When I started seriously blogging in 2010, I did so everyday. I also read a good two hours worth of blogs everyday. At 5 AM, I was up.
Now, I’m lucky to post once or twice a week and count my blessings when I actually get an hour to check out others’ blogs. To some extent, it really makes me sad and I feel guilty. Yesterday, I got an hour to read and I didn’t even comment on everyone's posts. But I did Tweet and Share. ***shrugs***
I came to the conclusion a while ago that I’m not Wonder Woman. Although for some reason Sweetman seems to think so. Especially now. So I’ve really had to prioritize things in a list every day. And right now, Sweetman is at the top of that list. He needs me more than ever. He’s been going through chemo the last six weeks. And we’ve got six more weeks to go.
Not only that, I’ve got peeps asking when my next book to Lila’s Journey will be out. The novel writing comes second to the Sweetman, guys. My plan this year is to have two novels published by December 2013 along with three short stories, which means less time blogging.
Oh and then there’s the little Glowstick and the Ho-Ho. I have to be there for these two precious grandbabies. There are times I just have to drop everything, including the writing, to be there for these two. Babies take a lot of time and they are both walking, which means they get into everything.
Not only that, Sweetman said the other day, “You’re slipping on the household chores.” I’m pretty sure he’s miserable and anything out of order is probably bugging him more than ever since he has absolutely no control over what is happening to him. He’s also on the extreme side of anal retentive and I’m not.
So guys, I really have to prioritize right now, but I’m still here.
How’s everyone else doing?
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
PS I miss participating in the A to Z this year.
I'm sorry to hear about Sweetman. Praying for him.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about blogging so much. Like you tried to explain, blogging is actually low priority compared to everything else going on in life. Don't feel bad to skip posts ever now and then. :-)
I know I shouldn't worry but blogging is our platform.
DeleteWe miss you in A to Z, too!
ReplyDeleteBeth
http://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
Awe... thank you, Beth.
DeleteI hope Sweetman has a speedy recovery soon.
ReplyDeleteLots of love x
Thank you, Ghadeer. You're very sweet.
DeleteHi- nice to visit your blog :) I'm helping Alex with hosting duties for IWSG. I think the balance of blogging is very important. There used to be a lot of to-do about the importance of blogging and platform, but I think that opinion is waning a lot lately. It can be very time consuming and not always, perhaps, the best use of time. But, for me, the community and connection can't be beat. :)
ReplyDeleteJulie:
DeleteI totally agree with you. The blogging community is great!
Sandra, my best friend, is undergoing chemo -- it is no fun. Your husband will be in my prayers daily. Don't allow your blog to own you -- let it be the other way around. Have fun with your cyber home. :-)
ReplyDeleteRoland:
DeleteYou always have wonderful words. And thank you for the prayers. Prayers are good. They're right up there with chocolate and hugs.
Family first, Shelly. I'm sorry you're both going through this. My cousin has been going through chemo for a year this week. This week was supposed to be her last chemo, but her blood wasn't right so maybe next week. Sweetman is on my prayer list <3
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...my prayers are with you as well. It seems cancer is an epidemic. I can't tell you how many heads I have shaved in 7 years because of it.
DeleteFamily and life first. There isn't anyone in this community who would tell you otherwise.
ReplyDeleteChocolate hugs to you, M.J.
DeleteI skipped the AZ this year, too. But I figure I need to focus on my writing sometime!
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
It would never get done if we kept everything at the forefront.
DeleteWow, has it been six weeks now? But you are very right in having to prioritize things. You have to. I'm sort of taking a week off from writing stuff. I just need to. Only making a few notes here and there.
ReplyDeleteShelly, when you are ready send me whatever you need to beta-read.
I wish I had more time to read everyone's blogs, but it's all piling up. I have to get to my two novels too!
Anyway, I think of you guys all the time. Things will get better. Keep strong and chocolate hugs to you both!
Actually, next week will be six weeks in. Two more to go in six weeks time.
DeleteReal life matters more and your husband definitely needs you! Trust me, I won't be able to maintain my pace forever. My wife won't let me either.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby puts up with my writing time but he gets frustrated with the blogging. Although, he himself enjoys reading them.
DeleteFamily first, Shelly. Your husband needs you most right now.
ReplyDeleteYup. Family first.
DeleteDitto to what everyone else is saying - family always comes first. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. :) I'm doing A to Z too. :)
ReplyDeleteFamily has to come first. Your friends will understand. If you need us to get out there and plug your book, we can do that, too.
ReplyDeleteWe're here for you.
I've been researching where to plug my book. I've been trying to find the readers. Its a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. I found some local book clubs, reached out, and have been ignored.
DeleteI'm doing A to Z for the first time and hope you'll be able to stop by often. Prayers for Sweetman!
ReplyDeleteEvie,
DeleteThank you. I'll be around reading as much as I can.
I know what you mean Shelly! I'm really having to cut back on blog posts - except for spooky ones LOL. But, having said that I'm doing the A-Z (exhausted collapse)
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate for taking it on.
DeleteOh I feel it! Monday and today are my only days off this week and today I am playing catch up on reading and commenting. :/
ReplyDeleteOh boy...good luck. I'll be around reading as much as I can.
DeleteThere really needs to be more time in a week to get everything done. I have to limit my internet time or I'd never get anything else done, so I know where you're coming from. I like your writing goals :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by.
DeleteIts all definitely a balancing act, for sure. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(From Sarah With Joy)
There are days I feel like I'm going to fall off the tightrope....
DeletePrioritizing is important--some things matter more than others.
ReplyDeleteI've felt the same way about blogging recently. I can get in blog time if I cram, but sometimes I just let it slip.
And you're a busy girl, too. How in the world do you blog? Its a mystery. Has to be.
DeleteGood luck with the prioritizing, Shelly. No matter how many lists I make, I still don't manage very well. I'm not doing A to Z this year either.
ReplyDeleteBe good to yourself so you can help everyone else!
Thank you, Gail. Lists do help. Funny, how I always seem to get the writing ans the Sweetman things done. They're at the top.
DeleteAlways good to hear from you :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(From Sarah With Joy)
Thank you, Sarah.
DeleteJust wanted to mention that I understand where you're coming from. Different circumstances, of course, but the need to prioritize can make spending less time roaming the social media outlets feel a lot like letting people down.
ReplyDeleteYou are 100% on point for putting family first. There's no replacing that. We'll all be here for whenever you make you jaunts around the interwebz.
Hugs and chocolate to you and yours and good luck with each step you take in accomplishing your goals.
Awe...thank you, Angela.
DeleteWell, you know, blogging should never be top priority unless it's actually the job you make money at, so, if it gets shoved aside, it gets shoved aside.
ReplyDeleteWe went through the whole chemo/radiation thing with my mother-in-law a few years ago...:(
Yeah. Well....its been shoved to the side for the most part. I will try to post at least once a week on both my blogs.
DeleteHey Shelly, I know I've already commented here, but I wanted to stop back by and let you know that I'm still praying for you and Sweetman :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gwen. Today, he goes into surgery to have a port put in.
Delete