Come out, come out, wherever you are
Sorry for the repeat, but this photo is comedy GOLD, how could I not rerun it?
A few times a year in the blogging world you see posts about Delurking Dayβa day when bloggers request that their readers briefly leave the shelter of their anonymity and leave a comment on their blog.
But since I was probably busy cleaning my house for Real Simple to come take photos or dreaming of new ways to add bulk to our collective thighs when the rest of the Internet was delurking, I am establishing my own Delurking Day today.
When I started this blog nearly a year ago, I figured that my sisters and a few other relatives would read it occasionally, and maybe my coworkers Mike and Molly and probably friends like Maria and Jess and definitely Sarah and Rush.
But guess what happened? The rest of you found me, too. Hundreds of you a day, actually, and for some reason, you KEEP COMING BACK and I’m really hoping you’ll say hello today. Comments are like Christmas morning for bloggers, and I read every single oneβalways.
So regular commenters, people on my Christmas card list who just started reading, That Person in the White House, FAMILY, friends, former coworkers, neighbors and strangers from around the globe (Brazil, I’m talking to you!) this is your day to come clean.
Show some love, and post a comment. I’d love to know where you’re from and how you found me. And if you like, so that we have something to talk about, answer one (or more!) of the following:
1. What are your three favorite foods?
2. What are your favorite baby names? (Because I know someone who is in the market for a few names. Three of each gender, to be exact.)
3. Would you like me to add you or a woman in your life to my Real Simple casting list? You know, your chance to have your linen closet reorganized in a national magazine? I know I offered before, but I will make my distribution list based on this response since I was too disorganized before. Unlike now. Right.
4. And finally, in a brawl between you and Henry, who would emerge victorious?
EDITED TO ADD:
My husband says my SPECTACULARLY low conversion rate of readers to commenters (27:1) is because I ASKED TOO MUCH OF YOU. That I should have just asked you to say hi. SERIOUSLY?
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Anna Sawin is a Connecticut-based portrait, wedding, and editorial photographer. She lives in the shoreline town of Stonington with her family and has discovered the perfect cupcake. Just ask, she is willing to share her secret.
I’m not exactly a lurker because I’m brand new, but HI!!
So, I would share my baby names with you but then I’d have to kill you. Not really, but I guard my boy names with vehemence. Sadly, all my girl names are now in the top ten baby names because apparently my entire generation love Olivia, Ella and Isabelle. Sigh.
Anna I’m so glad I found you and it’s funny that we have a link with Rush & Sara! I need to get people to delurk on my site…I see all these high numbers and for sure don’t have that many comments! π
So…
1. Fav Foods: Cheese bread (I may have to post that recipe), pineapple casserole and pretzels
2. I am baby named out…I can only focus on that when trying to find ours for some reason. We liked Travis as an option for a boy though and I like Aubrey for a girl.
3. Yes – I’ll have Real Simple organize something!
4. Henry for sure would…look at that face!
And this might be the longest comment I’ve written!
1. Henry is ADORABLE.
2. REAL SIMPLE?! ARE YOU KIDDDDING ME?! I. AM. OBSESSED. with that magazine. No. joke. yes, please please please.
3. fav foods: mac and cheese. chicken fingers&french fries. i’ma classy chick. π
4. favorite baby names…..oh lord, so many….but off the top of my head: ella, emma, ava, addison, carter (girl or boy), peyton, parker, jackson (jack), brent, aiden, benjamin and regan.
aaand i thnk thats it. for now. π
Well, you know how I got here π
Favorite foods? Pizza, grilled cheese and enchilladas. I dare you to make the grilled cheese better!
I’m not sharing my baby names publically. What can I say, I don’t want to share! I’ll tell you at our next “meeting”.
And I really think Henry could take me…
Hi Anna!
I’m Jenny from Southern California, and I found you from Mike and Molly (and the rest of the trail: Mike from Molly, Molly from Clink, Clink from Peter, and Peter from Tia!) And I’m so happy to be here! =)
(1) My favorite foods are eggplant parm; burritos; and sandwiches.
(2) I have lots of fave baby names, but the ones I can think of right now are: Ashleen, Kathleen (to be called Katie, not Kathy!), Trinity, and Ariel for girls; and Bryan, Joshua, Jon, or Sean for boys.
(3) Despite not having an official linen closet, I am intrigued by this Real Simple thing. Sign me up! (please)
(4) I’m going to the gym today! (but Henry could still bring me to the mat)
Faithful lurker, sometime commenter…
1. fried pickles (I kid you not; they are deeeelish), Hawaiian chicken, and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups.
2. My two favorite boy names are what we used for our guys: Thomas and Alexander. If one or the other had been a girl, we were very strongly leaning towards Marianna (both our mothers’ names, Mary and Anne). I also love the names Charlotte, Catherine, and Eliza (DH says I am way too into Jane Austen).
3. HELL YES. I mean, please.
4. Me, because I am a merciless ticklefighter.
Hi Anna,
Love your blog!! And I am a faithful reader. I only hope our feeble attempt at one gets a little better over time (pics, background, updating regularly, etc.).
Fave foods: dark, dark chocolate (85% please), and right now, anything that is high in protein.
Real Simple – yes please
Baby names — we’re not sharing yet either. We *think* we might have the boy names decided but the girl names are still up for debate. And middle names are also TBD. Our babies may be Baby A, B, C for a few days at the rate we’re going!
Henry could kick my a$$ right now.
