1) We’ve had 6 inches of snow here and another 9 are forecast, for a grand total of 15 (in case your maths are bad) or 40cm (in case your metrics are good). It’s big fun and I love it, although tomorrow was supposed to be Day 2 of the new job and it looks like I won’t be able to make it to the office, nor have I got the login details to use the new sparkly kit I’ve received to do my new job. Nor will Melissa and Jeff likely be able to fly home. At least the weather is cozy, eh?
2) Ah yes. The new job has started. I am still sorting things out, but I think I love it. Watch this space.
3) Something cool has happened. More later. Let’s just say that I am floored.
4) Something not cool has happened. More later. Let’s just say that I wish I’d kept the receipt for me, I’d take me back for a refund because clearly my statutory rights have been affected. Shit should not be breaking down here, I am obviously badly made.
5) I am reliably informed it is De-Lurking week, but since procrastination is my middle name, then how about half a week? So go on then. I won’t hunt you down. If my statistics are correct then there are quite a few people out there who read here, and this is the one time of the year I ask you to tell me about you for a change, meaning that I’ll now be terrified and cowed by those who come here and wonder why you bother with my little corner of mental. You know my life and who I am, now the table turns and my curiosity asks if you’ll tell me about you? Capes off! De-lurk!*
-S.
*Er, please, that is. Not like I’m ordering you to or anything.
Eh, you know me. I’m just the world’s worst commenter EVER.
H says hi and congratulations, by the way.
I think I’m a part-time lurker, I was shocked reading your decade in review as I didn’t think I’d been with you for so long, definitely since your Ascot photo. I think that was the first one I saw of you…I remembered the hat.
I’m pleased the job is looking good and can’t wait to hear about number three, not so pleased with number four!
Got to say I really really love your photos, there’s been a few times I’ve thought “that would look really good on my wall” and been tempted to email you…but I daren’t!
Hi – I’m a lurker. I used to leave comments but then I’d get mad and other judgemental comments so I just decided to stay out. This year I will shoot you an email or two just so you know I’m not all that creepy. And I would LOVE to meet you if you ever come back to Atlanta for a visit.
Hi! I’m Hillary, a Seattleite living in Barnes. I found your site one day while reading a friend of your’s blog. What was the name? I’ve forgotten. It started with an F? She was/is an American living in Paris and you were knitting a sweater for her or something at the time? I think? I have a 6 and 3 year old. Kept reading as thought your life was interesting, now I’m an expat too. My daughter’s name is Helen, so that caught my attention as well. I was so sad to hear the news about Alastair, so it’s nice to hear that things are working out now. Your kids are adorable! Happy New Year to you!
Hillary
Hi, I am an Indian woman living in Singapore, been married for close to a year now. I have been reading your blog since 2004 and have commented few times. Needless to say, I love reading this blog and while you may not know me (I dont have a blog), I cant help but think of you as a friend. Wish you all the very best in 2010, so glad that the year has started on a very positive note on the home and work front!
Best wishes always,
~J
Delurking here from Fort Collins, Colorado! Love, love your blog and look forward to reading it every day. Your story is amazing and you are an amazing woman!
I’m so jealous of your snow! I’m glad you’re liking the new job so far and I can’t wait to hear more about #s 3 and 4!
I have commented before. I don’t always though so here I am, delurking. So glad you’re enjoying the new job!
Hi Helen. I mean, Shannon! I’ve been reading your blog since fall 2003 or spring 2004… not exactly sure; I had just started my first teaching gig and was a little over my head that year. Some years I delurk, and sometimes not. I always am a little intimidated writing comments, so I don’t chip in very often.
de-lurking sorta sounds like de-stalking. creepy almost. anywho. i am stella_dolce’s aunt, so i have somewhat of a valid reason for finding your blog and reading it. not that just happening upon it isn’t a valid method.
Enjoy the snow!~Jill
Dawn from Pioneer Square in Seattle (need anything from Uwajimaya?); mom of a 17 y.o. daughter and I married a Canadian over Christmas, so we’re jumping through hoops to immigrate to Toronto. I found your blog about 5 years ago when I was looking online for Dan Savage’s column in The Stranger. I thoroughly appreciate both your writing and your photgraphy!
