 Day 162: Me and My Gramps |
It came up quite a few times while in the States, and while it always gets me a bit, I think it more than anything made Pat think a little harder about what it is that I do when I’m sitting on the computer. Yes, I know there are readers of this blog. I know because they leave comments or tweet about what I’ve written, or sometimes they send me nice emails asking me questions about this or that.
Still, it’s weird no less to meet up with people you haven’t seen in years and have them asking questions about things that you wrote in your blog 3, 12 or 24 months ago. Don’t get me wrong; it’s completely flattering! I just often feel as though I’m talking to a panel of my peers… ya know, other travelers and soon-to-be world wanderers who are trying to do the same thing… and not distant relos (that’s Aussie for relatives) or former teachers, who may or may not think I’m crazy, following quietly along to my every move.
Who knew!
We had a meet-up over pizza with the Schoenman side of my family where it came to my attention that so-and-so has read this or that. Oh, and this person I used to know follows along… and this person, too. It was a shocker, but for Pat especially, who walked away saying, “Oh man, I can’t believe how many people read your blog!”
Pat doesn’t even read my blog.
So, thank you for reading, my quiet little blog followers. Don’t forget that you can always leave a comment below to let me know you’re here 
oh that is so sweet! Sometimes in order to write things I have to think that no one is following or else I couldn’t say the things I want to say. That pic of you and your grandfather is cute too!
Shame on Pat – think of all you could be learning about her Pat if you read this blog.
I agree about the pretending that no one follows so you can write stuff aspect. I think I’m usually in that mode and that’s why being at home was so weird!
You should be proud of what you have built. People wouldn’t read it if it wasn’t quality.
Thanks Erik, means a lot to hear someone say that
Tell Choy to get on the ball! Of course people read your blog! You’re one of the most well-known travel peops out there. Your gramps is adorable, BTW.
I know people do, but you know, it’s weird when you find out that more people than you thought did
I never really thought of myself as one of the most well-known travel peeps out there — guess it’s hard to see yourself from that perspective… but thanks! And thanks for the grandpa compliment… hopefully he reads this one 
Aww, that is neat! I enjoy your daily posts, it’s usually one of the first things I read when I get to work and look at all my RSS feeds.
My favorite part of this comment is: “it’s usually one of the first things I read when I get to WORK” heheh thanks, Amy!
I know I’m negligent in commenting most of the time, but I do read your blog and the posts on Facebook faithfully ;o) I really enjoy them! And that pic of you and your Gramps is precious! Keep up the great blog postings!!!
Thank you dear for all your support, tweets, comments, etc. You really are a rockstar in my mind!
Sounds very similar to what I was going through in Egypt. I was writing for a specific audience, but then I would go into work the next day and so many of my co-workers would stop me and say that they read what I wrote. It was the strangest feeling! Not bad, just weird. Really makes you watch what you say online.
For sure! I think the co-workers situation is worse
I had a similar experience when I went back home and visited my grandmother’s nursing home – I’d been writing her almost weekly letters from overseas – you know, personal letters, to her! – but since it was so exciting to have a granddaughter in strange places she’d shared them and we walked along the corridors bumping in to people who would then make some comment about something obscure I’d once told her about – freaky!!
But also ditto on the blog-reading partner, my husband never reads my blog, I sometimes even post about him to test him (because he says he “tries to look at it”) but he always fails!! Of course sometimes I’m glad he doesn’t, I don’t have to censor things – but it is awkward when we’re out socialising and people say something to him about a recent post of mine and he has no clue what they’re on about.
Well, at least I tell my partner most everything, but still, it might be nice if he could take a closer interest into what I do
He barely even checks FB though so I can’t complain too much. That’s hilarious that you test your hubbie!
I read your blog. and i love it.
Thanks, Adriana!
I’m here!
And I totally agree that it always gives you a nice, warm fuzzy feeling when you find out that people actually read your blog — and remember what you wrote! It’s awesome.
Cheers Amanda – it was more interesting to see how Pat reacted to the ordeal, but yes I’ll agree about the warm fuzzies!
definitely here! i love your blog posts Brooke, plus i’m a big fan of Australia, so it remembers me good old times
Keep what you’re doing!
Cheers, Caroline
It’s like reality TV. Everyone knows you, but you know no one. Well… Only some of the readers.
Ha! Very much like reality TV…. never thought of that before.
Ive been reading your blog for a while now, Brooke….there are plenty of us out here that really enjoy your daily posts but dont comment regularly. Keep ‘em coming and we’ll keep on reading!
P.S….I’m a Chicago boy that thinks you shold have taken Pat to Lou Malnatis instead of Giordanos but what do I know
Thank you! And I’ve heard about Lou’s from a few people now… next time! Thanks for reading and following along
We’re here. Pat is missing a great blog!
Haha, thanks Kristen
You made me leave my rss reader to do this.
Haha thanks Jonathan!!! You rock
Brooke,
It was great seeing you again. Pat is awesome and funny. Hope to see you again in the near future. Take care and be careful.
Thanks, Margaret! Pat IS funny isn’t he?
I’m hoping to make this home thing a yearly occurrence 