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International Blog Delurking Week 2015

Back in the olden days of the Internet, the first full week of January was declared International Delurking Week, and I still celebrate this ancient holiday. It runs this year from the 4th until the 10th, so you have about five days to slither out of the reading closet and check in with an “I’m here” comment.

It is fairly easy. Leave a comment in the comment section below admitting that you’re here. You can simply raise your hand and meekly admit that you’re here with a simple, one-word “here” comment; or you can proudly raise your hand and tell us all a bit about yourself (my preferred method); or… you can tell me your favourite candy (see, I’m trying to make it easy for you by even providing a comment prompt).

The point is that I want to know about the people who read me, since there is a huge discrepancy between the number of readers in actuality and the number of readers I actually know are reading. Or a tongue-twister like that.

And that’s all you have to do to celebrate.

So (clears throat to nudge you along), who is here?

And just to answer my own question, I am partial to anything peppermint.

* I make a badge every year to mark the occasion, and I give you full permission to right click and grab it for your very own.

80 comments

1 earthandink { 01.06.15 at 8:49 am }

I’m here! But you knew that.
Let’s see … I’m a writer, a poet, an artist/illustrator, a geek, a fan of fantasy novels. I want to write the next great American fantasy novel. Or the next one after the next one. (It’s going to take me a while.)
I have pretty bad social anxiety and it comes out blogging sometimes and when I comment sometimes, to the point that there are times I have to stop myself from asking a comment I’ve made be removed.
I love Crunchie bars from the UK with unswerving devotion.

2 Kate { 01.06.15 at 9:13 am }

I’m here, I suffer from social anxiety. I often type out responses, but almost never submit them. I’ve retyped this message 4+ times. I’m married, mom to a teenage marching band geek, I like to hike and camp, and I taught myself how to knit this summer.

3 Jen { 01.06.15 at 9:16 am }

Im here! Loved blogging but I no longer do it! Mommy to a two year old IVF baby.

4 Davidah { 01.06.15 at 9:18 am }

I’m here. I have two kids and a dog but no blog. I try to comment periodically. I love to give advice and blog comments are a way to do that (only when the poster asks for input). I like high quality dark chocolate.

Davidah

5 charlotte { 01.06.15 at 9:33 am }

Hey Mel! I’m here. I used to blog long ago and tried to restart but I don’t have the blogging mojo. My long awaited third baby that was 8 years in the making is about to turn one. We are back again on the ttc train and I can feel my body doing the same stupid crap over again. I am.not ready to admit that all those firsts might have been lasts.
I am partial to chocolate in all forms, especially these chocolate bisciut bars a friend in England used to send me.
I always have a comment in my head but rarely type them because typing on my phone sucks, and I hate “text-speak”, both writing and reading it so I refuse to do it. This comment just took me 10 minutes!

6 Lori Lavender Luz { 01.06.15 at 9:37 am }

I’m here!

I have never had a pbj.

7 BentNotBroken { 01.06.15 at 9:49 am }

Lurker here!

I’m here because I came out of the crapshoot that that is infertility with nothing but a pair of asshat ovaries and perimenopause symptoms at age 33 (and no kids).

As for candy, as long as it doesn’t contain coconut, I’m game. And sometimes, if I’m desperate, coconut containing candy is a go.

8 My New Normal { 01.06.15 at 9:50 am }

I’m here. Still reading but struggling to keep writing.

9 Katherine A { 01.06.15 at 9:53 am }

*Raises hand* I’m here!

Favorite candy tends to change by the day/week. Always near the top of the list are chocolate/peanut butter combinations or chocolate/mint combinations. Oh, and gingersnaps. And almond joy bars. And chocolate/hazelnut combinations. I’ve got a huge sweet tooth, alas 🙂 .

10 Tiara { 01.06.15 at 9:56 am }

I’m here! But admit I don’t comment as often as I should. I always mean to but other often say what I would in a better way than I could so often feel my response would just be redundant. But I guess an “I agree!” is as good as an “I’m here!”

