You make it sound like it's a bad thing

It seems like a lot of people have been bagging on blogging lately.

You know what I'm talking about. There are some people - and I plead the fifth here - who think blogging is a waste of time and/or a tool of the devil. And while there is some truth to the former, I think blogging gets a bad rap as the latter.

I do think that we're all trying to reconcile this new medium. We want to make sure that it's not an addiction like gambling or an inappropriate hobby like square dancing. Also, because I think we feel a certain shame in reading (and relating) to the words of complete strangers.

But I don't think we should feel bad for blogging or reading blogs. Personally, I think blogging is great, mostly because I think it's helped me become a better person.

(I'll pause while you all gasp.)

(Wow! Still gasping?)

So how has blogging made me a better person? Well, I find that blogging has made me more consciously live my life.

For example, I used to buy a lot of plain-colored clothes, but I don't any more. I've realized by looking at pics of other people online that I'm more intrigued by outfits adorned in eclectic patterns. I also like bold jewelry and big bags and colorful flats ... but I didn't know that for sure until I saw those fashions on real people in the comfort of my own home, where I could look twice without feeling embarrassed. Call me a voyeur if you will, but it's really improved my wardrobe. (And upped my daily compliment quota.)

Same goes for my house. Even though I'd really, really like to do so much more with my space - like convert it into a large home - I am trying harder to wait for the perfect pieces rather than settling for generic decor. After all, I read a few different design blogs that have really inspired me to decorate my home with accents of my personality. Of course, this is also the reason we've been without an ottoman for more than a year. I just can't find the right one!

But most importantly, I find myself savoring more moments in life. When I do something fun with my family, I stop and take in the experience even more than usual so that I can capture it
in print. I notice the little things that are touching or funny or even embarrassing. I relive the moment even as I'm in it because I see it through all of your eyes, too.

In the end, blogs are like a personalized magazine. We all have our favorite columnist, our interior design section, our personal improvement writer and our favorite fashion spreads. But we don't have to pay to subscribe, and we get a new edition every day.

It's great.

Of course the downsides are having nothing to write, feeling pressure to write and feeling overwhelmed by all the good blogs out there.

But no one is perfect. Not even Design Mom ... though she is eerily close.

So in honor of this new hobby, which is no different (or better or worse) than any other pastime, like scrapbooking or skiing, share with me your personal blog-zine.

What would be the name of your personalized publication? And what blogs would we find in your table of contents?