Thursday, August 19, 2010

Bad Bloggers


We're here to level with you all today.  We've been bad bloggers.  Really bad.  Haven't posted in a week, and have only been around to a few of your blogs to see what you are up to. Blogging has really become a hobby, and I have missed it as the last few months have become increasingly busy.  I feel like I owe Brutus' fans a little explanation, as well as get some feedback from the very folks without whom the blog would be pointless.



There are three things that have resulted in our decreased post frequency.  First of all, my work schedule has gotten quite a bit busier.   Many of you know that I'm a dentist, but in case you don't - here's a picture of me in my element.


I had been a co-ower of an extremely busy dental practice, which I left in September of 2008.  I have since started my own practice, very small by comparison.  I found myself with lots of free time, some of which I filled with Brutus-related activities, including blogging.  Recently my clinical responsibilities have gotten much more demanding, so that I find myself back in the working world for a good part of the week.  I'm thankful to be busy and it feels great to be productive, but it makes sitting down at the computer or following Brutus around with the camera much more difficult!

The other two things that have made blogging opportunities more difficult to come by are the dogs themselves.  Carmen has been the perfect addition, I couldn't ask for a better companion for Brutus.  But having a young puppy around again makes it difficult to sit still.  Ever.  Carmen is ALWAYS into something.  For some reason Frenchies have the tendency to explore the world by trying to eat it.  Brutus went through this phase too (one of his most dubious accomplishments was swallowing an entire pair of my underwear in one piece), but for the next few months anything smaller than Carmen is fair game for ingestion.  Part of me wants to slow down time so Carmen could be a puppy forever - but the other part wants to fast forward though all the more trying aspects of puppyhood (like housebreaking, teething) and restore some order to my home!



Then there is Brutus.  I think for the most part he is finally growing up.  Not that he still doesn't have his moments (OK, lots of moments), but he is actually somewhat trustworthy.  I started agility and obedience to help drain Brute's boundless energy and get him properly socialized, never expecting to compete.  But not only has Brutus proved that bulldogs can be performance dogs, he has shown they can be good!  Our show schedule has gotten busier, now encompassing a few weekends a month and lots of training in between.  You may have noticed that more and more of my posts are performance-related, because that's how we spend the majority of our free time.  It's good for Brutus (he's the kind of dog that needs a job) and good for me too (I need the exercise!) - and I truly think we both enjoy it!



That all being said, here is my question to you all.  
Where does that put our blog?  Is posting about competitions getting boring?  Carmen will be making more appearances here (it's difficult to keep her out of the photos, actually) as well as some occasional words from Mason (our 12-yr old Chocolate Lab).  I'll get around to comment as I can, but I feel sort of guilty about having people commenting here and not being able to get over to their sites to do the same - just being honest there.  And what about Flat Brutus - he's still bumping around out there (lots of summer vacations for him), is that getting old and do people still want to hear about him or host him?  Should the blog go on hiatus and come back we things settle down, or do we just do occasional posts?

I appreciate any feedback and input you all can muster, so tell it like it is!  In the mean time, let me close with a photo of the Frenchies to show you all how we feel about our blogger friends:


Do you see it? Here's some help in case you don't:



Thanks for sticking with us, hope you can understand!
Love-
Michelle, Brutus, Carmen and Mason

31 comments:

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Life gets in the way...happens to all of us! Me and mom is not going anywheres. :)

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Anonymous said...

Oh, Frenchie Mom! We sure do understand about how Blogworld sometimes has to take a backseat to Realworld. And that's okay. I luvs following Brutus' adventures and I would rather be able to read a few posties here and there than have you all go away for a long time.

I also luvs reading about your competition stuff cuz I think I might like to do that one day. And here's the thing - me and mom decided that if we blogged abouts things that we thought were interesting, our furends would find it interesting, too. I think you can always tell when somebuddy is writing something only cuz they THINK it will be interesting for others to read - even if they don't think the subject is very interesting themselves. And that makes the whole post not very interesting.

