Outed in A Local Paper
- May 24th, 2008 3:27 pm
A friend of mine stopped by earlier and my blog came up. Apparently, one of our local newspapers put something in there about it. I’m not sure what it was or how much it listed, or even what it exactly said. But it was in there, and apparently I’ve been outed on some level.
I’m not sure how I feel about this really. In some manner, I am absolutely thrilled. In others, I’m sort of sad. I feel as if it adds a filter to my writing. A filter I didn’t have before, because hell, it was mainly complete strangers reading. I don’t feel like I can post as freely about certain things. And I wonder who all is reading and how long they have been. (And if my neighbor that mows the yard in nuthuggers is reading, totally sorry I mocked you on the world wide web. But dude, get some pants that are less revealing.)
Really, I do welcome the new readers. It even excites me.
And I’m here to say I am rising above the filter, because I’ve never responded well to feeling like I couldn’t do something. I was a raised by a very strong woman, my mother. And my mother taught me that I could do anything. I know it sounds cheesy and cliche. But it’s so true. If I called her tomorrow and told her I was going to the moon, she wouldn’t doubt me. She would probably just ask me when I planned on going while making sure I was outfitted accordingly. It’s been a fabulous quality, and I’m so grateful that I was raised that way. But it’s also resulted in me being under the impression I could cut my own hair (which turned out as a disaster).
The issue here is that I live in a fairly small town. Generally, you know when someone across town sneezes and where and why they did it. You either know or speculate on the actions of everyone near, far, and around you. I think under the fairly new town welcoming sign, a lovely brick monstrosity in the midst of greenery, they could put a new slogan beneath the town name reading, “It’s Judgment Time”.
But I try to rise above that. I think such judgments and attitudes made a lot of impressions on me growing up here. I think it’s partly why I didn’t ever reveal my age on here. As a younger mother, I feel like people always feel like they should give me more advice. I feel like sometimes I’m taken less seriously than a mother 5 or 6 years older than me. Because to some people, numbers are everything. If a number is more representative of me than my personality or attitude there isn’t much I can do to change someones mind. But like I said, I think I was used to feeling judged by my age.
Although while I didn’t list my age, it was a terribly interesting experiment. It was most interesting when people make guesses about my age. The guesses ranged from 25-35. The best was when someone emailed me asking me about advice to use while dealing with menopause. (seriously, I mean. I know I have hot flashes sometimes..but I don’t think its menopause. And sorry for not responding to your email, I hope you’ve since found help and are coping with the change accordingly).
Truthfully, I waited so long to reveal my age because I hated being the mother that had older women approach me in Kroger because my child had lost a sock, and surely, I knew better than to, “let [my] child go out in public with socks on.” And yes, I knew better. But kids take their socks off without regard to the age of their mother. That is a fact. And I don’t throw around the word ‘fact’.
But I’m really tired of not talking about certain things on here. And so long as I’ve been outed, proverbially. Well, I might as well out myself here to people I truly enjoy that read my writing.
My name is Amanda Hill. I am 23 years old. I have a lot of freckles. My hair is really fuzzy sometimes. Sometimes I let my daughter play with child safe scissors and watch cheerleader DVDS. In my defense, she loves them both. My favorite shows are House, The Office, and Grey’s Anatomy. My husband is hairy, hilarious, smart, and nice looking. We don’t have any pets, but I feed my neighbors dog. (Sorry, but sometimes he acts hungry. Probably that’s a lie, because I’ve always fed any animal that comes on my porch.) Honestly, I’m going to keep writing about what I think regardless of what anyone else thinks. Because I can. I’m not letting much stop me. Which sounds selfish, but it’s the truth. Those who can do.
And if for some reason you don’t want to read because I’m just 23 and what would I know? I just breathe Oxygen and put my pants on like everyone else. Or maybe you don’t want to read because my husband is hairy or you don’t like my last name or fuzzy hair or you have beef with freckles. I’m okay with that.
But like I said, I’m Amanda Hill. I’m 23. And I like to write. My little ginger-headed daughter frequently verbalizes that I am ‘the best mom ever’. That’s enough for me.
(Edit: I realize this whole entry might seem silly to some people. But the things is, it’s very odd for me to know that people I might see on a daily basis are reading this. With that said, it’s also odd that I’d rather have complete strangers reading this. Either way, I was slightly freaking out when I wrote this. So if it looks like a giant pile of your grandmother’s leftovers, that is why. Additionally, it feels rude to call some of you complete strangers when we comment and email on a regular basis. But I’m getting used to the change already. And I’ll deal. My mother gave me a magnet once that said ‘Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Deal with It’. So that’s what I am doing. I’ve got my big girl panties on, and please know that since I have a tendency to eat my feelings, they are truly becoming big girl panties. )
May 24th, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Wow. I’m totally curious what the paper wrote about you!