Favourite candy? Chocolate, York mint patties & M&Ms are my # 1 favs…if only they would make mint M&Ms!!

11 nonsequiturchica { 01.06.15 at 10:13 am }

I’m here!

My favorite candy was something called Sunsations. They have been discontinued which makes me very, very sad (but my teeth happy).

12 Valery Valentina { 01.06.15 at 10:47 am }

what a pity the creme de la creme list went up BEFORE delurking week. It was my first time participating, but I’m not sure how I feel about so many lurkers on the one post… (I hadn’t realised so very few people leave comments)
as for candy: Gianduia

13 Kimberly { 01.06.15 at 10:52 am }

I’m here!! Began blogging myself to let free all of the thoughts that were runing through my head when I 1st began the fertility journey. I now have a second blog where I can be a little bit more free with my thoughts. I love to read, hike and run when the weather is warm.

14 Amel { 01.06.15 at 11:33 am }

Here! I don’t really like candies, but I’ve grown to like chocolate (esp. dark chocolate) more after moving to Finland and I crave for it more during the winter months. 🙂

15 Tara { 01.06.15 at 11:45 am }

As always, I’m here.

Not big on candy, but do love good chocolate. Especially chocolate with nuts. 🙂

16 KeAnne { 01.06.15 at 12:33 pm }

I’m here! I love anything that isn’t chocolate but I think my favorite are those strawberry candies.

17 Donna { 01.06.15 at 12:34 pm }

I’m here. Mom of two, I have PCOS and my husband has male factor, we have been blessed with 2 kiddos, one with lots of trying and luck and one with IUI. I will always be here though because, surprise PCOS never goes away, and I think it will be a long time before the heart ache does too. I love me a Snickers!

18 Dreaming of Diapers { 01.06.15 at 12:36 pm }

I’m here! In the throes of infertility…trying to have a baby by whatever means necessary. And I won’t stop until I’m holding my baby in my arms.
Favorite candy? Take 5 and Kit Kats….o.k….and peanut butter M&M’s……I could go on and on…

19 Chris { 01.06.15 at 12:39 pm }

I’m here, and although I’ll eat something chocolate I’m not a candy person. Now ICE CREAM…. well that’s another story!

20 Gil { 01.06.15 at 12:43 pm }

Here. Mostly quiet these days, but I’m lurking and trying valiantly to partake in the Microblogging Mondays.
As for goodies, I love chocolate. Even after weight loss surgery, and losing 120+ lbs, I still budget in a piece or two of chocolate a week, accounting for it properly, of course. The habit will be with me until I take my last breath I suspect! And it gets soooo much stronger when I’m PMSing! In my mid-40s now, and knowing we are done with TTC and IVF (raising our 5-year old miracle, Petite!), I am just hanging in there until ‘the change’ happens and with luck the cravings will subside! One can hope, right?!

21 AnneR { 01.06.15 at 1:30 pm }

Here. Still reading after all these years. Still thankful that you do what you do. Thank you.

22 Ann Z { 01.06.15 at 1:32 pm }

I’m here. Dark chocolate – preferably with nothing else mixed in, except marzipan, that’s ok.

I used to love blog delurking week. Most of the interaction has moved from my blog to my fb group now, but maybe I’ll try it again this year.

23 Rachel { 01.06.15 at 1:36 pm }

Lurker here.

24 Rachel Lewis { 01.06.15 at 1:38 pm }

I’m here, I’m here! 🙂

I’m an adoptive momma, bereaved mom, bio mom, foster mom and infertile mom. (Whew.) I hate my reproductive organs and live all my kids. When I’m not changing a poopy diaper, I’m feeding a kid. And when I’m not doing that, I blog. 🙂

And I’m not much of a candy person . Much prefer baked goods. 🙂

25 Rachel Lewis { 01.06.15 at 1:41 pm }

Btw. I LOVE all my kids. I don’t LIVE them. 🙂 did so mention I’m a former proofreader, lol.

