Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Going Private

I'm really sad to do this... But, my blog is going to be going private for a little bit. 

This is probably a rash decision (one that I'll hopefully decide against in a few days/weeks), but I think it is the best thing to do...

It was brought to my attention today that many of my students are reading my blog (the kids told me - not an administrator or anything).  I knew that one or two (older) students read it - but I trusted that they were mature enough to keep it to themselves... And, I'm really not ashamed of my life and the things I put out there for the world to read.  BUT... What I love most about my blog is the chance to be real and honest; and, I just don't feel like I can do that with my students reading along.

I'm sad and frustrated that it has come to this, but it is the reality of being a teacher today.  As much as I enjoy my blogging life, this is my real life; and, it is really important to me to have the respect of my students and colleagues.

SO... I'm signing off for a little bit.  (Just when things were getting exciting.)  Luckily, it doesn't take long for trends to blow over with teenagers... So, I'll be back soon.  But, in the meantime, PLEASE email me (or leave your email address in the comments section below) for access to the new private site... I'd love to see you all there!!
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80 comments:

  1. VictoriaJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Oh no! I just found your blog and have really enjoyed reading! I would love to be part of your private site. :)

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  2. elliottsJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I'd love access too!! But, you are making the right decision...sometimes privacy is for the best.

    elliotts@goeaston.net
    Diane

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Hi! I would love to keep reading- haleel@dukes.jmu.edu

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  4. JessicaJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I totally understand but would love be read the new "private" blog my email is jbayer829@gmail.com

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  5. cappersonJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    I would love to keep reading! I love your blog!

    softballerchik1@yahoo.com

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    amy.storck@yahoo.com

    Congrats on the new addition to your cute little (growing) family!

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  7. RhyanJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Don't leave me hanging! ;)
    rhyanbuettner@yahoo.com

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  8. KellyJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    I would love to keep reading your blog and as a fellow teacher I understand your need to go private. My email address is kelma1130@yahoo.com

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  9. AshleyJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I would love to keep reading your blog!! My email address is lifeasiknowit09blog@gmail.com

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  10. ChristyJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    I would love to keep reading!
    c.killion@yahoo.com

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  11. Kristi CollinsJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I don't always comment- but i have been following your blog for a while now!

    Congrats on the new addition - what an exciting time. :)

    I would love to keep following- klv0820@hotmail.com

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  12. The Life of SusanJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    totally understand your decision but i wanna stay in the loop! :)

    susanwitmer@gmail.com

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  13. MelissaJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    i totally understand, but would love to follow along, too!

    melbelle27@gmail.com

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  14. absees123sJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I am so sad, but as a teacher, I completely understand. I'm so excited for you and your husband with the new baby coming. I would love to continue following your blog!

    absees123s@aol.com
    Cindi Ellison

    ReplyDelete
  15. WhitJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    So I know we don't know each other but Brittany Wright introduced me to your blog awhile ago and I love reading it!! I would love to continue following it if possible. :) whitney.forbes@gmail.com

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  16. A Big Little LifeJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    We don't know each other but I've been reading your blog for a few months now. I would love to continue following on your private site. My e-mail is hannahriddick@gmail.com

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Oh man... you're so right.. just when it was getting really good.. I would love to continue following you if you'll have me! = )
    Carley
    carleyensing@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. AllyJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    What a bummer! :( I hope this will blow over too for you because it cant be any fun to have a private blog! I think thats the whole part of a blog is being out in the open for people to read and meet but your situation is completely different because I would be the SAME way! I would love to keep reading! My email is:
    nnanyllawafers@gmail.com

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    I would love to keep reading,
    Trent.Currin@roanoke.com

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  20. JMSJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    I'd miss reading you (especially now!) without access to your blog. Please add me: darkplumaged@yahoo.com. (And yes, your kids will probably lose interest after being blocked for a while!)

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  21. KaylynJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    I enjoy reading your blog as well. I struggle with privacy factor as well...I feel like I often have to edit what I'm really thinking because people at work could see/know what's going on in my life.

    kaylyn.flesher@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. MaryJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Usually when blogs go private, I just stop following, but I can't stand not to get updates on that beautiful baby bump! High school kids can be a pain. When I was in high school, a bunch of us found the match.com profile of one of our teachers, printed it out, and handed it around. We were a bunch of jerks, but at the time, we just thought we were SO hilarious. Sigh.

    abelnmary [at] gmail.com

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  23. CallieJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    I have really enjoyed reading your blog! I have been reading it for a while, and for the life of me can't remember how I found it! But I have enjoyed it and am so excited for you as you begin this new journey of motherhood! May the Lord continue to bless you during this time.