Still here as a long time reader, seldom commenter. I LOVE reading all of your life stories and find myself cheering for you often! Happy New Year and enjoy being snowed in. :)
You know I’m here even if I don’t comment, like, ever.
De-lurk! I’m Ruth, I found your blog from stella_dolce’s website – she is one of my closest friends – my partner and her husband went to grad school together, and we met while we were both living in North Carolina as grad school spouses. I live in California, on a little island near San Francisco, and I’m in law school. I enjoy your blog! Happy New Year to you and your family.
i’ve been trying to step it up as far as comments go, so hopefully I don’t really qualify as a lurker anymore. I think I’ve told you about myself before: 35, massively infertile for six years and counting, live on Cape Cod, blah blah blah. Studied abroad in London during college, so I love hearing about your Englishy stuff! Enjoy all that snow!!
I voluntarily delurk on occasion, but still pretty infrequently. Father of 3 from Kansas City, MO. I’ve been reading you for years. Linked in from someones blogroll (who I probably don’t read any longer) and stayed.
Born in NZ – way back in ’55 (a very good year for Chevvys!), been bouncing around the world since I was 16 trying to move on from a childhood that had things in common with yours. Was married for 20 years, have two grown sons. Now living in the Oakland Hills. I return to NZ every once in a while, usually after others tell me how much they’d like to live there, but after a couple of months of chasing trout and climbing mountains I start to miss the US (have citizenship there because of aforementioned marriage) and come back, usually to a place in which I haven’t lived before.
Have been reading your blog almost since the gitgo. First thing each morning I skim a couple of the on-line British papers, and then with a sense of anticipation click on your link.
Witnessing your struggles as you keep passing those open windows and trying to keep your family together keeps me from feeling totally isolated, (despite the fact that for a year I have been with a man who adores me).
AND, even if there was no sense of empathy in your writing, I’d still be tuning in to read the latest on Nick and Nora, and to see the photos you are so generous about posting. I understand why you’ve stopped posting about Melissa and Jeff and the Swunt, but I do miss hearing about them – is Jeff still doing ok in his (no longer) new school, Is Melissa successfully navigating her teenage years, and is she recognising you as a healthier role model than the one to whom she is more exposed? Enquiring minds…..
– I’ll be the first in line to buy your book once it is published!
– Are there any other of your fans living in the SF Bay area?
– Lastly, thank you again for sharing – I love you for it!
Long time reader, first time caller. (I hate when people say that!) Actually, I may have commented two or three times.
I found your blog around 2004 and have followed you since. I also followed the Twisted Ovaries blog for a while when you had it hidden.
A little about me. My name is Michael, of course. 40 years old and living on Long Island in New York. I’m an Senior Manager of Enterprise Reporting for a pharma company. I’ve spent the last 8 years working as an SAP Business Intelligence consultant (I’d love to move to England if you know any gigs open!).
Since finding your blog, I’ve moved from Savannah, Ga to Memphis, TN to Wisconsin to Long Island. Plus gotten married and adopted 2 needy cats. Or rather, they’ve adopted me. I tried my hand at blogging for about a year, but found my prose very lacking when compared to yours. I spent too many days daydreaming instead of studying grammar :-(
My greatest dream is to move overseas and never come back. The typical expat dream.
Hi, I am from Orlando Fl, I started visiting you on your previous site. I found you through my daughter is Finding Chaos. I like how you write about your life, you are so raw at times in both your fiction and non fiction. I admire your honesty. I feel you know who you are yet at times sell yourself short. Thank you for writing as well as you do, thank you for being Shannon. (Although I must admit I still think of you as Helen)
De-lurking as requested.
I seldomly comment, but I’ve been reading you for about 5 years now.
So glad to see you in such a good place. Congrats on the new job.
