Southern Oregon Living: I Don't Drink... I Blog!

Hi Mel - I completely share your sentiments about blogging and have recently started down the same path, realizing that what I wanted to write wasn't always going to be about real estate, and finding the fun and satisfaction from writing what I wanted. Thank goodness I found AR instead of winding up in a less open and supportive blogging environment. As for the booze, I never drink enough to get stupid - ever - and I don't much like being around people who do, but I sure like a fine wine or a good vodka.

I love this! I don't drink either for many of the same reasons you mentioned.  I don't like the idea of not being in control of my own behavior.  I too have found blogging to be very good for the soul.  I love to read and write the non-real estate posts that allow us to really get to know each other.

Mel, I'm waiting for someone to write about the perils of drinking and blogging.   Do you believe in moderation in blogging?   ;-)

Brian

I love it. MY sentiments EXACTLY

Good thoughts..your joy shows through this blog!! Thanks for sharing...

Thanks for sharing. I'm new to AR and blogging - ppreciate your point of view - very refreshing and helpful.

Mel, what a great attitude... about not drinking by choice, and about Blogging.  

     Remind me to subscribe to your Blog!

I love it!  What a fun post - thanks for sharing.  And as I tell my sons .  .  . every choice has a consequence - either a good one or a bad one.  Sounds like you made the right choices!!

In the words of Anne of Green Gables - "I may have just found a Kindred Spirit!" :-)  I think I agreed with every single word you wrote in this post.  Thank you.  For a number reasons.

Mel- Another great blog.  I love it.  And, while I'm not a tee-totaler, I love blogging and for the same reasons you do.  Around my crowd, I'm known as a cheap date.  But that's ok.. because I can chronicle what goes on while every one else is having their adult beverages. 

Hi Mel! What a refreshing post! I sooooo very much appreciate your views on drinking, and I also understand how addictive blogging can be. Wonderful post - thanks for sharing!

I enjoyed reading your post Mel.  I do enjoy wine tasting and blogging, just not at the same time.  Remember, friends don't let friends blog drunk.

Mel,

Amen, most of the seo driven blogs are just that!  I like to know the people I am talking to, the real deal!  Nice post. A

HI Mel, very interesting and well written post, something I need to work on in my new found blogging, but I'm just getting warmed up anyway.  I guess it's getting over would someone really find this interesting question in my head and moving forward.  

Mel ~ you are not alone.  I'm not much of a drinker either.  I enjoy life without having to alter my body.

OMG ~ kindred spirits INDEED . . . I've been drunk twice in my life . . . once at 14 when my sister got married and I didn't know the punch was spiked, and once at 19 on a picnic when the cold duck was COLD on a hot afternoon and I had no idea the affect it would have.  That was it for me . . . not something I ever wanted to do again.  But I love to have a very small glass of wine every now and then and then . . . B L O G :)

Rebekah is always telling me that I have to go for the SEO . . . I have to start writing about things that will get me clients and will get me ranked in my 'area of expertise,' but I don't wanna . . . I just wanna write about life.  About the experiences and about the people and about the thoughts and about how to make us better at what we do . . . and in turn, the business comes.

So I may raise a cup or two in moderation, and the words flow a little more readily ;) .  .  . and I LOVED this post, my friend.  It was absolutely incredible, and makes me love you all the more.

Very cool blog. I am a non drinker and try to fill my life by helping others. I learned my lesson along time ago.

Mel,

 Thanks for another very heartfelt post, and while you know I do drink a glass or two of wine - I respect and appreciate those who do not. And, for whatever reason they choose.

 I too find blogging intoxicating and fun - and yes, I sure get a buzz when I see a particular post getting a lot of activity.

As for Brian's comment. It's easier for me to drink in moderation, than to blog in moderation.  The perils of blogging - :)

Mel, great post and great perspective. I actually LOVE wine and do drink, but I think "getting drunk" is way over-rated. I'm too much of a control freak to do something where I willingly lose control.

Just don't drink while you blog because that could be bad!!Lol

Mel, now a twist on what you say, from Patricia Kennedy here, was BLOGGING while drinking, she called it blogging and being loopy. All people do not drink and that is ok. Again, just be yourself. I think you are doing fine. Excessive drinking is not good for your health either.

