t really remember.) Then life got busy, and I tucked it away and figured that was that. But then the ebook revolution took off, and I thought maybe I shouldn’t be so focused on traditional and try something different. So I sent it to a small, mostly ebook publisher with a print option last spring. They accepted the manuscript, and that was that. I detailed this journey in my first two blog posts from early December if you are interested in learning more: http://carrierubin.com/2011/12/02/who-am-i-kidding/ and http://carrierubin.com/2011/12/06/making-the-leap/
I see from your “about” page on your blog, your situation is somewhat similar to mine. Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by! Appreciate it!
Congratulations! Your creativity in writing and your sense of gratitude are exceptional. From the little I’ve seen, u deserve more awards and to be freshly pressed on your book launch day!
Thank you! That is so kind and very much appreciated!
Exciting! The best part is that you took out time to appreciate! I was so sure that gratitude was rare but I see you have lots of loads of it! So happy for you! Cheers!
I know that for 99.99999999999% of the population, freshly pressed means nothing more than a wrinkle-free garment, but anything that shakes up life a bit in a good way is always fun, and I truly am grateful for all those who participated in my “moment”. Thank you for taking the time to stop in and comment!
How many views?! I am impressed
Over 7500 and counting since being Freshly Pressed. Is really lovely, and I will enjoy it while it lasts!
Thanks for stopping by to leave another comment. Appreciate it!
I can only rejoice! I thought I was doing well with 76 views on my busiest day. It continues to be steady, but that’s an outrageous number
Ahhh, if only they would last. Sigh.
I have no idea what freshly pressed is, but clearly a good thing, congratulations!
Yes, it is a good thing! I am enjoying the wave and hope the waters never run still!
As always, thanks for coming by and commenting. Appreciate it!
Wow. This is so candid and sweet. I enjoyed being part of your fame. Can’t wait to resd your book!
Well, thank you so much! Here comes the warm and fuzzy feelings again. What’s happening to me lately?!
Thanks so much for commenting on my posts!
I can’t even imagine your work load! Good for you though for trying to answer everyone. And good luck with your book.
But I am having so much fun! If this is work, pile it on! Thank you so much for commenting on some of my posts. Appreciate it!
Congratulations for being Freshly Pressed! I am imPressed! <—-See what I did there? I made a side-splitting humorous observation! Just call me the next Neil Simon. (;^)
No, seriously, Congratulations !
Thank you so much, “Neil”!
You go, girl!
Thank you! And get better soon. You are missed!
I can’t even imagine how long it took you to respond to all those comments. But, I must say I would do the same in your seat. Congratulations again on some very deserved recognition.
But I so enjoyed doing it and hope I get many more! I suspect FP won’t be long in coming your way, given your sharp and witty insights (where else can you read about four-eyed boys on unicycles!)
Thanks as always for stopping by!
When I first saw that you got pressed, I thought it was for your “Twitter for Toddlers” post that day. Then I realized it was the earlier one. But it wouldn’t surprise me if TfT followed in the Loner’s footsteps!
For me, it would be the Midwestern upbringing that would make me try to answer them all. Living in the DC Metro area hasn’t taken that away from me.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying it!
Oh, I have that Midwestern upbringing myself. And you know what? I wouldn’t change it for anything. Trudging to work, carless, in 30 below weather (we’re talking North Dakota here, folks) makes a soul hardy.
As always, thanks for coming by and commenting. It’s so nice to know a core group of followers is out there!
When I started blogging a few months ago, my oldest son warned me about ugly comments and thus far everyone has been kind. I was glad to see you say the same thing. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
It really does help confirm that good and supportive people outnumber the rude and self-absorbed, despite what the media would have you believe. Thanks so much for coming by. I enjoyed looking at your blog. You posted on a topic that I was just thinking of earlier today!
Oh Freshly Pressed Gods. Now is the time to shine your light on me as my book IS just out!
In the mean time, I can’t imagine a better blog to spotlight than yours! You ARE funny! And your blog IS interesting. Especially that placenta piece! Seriously!
Enjoy, you deserve it.
Thanks, Gina! I told my boys that tonight, I am taking at least one hour to dive into your book, no interuptions. The first chapter was really tantalizing–I think you got the rule about immediately engaging the reader down pat!
If anyone enjoys drama and revenge, but would rather read about it than live it (I know I would!), I encourage you to visit GM Barlean’s website and discover “Casting Stones”. Just be on the lookout for Esther… http://gmbarlean.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/meet-the-characters/
You have EVERY right to feel proud! (And while I’m cheering for you, I’m silently sending signals to the powers-that-be to “pick me, pick me!” I’m also happy me because I found another blog that’s worth following. Whatever WordPress saw n you, I saw it too. Keep up the good work, and tell Mr. Nasty Pants to pipe down while you’re responding to the comments! Sandy
Now, see? That just made me all warm and fuzzy again! My boys are not going to recognize me! Thank you so much for stopping by my site and commenting. I already feel Mr. Nasty Pants retreating!
Thank goodness for all the things we did in our youth that leave us with memories …. there are so many things now that are simply not available any more! I agree though, I would have hesitated to climb it, much as I longed to see the view from the top.
That’s weird. This comment came to my site when I think it was supposed to be a response from you on your own blog. Hmmm. Strange forces at play, I think.
Indeed!?!? Not sure how that happened!