a bit of introspection

So I've come to a realisation, it is time I came to terms with my blog!

In the past I have always considered blogs to be somewhat presumptuous and vain in nature. I am not typically a blog reader as I find they are often simply well designed (and well illustrated) calls for attention populated with inane commentary on mundane activities. I admit that when it was recommended I (and my fellow IGBers) start one I was a bit nervous about putting myself on display in such a way. I suppose it is completely hypocritical to have reservations about blogging when I am so quick to prance and preen on facebook for all my "friends" to see. (Though admittedly I am becoming increasingly uncomfortable with that forum as well). Previous posts on this site have not come easily. Before each I wrestled with questions dealing with who the blog was actually directed to and why. Similarly, I was hesitant to make it too personal but at the same time aware that it should not be too formal either. It seemed a delicate dance indeed.

Thankfully, I have come across many very interesting and intelligent sites which prove that blogs are whatever you want them to be. Dawn Bazely's blog on the IRIS forum is a great example of an articulate, timely and important blog (http://www.irisyorku.ca/category/blog-posts/) as it demands readers to step back and ponder the insightful questions posed (such as waste, climate change and climate justice). I also very much enjoy reading my fellow IGBers blogs as I've loved hearing all about the experiences and opportunities awarded them in their respective countries through the GBCs. Basically I've learned that a blog can be many things: an opinion piece, an autobiography or simply just musings on random thoughts. Mostly what i've learned is that above all, a blog is somewhere that is comfortable to the author; a private (and yet oh-so-public) place to think out loud, muse or simply to vent.

And so, I raise my glass of cheap (but still so tasty because it was 6$ off for the bottle!) wine to this realisation. Here's to prancing and preening with the best of them!