I’ve been toying with writing this post for about six weeks now. As many of you know, I homeschool our kids. Right now I’ve got an 11th, 8th, 4th, 2nd and Kindergartener that I’m schooling. My oldest in in college and the youngest is almost three.
Here’s my motivation for today’s post:
Since starting back to school I find it easy to write posts but difficult to get around to visit your blogs – which I love doing. So I’m going to try posting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a few weeks. I think this will give me more time to check in on you and still teach the kids, cook for the family, exercise, run errands and do other things I need to get done.
A few months ago I wrote a post on balancing your life between family, work, blogging and social activities. I think it’s hard to balance everything perfectly – if not impossible.
I hope you will stick with me moving down to three days a week! I would also like to post a healthy recipe or cooking tip on the weekends, if you are interested in that type of post too.
How do you handle your blogging schedule and have you ever cut back or increased? What was the result? Diane
Ive cut waaaaaay back recently.
This next year is dedicated to my daughter as she starts kindergarten in fall 2011.
I read blogs with my coffee.
)
I write mine when shes asleep (which seems to be NEVER these days
and if I get blog posts tweeted or emailed to me during the day with a PLEASE READ!!!
I dont…until the morning
with my coffee.
Ive drawn my boundaries in sharpie and I have ONE.
You, my friend, are my HEROINE.
Miz´s last fabulous musings ..Heartrate monitors & reader email backlog
I blog when I feel like I have somthing worth sharing…I try to get a couple of posts up a week but don’t always succeed.
Your blog is great and I will still come by and see what wisdom or thoughts you have to share so don’t stress out on cutting down take care of yourself and your adorable childen.
Would love to see a receipe you use:)
THIS is why I admire you so much. You’ve lost this incredible amount of weight and kept it off. You write interesting, timely posts that encourage and inspire me. I look forward to your blogs and it doesn’t matter whether they are 14 times a week or 3 – I’ll read them. I’ve never commented before, but did want to tell you thanks! Maybe someday I’ll start a blog.
I think you are so smart to think about how to use the time you have wisely. I enjoy reading your blog – sometimes it makes me cry and sometimes laugh! You aren’t going to lose readers because you post less.
By the way, I’ve lost 51 pounds so far and I’m so excited that this time I can keep it off!
I schedule my blog postings for the future. That is how I get to post everyday on my blog. Because if I have 2 posts already lined up for the next 2 days, this give me a breather when I do get stuck with family and work life.
I love your thoughtful postings and understand that you need time to compose them and participate in the blog world. This sounds like a great way for you to keep up your participation here and within your family without burning yourself out. Of course family comes first and I’ll be happy to read you whenever you have time to post.
My intent was to blog at least times a week but I mostly post on weigh-in day now. I still intend to post a little more but the best laid plans…
Rachel Palmieri´s last fabulous musings ..Milestones Rachel
I haven’t been blogging long enough to have a “schedule” and then family issues rearranged what little schedule I had started. I hope to find what works for me now that things are starting to return to normal (whatever normal means!!).
You pop up in my reader, so I’ll read no matter when you post and will enjoy anything you choose to post! Even if it means less posting on your part, leave time to read what others write – that is encouragement YOU need.
When I walked into my library the other day and they said, “where in the world have you been?” I realized that Blogworld had seriously cut down on my book reading!!
I have a close friend who homeschools four kids – don’t see how you do it! You have my utmost respect.
Sharon´s last fabulous musings ..The Water is Wide
In the past few months, since I’ve found your blog, you have been “homeschooling” me as well..:)
You are my teacher, inspiration and motivation, and I look forward to every post, no matter if it’s daily or once every 2-3 days. I would also love to read your recipes and cooking tips.
You are amazing, Thanx!!!!
Of course I stick with you, like you way too much and love reading your blog.
I’ve had time to read blogs during work for the past 2 months due to vacations at work and I wasn’t busy but that’s changing as of this week so I have to go back to reading blogs at night. That’s the reason I blog every other day because I want to have time to read blogs too. Starting this week it can take a few days before I read someones blog but as I divided the blogs I read in two sections: favorites and others I read the favorites always first. Lucky you; you’re in the favorite section
Family and private live comes first so if this works for you: do it.
I can well imagine that visiting other blogs is a real time issue for you – I have very few that I read – maybe three or four who post on a daily basis. And then another dozen who post once a week or so.
I think I have read other bloggers (with high volume traffic) have a rotating schedule so they get around to everyone’s blog about once a week or so (list they read on Monday, another list for Tuesday, etc).