Hey Shannon! I know I don’t comment often, but I always read. Good luck with The Job and have fun with all the snow you’re getting! Oh, and Lexi says Hi!
stella_docle :)
P.S. I can no typey…
stella_dolce
Woot! number 74!
I comment only every once and awhile. I live in Minnesota where it is freaking cold this week (overnight lows of -20F) but it is supposed to snow today again – mucks with my traffic. I have a almost 5 year old son and a husband and a boring job. Your life reminds me of me if I had moved to England a decade ago (although you are much more carrer oriented than I am – i’m too lazy most times). However, circumstances being what they were that did not happen which was probably for the best as i’m quite tight with my family (and concidently with husbands family for the most part too, who are all here in MN as well).
My son is my life. I will take incredibally boring days of work which means I can go home and just spend time with him, not think about work. gladly. I don’t know what I did to deserve such a wonderful boy (yes of course i’m biased) but i’ve been eternally grateful for him. He can be a pain in the butt and knows how to push my buttons … but i’m so glad I am a mom.
Ok mushy post. but that’s me. Congrats on the new job. Me? not so much. Still in same job I was whining about last time i commented. :-( Oh well.
My 2010 resolution is to comment more often! Been reading for a couple of years now and never miss an entry. It’s been fantastic watching your gorgeous babies grow.
I’m a mum to a six month old daughter and live in the Lake District, England.
You’re writing is addictive. Thanks so much for sharing your life with so much honesty.
Delurking to say I truly admire you and appreciate your honesty in your writing. Congratulations on the new job and may much happiness come your way in 2010!
Hiya Shannon. I’ve been reading your posts for a couple of years now since a co-worker sent me a link to your blog. My best friend lives in England and I’ve always wanted to live there so co-worker was all, check this out and I did. I’m in Mississippi and don’t travel as much as I want to, so I really enjoy reading about the places you’ve been.
Hi,
I’ve commented maybe once before, but I’ve been reading you for probably 1.5 years now.
I currently live in Chicagoland, though will be moving back to New England in the spring after 9 years here. I have a 23-month-old son, a husband of almost 8 years and a 10-year-old dog (who is driving all of us crazy since we moved to a small temporary apartment after we sold our house last month), and a great job that I alternately love and am ambivalent about.
I found your blog shortly after I returned to work when my son was 3-months-old and I was looking for people going through similar experiences. I’ve kept reading because you’re a great writer who has the ability to share your own challenges, joys, and everyday struggles and triumphs in a way that resonates with me and my own experiences–and clearly lots of other people, too. I really enjoy your photography and always love reading about the family travels. I also like that you’re an unabashed dork. :)
Thanks for writing.
I’ve been reading for years. Mom to one, stepmom to two in Canada. Love your writing.
I never quite know how to how to do this but <> can we say the ice is broken, now? (Appropriate metaphor, eh?)
Here I am now, out in the open, commenting. I live in Dublin, am an artist, and am married to a Kerryman. (Which is an odd summary of my life.)
Look forward to reading you in 2010. Good luck with everything!
T
Hey Shannon! I am also a friend of stella_dolce’s. I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and a half now–I rarely comment b/c I’m super shy when it comes to that but I love your blog. I live in Alabama with my husband and I work for the local juvenile court–I’m a social worker. I love your blog’s honesty and look forward to continuing to read it for as long as you write. Congrats on the new job!
I’m a lurker from Oregon. Enjoy your writing, been reading for a while now. Hope you have a good 2010.
Not quite a lurker, but I thought I’d say “hello.” Have you tried your customer service department? Mine keeps ignoring my calls–I think the receptionist is covering for the shoddy craftsmanship. :-P
delurking for a moment to say Hi! Also, per your request, I’ve actually been blogging again…
i lurk. what of it? you should just call me. i’m totally kidding, not kidding, kidding, totally not kidding, kidding
Yep – i’m a lurker. Constant reader, but not so good at commenting. I wish you the best New Year ever – boy do we all need a good year :)
I’m Barb (as you can guess by the name I signed on with) a 47 yr. old, married, mid-west mother of two adult boys who have a rare form of dystrophy.
