I heard myself saying that to my wife the other night, and I realized it wasn’t the first time I’ve uttered those words.
It was after 9:00 at night, I was tired, and I had no idea what I was going to write about.
Unfortunately, that’s a fairly common scenario (and now you know why the quality of my posts are what they are).
Fortunately, though, (at least for me), for the past seven years, I’ve been able to come up with some blather to write about every day, for better or for worse. Well actually, for worse or for worst.
There are some days that are easier than others, such as Music Monday. Knowing I just have to find one song or something interesting related to the world of music to write about takes some of the pressure off. Dan Ariely has a column every other week in the Wall Street Journal that I usually manage to squeeze a post out of. Daniel Pink has a Pinkcast maybe once a month that provides fodder for my blog.
As many readers know, the WSJ often provides something I find interesting enough to write about, and occasionally I’ll share something that I taught in school that day.
Earlier this year, I was quite happy to discover the website Study Finds that offers quick summaries of interesting research studies, many of which have made their way into my blog.
I also read the Huff Post morning email every day not for the news, but for their “The Best of the Rest” and “Before You Go” stories, hoping their might be some story quirky enough that I can write about.
And then there are posts like this one, where a random idea pops into my head and I’m able to get a few hundred words out of it.
So while I might occasionally whine about writing my daily blog posts, it’s good to know that it’s not something I have to do, but rather something I like to do.
And the icing on the cake is the comments that so many of you take the time to post, many of which cause me to laugh, to smile, and to think.
Thank you for taking the time to do so.
Now it’s time to find a stupid photo to go with this post…
*image from HowStuffWorks (and a not so veiled reference to yesterday’s post)
there’s that crumpled up piece of paper again, it seems to be haunting you! i have to say that this happens to me and i’ll bet it happens to most of us at times. you are not alone, and we are here, for all of it, just as you all show up for mine, no matter the rhyme or reason.
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yes, I can’t seem to get rid of that crumpled paper:)
it’s good to know that I am not alone with such thoughts. And I always enjoy reading your posts…
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you most certainly are not!
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🙂 Jim, I recommend that you create a content calendar; it will let you know exactly what and when to publish blog posts on your blog.
Do have yourself a fantastic weekend!
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thanks for the suggestion, Renard!
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🙂 You are welcome, Jim.
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Hey didn’t I see a similar photo on last night’s book cover? Very interesting…
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yes, I stole the idea of a crumpled paper from Dan Pink’s new book, which I had written about the day before 🙂
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“stupid blog”? You’ll never break Ripken’s record with that attitude. Did Cal Ripken ever say, “I’ve got to play my stupid game”? No, even if he was sick as a dog, or even if he had something much more exciting to do that was worthy of calling in sick, ol’ Iron Man Ripken stuck it out and played on, with a smile on his face and a twitch in his eye. Eventually though, the stupidity of the game beat him, and his long streak ended. So hang in there. Don’t give up. Deal with the stupidity and don’t let it get you down. You have history to make.
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Aren’t you quite the cheerleader! 🙂
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We have to encourage him. I fear his spirit is flagging, and he’s entertaining thoughts of giving up. He only has a little ways to go to break the record, and we can’t let him quit now.
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only 137 days left; I’ll tie the record on March 17, St, Patty’s Day. One of my favorite days of the year…
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Wow, you really are close. When you tie the record you’ll be in clover. We’ll keep cheering for you, here on the sidelines.
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maybe I’ll treat myself to some Frosted Lucky Charms that day, followed by a Guinness, of course…
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Lucky Charms is one of my favorite cereals. Be sure to put some green food coloring in your Guinness. But it’s too bad you’re a vegetarian, or you could celebrate with some corned beef and cabbage.
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green beer isa must on St. Patty’s Day. and growing up, so was corned beef and cabbage…
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You are right! Can’t quit when so close! I hear when he breaks his record he is buying a beach house to celebrate and inviting all his faithful readers to the party. 🙂
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maybe a virtual beach house party…
maybe using Zuckerberg’s metaverse…
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LOL! That will work. 🙂
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👍
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Sounds great! The thing I like most about Jim is that he’s so generous.
