Since I Have Your Attention

OMG. I just realized I am that boastful stranger on the plane.

We all are.

And by we, I mean bloggers.

No, it wasn't my conversation recorded in that post about airplane yakkers. But it may as well have been. While I would never so smugly force myself on a stranger in an airplane, here on the Web I'm not afraid to say ...

Hi. I'm Alison. As long as you're here seated in my row of the blogosphere, let me show you the latest photos of my son. And here's what we did on vacation last month. Oh, and did I tell you about the book I'm reading? And you wouldn't believe who we saw at the reunion. And have I mentioned my theories on the deconstruction of religious cliches? Oh - did you see what Sarah said on her blog today? Have you heard enough stories about my college years? Have I updated you on my Basement Treasures Campaign? Hey, you're welcome to comment any time. Please do, but I'm just going to change the subject here real fast before you have time to get that posted, okay? Now, where was I? Oh yes, my cousin - she had a baby. He's beautiful. And did you know my son Robey likes to pretend that he's reading? He does it everyday. Isn't that cute? Yes, and next month I'll be traveling to NC again for work. Oh, and you really should read this great article about writing online. What's that? Um, are you still here?

*looks around*

Hmmm ... she must have changed seats ... or - I mean - shoot, she's already clicked through to the next blog.

*hollers across plane*

Okay, well bye for now. Nice talking to you. Leave a comment next time, okay?

Comments

[Mich]

You are so right AND so wrong. What you say in this post is EXACTLY why every time I try to create my own blog, I slam shut the laptop and think (in the immortal words of Shirley MacLaine's character Ouiser Boudreaux from Steel Magnolias), "No one cares about that shit!" But on the other hand, what you write on your blog is EXACTLY why I log onto this "Alison Planet" nearly each and every day. You may think that you are blabbing on and on about yourself, but we can all RELATE. And it feels so good.

[Mich]

And by the way, what is naval gazing?

[Beau]

I think this might be your best post yet. It may be the truest thing I have ever read on the Internet.

Now I wonder if you are even listening to my comment or are you already thinking about your next post and waiting for me to stop for a breath so you can start typing again.

A very interesting comparison.

[Alison]

Mich - you just have to do it, without reservation. Make it anonymous and don't tell anyone about it for awhile if that'll make it easier.

Beau - I'm listening.

Thank you both for the kind comments. Oh, and navel-gazing is an extreme form of self-absorption. Sometimes, I'm guilty of it.

[jen]

MmmmmMmmmm navels . . .