that piece was one of the easiest posts i've ever written. i took me probably half an hour to put into words my love for this little hobby of mine, and yet it now stands as one of my most popular posts. over some of the pieces i've spent days crafting to make sure was funny enough, had perfectly edited pictures and made sense, this one real-life piece of my brain that sort of wrote like a bit of word vomit, is the one that got the biggest round of applause.
do i think that's because i was sharing good news and you are all just really polite? no. do i think that's because you all now think i'm going to hook you up with excellent things from my new job? no. well, i'd hope not. what i actually think has happened, is that i've gone "omgyouguysssssi'vegotsomethingtosaaaaay", and you - like any good bloody friend would, sat there and listened. and then when i was done telling you all about me (because despite me sharing every little piece of my life on here, i'm definitely not that girl who over shares on the regular) and the only piece of excellent news i've actually had to share in this whole shit-heap of a year, you sat there and went, "wow erica, that's so awesome, i'm so pleased for you - well done!"
and do you want to know something? that means more to me, than you will ever know.
i don't make friends easily. i'm a bit of a moody cow. i have a terrible case of bitchy resting face, and i'm not really... nice. i'm kind of, sarcy. well, i pretend it's sarcasm; usually it's thinly veiled judgement. whatever. what i'm saying is, that i don't really make friends well. the friends i do have (for real, in the flesh), know how horrid i can be, and still love me and stick by me for it. they're my people; the ones i'd (probably) die for. the ones who'd (probably) catch a grenade for me. or at least give me their last rolo and share their free bottle of prosecco with me. the important things, yeah? they've been collected and curated over time, and i'm more than lucky to have them all in my life.
but you. you're a virtual stranger. honestly, with the exception of a few of you who i have actually had the pleasure to meet, you're all... strangers. which, is horrible to say out loud. because, over the last two and a bit years living here on the internet, i've come to know a lot of you so well. i know your birthdays, we've shared mail, i've been to some of your houses! i know your child's name, where they go to school, what sort of car you drive. you know (now) where i work, the area that i live in, and the faces of a lot of my people. and, i reckon that's all pretty scary stuff, right?
like, that's what they tell you about the internet, don't they? that everyone is scary and mean and a bully and a fraud and wants to kill you. erm... well, what about those people who actually want to jump through the internet and hug you a massive congratulatory hug when you have something exciting to say? or the ones who email you when you're being miserable on twitter and tell you to man up? or the ones that band together and buy you an online grocery shop when you can't afford bread? what about those online people? are they to be avoided at all costs too, or are they ok? i don't even know what i'm trying to say anymore.
what i wanted to say, was a giant thank you, from the bottom of my heart to yours; your kind words and praise when i was least expecting it was the most incredible form of friendship i've witnessed from "strangers", ever. and i saw a geezer buy a frozen drink for the big issue seller that morning. i thought that had made my day. nope. you made my day. you are one of the best friends i've ever had the pleasure to know.
i hope we stay friends for a long time, and that one day i can return the favour.
Very happy for you doll!! Ahhh...we all have bitchy moments, even moe, haha!! I am very sarcastic and can get real moody at times. It's part of being a human being, we have all emotions, just some more than others ;-) Am pleased all is going well for you just now :))) xx
ReplyDeleteIf it’s any consolation, you definitely weren’t sarcy when we first me. More ‘OMG YOU’RE SO TINY!’ which was HILARIOUS. And honestly, you deserve it. So so glad you didn’t take my advice and scrap that email!
ReplyDeleteThat's because your blog is awesome and clearly people want to connect with you! Internet friends who are technically strangers are awesome (although it also can read as the definition of a stalker if they know all these things about you but have never met you. Crazy!) I also suffer from resting bitch face. Have a lovely weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteGoodness, I do love your writing. You are so honest and funny, and I think that's precisely what draws people to you. I've found that my post popular posts have been ones I was sort of nervous about posting, or ones that were really emotional. And virtual "strangers" (and other bloggers) have been some of my dearest friends in recent times.
ReplyDeletexox Sammi
aw Sammi, thank you so much. it makes my day when you stop by here because you've always got something wonderful to say (and you're saaaah pretty!). have a fab weekend doll xx
ReplyDeleteawww Amanda, thank you so much! you have a great weekend you! X
ReplyDeleteLOL I KNOW RIGHT? imagine if I actually had taken your advice this time, HA. thanks for NOTHING LAURA (except the wine. thanks for that.).
ReplyDeletethanks so much Kizzy, although I DO NOT BELIEVE that you are ever moody! you're too bloody LOVELY to be moody! <3
ReplyDeleteoh, it's so dire, isn't it! thanks for all the support Angela! <3
ReplyDeleteand you mumma xx
ReplyDeleteAw there is so many good things about the internet I know with scams, the show catfish, work and schools checking your Facebook and googling you its safe to say that you have to be careful…. but it can also be a wonderful place that brings people from all over the world who have things in common together and form some sort of friendship.
ReplyDeleteYou're too cute!! I'm glad that all us strange little internet people made you even happier :D
ReplyDeleteI really do hope, that one day in the future (hopefully not too far in to the future that we've both got walking frames) that I get the pleasure of meeting you in the flesh!
I know it's already Saturday night now, but if you've not made plans yet, grab yourself a glass of wine(or three) and toast to YOU, woo hoo! (Or is that something totally sad that only i'd do? oops?)
Mwah, enjoy the rest of your weekend xxx
We can all be moody and bitchy, no one can be happy all the time. But I am still so so happy for you for getting this job.
ReplyDeleteas a sidenote; Catfish is an amazing TV show.
ReplyDeletepuhleeeease, I toasted the whole damn bottle, kiddo. lettuce drink to a meeting! wahey!
ReplyDeletethank YOU sarah, love! <3
ReplyDeleteRIGHT! sometimes I think Im a huge weirdo for liking it so much but I do, its amazing. I watch it every week when its on.
ReplyDeleteAw bless you, this is so nice! Also its slightly selfish, I really bloody want to work with you! But I'm so excited t have you starting on Monday (eek!) and I'm so glad you have lots of nice people reading rsther than fat old men in string vests and pants reading your blog :)
ReplyDeletemaybe they are? I don't judge; friends iz friends, innit! <3 MONDAY ARGH.
ReplyDeleteWe all love you cos you're awesome, Erica! Congratulations on the good news, I hope this year just gets better and better for you :) xxx
ReplyDelete