Why Blog?

I have been fighting the urge to join the blogging craze for quite some time now. Why? Well, first of all, Ryan and I don't have any kids, so why would anyone want to look at our blog? Isn't the entire purpose of blogs to post cute photos and stories of your kids for the grandparents and extended family?? (Let's face it, we are just not that cute.) Second, I don't feel like I have anything interesting to write about. My life generally consists of teaching, teaching, and more teaching, and Ryan's consists of studying, studying and more studying. Who would want to read about that? (Okay, I'll admit, I sometimes do have hilarious teaching stories...like the time a 16 year old boy told me that he "needed to go #2" when he asked to use the pass to go to the bathroom...he was totally sincere and serious...it was so awkward!) Third, as many of you know, I am a bit of a stress case, and I tend to overwhelm myself by "taking on too much;" so the thought of adding "update the blog" to my constant to-do-list really freaked me out. If I created a blog, I knew I would feel pressure to keep it updated--even if no one else ever read it or cared if it was up-to-date.

So why, in spite of these concerns, did I decide to start a blog? Well, this week, I've been working on a gift for my little sister: I used blurb.com to create a book of her blog, and it turned out so cute. As I flipped through it, the inspiration hit me! Instead of adding to my to-do-list, a blog would actually reduce my to-do-list!! No more guilt about not journaling, scrapbooking, or writing long letters to friends and family! Through a blog, I can do everything at once. HOORAY!

So that's why the Nielsons are joining the blogging community! I hope that, even though we are not as cute as a snoogy little baby, you will all enjoy what we post. (And please don't mention it if I don't update for months at a time...you can be sure I will already be stressed about that!) :)