How has blogging affected me?

Jolathe at No Ordinary Moments tagged me for this meme.

We are to write about 5 specific ways blogging has affected us, either positively or negatively, link back to the person who tagged us, and tag a few friends.

You know, blogging takes time. Time away from paying bills reading books scrapbooking other tasks in life. Anyone who blogs knows the time it takes to write and read in blog land, but we find the time. Because it does affect us.

So, here is how it has affected me:

1. "Know thyself" - It is hard to do. Most of the time in this crazy, busy world we get by without really knowing ourselves. It's easy to sudden realize we have no clue why we feel a certain way, or what makes us really tick, or what our own needs really are.

Believe it or not, blogging has helped me "Know myself". During the time it takes to process some of my posts, I realize some of my own thoughts, hopes, opinions, observations, and regrets. Blogging has helped me get to know ME better. It has helped me get to know God's purposes for my life in a deeper way as well.

2. "Know thy mom" - OK, so this one isn't really a saying but it is something I hope for my kids. I love the record my children will have of ME! They will have an incredible glimpse into my head over the years. I hope they have loads of fun laughing at me as well as learning from me.

3. Scrapbooking - Uh? What is that? OH YEAH...it's that hobby I used to have. Blogging has replaced it and I am finally facing the facts. I am giving up my business of selling Creative Memories. In fact, I place my last order this month which has caused me to evaluate my plans for scrapbooking. I am actually considering buying the albums you just slip photos in. (shhhhhh) So, whether it is good or bad, I love the replacement (blogging) more than I love the scrapbooking...at least for now.

4. Friends. WOW! I had no idea I'd meet friends via blogging. I mean really. How weird is that? A year or so ago, I would have thought it was weird. Not anymore. I have often emailed a blog friend for advice, an opinion, and even to make a lunch date!

And you all should know that I talk about you in conversation day to day. The strange thing is that my closest friends and hubby KNOW who I am talking about when I say, "Oh, my friend in L____" or "Jolanthe mentioned today..." They KNOW who it is. Weird. Yes.

But I LOVE it!

5. Valuable. My blog reading is a valuable part of my life. There are certain bloggers who always make me laugh. Some posts send me to tears and open my eyes to the world around me. Other stories make me think and ponder my faith. Lots of you just help me feel normal on days my life feels bizarre. I have found helpful tips, great recipes, and useful resources. I honestly couldn't imagine giving up my blog reading. Cutting back a bit...maybe...but give it up? No.

My tags for this one:

Leigh Ann - Duh. You knew I'd tag you, didn't you? I'll let you tag JM for me...*wink.

Megan and Amy - Because you have been blogging long enough to be affected by now!

Kate - Because you came back.

Johanna - Because I don't think you and I have ever really discussed blogging and I would love to know if you think it has affected you. Because your blog is one of my favorite resources!