I’m on the other end of the spectrum…when I had my daughter I was of “Advanced Maternal Age,” That is, over 35.
Whatever. Of course, I breath oxygen from a canister I wheel around ;).
Christines last blog post..Told you I’m shameless
May 24th, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
A big hi from a newcomer to your blog.
Nice piece of writing. Like it very much.
I think I will stay here for a while and add your blog to my browser’s bookmarks toolbar.
And I am happy to excite you as a new reader.
See you again at comments of the next note.
May 24th, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
You certainly don’t write like you are 23 - I think you have amazing insight and are just downright f**king hilarious! I love reading the post!
Being from KY myself, the one about cucumbers was so dead on!! Thank you for your daily dose of knowledge and laughter!
Lisa Martins last blog post..Falling Off the Wagon
May 24th, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
that’s awesome you ended up in our local newspaper. you’re getting popular :). lol.
May 24th, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
You’re a baby
I don’t know how I feel about you being outed either..I guess there are pros and cons like you said. I hate the filtering that it may bring but the added traffic and opportunities might be cool!
mps last blog post..My attempt at computer art
May 24th, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
I don’t think 23 is so young. that’s not meant as an insult, but really, think back…didn’t you feel a lot younger before the first year of sleepless nights?
Frick, I did, and I’m 27, but some days, feel closer to 40.
Zoeyjanes last blog post..Because Asking for Help is Hard
May 24th, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Great Post!
You got me on the age. Not that I really ever thought about it, just assumed you were around the same age as me. Sorry for the assumption, but when I just read others, I think I put in my own assumptions.
Here’s the deal, you are BEYOND a talented writer, and I LOVE reading what you have to say. So you could be 12 (albeit weird to have a 3 year old) or 75 (again weird to have a 3 year old) I love your rants and raves for the day!
Carry on!
Kristens last blog post..It’s that time again Girls!
May 24th, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Whatever your age, you are awesome and hilarious and fun and sound like a fabulous mom and also like you are happy. Sure, I’m surprised, but that’s because I tend to think everyone is approximately my age, and you have your crap together more than I did at your age. So it’s interesting, but it doesn’t change you being awesome.
Maggie’s Minds last blog post..Emily Gould - Exposed - Blog-Post Confidential
May 24th, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
All I can say is you write very well, 23 or not.
I would have also guessed around the same age, but more from ‘mommy blog’ profiling than anything you’ve written.
Nice stuff, it’s grown on me lately, keep it up!
Xbox4NappyRashs last blog post..Patience Patients
May 24th, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
Love it! But you forgot the part where you say “and I’m awesome and a super fantastic mom”. Because well, you are! So happy that you choose to be you no matter what. Very admirable!
kspins last blog post..Reality Used To Be A Friend Of Mine
May 24th, 2008 @ 6:12 pm
I don’t care how old you are. Your still my favorite blogger. And I think your a terrific mom, again no matter how old you are. And I think you kick ass that you continued to out yourself. Me? I would have run and hid under my bed if the paper outed me. See your brave.
Now I’m a little bit older (29), recently married with no children (yet), and I get a LOT of “oh you look like a baby! your too young to be married” (they don’t know how old I am when they say that. Do you a) get that too & if so b) hate that as much as I do???
btw-I got my new wordpress blog up this week, so check it out! Your on my blog roll (of course-hope you don’t mind). thanks again for your help.
Kandis last blog post..Furniture Extraveganza
May 24th, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
There are a lot of young bloggers that come across a lot more mature than one would expect based on their ages. One of the interesting things about blogging is that regardless of how old someone is, it almost always SEEMS like they’re right around the same as as I am, though that is not true.
It’s easy to assume someone is older than they are when they have children, just because the average age that people typically have children has increased. I had my first child right after I turned 23 (I’m now 37), and when I go to her school functions, I am the youngest parent in the room. I chaperoned a field trip last week and was sitting right behind my daughter in a group of 8th grade students, and the teacher asked her where her mother was. I raised my hand and she said “Oh, you blended right in.” That could be partially due to the fact that I’m ginger-haired with lots of freckles (we tend to look like children longer than normal).
JMCs last blog post..Happiness is…
May 24th, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
Don’t sell yourself short about your age. You’re a wonderful writer and you have and excellent sense of self.
Thanks for the twitter follow (annettek), it’s nice to meet you.
catnips last blog post..saturday is a good day for a meme
May 24th, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Well, I’m 21 and I don’t know better than to let my baby go out in public without socks on. But that’s mostly because her socks are at the bottom of the laundry basket that I have yet to fold and I’m too lazy to dig for them.