Whew! Did that make ANY sense?

And YES! I want to know about FB and what he's been up to. I miss that little guy.

So don't feel bad. Post when you can. Comment when you can. And post about things that are going on in your life that are interesting to YOU.

Oh, and we heart you, too!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Mayzie and her Mom said it so well. We agree totally. We are having our own issues with keeping up with blogging and getting around for all the comments. Sometimes there is just too much to do and sometimes there are other problems as well. We think we all need to do what works best for us. Mom heard a quote the other day that is just so appropriate for so much in our lives: Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. That's our two cents.

And yes, we do understand.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Pat Wahler said...

There are some folks who comment on every post. I'm not one of them. Wish that I could, but it's just not possible. So I do what I can, when I can and hope everyone understands.

Your posts are always fun to read. I must admit my favorite have been the Flat Brutus ones as we get to see new places and things. Not to mention the creativity of the hosts!

Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! No Worries ... Blogging should be all about FUN ... no Stress on your part n of course with the dogs. We post as much as you can .. try to visit every blog we follow n comment but yes it can be time consuming. Go with the flow on your post ... that's what my mom does. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Blogging should be FUN.. for the Writer and the Reader... We are all DOG Bloggers... and that is what we like to hear about. As MUCH FUN as POSSIBLE... with a measure of help, hope, and love thrown in. We need to hear from our furends... about the Good times butt ALSO the BAD ones... so that we can Support our furends in times of need.
I am speaking ONLY FOR MYSELF HERE NOW... I really don't care to read ALL the Gloom and Doom stuff about Dawgs that I do not know... and can NOT POSSIBLY help.. EVEN though I FEEL horrible about the situations. There are sooo many depressing things in our world that Blogville should be a place of Love Caring Kindness and GENTLE words and stories.
Damn it... we all know the bad stuff that happens.
We need only to hear about those in our world.. Blogville. A warm friendly place where we can share our OWN sadness and receive solice from OUR Furends.
Sooooo I say... Bring on F.B. that is fun... Snap a pic here and there for us to see and love.... a little training and trials... Comments to us when you can...
BUTT FOR HEAVENS SAKE DON'T QUIT US.... MAYBE.. pick One or Two days a week to post and comment.. Make it a day (or two) that you feel more time is available... BUTT for HEAVENS SAKE... Don't move from Blogville. We need all the good residents we can get!!!
OK... I'm off my treat box now.

George The Lad said...

I agree with all the comments so far, I look at blogging as a diary, so I can look back and see what we did, if folks like to follow great, I try and get around to all the blogs I follow, but it just gets harder the more you follow, plus the time. Just do posts that mean something to you, look we are here reading this one! and will be back when you put up enother one.
See Yea George and Jan

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

We would rather read a post here and there than be subjected to no Brutus, Carmen or Mason!!

We enjoy reading about Brutus' accomplishments too - it's great to see a little dog out there!!

We don't comment on every post and we totally understand if you don't have time to comment on ours.

Mom is getting ready to go back to school so we won't be able to blog or comment either - so we understand, life just gets in the way sometimes but we will be here whenever you are :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Two French Bulldogs said...

Brutus
You better tell momma to stop making excuses. Your blog better not go on a hiatus whatever that is. Is a hiatus gum disease? Anyway, blaming drama queen Carmen and award winning you/Brutus for taking up moms time. The nerve. You tell your secretary a lot of people are looking for secretarial jobs out there. So she better be careful. See you soon.
we are 3 and are still mischievous.
Benny & Lily

dw said...

