I Missed My Own Blogoversary?

Wow.  I've really been ripping and running over the past few weeks, I guess.  I do so much over here now that I forget that I have a blog sometimes.  For that I apologize.  It's very difficult for me to sit down and focus the necessary amount of time into blogging when I have so many other things that have my interest at the moment.

One thing that I always enjoyed doing was sharing stories with all of my readers about some of my life experiences.  I started that on July 15th of 2010.  So much has happened in my life since then and those who have been with me since Day One know it all.  I'm a very private person, but for some reason I will bare so much of my soul on this blog.

I've shared stories that I've not even told certain friends or family members.  I've shared opinions that are very unpopular with some people.  I've even shared tragedies and triumphs I've experienced as they occurred.  If a person wanted to get to know me then they have the "Complete Guide to Q" literally right at their fingertips.

I've seen my blog go from being very active (regarding comments) to no activity at all.  I'm okay with that.  I understand that some bloggers will only comment on your blog if you comment on theirs.  However, those aren't the readers I want anyway.

I want the readers who are searching for something other than exclusive comment reciprocation.  I want the people who aren't looking for a one-stop shop for some particular product.  My blog isn't a relationship blog.  It's not sports, political, or current events either.  It's an entertainment blog that encompasses everything I choose to discuss.

And that's the way I prefer to keep it for the people who can appreciate a variety of subjects.

So, Happy Belated #4 to my own personal therapist.  This blog has helped keep me from crying as well as helped keep me from cursing someone out.  Expressing myself has truly been a blessing in disguise and I hope to get back to it more consistently at some point.

For those who still read "Thank, Q," I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Every time I see that counter grow closer to 1,000,000 hits I can't help but smile.

Thanks so much for your support over the years!

It's Been Three Years Already?

Happy Blogaversary to me!

It doesn't seem like my blog should be three years old already, but it is.  This blog has revealed so much in the past three years from personal stories to news stories.  For those who are fairly new to my blog, I would definitely advise you to backtrack through the 2011 archives.  I was on fire then!  I was putting out blog posts every other day!

Now, I don't blog as much as I once did and I apologize for that.  I blame another medium for distracting me from my writing...  my radio show.

If you have not heard the Talk 2 Q Radio Show, then you're missing out.  It airs twice per week and if you miss the live airing, then there are over 225 episodes for you to enjoy in the archives section.  The show basically gives me the avenue that I need to cover multiple topics and get instant feedback from my fans who call into the show.  Once you get a taste of that type of high, then it's hard to put out blog posts every three days and hope that someone comments.

In the blog world, a lot of bloggers only comment on your page if you comment on theirs.  With my mom and wife both struggling and ultimately succumbing to cancer last year, I didn't have time to read a lot of blogs.  I saw my pageviews decrease dramatically over the last six months of 2012.  Was it because I wasn't reading other blogs?

I'll never know.  But, one thing that I do know: people love my radio show.  I'm so proud of that fact.  I've interviewed actors/actresses, musicians, authors, professional therapists and of course, other bloggers.  We discuss everything from relationships, politics, sex, sports, current events, race relations and more.  It's truly enjoyable and I enjoy the fact that I've now established enough of a reputation that people reach out to me regularly to be on my show.

But, I do hope to get back in the swing of things in blogging.  That includes reading the blogs of others.  I still read Jewels, Idaho, Tsaritsa, Vinny, Squatlo, LogAllot, Lawfrog and Mooner regularly.  I may not always comment, but I still read them.  Those are the people who inspired me and / or collaborated with me, so I'll always follow them.  And most of them have been with me since the early beginnings of Thank, Q and just about all of them have participated on my radio show.  You probably could too if you'd just simply ask. :)

Anyhoo, I want to thank everyone who has visited my blog and I will leave you with a gift on my blog's birthday:

Three of my favorite blog posts - "Boonies Aren't For Me (Part I)," "Tippin' Isn't A City in China," and "Real Housewives of Panama City Beach"

Three of my favorite radio shows - "Let's Talk About Sex, Part X", "Meet the Cast of 'The Unwritten Rules'" and "Born Heartless"

Enjoy.

Choosing Emotions Over Common Sense

When I first started my blog, two years ago today, it was called "Thank, Q for Common Sense" for a reason. I felt the desire to inject some "common sense" into the blogging world. Although people are welcome to blog about whatever they would like, I thought there were too many blogs that lacked perspective. So many blogs seemed as if they were based on what the writer felt from the heart instead of from the brain.

I didn't want to do that. I wanted my blog to be strictly based on logic and perspective because that's how I try to live my life. Because of that, it gets frustrating to come across people who don't have the same concept. I wish people would stop choosing emotions over common sense. Just because you like something or someone doesn't mean that you should defend that idea/person at all costs.

I remember when the Chris Brown / Rihanna incident happened how so many people on Twitter were coming to his defense. "Well, we don't know what Rihanna said to him that pissed him off."

"Everyone deserves a second chance."

"Leave Chris Brown alone."

Really? So, simply because you like the guy (or you're a fan), he isn't guilty of anything? R. Kelly. Charlie Sheen. Lindsay Lohan. I can go on-and-on. These people have been accused of some heinous acts yet they're even more popular than ever. Why? Because you like their music or they make you laugh in a sitcom or movie. Ummmm, okay.