Erin Maries last blog post..Yay for Jeff!
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Anybody else asks about menopause, tell them to take the friggin HRT or their lives won’t be worth living. But not the horsepiss pills (Premarin, made from pregnant mare’s urine), the yam ones.
witchypoos last blog post..The Little Professor
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Well I would have picked you as a little older than 23. In a good, she seems so mature, kind of way, not a bad, what a cranky old cow, way.
I have a hairy husband too! We can bond, you and I! And there folks, is the silver lining of being outed. We can bond over odd things we would not have known about before said outing.
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Well I just have to say that I totally hear you on the “young” thing. I will be 31 on Monday and Giggles turned 13 this past December~you do the math…or not, whatever. I think that age is just a number. People are often surprised to find out that I am “only” 30 and I have lost a couple of friends over it just because I am young and confident (hubby calls it alpha female…lol) I love you (okay I am probably freaking you out, but you posted to my blog first….heehee) and you are on my blog roll. To be quite honest I never “pegged” you a certain age, I just thought you are a fun, hip, talented mommy….like you truly are. Keep on writing sister…cuz we are out here waiting!
Heathers last blog post..Off to Wooster!!
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:06 pm
Last weekend I was tipsy at our PTA function and told other moms about my blog.
I see on my stat counter how many people around me read it. I am okay with it…. but when I go to preschool pickup I am a bit freaked out some times. I wonder who reads me. :0
OHmommys last blog post..Apparently, I belong in the zoo…
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:12 pm
hey thanks for being my first commenter! made my day.
Kandis last blog post..Sassy’s sass attack
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
you should read the new york times magazine cover story, all about a blogger who worked at gawker. very interesting read !
feeners last blog post..Crazy Soccer Mom
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
I am sitting here shaking my head at the comments like ‘you write so well even for a 23yr old’ WTF is with that???
Anyway, doesn’t matter one way or another to me babe - considering I have just been outed myself - you could be a 50 year old man. Doesn’t matter one bit to me.
And I feel your pain re idiots questioning your parenting skills as a young mother. I am 36 and my daughter is about to turn 17.
Kelleys last blog post..Damn. I wasted my wishes.
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
okay … I GET it …
check the bottom of post May 16!
Melissa from Pittsburghs last blog post..Bad Idea #784
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
It is very strange when you start realizing that people you know in real life have been reading your blog. It took me some effort to get over it and, as you said, ‘Put My Big Girl Panties On’ (That is now my new favorite saying!) But yeah. Blogging is such a weird, quirky thing, isn’t it?
For what it’s worth, I never would have guessed 23. 26, 27, maybe? You definitely write and seem much older
Which… I know the difference is only a few years, but that’s a big few years! So woo for you, girlie 
Jens last blog post..bloggers in the real world
May 24th, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
OH … and right … had to comment on the 23 year old thing, you are seriously WISE BEYOND your years! I’m almost two of you, and I’ve never been so witty and amazingly observant. You are on my bloglog! Wish I was your neighbor - you’d keep me in stitches.
Your little one is precious, I LOVE red curls!
Melissa from Pittsburghs last blog post..Bad Idea #784
May 24th, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Wow…don’t take this the wrong way, but I thought you were older…closer to my age (*cough*31*cough*). My perception is based a little on your pic in your masthead and a lot more on your writing. You have the depth and cynicism of someone a bit older than your physical years…so in a really weird back-ass way I am totally complimenting your writing. It’s definitely better than mine.
As for mothering? It sometimes seems to me that my friends and cousins who had their children young seemed to just roll with the punches of parenthood so much better than an old bitty like me who was all “I have a big-girl job and a big-girl college degree and now I need to be a big-girl mom who does everything right.”
May 24th, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
Its funny, I’m 23 myself and I totally thought you would be older than me, though probably not by much… you certainly have gathered a larger number of great stories!
I hope your fellow townspeople knowing about your blog doesn’t stop your story telling, because its pretty hysterical
May 24th, 2008 @ 8:54 pm
Nice to meet you.
Mrs. G.s last blog post..Um…
May 24th, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
Well, I would never have guessed you to be 23. You do write with a more mature voice.
I would have guessed 30 something. But who cares. My favorite saying that I read ages ago is “If age brought wisdom there would be no old fools.” =D
castocreationss last blog post..Photo Hunt Saturday - Shoes
May 24th, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
Please, please, please don’t let being outed stop you from writing about the Crazy 80s Lady. I. MUST. KNOW. MORE!
Dingos last blog post..The Amazing Race
May 24th, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
Scaaarrrryyyyy….. Creeeepppyyyyyyy….
I’m proud to say, “I knew you when.”