I personally really enjoy the blog posts about the Frenchies and Mason and the competitions are a big part of that, so no, they're not getting old! I know everyone's posting on FB, but I think a blog can give you a much more focused place to tell your story (er, Brutus's story). I say keep the blog going, do what you can -- everyone will understand. If there comes a time when you have a bit more time and the entries get more frequent again, that's great, but I'll take my Frenchie updates when I can get them. I do look forward to the adventures of Brutus, Mason, Carmen and Big Earl (yeah, strange, I know, but we are coming up to football season, right?), but I totally understand life getting in the way at times. All that said, I think ultimately doing the bloggy thing has to be fun for you and the pupkids. It sure is fun to read! :)

Sam said...

Michelle, Michelle, Michelle ---

Don't apologize to others for what you put on your blog. If they don't want to read about competitions, or Carmen's progress, or old man Mason, if they think that's "boring," that's their prerogative. It's also your prerogative to post about them. That's what's important to you right now and you should be blabbing away! Inventing things solely for the sake of updating your blog sounds tedious and not-so-fun!

And don't apologize for your lack of posts, either - I've blogged just a handful of times this month because real life has been getting in the way, too. I only blog when I WANT to blog - sometimes that means I don't go around commenting everyone, and sometimes it means I'm the internet equivalent of an internet social butterfly because you can't get me to shut up (like right about now, maybe...)

In short, we love your blog and hearing about Brutus and Carmen's adventures of ALL sorts (ESPECIALLY the competitions!)

Sam and MargeDog

Scooter said...

Oh no, your blog better NOT stop!!!
We love hearing about Brutus and his winnings and I laugh cuz he is so cute jumping over or through things. CArmen is just as cute pushing her pen around!!!

Dont worry about not being here mucj, just come when you can, My mom was very sick and missed alot in three months, She read when she felt up to it. We will all be here when things settle down ok??

wags
Jazzi

Anonymous said...

OH MY OH MY PLEASE DONT LEAVE!!! PLEASE!!! I SURE WOULD MISS YOUR BLOGGIES

WAGS AND LICKS
KEIKO

Cocorue said...

we looooove your heart pose! please don't go away for good as we'd rather see you occasionally than Not al all!!!!!

we love Brutus and have not seen much of Carmen ( we're not very good at keeping up too... and mumster has tons of excuses but we don't!)

please do STAY around or you will miss us too BOL!!!

chipookisses
coco and tiffy

verobirdie said...

When I retire, in several years, my first move will be to have a dog, and that should be a Frenchie. I've been dreaming of it for several years, and there are still many to go by. Right now, I'm a cat person, so any information about becoming a dog person too is most welcome. For the wellbeing of the dog, and mine too, I think I'll go to some obedience and agility courses too. Now you understand why I like this blog
For the unfrequent visits, don't worry, I work full time, and I know how it is.
Lastly, this blog must remain a pleasure for you, so relax, and do as you can.
PS pet Brutus and Carmen for me!

Dexter said...

Lazy good for nothing humans! You want to hear about something? Momma hit mark all as read this morning. Yuh! How dare she? But I say read my post today and you might at least feel like you are not alone in living with humans who seem to feel the need to actually sleep now and then.

Regarding content. Hey! Momma always tells me to post whatever I would want to read my large and handsome self and let the chips fall where they may.

Slobbers,
mango

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

We totally understand - we have been bad bloggers this Summer too!! And our Mom is not even working out of the home!!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

Jessie from Canada said...

I love your blog and will take whatever you write! Please do not feel bad that your real life is more important then your hobby.

As for who you write about...maybe you can change the theme from "Brutus the Frenchie" to "Brutus and Carmen the Frenchies". Or "Brutus the Frenchie with his little sister Carmen who showed up and stole the show". Your blog is about your life and your life has recently become...Brutus and Carmen.
Jessie a loyal reader from Canada

Anonymous said...

the human speaking here...first off, that pic of brutus flying over that jump is great. it amazes me how my 2 little frenchies get some big air as they chase the shorthairs in the backyard or a field...they really have wings.

