Blogs

It wasn't all that long ago that I thought blogs were useless and stupid.  My opinion was that it was just an outlet for the extremely narcissistic or those with delusions that someone was going to spot their blog and pay them boatloads of money to write a column for (insert publication here).

My view has changed.  I have numerous friends who write blogs.  I write a blog.  I have always been a "letter writer" but that was because I believed in leaving "footprints" and allowing people to digest what I had to say on their own time and terms.  Phone calls are so forced.  "Here is what I have to say whether you like it or not."  That isn't always the case as somtimes conversations ramble.  Typically one person or the other sets the agenda for a conversation whether face to face or via telephone.  It is just how it must be.  When the magical conversations happen is when both people are at the same place and interested in the same topic.  I love it when this happens.  I am not a fan of being probed or explored, but through a good conversation I will open up to people and tell them things about myself that are normally reserved for those closest to me.  Letters, however, allow you to pour your soul out for the recipient to absorb.  They can read it once or mutliple times.  They can share it with others and discuss.  They can respond thoughtfully when they have time to do so.  This is how it is with blogs. 

Recently I learned that Jenn's back must be better because she pushed her car.  I also learned that a guy I grew up with did the same things I did, but with a whole different circle of people.  I have learned that potty humor never gets old.  I have learned that some people take a long hiatus from their blogs.  Mostly I learned that I have even more friends that write blogs.  One of those friends had written about her beekeeping and was the "advisor" for my little bee removal project.  Blogs are like letters to everyone. 

I am still a little too private to reveal my entire soul as I do in letters to family and friends. . . but I am getting there.  Little by little.  I have learned to appreciate them.  It is like going to someone's Facebook wall to see what is up with them, but you get a lot more insight and a lot fewer Farmville requests. 

So what is the point of all of this?  Getting to know people.  It is a truly wonderful thing.  I have had the fortune to know all of my grandparents pretty well.  I lost them at 21, 29, and 36 respectively with my grandmother still living.  She and I write LOTS of letters.  My two grandfathers served in World War II.  The stories from one were plentiful and the other not as much.  I have been reading lately about the battles that I have the personal narratives for.  It is so fascinating to get to know the man this way.  There are things I read that connect dots.  It is an amazing experience.  I am lucky to have it, but only have it because I took time to get to know him over the years.  I am inspired to investigate more about the other grandfather.  I am sure I can.  I am finding a tremendous amount of joy and inspiration in reading the contextual stories to the personal narratives that I have recorded to memory. 

So in reading the blog of someone, is it possible to discern what it is exactly they are going through?  Perhaps.  Maybe I reveal more than I realize.  I know that some of my friends tell amazing stories that allow me to understand where they are at.  It is impossible for me to know if I am giving the same gift of myself.  I try. 

The WOD:

1-1-1-1-1
Push Press
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then

For time:
20 Pullups
40 Burpees
60 Pushups
80 Squats
100 Situps
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