A Whole Lot of Nothings last blog post..Shii Likii Wii Fit-ii
May 24th, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
What an amazing, poignant post. I loved all of it. Good for you for being so honest. I felt every word. I especially loved:
“…kids take their socks off without regard to the age of their mother. That is a fact.”
I may not be around much, but I’ll make up for that. I love your writing and dammit, I’ll keep reading it.
My husband’s hairy too.
Siobhans last blog post..Thirteen Things I Might Have Posted Thursday Given the Chance
May 24th, 2008 @ 11:26 pm
I raised my sister’s child; if she had been mine I would have been 21 when she was born. So I know exactly what you mean about being a young mother. People always assumed I was five years older than I was. Now I’m 44, with 4 kids–23, 18, 15 & 13. People still assume I’m older, but think I just look really great for my age!
You’re a very entertaining writer. I always think a good mom is going to be a good mom now matter how old they are when their child is born.
Jenn @ Juggling Lifes last blog post..
May 24th, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
I don’t think it’s silly at all. I often wonder what it would feel like if my blog were officially outed. I have a few friends who read, but I’ve told them about it. My family doesn’t know about it, the people I work with don’t know about it…I’ve been wondering if and how such an event would change my writing.
Good post. And nice to meet you, Amanda. My name is Emily (and I’m 28).
WonderSpots last blog post..Wedding Bells
May 24th, 2008 @ 11:56 pm
My youngest sister is 14 years younger than me & if I was pushing her stroller in public, some women would give me dirty looks. I felt fairly smug in the knowledge that I was a better mom to my sister than they were to their own kids sometimes. Anyway, I love that you’re 23. It makes you seem even smarter, funnier & more kick-ass than before.
Eve Greys last blog post..Puppy Dog Tails
May 24th, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
Hi Amanda! Nice to meet you!
I was 23 when I became a mother (now 27) and I like the same shows as you. Wanna hang out? Ok, maybe not, since I live in Canada. But I’ve enjoyed reading your work and I’ve been flattered that you stopped by my blog. Looking forward to getting to know you better.
PS-I know what you mean about being outed. When I found out my parents knew about my blog I had a minor stroke, even though I’ve never written anything bad about them. It is still unnerving. There are certain things I just can’t bring myself to say, knowing they *could* read it.
Shannons last blog post..with love from me
May 24th, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
k, um, not sure why 2/3 of that is bolded but i really wasn’t trying to emphasize all of it. bye!
Eve Greys last blog post..Puppy Dog Tails
May 25th, 2008 @ 12:06 am
I love your writing. When I read your posts I think to myself: funny and genuine. Wondering how old you are had never entered my mind since subscribing to your blog!
The Flirty Girls last blog post..The Price of Gas Went Up 8¢ While I Was Pumping!
May 25th, 2008 @ 1:00 am
Awesome post this makes me want to read even more! I love your blog and writing it always makes my day!
Kelsey Smiths last blog post..::Weekend Linkage::
May 25th, 2008 @ 3:11 am
haha I had to giggle over the being outed bit… I got a little freaked out when my sister posted to my blog this week, I didn’t know she knew about it let alone read it.
Petas last blog post..Dreaded Words
May 25th, 2008 @ 5:10 am
I always assumed you were young, i guess just from your pictures. But that makes it even more amazing that you are such a great mom, and you really are! Yay for not filtering.
britts last blog post..Having Cake. Eating Cake.
May 25th, 2008 @ 8:06 am
Well written indeed. (even for someone your age)—-just kidding, I couldn’t resist
I kinda like the fact that no one local,except family, reads my blog. More people in Turkey have opened my site than in Townsville. And I am ok with that. I do agree that if more people in Townsville did read my blog, I would not change anything. Hey–it’s my blog. Well done and keep those big girl panties on!!!
jennis last blog post..It’s Here…A Tank or a Toilet.
May 25th, 2008 @ 8:19 am
Well I’m 29 and my son is nine. Fairly good at math, so it looks like we were the same age when our kids were born. Yeah, gotta love that advice everyone gives young moms. I just like to tell people that my main goal in life is to be the ‘hot mom’ when my son is in high school. Being so much younger than the other moms gives me an advantage.
Don’t worry, you’ve probably never met me in real life and I too am disturbed by nuthuggers.
Jennifers last blog post..Nasa Proves It! There Is Life On Other Planets!
May 25th, 2008 @ 10:05 am
LIke I’ve said before-I think we’d be good friends in REAL Life. I am only 26- will be 27 soon- but I get that whole age look too. Its funny because no matter how old you are, or aren’t- people tend to judge. I hate judgers. I personally enjoy being a “young” mommy. HECK- if I were any older- how the heck would I hang with my wild and whacy 3 year old??
okay- gotta go make “brek-kist” for the child.
