In response to Hoss's challenge

My friend answered these questions far better than I can, but here goes:

1. How did you come to learn about b**gging?

This is kind of a long story that I rarely talk about because it paints me in a less-than-flattering (almost frightening) light. I'll try to construct an abbreviated version for this post. A year and a half ago, the guy I'd been dating for several weeks broke it off with one of those typical male excuses like, "I think you're more serious about me than I am about you." I was heart-broken. I'll spare you all the tales of my pathetic efforts to convince him to reconsider. Suffice it to say it became an on-again/off-again roller-coaster ride.

Let's jump ahead a few months. In preparation for last year's cruise, I was shopping on-line for a digital camera. I was searching for customer reviews of various models when my search landed me on the blog-site of an amateur photographer, who happened to use one of the camera's I was considering. At the time, I had no idea what a blog-site was. Since the page wasn't exactly what I'd been looking for, I was about to click back to my search results when I noticed the email handle of the previously referenced heart-throb in the sidebar. Naturally, I clicked the link. As you've now surmised, I ended up at a blogsite I should never have been visiting. I've mentioned my knack for falling for guys who are still clinging to a past relationship. This was no exception. I read heart-breaking posts about involving his unrequited love for another woman. The dates of many of the most gut-wrenching of posts coincided with the "off-again" periods of our relationship.

I emailed him, explaining what had happened and admitting to reading his posts. (Is it spying to read information posted on the worldwide web??) Soon after, we ceased communicating altogether.

Fast forward another couple of months. It was a snowy Saturday and all of New England was home-bound. I was bored and surfing the net. Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I stupidly returned to that blogsite. There was nothing particularly intriguing posted there, but it caused me to hatch a plan I have regretted ever since.

I created a fictitious blog, making myself a 30-something woman in a less-than-satisfying relationship with a cheating boyfriend. I posted a "Why do men...?" plea for advice. I also posted comments on a few blogs I knew my targeted blogger frequently visited. Then...I waited. Within hours, he had commented on my site. I commented back. After a couple of days, he asked me to instant message. I had never used instant messaging before. I did, however, know that it was fast-paced and offered dangerous opportunities for me to slip up and reveal my identity. Who said I was thinking rationally? I created an anonymous Yahoo IM address (you Vegas bloggers know that address) and away we went.

For two solid weeks we emailed and instant messaged. It became clear to me that he was falling for a woman who didn't exist. Well...I did exist, but certain facts had been changed to conceal my true [electronic stalker] identity! I felt more and more guilty and tried to find a graceful exit from our communication. I had never intended it to go so far. I had only intended to exchange comments on the blogsite. Granted, it was a pathetic and hopelessly clingy thing to do, but it wasn't vengeful. When my subtle attempts to pull away failed, I broke down and confessed. Surprisingly, he wasn't angry, but flattered. The relationship eventually faded away (yes Kira...I know I'm glossing over).

Several months later, when I found myself feeling lonely and depressed, I decided to blog. Initially, I tried to set up a blog at another site, but it was confusing and I wasn't able to work their system. So I returned here. The old heart-throb left the site long ago and, when I started here, I purposely avoided sites of bloggers I knew he visited. I rarely think about that connection to blogging anymore, but I must admit that I discovered the world of blogging through some initially accidental electronic stalking.

Had I only known that someone as wonderful as Paul was in my future, I could have saved a lot of useless hardship and embarrassment!

I dare you to top THAT story!!


2. How long have you been b**gging?

I began this blog in April, 2005.


3. What got you interested in creating your own b**g?

Unlike my buddy, Hoss, blogging was not a means to become famous. (Good thing, huh?) Like a lot of bloggers, I was experiencing some emotional upheaval in response to some major life changes and blogging was a way of venting...seeking advice...avoiding loneliness...all those psychotic reasons people turn to blogging.


4. How many b**gs do you have?

Just one. Lately, I can barely find time for even this one!


5. How has b**gging affected your life?

I have met some absolutely wonderful people through the site, a few of whom I consider real FRIENDS, even though we have not met face-to-face.


6. What feelings do you associate with b**gging?

Warm and fuzzy ones!!


7. How does b**gging benefit you?

I've also found people who have experienced similar problems and who have offered dead-on advice to me in times of trouble. Blogging is a great way to vent when necessary, without alienating your friends. It's a fantastic place to seek advice on a variety of topics. I've received advice, support, comfort, assistance, reassurance and friendship through this blog. While the means by which I discovered blogging may have been a bit suspect, I'm very glad discovered it.


8. Discuss some of the relationships you have formed through b**gging and how they have affected your life.

While Hoss put it better than I ever could, I'll try to respond to this question without tearing up. (Which I am so prone to do.) When I began this blog, I intended to be very private, revealing little about my personal life. That didn't last long. Reading a post from someone about a shared experience or problem or receiving a comment that struck a chord made me want to reach out to other bloggers.

I've made some real friends here, just a Hoss described. People I now email with and talk to on the phone. One dear friend sent me a really cool T-Shirt from the luxury resort where he works. It's very difficult to describe to other people what blog-relationships are like. Having "cyber friends" seems either pathetic or geeky to those who have no experience in the realm. If you're reading this, you're a blogger. YOU understand.