Ultimate Blog Party 2009

I started blogging because it seemed like the thing to do. And because I was inspired by my cool neighbor across the street, who is a great writer and friend.

But I'm discovering this whole entire world (apparently called the "blogosphere"?) that I didn't know existed. I mean, I knew people were writing blogs -- but I think I assumed it was mostly political junkies and sports fanatics and moms posting goofy pictures of their kids. Had no idea it was full of witty, clever, talented women writing about life and politics and motherhood and families and food and fashion and husbands and whatever else we might think of.

And now, here I am, joining in on the "Ultimate Blog Party" through 5 Minutes for Mom. I'm supposed to introduce myself, so here goes...

I'm a working-from-home-mom of two -- my son (called Junius here) is 3 1/2 and my daughter (called Pippi) just turned 1. Living in North Carolina with my husband -- we're just about the only two people who grew up Catholic in N.C. in the 70's who are still Catholic and living back in N.C., so it's lucky we found each other (although we're both pretty frustrated with the captial "C" Church these days). I'm a Tar Heel born (almost), bred and graduated twice, so these days we're watching a lot of basketball.

A "retired" high school English teacher, I've worked in public education advocacy and now do research consulting work for education organizations. Which is probably why blogging seemed like a good idea -- a chance to write something from my heart and head instead of from test and tracking data.

For the Blog Party, they're giving away lots of cool prizes... I'm hoping for the ergo baby carrier (#7 -- I found it to be the best way to wear a baby), a $50 gift certificate to Target (#19 -- who can't spend $50 at Target?!) or a $25 certificate to Shutterfly (#99 -- because I don't have any kind of baby book or photo album for my 1-year-old. oops.).

If anyone has actually wandered over from the UBP, welcome and thanks for reading! Hope that I can keep you entertained for a bit.