Hmmm… what else??
OH- and I feel ya on the being outted thing. It is Bittersweet. (I love that word) Every once in a while- I have a random stranger come out of lurkdom- and say hi. I like it. But the key word is STRANGER.
Hasta.
kalyns last blog post..Geek Squad Here We Come (vol.4)
May 25th, 2008 @ 10:26 am
A few things things:
1) I knew we were the same age! I could just feel it. This, by the way, only strengthens the fact that I want to be your friend. Creepy? Yes, of course. I don’t like to hide my feelings, though.
2) You seem like a fantastic mom who loves her daughter with all of the passion and excitment anyone could have. The way you talk about her, she seems brilliant, precocious (I’m a terrible speller) and hillarious.
3) You are a great writter. I get very bummed out when I come to your page and you haven’t updated.
You can’t stop people from making instant judgments on you, but just be yourself and their opinions will change, you’re too bad ass for them no to.
May 25th, 2008 @ 10:53 am
23?! that’s it, i’m out of here!
sometimes i feel like the old lady around these blogging parts…i’m 26 freakin’ years old!
i think it’s awesome that you aren’t going to yourself…i’m way too much of a pansy to do that. i live in the same kind of small town, but luckily our paper rarely prints anything of local interest, and if they did, nobody reads it.
you do a great job!
kristas last blog post..and here we are
May 25th, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
After this post I really feel like I know you!
Sorry your anonymity was compromised by the paper. Please keep writing, you crack me up. And occasionally I wake the dogs up from laughing so loud.
May 25th, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
I find you witty, charming and a very insightful writer. No matter what your ‘age’ is, you are wonderfully mature and deliciously girlish. I’m 62 years old and I think I have enough background and experience to know a good one when I see one. From my point of view, you would make any father proud. Don’t EVEN change.
lceels last blog post..Sunday, sunday, so good to me
May 25th, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Hi Amanda,
I’m Shawn.
Don’t stop believing. Hold on to that feeling.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..Nightmare
May 25th, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
23 is great! And the best part? I’m 46 and still think your blog is fantastic! Now that is really cool.
May 25th, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Heh - I’m 26 if it makes you feel any better. I’m sure my readers think I’m older.
Tranny Heads last blog post..Whacked Out Weekend: Plastic Bags
May 25th, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
Hi Amanda
I’ve been lurking for a little while. I came over from A Whole Lot Of Nothing.
I’m the old mom of a 23 yr old and a 20 yr old and most of the 20-somethings I know are pretty cool.
You had me with the cutie-patootie redhead and REALLY had me with Crazy 80’s Lady.
You’re enjoyable.
Little Miss Sunshine States last blog post..Sunshine State Shopping Show
May 25th, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
The thing about being a mommy is it doesn’t matter how old you are cuz everyone sucks at it sometimes. But it’s the best thing in the entire world, and when we share with each other (like on blogs), it helps us to be better mommies.
Also, my husband is the ONLY person that I know in person who knows about my blog (that I know of), because I don’t think I would have any friends and my family would disown me if they read some of the stuff I wrote about. It’s therapy for me, so I write it anyway, but that’s why I don’t tell anyone about it. So I TOTALLY understand how you feel about wanting anonymity and having a filter. I’d freak out if I were you, too (feel better?).
For what it’s worth, I think you’re a great mommy. At least it seems like it from the pictures. She cute, which means you care about what she’s wearing, you bathe her, you brush her hair. She looks healthy, which means you have to be feeding her semi-healthy food on a regular basis, and exercise her enough that she’s no obese from all the food.
You are successful enough to have tons of readers (50 something comments? I’m jealous), and a paper to do an article on you.
That’s pretty good for “only” being 23. Let’s see what 24 brings, eh? No pressure.
RubiaLalas last blog post..Soccer Party
May 25th, 2008 @ 11:20 pm
Hill? Really? I don’t think I can read this blog.
Joking.
I know exactly how you feel, I don’t want my family (i.e. my mother) reading my blog because well for one, I bitch about her on it but also because then I would feel like I had to censor myself and its my place, my blog and I can do what I want to.
Kudos to you for keepin’ on like usual.
Allie Bears last blog post..I rule, boys drool!
May 26th, 2008 @ 3:06 am
Hi Amanda, so glad you commented on my blog, because now I’ve stumbled on your amazing writing! I’m not surprised you’ve been outed. Keep on going … its hilarious!
Nickyx
thevintagemagpies last blog post..All Aboard For Another Countryside Drive
May 26th, 2008 @ 4:56 am
It’ll have its pros and cons, but keep up the good work hun! And it is okay to freak out! You’ve got an amazing blog…people want to know about it! There could be a ton of possibilities waiting even if things have to be a tad “filtered”. It’ll work out!