How is your book going? I don’t think you have said anything about it in a very long time?
vickie´s last fabulous musings ..Lake Cottage part 3 – the after
You are one busy woman! I can understand why you would cut back in the blogging a bit.
Alissa´s last fabulous musings ..Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
While we will miss you every day, I think it’s a brilliant choice. You need to do what works for you and your family. Darling picture!
I continue to be impressed by all you do. Homeschooling? I could never manage it in a million years!
Have a wonderful, peaceful, balanced week, Diane.
Roxie´s last fabulous musings ..30 miler
I am forever on construction sites. I really blog when I can. I travel long distances often. So when I am not looking at rubble, I am hitting the road, spending time with my family (which is really getting to be a scarce resource) or too tired to blog.
So I understand your position.
Mbini´s last fabulous musings ..Apartment Metal Kitchen
I have a strict no blog reading or writing or anything blog-related on the weekends. When I first started I toyed with posting every day, but I need those two days off just to relax. Some time away is good. I don’t know how bloggers who post 2-3 times a day/7 days a week do it!
Yes, I have cut WAY back. I used to blog every day (including weekends), but it was just too much. I’ve experimented with different posting schedules and recently “disappeared” for a longer time period. I plan on blogging a bit more again, but I work really hard on the blog not taking over our lives…
I hope the new posting schedule works for! Good luck to you and your kids in the new school year! And, yes, recipes would be great!
Andrea@WellnessNotes´s last fabulous musings ..Great Food- A Bit Too Much Indulging- and Lots of Changes
Diane, I am so with you & I don’t have 1/4 of your stuff to do!!!! I have also been thinking of cutting back too. Between the posts 7 days & reading all the great stuff out there, I don’t get the needed things done here. You are selfless for your kids & me, I need to be selfish for me so I can help myself past my own issues. Still working it out.
I will read you no matter how many days you post, 1 or 4 or 5. You are amazing!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last fabulous musings ..Coffee- Tea- Popcorn & More!
I have officially divorced myself of any blogging or commenting schedule, because it has recently occurred to me that I only wish it to be about dialogue — not mining for more readers. In fact, I would not have commented here today if it were not relevant to what I wrote on my blogg this week.
I wonder, how many bloggers out there are truly ointerested in conversation….?
Could be I comment here again, could be I won’t. All depends on what you have to say and whether or not I feel I have anything to offer back.
I often take off on the weekends to devote my time to the family and catch up on blogs. Although I truly LOVE blogging, I have to remind myself that it isn’t my job! I do it because I really enjoy sharing with and participating in the blogging community! I used to feel badly, if I skipped a day, but I realize that people understand and welcome whenever I post.
And no matter when you are able to post, I’ll be here to read! Love your blog and all you do, Diane!
Marisa @Loser for Life´s last fabulous musings ..Sunday Sightings
Your decision sounds smart Diane. It is important to draw boundaries and protect our time. I’ll be here faithfully on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to read your posts, and would enjoy recipes as well.
Me, I’ve been updating daily lately. Updating has become an important part of my early morning routine. Right now it is sustaining habit, but if it ever starts draining my energy instead, I’ll definitely cut back on the posting schedule.
Desert Agave´s last fabulous musings ..Sunday Swim
I am still working on figuring that out. The commenting is what is hard for me. I really really want to read everyone’s blogs every day, but it just isn’t possible. I know that. It definitely is a hard balance! I think your schedule sounds great though.
Shawnee´s last fabulous musings ..That’s SOME Pig
It is so cute that all three of them have the exact same smile, hehe.
I cut back on my Living Rhetorically in the Real World blog to once a week rather than twice, but lately I’ve been trying to write twice weekly again. Not sure if I’ll be able to keep it up, but we’ll see! It’s good to establish some kind of boundaries. I find that what usually ends up slipping is reading other blogs… with time constraints, it’s generally much easier to write my blog rather than to try to read a pile of other blogs.
Sagan´s last fabulous musings ..The 100-Mile Diet
Diane..I will read whatever you write..a lot or a little. I too have been toying with cutting back my posts..but don’t know yet..still working on that one.. Yes, recipes would be good.
Jules – Big Girl Bombshell´s last fabulous musings ..On the Right Track
Diane I struggle with finding time for it also. As homeschoolers people sometimes think that means I have all sorts of time to just do “nothing” because I don’t have a “real” job. LOL If they only knew. I find I can keep up with blog reading through out the day , a few here and a few there . It’s writing my own blog that I struggle to find the time for. I hope you find a schedule that works well for you .