secondly, don't feel bad about the frequency. i too work for myself and bust my tail getting projects done and so it's sometimes difficult to get the camera or even write something somewhat creative...so i'm comfortable with posting something 2 or 3 times a week (good thing i don't have the word "daily" in my blog title), life happens and blogging has become another thing we must do to keep up, it feels like...but it is fun, and i'll post something in a few minutes because i enjoyed what we did today, the dogs did, and hopefully my few readers will too...

plus i have a site that's not just about blogging. it has other things too, a shop, ecards, articles that i'm trying to promote...and above all, it's a site dedicated to my chocolate lab, zoey, the chocolate peanut...her story is on the site too...so don't fret, and don't go on hiatus, i like seeing other frenchie stuff since they are such wonderful little creatures, and good luck in your practice!

renee and the gang at chocolatepeanut.com

Tucker said...

I miss flat Brutus! Where is he?

Don't worry about taking breaks, I'll forgive you if you enter my contest. BOL.

woof - Tucker

Lorenza said...

I guess I don't need to add anything more than what our friends had said.
Just relax and have fun!
We will be happy to read your posts when you get some time to post!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Bijou said...

We understand! Life sometimes gets so busy it's hard to find time to get everything done. We hope you keep posting when you find the time. That's what we are doing.

Waggles,
Bijou

Anonymous said...

Oh, I couldn't have said it better myself, Michelle! Matter of fact, I was coming over here to say pretty much what your post did. Hey, congrats on your business picking up. That's a good thing and I'm happy for you.
As far as the blog's standing, I love it and I love that I'm introduced to agility, something I know nothing about. But you asked for our input therefore I will share that I have heard from another two bloggers saying they're not enjoying it as much. I think it's a great idea to ask for feedback.
May you always stay busy as long as you have good news :)
Twinkie's mom

Oskar said...

Just post whenever you can, we'll be here!

We love all different types of posts & we'd still love to host Flat Brutus!

Kari in Alaska said...

Trust me, we fully understand the adjusting to new schedules and dogs!

Don't forget, we moved to http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

The Oceanside Animals said...

hello brutus its dennis the vizsla dog hay i think that wot yoo need to inspire yoo to post is a nemesisis!!! can i send yoo sum ninja hedjhogs??? ok bye

Molly the Airedale said...

We love your blog and we're not going anywhere. Don't stress - blog when you can about whatever you want to and we will read it! We love you guys!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Kitty+Coco said...

Our two cents: Don't let anyone get you down! This is not a post on my blog and I will then post on yours kind of place. We do not expect comments in return, we just give comments freely. Keep us updated as you can because we love reading anything you are offering.
BTW, Carmen is growing so fast!

Kitty and Coco

the booker man said...

miss frenchie mama,
please don't get all full of the stresses! blogging is supposed to be funsies, and real life is always gonna be more important. so don't worry if you aren't postin' and commentin' every single day. it's a-okay! i mean look at me...i'm just now commenting 3 days later on your post. (we just got back from vaca ourselves.) to kinda quote my most lovely girlfriend, miss mayzie, i'd rather read a few of your posties here and there then for you not to be bloggin' at all! and you should write about whatevarrr is interesting and exciting to you (and brutus and carmen and mason)! that's what makes your bloggie unique! :)
*woof*
the booker man

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

We like to hear about whatever you want to post. (And Mom is muttering something about "those darn dentists".... or something like that - she may have used other words...) We are pretty photo/video oriented, so we love pictures, but we're happy with whatever (although, where in the world IS Flat Brutus...?), because we're easy like that. (Oh, and Mom also says something about how she likes looking at puppy photos of us, she's also REALLY glad to be done with the young-puppy phase - whatever that means...)

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Mutant Alien Pod Puppy

Mary at Marby Bulldogs said...

We are getting some blog catch up time and we must say we LOVE your blog...and of course, those kissable frenchie faces! Keep it up. :)

It's interesting the path our dogs take us in...like you're doing performance competition when you were just seeking an activity outlet. Love it!!

Mary and the bullies