26 Jessica Martin { 01.06.15 at 2:07 pm }

I’m here!

Currently going through my first IVF cycle and I’m excited and terrified at the same time. Trying to stay hopeful but after 4 years of TTC with no BFP’s, it’s hard to believe that this could work.

Fave candy is Sourpatch Kids 🙂

27 torthuil { 01.06.15 at 2:13 pm }

I’m here, sometime commenter and lurker. Being a new mom takes up most of my time. Also a teacher, and amateur musician and dancer. I knit and crochet but not with dedication and my projects take years to complete. Writing was hugely important to me in my early adulthood; then it was less important for a while, now very important again the past 2 years because of blogging. Really enjoy your blog and the hub of connection you provide. I never much liked candy until I took an informal singing class and the teacher always scattered hard candy on top of the piano. It may have had a purpose like keeping our mouths wet. But then I kind of got to like hard candy. Have a great week 🙂

28 Lianne { 01.06.15 at 2:15 pm }

I’m here! Not a blogger but I do read lots of them and comment very occasionally. Been in the midst of increasingly intense infertility treatment for about 5 years, several losses, still without a baby. Favorite candy is anything chocolate — the good stuff. 🙂

29 Linda { 01.06.15 at 2:52 pm }

Here! I usually don’t comment on the blog, but on your FB posts. I really enjoy your writing style.
I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, except every once in a while I up for a brownie, vanilla ice cream, Oreo type concoction. I much prefer popcorn, my spicy pretzels, chips and salsa.

30 Turia { 01.06.15 at 3:17 pm }

I’m here. Have been reading for as long as I have been blogging (seven years this March), but I don’t always come out of the woodwork to comment.

I really really love a really really good chocolate cake. But I almost never eat it, because it is so easy to be disappointed.

31 Reb { 01.06.15 at 3:37 pm }

I’m here! I drift in and out of the blogging world based on how I’m feeling but I love your blog and am so grateful for the community here. I was glad to see a couple comments above mention not posting due to social anxiety… I’m glad I’m not the only one! I’ve been trying to be braver lately and not worry so much about putting myself out there, but it’s a challenge every time! I usually love chocolate but lately have been a bit sugared out. And I’ll rarely say no to ice cream. 😀

32 nursecaffey { 01.06.15 at 3:56 pm }

Hi from NC. I’m a former NNP, current peds RN. I have 2 nearly grown daughters and one forever-young baby boy. The internet wasn’t around 21 years ago qhen I needed it most and I find myself drawn to the drama, if I may, of these babyloss type sites. I wish I knew why.

33 a { 01.06.15 at 3:56 pm }

I’m here.

I only lurk sometimes…but my favorite candy is whatever one I happen to be eating at the moment. Today: KitKat. But someone left some Peanut M&Ms in my Christmas stocking at work, so that will likely be my next favorite.

34 nicoleandmaggie { 01.06.15 at 3:58 pm }

high quality dark chocolate with NUTS

35 Heather { 01.06.15 at 4:02 pm }

I’m here! My favorite candy is Reese’s Peanut butter Cups. I love picking apart the chocolate to get to the peanut butter center! 🙂

36 Katherine { 01.06.15 at 4:37 pm }

Secretly popping my daughter’s chocolate-covered marzipan while reading this, so I think I have an easy answer to that one.
My excuse is, I go in tomorrow to find out if I am currently going through miscarriage #5. But not really. It’s all good. Got two living bundles of joy now, so #4 did (as I presume #5 will) not sting nearly as much as the others.
So I am just a shameless glutton! And I’m here. Hi!

37 Jill A. { 01.06.15 at 4:43 pm }

Favorite candy is whatever chocolate happens to be within reach. If the Godiva is in the kitchen and the Tootsie Rolls are next to me – Tootsie Rolls it is!