Jaime´s last fabulous musings ..No Longer OBESE
i like the new blogging plan! I’ve had to cut back before and it makes me sad! I find it easy to post, but hard to read and that’s half the fun! So I have to do fewer posts to give myself time to read.
fittingbackin´s last fabulous musings ..Charleston Rehearsal Dinner- Blogger Meet Up- Good Times
Coincidental timing! I am really toying with cutting back right now. I have a project coming up that will take a lot of time, mostly on the computer, and I think I want to feel that I can put quality time into the blog world too. So I will be very interested to see what happens when you cut back. One blogger told me she actually got more readers that way!
Karen@WaistingTime´s last fabulous musings ..The Wallflower and the Prom King
I’ve cut back on my blogging to at least once a week. Sometimes I might post twice, depending on whether I have some more spare time. I have a lot of hobbies and I neglect them when I post more often as I did my first two years of blogging. I like the idea of growing my blog and getting more readers, but I also like living my life more. So posting when I feel like posting makes blogging less stressful.
I think this is a great idea for you, Diane. I have cut back my blogging and reading of blogs lately also. I don’t have a set schedule for when I post, but it has been less, and then I try and get to blogs at least once a week for now.
In fact, I just sat and caught up on your posts for the first time in about five days.
For me, I think the result is that I’m getting more done in the “real” world versus the internet world and that is a good thing! Plus, right now I’m devoting time to my six-week plan and program with the Beck book, so it’s taken the place of my blogging time. It’s worth it to me, because I desperately need the help.
Have a great week!
Don’t assume you’ll lose readers because you post less. I’m as inclined to unsubscribe because a blog is “too much” as “too little”. We all struggle with this. I think I read the last three of your posts this weekend, catching up. Plus, posting 3X/week will allow you to write only your best posts and leave them up a little longer. (actually, your quality is amazingly consistent every day, but this one is true for me)
I’ve gone to posting M,W,F and it helps me to have that structure. Ideally, I write them on the weekend and just read blogs during the week. But yesterday, I clicked “post” when I meant to click “schedule post”. oh well…
Alan (Pounds Off Playoff)´s last fabulous musings ..Week 32 Recap- Finished the First Round!!!!!
Diane I have no idea how u do it, honestly, you have a HUGE following and I know you want to visit each and everyone. Its not possible.
Maybe u should but us into alphabetical order and read only those blogs once a week…I will understand.
I love your blog so even if you only post 3 x its fine as I too want to get away from the computer and move more for September.
I’ve only got a husband here at home and he moans that I sit here too often…but yes, its me trying to keep in touch with everyone who reads my blog as well as blogs I enjoy.
Look after yourself and your family…we are here.
I don’t know how you have managed blogging nearly every day. Also, homeschooling is a big responsibility, and is very time consuming. I completely understand why you would cut back to three times a week (and that’s quite a bit). I love your posts and will be checking in, no matter how many times a weeki you blog.
Jane´s last fabulous musings ..Coming to Terms With It All-And Can I still Have My Cake
I decided a few months ago to cut back blogging to every other day — unless I’m really moved to write something. I’m kind of digging the slow blogging…
‘Drea´s last fabulous musings ..Lets Get Together And Feel All Right
I do have days where i just have to turn off the computer and live life!! It happens. I also get some posts ready during some down time to post later when i know i won’t have any time at all
Good for you on putting your family first!
suzanne´s last fabulous musings ..And todaya nice walk!
I try to update once a day but it definitely doesn’t always happen. I’d love to see a once-a-week recipe post from you!
Ashley´s last fabulous musings ..Make-ahead breakfast almost fail
I just read blogs in snatches throughout the day, when I can get time, and as you know I am posting far less frequently. I need to be online enough to hold myself accountable and infrequently enough that it doesn’t disturb my higher priorities at home, both at the same time. I still haven’t perfected that balancing act
Taryl´s last fabulous musings ..Political update
For the longest time I had no boundries… I had to blog before I could go to sleep and read everything in my reader before the end of the day. Now I post only if I have time to write and edit what I want to write or use a quick entry like a recipe. And my reader hasn’t been empty this weekend because I was busy with work. I also don’t comment as much as I used to so that I have time to enjoy a post but not feel compelled to leave a comment.
I don’t want blogging to ever feel like a chore and it was starting too a few months ago. I enjoy it much more now.