Mel, I have been reading blogs for about an hour this morning, I am tempted to write a post but I know I need to get to work... getting a little "blog tipsy!" I'm glad I enjoyed a cup of your lovely coffee first, it is going to be an exciting real estate day! Thanks for the inspiration!

PS- I will be at the online Raincamp party, I understand it is BYOB - bring your own blog!

Hahaha!  Very good.  

I do drink.  Rarely to excess.  You are spot on.  Excessive drinking is ugly, although I think it could be argued that any in excess is ugly.  A rule I've learned and live by "Don't drink and blog".  It's a lot like the "Don't drink and email" rule with less end users.

Congratulations! Some people can drink responsibly and others like me cannot. So I don't drink, anymore I should add. I realized over 3 years ago I had a drinking problem and I did not want to be known as a drunk so I quit all together. Now I run and admittedly have a running problem but it is a good problem to have. Addiction is a disease that is passed down from generation to generation but it can be a positive thing to live with when you realize you have it and chose to use it in a positive way. keep blogging until your heart is content. P.S. My pass word to submit this comment is "harendog" that just sounds too much like "hair of the dog" How strange is that?

I try to do both... in moderation.  Okay, okay... I fail in the moderation regarding blogging...  but I do try.

You truly are the "naked blogger" Mel and what a great job you do blogging about everything real, without some hidden agenda.  I'm so glad I found you in the rain and look forward to more of your "thought provoking" masterpieces as I watch and learn how real, honest blogging works! ;)

Hi Mel,  Wow, what a title.  Actually, my doctor wants me to have a glass of red wine daily but I struggle to have more than a couple each week.  Drinking, blogging, driving.  Choose carefully !

I LOVE it that you don't drink!  Blogging is much more satisfying.

Hey Mel, that's an interesting twist.  Your record shows you do not blog excessively either.  You've gone from more than once a day to maybe three times a week.  That's good moderation - congrats!!

Congratulations!!!!! . . . obviously you do what you do well . . . and you don't need anything to make you any better.  You are a gem!

Mel,  Really enjoyed your blog.  Its refreshing not to always read and write about Real Estate or in my case, home inspections/construction.  I'm going to subscribe to your blogs!  Thanks

Mel, what a great post!  How interesting that at a young age you took in and learned the nasty side effects of drinking and decided to stay away from it.  I agree with you blogging about only real estate or activities in your area can get boring, posting about your life would be much more enjoyable.  I think I will try to incorporate that into my blogging, I think I will enjoy it much more.  Thanks, have a wonderful day!  --Krystal

Mel, Blogging is definitely a great choice to make and a daily dose is highly recommended! Congrats on the feature, well deserved!

Mel, we are continuously reminded of the dangers of commenting and drinking.  I've only seen a few examples of ActiveRain members blogging under the influence =]

Hi Mel....I don't drink either.....nothing good ever happened to me when I drank....and the worst part of it was I never knew when to stop....so I stopped!!!!  Now I watch others get out of control.

Mel, you may not drink but this certainly is an intoxicating story - proud of you! Thanks for giving me the Jesus' water to wine miracle - that's my story and I'm sticking to it; nevertheless, I completely get your point.

While drinking has made a total mess of many lives, including entire families, I have'nt heard of one person destroyed by Blogging yet.  Congratulations on your successes! 

It is wonderful to find passion in blogging especially if it is enjoyable for you and provides you with extra leads and income. Thank you for providing inspiration for all of us who needed badly when it comes to blogging.

Dick ~ A fine wine is a like a great blog, both should be pleasing to the palate.

Dr. Stacey ~ A fine blog is good for the soul... glad you agree!

I believe we should dabble in anything good... with joy and moderation Brian ;)

Hi Sharon ~ Thanks for joining the conversation sweetie!

Thanks Pat ~ Joy should've been my middle name ;)

Welcome Norma!  You are in the company of some great souls here =)

Thank you Fred... and I'm delighted you are a new Subscriber!  Welcome ;)

Joy ~ I love your name & profile pic ;)  I was lucky to learn my lessons young!