    I would love to keep following, if you would be so kind as to allow me access!

    calliemarie@hotmail.com

    Thanks

    Callie

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  24. JenniferJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Add me to the list... lynch.jennifer4@gmail.com

    Sorry to hear that you have become popular with your kids. Jen

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  25. SamanthaJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Completely understandable! sinkinorswimmin@gmail.com

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  26. Andrea W.January 4, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    your blog is adorable and i'm sad to see it go private, but i totally understand.

    awilson1424@gmail.com

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  27. KitJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    I would love to keep following your journey :)
    kldavis@g.clemson.edu

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  28. Laura WrightJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    You know I love reading this :)
    Laurahende@gmail.com

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  29. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    I totally understand where you are coming from....I teach HS, too, and would die if any of them found my blog b/c it IS my private life that doesn't need to be shared with them (even though there's nothing to hide, there is a line that needs to be drawn). Anyways, I LOVE your blog and definitely want to keep following, especially with your current journey :)

    pigtailsandbowties@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alphabet Soup Momma January 4, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    :( I have been thinking about going private for various reasons so I completely understand. I would love to keep reading. My email is

    allyson.blackwood@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. T ShareeJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I just found you! How sad, but my Mom is a teacher so I understand. My email is tennesseechic23@gmail.com. I would love to follow your new blog!

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  32. BrynnJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    I would love love love to keep reading Elizabeth!!!

    my email is allison.sowder.07@cnu.edu

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  33. we are the spencersJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    please add me! i love to follow a good pregnancy journey!

    spencercasa@gmail.com

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  34. ChantryJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    add my to your list! you keep me laughing and im excited to watch your belly grow =)

    chantry01@yahoo.com

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  35. twinkietotmomJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Luckily...I teach 1st graders who I'm pretty sure have no clue what a blog is! Ha! Maybe some of my past students would figure it out one day but hopefully not because I'd hate the idea of going private as well!

    Please add me to your list, I can't wait to see how your adventure into parenthood goes so I totally don't want to miss out!

    twinkietotmom@cfl.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. emilyJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    Would love to continue to read you great blog!
    emilypfisher@gmail.com

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  37. All Things CherishJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    That's too bad, but I completely understand. Teachers work hard enough and deserve a personal life outside of students and school.

    I'd love to keep reading, cherishberna at gmail com

    ReplyDelete
  38. BethJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    I know exactly how you feel with those high schoolers. Anyway, I would love to be included still... I feel kindred to you! :) mes.carlson@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    I'd love to keep reading. I've been reading for months and was so confused at first by your announcement. Then it hit me and I loved it. How creative and fun!

    lovingmyboy@yahoo.com

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  40. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    I wanna read about my sister. kathrynmulvaney@yahoo.com. k. thanks. love u

    ReplyDelete
  41. ErikaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    I definitely need to be added in! mattyerika AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  42. KatieJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    I totally understand wanting to keep the professional and personal separate. I don't even want my colleagues to read my blog. Although I do see the irony in letting strangers know your innermost thoughts rather than the people you actually know. Haha. But I love your blog and definitely want to keep following!

    katielaw7@gmail.com

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  43. MicahJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Totally understandable (and wise) decision. But I'm not sure I could handle NOT reading about your baby journey :) micah.wiginton@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. LindsayJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    okay, this is so so random! i just ran across your blog and looked at your post before this one and know two people; diana norris and pryor vestor! how strange?? i feel like i should know you somehow!? sad to see you are going private but i completely understand!

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  45. One Crafty CupcakeJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    Would love to continue reading. I totally understand about going private. I teach elementary and I worry about my parents of my students reading my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    I want to be added!

    vandi.williams@knott.kyschools.us

    ReplyDelete
  47. KristenJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Would love to be added, especially to hear all about the new addition!
    kristenarichardson@gmail.com

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  48. Mrs. C.January 4, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    oh no!! Just when you have me hooked with the baby story... I'd love to be able to keep reading... I am so excited for all my fellow bloggers who are pregnant. I understand about the privacy issue.. I'm a teacher too and I don't know how I'd deal if my students 'discovered' by blog. joelle.baschnagel@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. The BolinskysJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Elizabeth!! I don't know what I would do without a little E, Myself, and I in my life. Don't forget me...

    thebolinskys@gmail.com

    -Emily Bolinsky

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    I can't even remember how I found your blog, but I love it! Your Christmas card/baby announcement was fantastic. Hope to keep following.
    nseg6233@gmail.com
    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  51. krystalJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    And... noo! I understand though -- it's a good move! I'd love to follow along
    krystal@krystalskitsch.com

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  52. christinaJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    I would love to keep reading! love your blog!

    christina
    cej310@gmail.com

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  53. The Patrick'sJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    oh no! I really enjoy reading your blog! I would love to be added to your private site! jill.ackley@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Roxy BroomJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    I would love to keep reading ~ roxybroom@gmail.com.