Meagans last blog post..Bleh. Barf. Eww.
May 26th, 2008 @ 6:10 am
I can totally relae to this post and the challenge of knowing that you are “outed”.
I would have never guessed you are but a child yourself…bu that will not deter me from reading, enjoying and appreciating your wonderful blog!
Lauras last blog post..Sunday Scrappin’
May 26th, 2008 @ 6:58 am
Thanks for dropping by and complimenting Gilligan. He’s thrilled to have a fan.
Love your site, and I can relate to your feelings. A question for the ages — is it less weird to have total strangers or the people you speak to as you pass in the grocery store reading everything you have to say? I haven’t been able to figure that one out yet…
Kerrys last blog post..Gilligan, the Wonder Cat
May 26th, 2008 @ 9:45 am
Hilarious. I was also outed in my region’s paper last week. I wonder too if some of my neighbors (who I’ve talked about) now know what I’ve said. I guess I’ll know when they no longer wave. Oh well!
Noble Pigs last blog post..Get Out of Your Rut
May 26th, 2008 @ 10:03 am
it’s just a number, love!
just a number.
you = awesome.
alis last blog post..growth and growth?
May 26th, 2008 @ 11:43 am
You’re 23? Wow. You are mighty wise for your age! I do think once we pass 20, age seems to be a non-issue - especially when you have a child helping you grow up pretty quickly.
Oh, and about the paper thing - I think about this often. I wonder what non-bloggy people thing of the blog. As much as I’d like to have some more exposure, I’m not sure how I’d take to being outed. Some people just don’t get this place, you know? I especially would never want anyone at work to find out - thinking about my co-workers reading stories about my boobs totally freaks me out.
andis last blog post..Ah, retirement
May 26th, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
I totally know what you mean about the young mother thing. How many times do I hear “You dont look old enough…” Now I just say, I am not. And when people try to be nosy about my “circumstances” i.e. when I got preggo, I get annoyed. Maybe this story is new and scandalous to them, but I have lived with it for almost 13 years. Yeah I got knocked up in high school. Like your mom said, deal with it.
Lisas last blog post..Your Charm is Quite Irresistable
May 26th, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
I was outed by my famous man… So I got myself a new blog where I can write whatever I feel and be uncensored- while being careful to not out myself or provide too much info that may allow readers to figure out who I am.
Being in the paper is cool though! Congrats on your fame!
Dirty Laundry Divas last blog post..A night of hospitality hell…
May 26th, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
23 or 123 I’ll keep reading.
Well maybe not 123 because then you would probably ramble on and repeat yourself a lot…
Don Mills Divas last blog post..Driving with the brakes on
May 26th, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
I think it’s wonderful you are a young mom. I wish I had been. You’ll have so much more time to enjoy the kiddo. But, now I feel berry berry old compared to you.
Anglophile Football Fanatics last blog post..HF: Sharing the Laughter & Love
May 26th, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Holy Cow, woman! You have quite the following here! Very impressive, especially for a kid. JUST KIDDING!! I would feel the same way, so I understand. Every now and then, I’d like to write about a deep, dark secret, but I can’t, because I worry that someone might find it. It’s kind of weird to trust strangers more than people you know with your secrets, I suppose, but I love my bloggy family and wouldn’t trade them for anything. Great post.
Half-Past Kissin’ Times last blog post..Angels(?) Among Us
May 26th, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
Thank you!
I know that you stop by my blog occasionally - I come here every day (and yet, I still break the “blogger code” and never comment). I myself found that “the jig was up” this past Thursday when the Membership VP of my MOMS Club (I’ve been the Pres for 2 years and will be for another month) let me know that she found my blog. The problem? I do a heck of a lot of bitching about certain club members on my blog!
So now I’m stuck with a dilemna…do I continue as if nothing happened? Switch blogs so that I am not as easily “Googleable” (I use my real name), or continue on as normal, password-pretoecting those posts that have the potential to get me in BIG trouble with the locals? What to do, what to do? (seriously - what to DO?)
Mindis last blog post..The downside to being frugal
May 26th, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Amanda Hill we think you rock! Don’t change a thing.
I found out the other day that a friend of mine reads my blog. She called it my “cute little mom blog.” Kind of pissed me off and I really wanted to blog about it, but I couldn’t because now she’s reading my blog!!! augh.
Now I am off to figure out your hometown paper…lol - Just Kidding!!
Shannanb aka Mommy Bitss last blog post..What’s In a Name?
