Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I've begun to make some decisions concerning this Blog. I began it not really knowing what I wanted to do with it. I enjoy blogging and I was initially interested because of a post by Robin on her blog.. (See August 27th) Finally a way to assuage my guilt over not scrapbooking!
So here are a few reasons why I've decided to continue this blog:

• It gives me a way to clarify issues that I am thinking about.
• It is a good way for me to let family and friends from far away know what is going on in our family.
• It is an easy way for me to develop writing skills.
• It is (if I allow it) an exercise in authenticity.
• It fits with the way I learn, or like to learn. I think blogging is a conversation (sometimes onesided, but a conversation nonetheless.)

This week my kids were sick for a few days and my husband is out of town, so I've had more time than usual to read other blogs. After reading some of the other blogs out there, I've decided to establish some guidelines for myself.

• Blogging does not take the place of social interactions.
• Stay positive about others--especially my husband.
• Respect the privacy of my friends and family.
• Keep the tone conversational. I do want to write about issues I'm thinking about. I do want to remain open to other points of view. I don't want to get into a screaming match on my blog.
• No kids around while blogging.
• Keep it personal. I won't write about issues that don't affect me or that I plan to do absolutely nothing about. If I don't have any influence over it, I'm not writing about it. (This one is hard, because I love to talk about issues that I don't have to do anything about. It is a nice distraction from those issues that I can and should actively address.)
• I will keep the date accurate on my postings but the time isn't accurate.

Eric (my husband) and I believe that under normal circumstances our relationship comes before the relationship that we have with our children; however, that might not come across in my blog. While I believe in being up front about my shortcomings as a parent and a person, my marriage is a private matter involving another adult whom I love and respect. I've read some blogs that seem alarmingly private and although I do believe as a Christian we need to practice authenticity, there are places you just should not go without the other person's full and enthusiastic consent.