    Roxy

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  55. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Good for you! Sometimes you have to do what's best for you! And I would LOVE to keep reading!

    queenbee18@sc.rr.com

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  56. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I would love to keep reading! Have no idea how I found you but I was taken in by Addy. My email is katper2002@aol.com

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  57. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    I would love to keep reading!
    adixon4@harding.edu

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  58. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Please send me an invite!
    Theunconventionalcouple@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Danielle TaylorJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I would love to keep reading along!
    danielletaylor2582@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Jessica HedrickJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I read it and would like to keep on :)

    jesshedrick@gmail.com

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  61. HayleyJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    I would definitely like to keep reading...my e-mail is powell235@bellsouth.net

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  62. KateJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    I would love to be added! I'm also a teacher so I love relating to your posts!

    Kate

    myerskg2@gmail.com

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  63. MaggieJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    i work with kids too, i always feel bad declining facebook friend requests and such - but privacy is necessary! i would love access, i'm so excited to see your baby bump grow!!

    -maggie
    www.maggie-jean.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. MaggieJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    oops and my email is maggiejean87 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    i've been following your blog for a while now, and my husband has often made fun of me for refering to you as my 'friend'. please add me, i'd love to continue reading :)
    mollycampbell6@gmail.com
    p.s. congrats on the baby-mommyhood is SO fun!

    ReplyDelete
  66. melicityJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    As an educator myself, I completely understand. I would love to continue following your journey, though. My e-mail is eyeore747@aol.com.

    Congratulations!! :)

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  67. KristenJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    I'd love to keep reading your blog! My email is kristenjo520@gmail.com

    Hope this works out well!

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  68. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    kmhartman91@yahoo.com
    thanks! it was fun playing games with you all last week!

    ReplyDelete
  69. KWJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    Sendit2karen@gmail.com Sorry to hear about your students...I KNOW what that is like! So excited to continue reading especially about...baby!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. KellyJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    I started reading your blog about a year ago when my cousin in law posted a link to it on facebook. After the first reading, I felt like I had so much in common with you. After being married for 2 years, my husband and I adopted to dogs that became our babies until last week when I found out I am 5 weeks pregnant. I am also a teacher. I love how real your blog is and how openly dedicated you are to Christ. I would like to continue to read. My email address is ksmalling@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Tamara JamesJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Please count me in! I haven't met you in "real life" but I love your blog and your sense of humor! tjames919@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. ErinJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Erin, Congrats on your pregnancy! My name is also Erin and I would like to continue reading your blog.
    My email is loud12002 at hotmail dot com
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  73. ArtsykatieJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Congrats Erin! You look great! I'm Katie and I would love to keep up with your blog!

    Here is my email: artsykatieg@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  74. EmilyJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    I'd like to follow! emjohnson7@gmail.com Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nicole GalvydisJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    I don't even know you, but I have to keep up! :) nicolegalvydis@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. JulieJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    don't forget me!! I look forward to your blog every day, sad teachers have to be so careful about everything - anymore!!!
    jbugcat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. ShelleyJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    sewinterer@gmail.com!

    ReplyDelete
  78. AshleyJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    I promise promise PROMISE i wasn't the one who told the whole school! I haven't told anyone! I'm glad you're back, though. : )

    -Ashley

    ReplyDelete
  79. BrandiJanuary 10, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    I just found you today! But I love reading. My best friend is a high school teacher, so I understand.

    bnewma4@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Mrs. C.March 1, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    hi!! This is going to sound really random.. but I'm a teacher too and when my name gets googled, it links to this page and to my blog. so I'm kinda freaked out! I was wondering if you could delete the comment I made on this page with my email address. Thanks so much! BTW, Love your blog:)

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are what makes this thing fun! I LOVE to hear from you and do my best to respond to everyone! THANK YOU!