May 26th, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
See I am going off the comments here and I know you have seen the movie Some Kind of Wonderful because even though your 23 I have faith that you have seen that classic movie.. Okay now onto my point.. the song Ms. Amanda Jones song popped into my head.. and then I thought to myself that you + your blog= me always thinking of a song when I comment.. WTF is the matter with me?
PS. I heart your blog and I could care less that I was already a teenager when you were born.. FRICK I am old.. send me that ladies email about the menopause questions..looks like I may be able to answer here.hahahahah
Kims last blog post..A Mommy Blessing- May 26 2007
May 26th, 2008 @ 8:31 pm
You go girl! If you take on the world, my money’s on you. <3
Tara R.s last blog post..It’s all over except the crying…
May 26th, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Age is just a number. Really.
Keep writing and thinking. You are a very talented writer and I so enjoy reading your blog.
Beth from the Funny Farms last blog post..Somewhere Over the Rainbow
May 26th, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Freckles I can forgive, it’s the hairy husband thing that has ruined you for me. LOL!
Burgh Babys last blog post..Just One of Those Moments I May Never Understand
May 26th, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
I can totally understand what you are saying. I just started my blog and nobody knows about it. I like it that I can write and not worry about what I say. And the nuthuggers comment cracked me up. LOL
Tiffanys last blog post..Oh the Dollar Store
May 26th, 2008 @ 11:26 pm
Oh for Heaven’s Sake. Does it really matter how old you are? That drives me freaking bonkers! Get this…when I was in labor with my son, I was 23. It was 1:35 in the morning, and I was being rushed into an emergency c-section. The anal-stupid-ologist started lecturing me about how I’m too young to have a child, and that I deserved the pain I was receiving. Asshole. Long story short, I’m freaking out, and scared for myself and my baby and I scream, “But I’m 23!!!!” I was heavily sedated from that point until the anal-stupid-ologist was off duty. I still don’t think he charged me.
At any rate, I commend you for standing your ground. Never hide who you are, or edit what you say. You are remarkable and special! Oh, and yeah, I lived in small town USA also. Try 1200 population, and the ONE time I decided to do something stupid, my grandma knew about it before I even did it. *sigh*
Keep writing! You’re my daily dose of sanity!
Oh, and we freckle faced girls need to stick together!!
*hugs*
May 27th, 2008 @ 2:48 am
I tagged you on my blog, but if you don’t want to do it it won’t hurt my feelings ;).
Brittanys last blog post..The Age I Wish to Go Back To
May 27th, 2008 @ 4:16 am
I am SO glad you’re not going to hold back. I would hate it if your blog changed!
I had my first son just before my 20th birthday. I’m not a younger mother any more, but I was back in the day!
dysfunctional moms last blog post..You Asked For It….
May 27th, 2008 @ 6:18 am
That’s so funny - I had nothing but friends read my blog for so long that I lost consciousness when I realized there were strangers out there reading it too.
Oh, and it doesn’t matter how old you are (says the 38 year old mom of 2 girls) - people will always come up in the grocery store to offer parenting advice. Beeotches.
carolyns last blog post..First day of summer.
May 27th, 2008 @ 8:06 am
Wow, so …what were you in the paper for? Crazy!
I’m glad you aren’t censoring though!!
Ashleys last blog post..I’m Back!!!
May 27th, 2008 @ 10:54 am
I think it’s funny you commented on your age….’cause I just noticed it on your myspace the other day, and I thought “Wow. 23. She seems so much older/wiser/whathaveyou…NOT that Im at all that much older myself.
Good post. Sorry you were outed. I say: Find out which sneeky buggar did it and write about them. Not badly mind you, just write about them…
May 27th, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Omigosh, I am howling at your blog! Betwixt the cucumbers and bipolar three-year-olds (I Googled “bipolar toddlers” when my daughter was only two, thank you very much…she’s clearly “advanced.”) I’m sold. Adding you to my blogroll this afternoon.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for being so “sassy!” I’ll be back often.
Cheryls last blog post..That Special Someone….
May 27th, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
I once heard that none of us are older than 1 year old. It’s something about our cell structure and when they are made and die, blah blah blah.
All I heard is that I’m only one.
Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..Ask Me No Dumb Questions & I’ll Tell You No Lies
May 27th, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
Hey girlfriend!! From one young mom to another … Ain’t our club a nice one? I kind of like being the young’n when it comes to kids. I can get away with saying really stoopid things at times (hypothetically. I don’t actually say stoopid things. Really.), and when I have something mildly insightful to share, people are always surprised! My oldest was born when I was 19, my next at 20, and the baby when I was 23.
Thanks so much for stopping by my little home on the web. I can’t wait to check your place out and get to know you a little better. I love finding other young moms!!!
(ps- if you haven’t checked out my Friday Confessions, that should scare you enough to make you not come back to my blog. It’s amazing how much fun you can have being open!!)