After a long career in a very dull field I’ve found my children to be my single greatest achievement (First only to being on the roller coaster of a long time relationship[28yrs April]. Talk about work!). When the boys school days ended I was forced to leave my career to become a stay at home Mom for the first time since my youngest was 3yrs old. As grateful as I am for this experience I find myself struggling with it.
I read because I find you to be an engaging writer. You’ve expressed bits about circumstances to which I can relate and that remind me(though I’ve always known) I’m not the only one. More than either of those things, I read because of your refreshing honesty. This is something I don’t see often. Thank you for that!
Delurking from southern California where it’s a balmy 65 degrees :) Enjoy the snow!
Delurking in Tennessee! Very jealous of your snow. We are SUPPOSED to get some tonight for the first time this winter. The rest of the damn country is white, but it keeps missing us. Crossing fongers for snow this time because I lost my job yesterday (economy related) and I would love a snow day with my kids just because I now can! I’ll try to comment more now that I’be finally done it.
Well, I think you know me, anyway…
I keep waiting for you to ask me to re-lurk. That would be a sad day for me, of course, but I’d still stop by.
Looking forward to hearing the cool from you. Somewhat less excited by the not cool, but that’s the way it goes, I guess.
Hi! I’ve been a reader for over five years and don’t think I’ve ever commented before. Here I am…Cindy in Austin, TX.
hello from indianapolis indiana. i haven’t been here from the beginning, but it has been going on 3 years now. thank you for sharing.
I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but I’ve been reading for a few years. I look forward to reading every day. You are an exceptional writer. Your little ones are adorable, and I’m so happy for your good news lately! I’m Michelle, I’m in Michigan, and I’m an student and photographer. I follow you on flickr as well… Don’t comment much there either. I’m bad with that.
Well, here I am. No longer lurking. : D
I’ve been reading your blog for over 4 years…. Love your writing and photos. I don’t have a creative bone in my body. I’m a California girl, born and raised. Will turn 60 this year (how the HECK did that happen?). Am a widow, lost my husband in 2008. Am getting back on my feet, personal life-wise. Keep on writing, you are very talented. Best of luck in your new job, it’s never easy to switch, but most of the time works out for the best. Your twins are the cutest ever!
Kat
I de-lurk in this post every year – one of my new years resolutions is to comment more on the blogs I read religiously but that has been scuppered by pregnancy exhaustion. I’m too tired to put food in my mouth, never mind typing.
I cannot wait to hear about the cool thing!
Hi! Delurking from Atlanta, GA. I found your site twisted ovaries when we were going through IVF at roughly the same time in Jan/Feb. I also ended up with fraternal twins (though mine are girl/girl) so I stayed on to see how you cope so wonderfully with a very full life with twins. My own life is much more boring than yours…less ups and downs…but I am also a working mom in a technology industry and also spent some time in Raleigh/Durham so its funny to me we have that in common. I enjoy reading about the lemonheads but also enjoy the passion with which you write and live your own life. Wishing you a fabulous year ahead!
Hello from Chester! I can’t believe, having your review of the decade, that I have been reading your blog for 4 years! I comment every now and then…even less now I’ve had my son (8.5months old). I used to work at the local university in the Geography department, keeping the students and staff in line, going out on fieldwork, and generally having fun. I have left work though to be a stand at home mum, which I am loving even if I could do with some more sleep. Tom is not the best sleeper, and his teeth are bothering him at the moment so it’s even worse. I am a snow girl so am in heaven at the moment…we were in Scotland last week and just spent the week sledging and building snowmen. Tom is like Nora, loves the snow too!
I love your blog, and want to thank you for the honour of sharing your life. Wishing you all the best of wishes, luck and joy in the year ahead.
Coming to you from beautiful,foggy Eagle, ID. I found you after those horrible London tube bombings…..from somewhere I can’t remember. And I can’t even remember how long ago that was but I have enjoyed reading your blog everytime you post. I am a stay at home mom with two boys, 12 & 9.
Hello from Michigan.