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So true! And I am sure he won’t let us down. He will probably write us blank checks too for he will be so happy!
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I think you meant bouncy checks, not blank…
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“Haha!” No, you can keep your bouncy checks. 😄
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thanks, I’ve only got a few…
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Yeah, Jim’s such a great guy.
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there will be an admission charge, but just one bitcoin…
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How about I give you two bits, instead?
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that should be good for a shave and a haircut…
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indeed he was!
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thanks for the inspiration! and it’s more the people who read my blog who have to deal with the stupidity…
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What would happen if you missed a day. Would you need to start counting from zero again? I read (or used to) a lot of sobriety blogs. I was always confused by alcoholics who felt that one reckless night would undo the years of sober habits they built. To me, that’s an interesting perspective. I’m sure at some point I’m going to have a glass of wine for dinner, but I won’t need to start over. I say if the blog feels like a chore at times, take a day off.
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I guess it must be a bit of OCD that keeps me going. There are some days it feels a bit like a chore, but I also like the challenge.
and I probably would start counting over at zero if I stopped…
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Great way to look at it 🙌🏼
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1% inspiration 99% perspiration.
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100% blather…
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At least you’re giving 200%
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at least half the time…
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Ripken would be proud of your iron-man efforts. Is there a goal? What happens when you reach it?
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that’s a good question – I’m hoping the late night talk shows invite me on to talk about the streak…
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After your late night tour, I hope you keep blogging even if it is not on a daily basis. The Daily Show would be a perfect fit! 😄
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clever with the Daily Show! 🙂
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😀 I remember back when I used to write every day…
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and then you came back to your senses… 🙂
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I did the daily post thing until the quality suffered but then I got out of the habit. It doesn’t sound like you’re having much fun though, when the title is, “I’ve Got to Write My Stupid Blog”.
Blather on!
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my quality has never suffered, since it started as low as possible. not every day is fun, but I do like the challenge…
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It is a good challenge.
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and to think it all started with a 30-day challenge six years ago…
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Funny where stuff starts. Very nice start, though.
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👍
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Keep Smiling! You are doing fine and ..”smacking your head”… as you try to think of something to write does help at times! LOL!
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I haven’t tried the head smacking yet. Pacing and snacking seems to be my solution 🙂
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Snacking is good for anything! 😀
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👍
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Stupid blog posts, stupid photos, and stupid responses. I see a common theme here. Yet, you continue to persevere. How close are you getting to the record? For some reason, this makes me remember when my wife and I retired. Her system was to X off the days from day 1 of her last year. My approach was nose to the grindstone and not think about it until it was my last day.
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I think I am more like your wife in terms of counting things down. Just 137 days to go – I’ll tie Ripken’s record on March 17 – St. Patty’s Day!
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Wouldn’t it be cool if somehow Ripken found out about this and joined you for the record-setting post? Hey, a guy can fantasize, can’t he?
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I like the way you think. I mean, I did watch the game when he broke Gehrig’s record…
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The good thing about blogging is setting your own agenda. An agenda that varies from ‘sorry I only posted three times today’ to ‘Hi folks, I’m back after my three year blog break.’ And of course the other good thing is you can write about anything or nothing, thousands of words or one picture!
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yes, that is the beauty of blogging. or you can become obsessed…
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Your photo reminds me of a book cover you shared recently! Very talented. 😅
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I am good at stealing ideas 🙂
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We need to be. 🙂
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If you think it’s stupid, what chance is there for the rest of us! 😂
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I’ve often wondered the same thing…
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Question of the day?
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🙂
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This is classic Borden Blather. It is genius to use the idea that you cannot find a subject for a blog post as the subject for a blog post. If it gets to you now and then, you can always have Quincy do a guest blog.
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it was kind of meta, I guess. And I like the idea of writing under a pseudonym!
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We no longer get the catharsis of crumpling up a piece of paper and throwing it away after we have written something atrocious on it. Perhaps Microsoft Word and other word processing software should install a feature that would allow you to virtually crumple up drivel filled page and virtually throw it into a trash can.