~Brea
Brea in Texass last blog post..What to Write?
May 27th, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Hey, I’m 35 and can’t keep track of my own socks in public. You’re already one step ahead of me in that dept. Rock on (cuz it looks like you’ll be at it for a while).
BusyDads last blog post..If Jeopardy Were Written by Parents
May 27th, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
I had my 12 YO when I was 22 so I feel ya, girl. When people find out I have four kids now, they always ask the same thing “Did you start when you were 12?” Apparently I look young for my age. It kind of sucks but I still struggle with being taken seriously as a Mom sometimes and I’m 34. Just keep being the awesome mom that you are! Who cares what all those other people think!
SherE1s last blog post..Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
May 27th, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
IF you made the paper, you’ve made it! I so share that pain - you are all that matters (being it YOUR blog and all)!
MamaGeeks last blog post..Sips, Dips and Chips
May 27th, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
Hello Amanda! Nice to meet you.
Yep, I totally get it too. I’m moving back home to our small town in a month, and feeling kinda apprehensive about everyone in my face about, well, everything.
And in the interest of being ‘out’ :
My name is Amanda, I’m 27, my husband and my Bubbalu mean the world to me, and I like peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.
Amanda- VintageDutchGirls last blog post..Slinging it…
May 27th, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
You know that 23 is totally the new 30. You are very talented, been reading only a short while, but impressed nonetheless. I am almost 34, which just looks weird to even type, but I can’t hardly formulate sentences. Thanks for reading our blog. I live in the same state as dooce, so we are like 1,000,000 on the list of blogs to talk about.
Felicitys last blog post..Unspeakable Moon Pie Attack
May 28th, 2008 @ 12:07 am
It’s funny seeing ppl’s reactions to your age since I’ve known for a while!
You are a rawk star, hun. Keep on keepin on!
VDogs last blog post..The Day BOSSY Came to Town, Part Deux
May 28th, 2008 @ 4:07 am
What a wonderful site! So glad that you stopped by mine and said hello. You write beautifully - especially for one so young;)
Having grown up in a small town, I know what you’re feeling about being outed in the town rag. Great response.
I’ll be back to see how you go - all the best.
Chris in Happy Valleys last blog post..Up The Beach
May 28th, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
I am 23 as well, and purposefully havent mentioned it on my blog. I think people can tell, but some can’t, and since I write about nonsense anyway I didn’t want to be too specific to one age-group.
bekahs last blog post..It’s just not fair
May 28th, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
I am the same way about having people I know read my blog. What I’m finding is that *most* people could give a rat’s ass about it. And I think that’s worse than not telling them to begin with. I’ve told a total of three close friends about it. Not one has come back more than once without my prompting. Ouch.
So what I’m saying is that I think you are fairly safe.
Although I would be totally stoked if my blog ended up in a paper!
Natalies last blog post..Stubborn
May 28th, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
P.S. I’m 33 (next Tuesday GAH!), I don’t care that you are ten years younger than me.
Natalies last blog post..Stubborn
May 28th, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
A lot of people that I know in real life read my blog but I sometimes forget that they do. Every so often though I’ll think “Oops, shoudn’t have told that 100th story about my vagina. My dad and Grandma and mother-in-law are going to read that.” But mostly I just don’t care any more.
On a totally different topic, related to nothing, your daughter is the cutest cute that ever cuted. Seriously.
Jens last blog post..Too lazy to think of a clever title
May 29th, 2008 @ 11:26 am
I always thought you seemed like around my age, which is 23 so wooo I was right!
Your blog rocks. I wonder what they said?!
Sarahs last blog post..I love amazing deals!
May 29th, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
As far as I know, only my mother and sister read my blog. I don’t care that my sister does, but my mother…I wish she wouldn’t. No, actually, I HATE that she reads.
LunaNiks last blog post..Holy Inappropriate-ness *Updated: RETRACTION*
May 29th, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
as you know, i was outed in a completely different way. and…i had to shut down my blog and start a new one. but…you…have an amazing blog. i’m shocked that you’re so young! and, you deserve the publicity. because…you have got one of the most awesome blogs out there!!
xoxo
May 30th, 2008 @ 10:53 am
I’m very late! I love your fuzzy hair, freckles..umm.. everything and you know I love to read your writing. I know how you feel about that filter issue and your blog. My pastor’s wife reads my blog! YIKES! Talk about being kept in line. *shudder* I had my first one at 19, turned 20 a month later so I’ve been there. I heard so many times, “I bet Grandma does a lot of raising that one.” Umm.. no. I’ve hardly ever had baby sitters because of comments like that. I raised my child, MINE! And you know what? I have GR