As only the great Barbra can say it, that’s how I felt last week.
The day I expressed my outrage here over the media’s treatment of Ashley Judd, this lil blog became a tad more popular. Friends posted it on Facebook and tweeted it here and there (thank you, everyone!), and the numbers began climbing.
That afternoon, before I left for the gym, I’d had 60+ visitors, well above my modest but loyal following of 20 or so lovelies. (Hi Mom!) Excited, I hoped for breaking 75 or so by that evening.
Side note: Yes, bloggers care if people read their stuff. Well, I do, anyways. I’d like you to “like” me, read me and, should I ever finish a novel, buy me. I like praise. I like hugs. And I like kittens. Ya know, in case you were wondering…
When I came back an hour later, I checked in again, hoping for good news. I blinked.
“Well, that’s obviously wrong. Stupid WordPress, now what have they mixed up?” I turned the browser off and on and reloaded the page.
I blinked again. The number was higher.
512 hits?
Noooo… I tried to breathe. I hit refresh again. This time, it came in at 538.
I walked slowly to the kitchen, slowly drank a glass of water, and slowly approached the computer again. In case of hidden cameras, I tried to appear calm, collected.
Refresh. 572.
What’s going on? I scanned my list of referrers and my heart stopped. Halfway down the list, I see the words “ashleyjudd.com.”
After 30 seconds of jumping up and down, I did what any self-respecting girl in her 15-minute brush with fame would do. I called my mommy.
An hour later, and well into the 700′s, my hubby came home. After babbling excitedly with both mom and two girlfriends, all of whom loyally jumped right into my jumping frenzy, I felt sure JP would be thrilled too.
He looked at the screen. He looked at my enthusiastic face. He said, “That’s nice.” And then walked into the kitchen, asking over his shoulder what was for dinner.
Ummm, dinner? Someone in Armenia and several someones in the Philippines clicked on my blog, and you want dinner? Frustrated, I said something flippant like, “It figures you wouldn’t be excited for me. You don’t understand,” and stalked off to take a shower.
Twenty minutes later, I came back, less sweaty, but only slightly less indignant. I found dinner on the stove. And a sign hanging from our kitchen doorway.
He understood.
My stats have returned to normal land, but the sign still hangs there and he still jokes about hitting his head against some excitement. I won’t be taking it down anytime soon.
Thank you to all for visiting! And especially to those who spoke out against media bullying of “beauty.” We made a statement!
It is such an exciting feeling when you check in and see an unexpected rise in hits, even if it is just for one day. Congratulations and I’m glad you got to enjoy it.
Thanks, Teresa!! I hope every blogger gets a day like that. What a rush!
I’ll have the hubs give JP a class. He at least feigns excitement when I share those sort of things.
“Josh Malina tweeted me after I reviewed the show he’s on!”
“That’s awesome! ::pretends to know who Josh Malina is::”
HILARIOUS!!! And awesome news, honey. I do know who he is — adorable with a dash of YUM.
Also, MANY MANY thanks for your help in the tweeting and posting. You’re awesome.
Maybe you should keep blogging about controversial subjects
Right?! Except, I’m not that controversial myself… I’ll keep on the lookout. =)
famous! enjoy…
Hey there–you’re famous! enjoy the hits…
Nothing compared to your photography fame, but gracias!
Lori, this post is exciting on so many levels but most of all, because you’re right–you made a statement! And it’s wonderful because it gives me hope that if we band together, we can make a difference. I’m so happy for your increased number of visitors! I love your writing and I’m glad other people got a taste of it as well. That said, isn’t it wonderful that JP gets you? Where did you find this guy and where can I get one just like him? hee hee! Kudos to you, sister!
I tell ya, Bella, speaking against the shallowness of beauty evaluation will totally be worth it if it saves one little girl from tearing herself down because she prefers sports or books to a curling iron. Keep it up, baby! As for JP, he was just trying to get out of the dog house. hahahaha
It WAS a fantastic post. The extra attention was WELL deserved!
Awww, shucks! =) Gracias!
Oh my gosh… your hubby is a riot. And those staggering numbers: woo hoo! I agree with Nina — it was an absolutely wonderful post, and you should be proud! Your little ol’ blog rocks, woman. And so does your writing (I’ll ‘buy you.’)… Remember, I read that sample that rocked my socks off.
Thank you!! I sure am glad I found you. And heavens, yes, JP is hilarious. If you met him in real life, he’d nod, shake your hand, and back into a quiet corner. But at home? Well, no need to do situps. Laughing takes care of it. =)