Jean Girl ~ Kindred Spirits indeed my friend... a topic I have written about often!

Kathy ~ Sounds like we are two peas on pod of sound minds ;)

Do you text when you blog?

THanks.

I think you are on to something here!  Blogging can sure be a good way to share excitement over a new idea or something really great that happened - or to blow off steam when nothing is going quite right at all.  It lets you be very social even if it is "virtual".  Lots of similarities to reasons some people do drink - and though I do enjoy an occasional wine (or even two) - I'm not at all a fan of hangovers.  So let's hear it for the hangover-less world of blogging!!

Rose ~ A very sweet name for a very lovely lady!

Ha Jim... now you've got me wondering how many people do!

Raising my espresso cup in celebration of you Alexandra!

John ~ Go ahead, get naked my friend... I think everyone would find you interesting!

Dawn ~ We can still 'get wicked' without 'getting toasted!'

You just keep on being your lovely self Mimi... we're drinking you up!

Good for you Scott!  I think you're hanging out in my old stomping ground.

Getting buzzed on life is what's important Debb... and we both know how to do that!

Nothing wrong with that my dear Shannon... enjoy life girlfriend!

Ha Rosalie... I guess we could swap a table top dance for a desk top hula ;)

Hi Mel - I love your warm and friendly blog. I don't drink either but I do have a very hard time writing personal blogs. Wish I could open up like you.

I like your Naked blogging, not sure if it would mix with Drunk… and I also don’t drink.

I drink.  I drink like a fish!  I love...just kidding.  I do have a few beers on Friday or Saturday...but no more than 2.  I hate feeling as if I am on 3 cylinders the next morning.  I don't like it that much.  I love blogging.  I feel naked if I don't.  Something about it...just doesn't feel right.

As a Christian, I love your accepting attitude.  No arrogance....just a personal position.  Love it!

I very rarely drink, if ever anymore. I tell people that I rather eat my calories than drink them. I used to love to go out after work when I was in college and just do shots. It was fun, and I never had hangovers or anything... but then I grew up...

I happily do both. Nothing better than a glass of wine while enjoying the posts of the day. But, each to their own.

I'm back again to say, Woohoo, you did it again hot stuff. So proud of your raw and real approach to life and blogging. You are a Super Star. So happy to have found you in the Rain. :) 

That's me in #48. Got so excited to see you on the leader board once again, that I forgot to log in...good grief.

Gary ~ Loopy could be interesting... I love Patricia Kennedy... we ran into one another in DC last year!

You can join me anyday for coffee Barbara... or how about Monday Morning Mochas with Mel =)

Ha Valerie!  I'm sure a few emails have been sent with regret... after a drink or two!

Keep on running Jim... that's a good thing to do in excess... all those endorphins ;)

Alan ~ I think we like you in excessive quantities around here!

Thanks Rebekah!  I'd love the opportunity to meet you in person in October when I see Mimi.

Go for it Bill... Drinking, blogging, driving... just not all at the same time ;)

Welcome back dear Linda... my new blogging buddy from Cali =)

Smart cookie Bob, you noticed the secret to success... moderation!

Thanks for the heartfelt compliment Mimi ;)

Thanks Brian & Heather ~ We could all use a breath of fresh air every now and then =)

Oh Krystal... so much can be learned from silently observing!  Thanks for stopping by!

This Naked Blogger thanks you Wanda dear ;)

A few is not so bad Paul... and who's gonna know anyway =) 

Barbara ~ We live and learn from our own consumptions, don't we! 

My dear Ruby Lee - I love the way your name rolls off the tongue... easy to remember.  So many people get hung up on the drinking thing... Jesus didn't, therefore we shouldn't =)  Be blessed girlfriend.

Natalie ~ Blogging is the drink of choice in our industry today... and anyone can do it!

I totally agree Mike... transparency is the key to differentiating average Joe from spectacular Sally.

Oh Paul, that lights another fire... from this self-professed texting princess!

You got it all Nancy... and then some girlfriend... blog away baby!

Your blog made me smile - thanks. I just wonder why so many things that come from Oregon have the word "naked" in them. (By the way, I was not in the least offended by the little joke about IRAN.) Best wishes.