When you post, I’ll read. You always have something interesting, inspiring, or instructive to say. You deserve time for yourself and your family–take it. For myself, my blogging is really helping me in my weight loss. I learn, get inspired, and enjoy reading blogs. I write to clarify my thoughts and to keep myself going.
Tish´s last fabulous musings ..Weekend Wrap-up
I’ve pretty much cut out posting on weekends, and through timing of posts am focused on 4 per week, with an occasional 5th one, if time allows. (At no extra charge to the readers.:))
The bottom line is that we have to take care of the ones we love first (including ourselves.) I can’t imagine anyone in this particular community having a problem with that or not understanding it. If there is someone like that, we need to send them to Remedial Self-Care Class.
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last fabulous musings ..Where to Begin
I can so relate to your post. First of all I think you are amazing, coming up with a relevant topic so often on top of being a busy mother, and then home schooling on top of it all!
I need to cut back on my blog reading as well as my posting. It is consuming way too much time. I could have a part time job that pays money instead of spending so much time blogging. I like it but seriously there are more exciting things I could be doing with my time!
Hey, I’ll take three times a week! Your blog is such an inspiration to me!
I have cut back on my posting, but I still get around to reading others posts…I NEED it. I start to feel all alone on this journey and I need inspired! I know that this will sound silly, but sometimes I feel like the only ‘fat’ woman in the world struggling…
I miss our homeschooling days…of course I only had two to teach…you must be so organized!
mamajuliana´s last fabulous musings ..Now for your Monday kick in the exercise- weightloss sweatpants!
You are such an encouragment to me. There aren’t many people that have a similar situation as mine (many children, have homeschooled forever) and that makes me treasure you all the more.
I had to quit my blog last year. Two of my children are launched but now I have 4 teens and a couple of challenges and I could either do my job teaching and training or I could write about it. Common sense won out, thankfully!
Thanks for listening, thanks for educating, thanks for encouraging. You are a prize!
Karen
I think I’ve already mentioned I’m a homeschooling Mama too, and I only have two!! I’m lucky to post 2 or 3 times a week, and I’m perfectly content to come by and notice that you’ve not posted something new in the last 24 hours. Knowing that you’re pouring your time into your kids, who won’t be kids forever, puts a smile on my face
Kate´s last fabulous musings ..Fat Day
My blogging this summer was very erratic because of family obligations. I find, though, that I need to somewhat consistent in blogging for me.
Siobhan´s last fabulous musings ..it’s a great day
We all need to do whatever works. I just like blogging very day. I don’t always read or comment every day. That starts to take a back seat when I am busy. TV is the first thing to go for me!
You and your family first, always.
Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last fabulous musings ..Lifting and Team Challenge ride
Diane, you do what you need to do for you and your family. I think it’s great that you homeschool and still have time to do everything you do. You are setting a beautiful example for your children
Josie´s last fabulous musings ..My 1st 15K- New Blog- Ragnar- and Cake! Oh- & this week’s weigh-in too
I think you are a wise woman and being a good example to us all. I gave up blogging a few years back. Just don’t do THAT!
I just helped my daughter set up Google Reader tonight. She’s getting into reading nutrition/vegan/recipe blogs. She’s SO happy to have them in one place! I taught my college age daughter something! Yaay!
I always enjoy reading your posts! But I think everyone has to decide for themselves how to fit blogging into our busy lives – there needs to be balance and it needs to feel right. So sometimes we need to cut back, and that’s okay. Family definitely comes first. Good luck with your beautiful children – I hope they have a great school year!
Amy´s last fabulous musings ..Last Day of Summer Vacation
I appreciate that I was one you visited.
Bree Watson´s last fabulous musings ..My Nutrisystem dinner last night
Diane, I’m not going to lie, I’m going to miss your 5 posts a week, but I think that it’s GREAT that you’re doing what you need to do. I really admire you for homeschooling your kids, too. I was homeschooled until 9th grade, and I still appreciate my mom’s sacrifice to this day. I’m sure your kids will/do feel the same.
I’m actually in the same boat of having to cut back myself. Summertime, I can post 3+ times a week, while now that I have class 3 nights a week/40 hrs. a week on the job/working out/church, etc. I’m going to make try to make it twice a week, maybe once. It’s BUSY! I hope your having a good school year so far!
I didn’t have a computer available for a few weeks; that really helped me break the blogging habit.
It’s QUALITY not QUANTITY that makes us readers check in with you. You, my dear, have a quality blog, and your following will continue.
Recipes are a great idea — I personally am looking for veggie recipes that kids will love.
Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last fabulous musings ..Its Not What It Looks Like