Well, let me take that back. I'm not saying that you can't be fans. I'm just saying that I think it looks stupid to defend them when people talk about the heinous acts that they committed. I think that's what's wrong with this country. We use our emotions to make decisions (which wind up being irrational). Everything offends us because we're too emotional. It doesn't matter if it's a true statement or not because common sense isn't factored into the equation. If it hurts our feelings, then we lash out. We'll even lash out over something that has nothing to do with us. Twitter blew up months ago from people defending Whitney Houston's substance abuse problem after her death. People who didn't even know her were pissed off at just the mere thought that someone who was in rehab as recently as last year was speculated to have overdosed... because they like her music. I even had someone on Facebook get mad at me for not Liking her "We Love Whitney" fan page. I told her respectfully that I didn't want to join the page which resulted in her Unliking my fan page.

Wow. Because I don't feel the same way you do about a person, I'm of no use to you any more, huh? So be it.

Tantrums used to be a kid thing.  Not in 2012.

People, I'm tired. I'm tired of being the only person willing to put myself in other people's shoes to understand their point. I'm tired of stating a fact only to have it offend someone because it applies to them or someone they know. I'm tired of being the voice of reason in an unpopular situation. Maybe two years has been enough time to fight stupidity. Maybe it's time for me to terminate my blog and move on with my life and find another hobby.

Psych! Are you nuts? LOL! That's actually what drives my blog. The more ignorance I encounter, the more posts I type. I shall continue with my message because some things just need to be said. I will "blog 'til I fall" and hope that I can just get one person to stop and think. You don't have to agree with me, but at least consider things from someone else's perspective. And remember this, as I blow out the candles on Year Two: common sense is like deodorant, the people who need it the most don't use it. (drops mic)



This country used to be mentally tough. What happened?

Thank, Q Thanks U

What a difference a year makes. When I first started blogging a year ago, it was just to get something off of my chest. I was tired of going to forums on different websites to post my comments and wait on a response. I didn't like being restricted on my discussions.

Well, one year later, I'm still in the game and feeling pretty good about it! I remember my first follower, Jim. I was actually excited that someone thought of the blog post enough to want to follow me. That meant that I had to make more, right?

So, the second post came along (on the same day -- LOL)! That's when the addiction started. Later, I started checking out other people to see what they were saying. I first started with Annah over there at Red Means Go. Her site is full of flat-out funny stories and animations. To top things off, she's absolutely gorgeous. Can't go wrong there. It was her blog that got me fired up and wanting to stay in the game.

From her site, I ran into Falen from Colorful Rants of a Fed Up Sista. I saw one of Falen's comments on Annah's page and it made me crack up laughing. I figured if her comments were this funny, then her blog had to be even better. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started following her. I don't know where "Thundercat" comes up with the things she types. It's funny and scary at the same time. Falen gave me the boost that I needed as a rookie. She took me under her wing and really supported my blog early on. I honestly think that a lot of my followers are from her blog.

Falen did a guest post over at the Thoughts of a Randomista site and that's how I got introduced to Lynn's blog. We never agree on anything which is probably why we love one another. I think Lynn and I would have been the best of friends had we grown up together. When I first read her blog, I was completely stunned that she was actually just as crazy as Falen. I didn't think that it was possible.

So many other bloggers came along and inspired me. Unfortunately, I can't name them all, but I will mention those who support my blog with their comments:

Chaplain Donna at Empowered Peace - First Lady material. She should be every girl's role model.
Sonia at LogAllot - Marketing genius whose site has helped me tremendously.
Israel at Israel Carrasco Monologue Jokes - Hilarious, straight-to-the-point blog postings.
Erin at The Life of Ann James - Style blogger with the prettiest smile in the blogging community.
Scott at This Daddys Blog - Family man and sports fan. Gotta love that.
Michelle W. at Mommy Confessions - Not your typical mommy blogger. Michelle brings it.
Michelle R. at Rantings of The Reckmonster - Half-Filipino/Half-Crazy, but all-entertaining.
Alexandra at the Tsaritsa Sez - A free spirit whose blog will leave you smiling.
Lil Pixi at It's A Lollipop World - Entertaining. Resilient. Supportive.

Jillsmo at Yeah. Good Times. - Please follow her on Twitter. Funniest tweets ever.
The Empress at The Ranter's Box - Has some of the funniest videos/photos you'll ever see.
Cheryl at Diana Dishes - She's not a follower, but I like her. Very smart and a football fan. 'Nuff said.
Brandon at My Own Private Idaho - Great blogger and even better commenter.
Bob at Squatlo Rant - If you love politics and photos, then Bob is your guy.
Alice at Guys, Boys, and Men - My 50th follower and a very insightful blogger.
Charli Penn at Man, Wife, and Dog - Is the real deal when it comes to relationships.
Jewel at Jewels Turning 30 - Full of sexy and funny stories.
Tiffany at The Chocolate Knot - Always has a great point or two to make on her blog.
EmDottie at Electrik Blu - Young and outspoken. I love that combo!

Others who recently got aboard the Q-train: Mynx (follower #100), Mooner Johnson, and Lawfrog.

So, let me take the time to thank you.

Thank you for a 365 day trip that has allowed me to express myself in any way that I choose.

Thank you for all of the comments regardless if they agree with my point of view.

Thank you for clicking Follow and showing that my blog means something to you.