Hi Mel! Drinking is good in moderation specially wines and beers, brings some good in our health and blogging is a big help in our web presence but it also help us write about ourselves, our experiences and sometimes if you blog something you've been thinking for long, you felt relieve that you shout it out. You did a great job here!

Hi Mel, great post - blogging is a much better habit :) Jeff doesn't drink either - had to convince him to at least sip a drop of champagne at our wedding during the toast - he was affected by a friend who lost his life to drunken driving in high School.

I will have a glass of wine with dinner - yet as a previous critical care RN, i've seen the devastation to life and health and families that too much alcohol can cause - I agree with an ol saying of my mom's (bless her soul)

There's a devil at the bottom of every bottle waiting to do 'no good' to those who drink it all.

Mel, consumers like transparency and you are indeed that. Your writing is engaging and you have something to say of value. I love your idea of leaving a legacy.

Maya ~ You can do it girl... write about things you have a passion for... and it'll just flow :)

Thanks Tammy ~ the only thing I want to get drunk on is love =)

There's no kidding a kidder... thanks for your lovely comments Larry!

That's funny Donna... I tell people the same thing... I'd rather munch on chocolate.

Good for you Ellie... love your name too!

You, my dear Debb, are the Super Star!  I can't wait to meet-up in person =)

So funny Jaime... perhaps we're more in touch with nature here in Oregon ;)

Hi Rob!  So nice of you to stop by and say hello ;)  And thank-you!

Adorable Grace... it's funny, I say 'Bless Her Soul' a lot too!

Oh Tammie... I so appreciate your comments... that is the value and legacy I'm trying to build with my blog ;)

I agree with your thoughts on drinking and would much rather read blogs. I am new to writing my own blog and look forward talking about my love for real estate.  I love your passion and look forward to reading more of your posts!!

Mel, But you are still Naked, Right?  Sober and Naked is Naked by choice, not by intoxication.  You just got more interesting.  I was hoping your link, The Naked Blogger would lead to a picture, but, then I remembered that you don't drink, so, I wasn't too surprised to end up back here.  Now that you have shared, I feel like I need to do the same...I am not Naked all of the time.  Best wishes always.   

Mel, maybe AR should start a branch and call it BA!!!!

We all have vices. Mine is blogging I guess (totally addicted) but I also love wine. It relaxes me.

I was in a fraternity. The things I saw. The things I can't remember. 

Just don't ever drink naked. My 2c on the subject. 

Like alcohol, blogging can be very addictive. It's dangerous to blog and drive too!

Mel - Blogging seems more productive to me than drinking any way, and I think blogging about life creates better connections.

I drink, and then I blog. I guess you can call me a renaissance man . . . ;-)

If you're blogging in excess, be careful... you might be at risk of a BUI ???

I love this post! Just when I was wondering if I needed to do more of this or more of that on my blogs along comes your post that says be true to you. Great timing.

Hi Mel, It looks like you have struck quite a chord with all these comments, many of whom are like you. Isn't that what it is all about? Question - where do you post your musings on life? Is it here or on another platform?

And, Miss Mel, you will remember everything you said this way, too!!! I think you DO post your musings on life right HERE.

So....Mimi and I would NOT push you to "imbibe", just come and we'll all get a "contact high" off each other's company at the Lake!

Cindy ~ The good news is... you don't have to drink to have a good blog :) Welcome and best wishes sweetie!

Ahhh Richard.. I don't need alcohol to get naked my friend ;)

Okay, you've stumped this Naked Blogger Susan... BA stands for?

Erica ~ There's nothing like relaxing to the tune of a nice blog.

Ha... J. Philip... and to think I was tempted.

Ditto Donald (that just rolled off my lips... what can I say).

John ~ The Renaissance Man has a nice ring to it!  I like it!

Funny Cameron... Perhaps we could create our own blogging acronyms :)

I'm so glad you joined this conversation Cheryl... you go girl.

Totally here Sandy... although, I'm definitely thinking of starting a Word Press blog!

I'm so there Gayle... with or without the moonshine!

Hi Mel,
Congrats on the feature.
Blogging helps you connect with like minded people, unlike drinking and getting drunk.
Have a wonderful weekend and happy blogging!