As the intensity of “Performance of the Year” competition at The Public Blogger increases, I’d like to apologize for some things, beginning with how infrequent my visits to other people’s blogs, websites and Facebook pages has been lately. I have a running list of posts saved to my email that keeps growing — Mollytopia, The Hook, Ross Murray, Rouged Mount, Lizzi, Rarasuar, Hasty Words, List of X, Miz Yank, She’s a Maineiac, Lipstick and Laundry, The Sisterwives, to name a few. I am looking forward to the day in a few weeks when I can sit back and spend an entire day catching up on my drinking reading all of the posts I have saved to savor later. I just wanted you to know that I’m well aware of what I’m missing, and that my absense is not an indication of disinterest or an elitist attitude.
Simply put: I’m just getting my butt kicked.
I also hope you’ll understand and forgive me for dipping into the archives frequently lately, for the same reason. I have several posts I’m working on, at least one of which will be an embarrassment to my kids, but between the weekly challenges, work deadlines, upcoming holidays and finding time for family, it’s slow going and something I anticipate getting even tougher as Dec. 30 approaches.
After reading that last paragraph, I’m giving myself one of these…
There certainly have been some days when I ask myself, “What have I gotten myself into?” Especially when I get dressed in the dark and realize I’m wearing my wife’s halter top. But in regard to this competition, one of the things that keeps me going is the incredible support you’ve given me. I feel as though I am carrying all of you with me and I don’t want to let you down. Although — and I’m not naming any names — one of you could stand to lose a few pounds, Hook.
As the competition enters the fourth round this Sunday, I am putting the final touches on the next challenge, which is a 90-second video utilizing our recorded voice, photography and words. Today I’m on deadline at the newspaper, but tomorrow I hope to post a short preview clip to give you an idea of how it’s going. If it’s just me laying facedown at the kitchen table with my iPod and a bottle of Tequilla, you’ll know it’s not going well.
In the meantime, I just wanted you to know I haven’t turned into the self-absorbed jerk I may appear to be (plenty of time for that later), and how much I appreciate your understanding and continued support. All joking aside, whether I remain at No. 1 after Sunday, barely make it through the next round or get booted, I will forever be appreciative and humbled by the support you’ve shown over the last few weeks.
Truly and sincerely: Thank You so very much.
Now — where’s that tequilla…
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Ned's Blog 
Good luck.
Thank You, Beth 😉
Your plate is overflowing. Take your time…..essentials first.
That’s exactly what I tell myself at Thanksgiving dinner!
My little typewriter is typing words of support. 🙂
Little typewriter, big words — and an icon with several posts waiting in my cue, Susan 😉
When I have learned how to create more hours in a day, you’ll be the first person I tell. Kick that competition’s ass!! 🙂
HaHaHaHa! Please do — and Thank You!
Well, damn – when I congratulated you the last time, I thought you had already won the entire competition. Now I’ll have to congratulate you all over again when you do win. Why do you find it necessary to make my life so hard?
[sigh]
[digging pompons back out of the storage unit]
Go, Ned! You’re the man! No one does it like you can!
Hahahaha! Sorry about that. If you want — and if I win — I can just re-read your congratulations from last week 😉
And thank you for digging those pom-poms back out!
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
Darnit I was saved in your list above. Oh well, I can handle it. Who knew this would be so much work for you. I think it is actually quite wonderful, and we get to see some pretty cool work by all you guys still in the competition. 🙂
Lol! Sorry, Catherine. But rest assured you are among those in my cue 😉
And yes, these folks are putting out some great stuff under pressure. To be honest, I kind of like the personal challenge. I’m weird like that…
Weird is awesome.
🙂
Take as much time as you need – I don’t want reading my blog to feel like a chore. I’m just honored to be among the select group allowed to overload your mailbox.
P.S. I sincerely hope that you’re not getting your ass kicked while wearing a red thong…
After this is over, I’ll give you 10 reasons why I enjoy your work.
P.S. You should see the boot prints. No, you probably shouldn’t…
I feel you, Ned! When asked by the director of the show if I was “having fun”, I replied honestly, yes! But there is so much on the back burner now, including 186 unopened emails, an unfinished collaboration, blah, blah, blah…
Pass the tequila!
CHEEEEEERS!
I see how it is… only SOME make it to “the list”?? So how do I get on this list?? Wait! Do I WANT to be on this list? I’m not really sure being on the list is a good thing… Hmmmm *sigh*
OK, I guess you are forgiven and good luck Ned! You do have some stiff competition but you have stayed ahead of the game so far. Just let me know where to vote! Or… wait! Does that put me on the LIST??? 😉
Lol! I’ve been on someone’s list (usually a shit list — editor, ex-wife, etc.) most of my life, so believe me when I say it’s something you get used to. However, you are already on my “list” of good folks I need to catch up with. I know that doesn’t really answer your question, but still…
And thank you for your support, Courtney. The next vote is tomorrow night (Sunday) around 7 p.m. I’ll be posting more details and a teaser from my submission (no, not that kind) later today.
Again, Thank You!
Your welcome! Can’t wait to see your teaser… 😉
whine away and take your time )
“That’s what SHE said…”
(Sorry, couldn’t resist)
But seriously: Than you, Beth 😉
hahahaha –
Good luck! I’ve been way too out of touch with all my blogging buddies too! (Remind me never to run for PTA board again.) I hope you win the contest!
Lol! Thanks, Nicole 😉 And thank you for contributing to your communty and it’s kids!
I know the feeling. I am a bellhop at the Lego Land Resort in Winter Haven, Florida. After a day or night of pushing bell carts and lugging luggage to rooms I get to my blog and try to respond, go to other blogs and note what I see and try above all to be nice. I check out about a dozen blogs I follow. I check you out because of your wit. You make me smile.
Barry, no joke here: I am flattered and honored. Thank You.
Personally, I know you’re not missing much on my site, buddy… so take your time.
That only applies when you are writing about your sexual escapades…
Ouch!
Anyone have any aloe vera?
It’s behind the pillow…
Anyone who pegs you as self-absorbed just isn’t paying attention. Of course, based on the infrequency of my commenting of late, you might infer that I’m not paying attention. Or possibly you were just enjoying the peace and quiet, which I just shattered. Oops. I always marvel at how you manage to be so prolific and witty all at once, so as far as I’m concerned, you deserve a break whenever you want one.
I have three teens at home, so peace and quiet isn’t in my vocabulary… nonetheless, I truly appreciate those kind words, Karen 😉