I suppose you could print out you page full of literary dreck, grab it hot off the printer, and then wad it up and play trashcan hoops, but printer ink is expensive.
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I must admit that I rather enjoy your posts, Jim…
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thanks, Robbie!
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I think most bloggers feel like that sometimes but we still keep writing because at the end of the day we still love it!
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well said, Pooja!
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Ahhhhh, Jim only you could make a post out of an image of crumpled paper….smile…
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thanks, Carol!
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OMG LOL you literally sound like me every Tuesday at 9PM! Sometimes I struggle with every word (most times these days) and other times they just seem to flow out of me… I never say “my stupid blog” though because I’m afraid that will put something into the universe like I’m over it already lol I really want to keep at this for as long as I can (weekly posts). I honestly can’t imagine how you’re doing it EVERY DAY for as long as you have – MAJOR KUDOS!!! I always enjoy your posts because it’s usually something interesting, digestible, gets to the point, and something I new that I wasn’t aware of! 🙂
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it seems like many people have the same thoughts, but somehow find a way around it, and you seem to have done so as well. I think it’s a bit easier for me with no little kids in the house! 🙂
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Another stupid post? Certainly cannot be here. When in doubt Jim, just check the trash can for the crumpled up paper. Inspiration strikes!
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it’s funny how inspirational a deadline, and a streak, can be 🙂
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I appreciate your humor. May the streak continue.
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thanks, Richard…
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Cracking up, and the perfect photo! 🙂
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I stole the photo from a book cover I had written about the day before 🙂
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Hilarious!! 🙂
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Well my post timing seems to be once every second year. So, you’re doing great!
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as long as you stick to that schedule, you should be good 🙂
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I don’t know, I’m feeling rushed. And as we say in my family, “I’m not rushin’ , I’m German.” (Okay. Maybe I’m to only one who says that.)
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Very nice insight to your blogging process, I can relate to a lot of it, especially with sometimes feeling like blogging is a chore…
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I feel the same way thank you for posting truth
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glad to know I am not alone!
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I need to start my stupid blog too seems thats the best
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Take your time and keep going!
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thank you!
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I don’t know how you post every day. I am so random, posting only when I am struck by the great urge to share something that is (to me) important. So, I admire you when it’s 9:00 PM and you are able to write a post I enjoy reading. Thank you for that!
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this is one of the most relatable posts i’ve seen on this site. but i hope you’ve had a great time writing this blog and continue doing it with the same passion! i’m new here but i’m sure your regular audience loves you a lot!
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it has been fun, and the best part are the bloggers I’ve met from around the world. I wish you the best!
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Great post. I like how authentic you are in your writing, and I can definitely relate to experiencing those writing blocks or challenges at times.
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thank you; those writing blocks are real, but a deadline and a streak are good motivators!
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PS
– and I tried to leave a private message through the contact page (it might not be set up for mobile or maybe my device was off)
But here is what I wrote –
Hi Jim
Just wanted to send a private note and say how awesome it is to really look around your blog site this month
I have seen you connect with Clive for a while (those tuesday tunes)
Anyhow – last weekend I really had the chance to look around at your blathers !
You have a such a fresh voice with your posts – content is so interesting – and my too post (after seeing a good number so far) is the product placement fat tire post !
have a great day
Yvette
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thank you, Yvette, for your kind words. And I do enjoy Clive’s music posts…
and you were really digging into he archives to find the post about Fat Tire beer!
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yes – it was for my other blog – I was sharing some “business” and work related posts and that one came up – that was also when I had the chance to look around
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I have enough trouble keeping up one blog!
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Same here – trust me – but I started that one for a local group related to an area I volunteer with
And if it becomes too much trouble I will shut it down – but so far so good
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that seems like a good reason to have another blog – good luck with it!
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Thanks – and I also do not need to be active on it daily – it can simmer as needed
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even better!
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All of my writing is basically me projectile vomiting out words on my computer. lol. Thank you for this!!
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glad to know I’m not alone!
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