On the flipside

as we all know, I get some amazing comments.

I have to say that this little project has been life changing.

People sometimes say, "I couldn't put myself out there like that.", "You're obviously brave to be so candid about your life so publicly", and "I'm not an extrovert like you".

Believe it or not, in real life I'm not an extrovert either. Now, if we're in a classroom or meeting I will talk too much and try to steal the show, but I just like to talk and it is hard to be quiet when you know everything. In general, I'm not seeking out the attention. I'd rather be the sidekick.

Also, there was nothing brave about this venture...I had no plans on sharing our lives with hundreds of thousands of people. I was just starting a fun shopping blog for my Chaws and Babycenter bitches. It veered off course because I wanted to vent and next thing I know, my kids are semi-celebrities and my family has become something of a reality show online.

Sometimes it is completely overwhelming and unbelievable and sometimes I feel like I've woken up to find myself on stage blinded by a spotlight with nothing to say. It is really weird if I think about it.

HOWEVER, it is also amazing. I cannot even tell you what it means to me to have so many people that do care about us. Seriously, you have no idea how many of you have left comments that have totally turned my day around. Being able to write, and to entertain, validates me in a way and reinforces that there is still a ME and that I'm good for more than reaching the juice boxes on the top shelf of the pantry.

Hearing from women that feel the same way or are living a similar life makes me feel normal. And then to hear that I make those women feel better, makes me feel really good.

After my anti-anxiety post, I got an email from someone who thought she needed something but was hesitant to be "that person". We wrote back and forth and she decided to go to her doctor and it made me really happy that something I wrote (and hesitated to write, because I was embarrassed about needing help too) helped at least one person not feel bad about things.

Not long ago, I got a fan letter from a drunken college girl. Whose last fan letter was to Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I've got to say, aside from being tickled that non-parents enjoy the closet too, my hope for the future was lifted by her impeccable spelling and grammar, even after a full night of two for one drinks.

I guess what I'm saying is that you all do more for me than you even know. Your comments entertain me, inspire me, normalize me and motivate me. I sincerely feel like I am writing to a crowd of my friends on most days and although I've never "spoken" to some of my regular commenters outside of the comment box...I do feel like they are true friends of mine.

You guys really are what keeps the closet going, whether you know it or not. So thanks for the comments and the friendship, and keep reading!