Mel, I know you like comments. I can easily understanding wanting comments and wanting this to be a conversation, not a monologue. But it is hard. It seems I either have nothing to say or too much. Most of the time, when I leave a comment somewhere, it is regarding my experience with babyloss (lost a daughter shortly after birth 1991) and I don’t do that lightly, I do it to help someone, to share what I thought or what happened to me so they can compare and sort out their own pain and grief. Writing does not come as easily as a verbal conversation. For me, writing gets deeper and takes more thought and energy.

38 May ProblemUterus { 01.06.15 at 4:49 pm }

Here! Old school ALI survivor, kids now 9 and 7.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, baby. Not the cups, the EGGS. Higher PB to chocolate ratio.

39 Morgan { 01.06.15 at 6:14 pm }

Here! I don’t comment here often, but always read 🙂
Candy of choice lately, Jolly Ranchers, but usually it’s just Peanut M&M’s 🙂
About me: RPL, expecting again hoping to take this one home, blogger, wife, admin assistant, and Jesus lover.

40 Asleigh { 01.06.15 at 8:01 pm }

I’m here…. 31 year old married, two second trimester losses in the past year (when did that become one of the most defining facts about me?!?), two fur children. Favorite candy = Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. :0)

41 Cristy { 01.06.15 at 8:23 pm }

I’m here! Need to comment more (sorry about that) but am reading.

Favorite candy: Chocolate & Peanutbutter M&Ms

42 Jane { 01.06.15 at 8:31 pm }

Checking in from Southeast Asia. Have been reading for probably 6 years. Struggled with infertility for 4 years. Now have a son via IVF and a daughter via Clomid. Appreciate your voice and perspective and candor so will keep reading through the parenting phase …

43 lisa { 01.06.15 at 8:44 pm }

I’m here every post, but dont often have anything to say.

44 Gypsy Mama { 01.06.15 at 8:49 pm }

I’m here! Like Cristy, I need to comment more and am also sorry for reading and running! I am a Mom to a 7 month old girl after trying every possible path to parenthood multiple times! Im Canadian so I’m still on Mat leave. I run a non profit focused on maternal health (Mamas4mamas.ca) and blog when I find the time!

45 Dee* { 01.06.15 at 8:49 pm }

Hi. I’m here. Back in the day, I submitted my original blog to be a part of this site. I’ve pretty much given up that blog, since the primary topic was TTC etc. and now that I have had a baby, my life has taken a sharp turn (divorce)… so I blog about that, instead. I did submit to the Creme de la Creme, though! And I’ve seen a big bump in traffic! 🙂

Thanks for being awesome! <3

46 loribeth { 01.06.15 at 9:09 pm }

I’m here! (But you knew that. 😉 ) I’ve been blogging for 7 years now about living without children after stillbirth & infertility. I definitely have a sweet tooth — particularly for chocolate. My current favourites are those Lindor chocolate balls, — particularly the milk chocolate ones, and/or the ones with caramel filling. (drool)

47 Mali { 01.06.15 at 9:57 pm }

You know you can’t get rid of me! I’ve been blogging about living with No Kids since 2010, blogging about other things since 2006, and online around infertility and loss issues since 2001.

I too have a sweet tooth, and just like Loribeth, I love chocolate – dark chocolate mainly – and caramel, and they’re better if they’re combined. Fortunately, only get to indulge around Christmas. So it was back to the gym this week!

48 Catwoman73 { 01.06.15 at 10:09 pm }

I’m here. I haven’t been for about six months, but I’m back! 🙂

Favourite candy… well, I gave up sugar. So I don’t eat the stuff at all. But I love dates- they are nature’s candy.

49 Isabelle { 01.06.15 at 11:01 pm }

I don’t like hard candy… I would choose chocolate if I have to. Reese’s peanut butter cups are my favorites, but I don’t eat a whole lot of that. Will you ever publish how many people actually commented and how many people read your post today?

50 sharah { 01.06.15 at 11:19 pm }

Hi! I’m here, I’m doing a month of Paleo and I’m a little cranky and not feeling like writing.

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