Home on the couch with a headache, but lurking about blogs anyhow. Loved your poopy post. (Inspired me to wrestle with the topic as well.)
Here’s my 4: 1. Lobster mac n cheese, baklava and chx mole; 2. Graceβ I always wanted a little girl named Grace; 3. Does Real Simple do wallpaper? I need help with wallpaper! 4. Henry has beaten so many odds already. I’d bet on him for the win.
π
Annnnnnnnnna!
Ok, here we go:
1. Favorite foods: pasta (mainly gnocchi), pizza and anything Mexican.
2. I absolutely love Lukas, Hudson and Jack for a boy and Ella, Olivia and Annabel for a girl.
3. Real Simple just came out with Real Simple Weddings and HOW HAVE I NOT BOUGHT IT YET?
4. Are you kidding? Have you seen the look in your kid’s eyes? He would totally whoop me. And I would let him, because he’s adorable.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Your boys are adorable! And I love the delurking picture of Georgie Porgie – very funny!
1. food: pasta with butter, cheetohs, cake
2. Audrey, Mary & Emily; Lance, Lucas, & Joshua
3. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, please!!!
4. I think it would be a draw π
I’m definitely not a lurker, but HI!
Favorite foods: Pasta (preferably with some sort of cheese, butter and/or seafood), almost anything chocolate (but brownies are best), and maybe a good baguette. Wow, all carbs.
Baby names: LOVE Madelyn or Kyla for a girl. Trenton or Dalton for a boy.
Real Simple?! FOR REAL?!? Yes! I have a teeny, tiny Manhattan apartment that is in desperate need of reorganization! Count me in!
Judging by the look in his eye and the shiner, I’m going to bet he could kick my butt. I don’t think even my Tae-Bo moves would work on that tough cookie! π
I’m not a lurker, but I don’t want to miss out on the fun!
1. My three favorite foods to make? Or to eat? My current favorites are scones, chili, and Italian (which I realize is not a food, but it’s all so good that I can’t narrow it down!).
2. Hmmm, baby names. I worked as an RN on OB for several years, so I have seen some kids with some really unfortunate names. Some of my favorite (normal) names are: Aubrey, Charlotte, Jayne, Ella, and Grace. For boys I like Peter, Henry, Benjamin, Eddie (Edward), and Sam. I could go on and on about baby names…
3. You are the coolest person I know for having anything to do with Real Simple. I swear if they could see how often I look on their website for things, they would probably think I am some weird stalker. Which I am not…just a little organization happy is all.
4. I think it would be a toss up in a brawl with Henry…but since he is younger than I am, it would probably only be fair for me to let him win.
1. Just 3? That’s hard. Fettuccine Alfredo, Thin Mints, and grapefruit and kiwis tied for third. (Do you like how I just totally cheated?)
2. Boy names my husband has rejected: Andrew, Alexander. Girl names: Evelyn, Madeline. Um that’s all I can think of off the top of my head.
3. Heck yes. My linen closet is ug.
4. Definitely Henry.
What a great idea! Here we go – 1. Fave Foods: Onion rings, Guacamole, Any kind of pie. 2. Baby Names (human babies, right? Cuz my next pup will be Velma!) Nicholas, Clark, Zeke; Jane, Vivian, Veronica. 3. No thanks – I’m all set. 4. Money is on HENRY! He’s very cute.
1. My mom’s “Mock’ Beef Stroganoff, Jelly Bellies (no picking!), Sarah B’s Flop Drops
2. Richard, Steadman, Hambleton, the Fourth (yes, all of those names).
3. Amily for the make over?
4. Brawl: Tough one. I was going to say that he’d kick the s*** out of me, but based on recent experiences, he might kick the s*** out of himself.
1. pumpkins or squash in anything — raviolis, soups, breads, etc.; dark chocolate; soups of any kind except gazpacho (soup should be hot, not cold!)
2. Rush says we cannot give up our favorite baby names here, so i will list some names i like but that we probably won’t be using for our hypothetical future children: Harper and Fiona for girls; Chase for a boy because I think it would be funny to have a Rush and a Chase in the same family. but really my own amusement is not a good criteria for choosing names.
3. I think I am already on your list?
4. I’m not a fighter, and Henry’s a winner
I hope I don’t qualify as a lurker but I love answering questions so here you go…
1. Grilled cheese, shabu shabu, and japanese curry.
2. Realistic: Eli, Sarah, Rachel, Samuel, Henry. If it were all up to me: Pearl or Ruby for a girl.
3. Yes, yes!
4. Oh, Henry, easily. He’d bat those eyelashes at me and I’d be toast.
Cheetos.
Air Heads.
Oreos.
I know, a classy food life I lead.
Where did I find you? Oh that’s right, I at least remember the BROWNIE SMACKDOWN.
Hi there.
Boys: Chase, Adrian, and Mark
Girls: Mariana, Gabrielle, and Samantha
Hi Anna –
Found you through NICU 101
1. steak, pumpkin bread, anything chocolate
2. Names… hmm, I’ve named three of my own and I’m running out. I like Quinn, Avery and Addison.
3. Sure, I’d let them organize anything!
4. From that photo I’d have to say Henry!
Thanks, I love your blog!
-Kristie
That is a GREAT picture!!
1. Pizza, Lobster Bisque or She Crab Soup, Pork Chops
2. I am still in love with the names we chose, Grant Liam and Scott Philip. Vivian Anya was the winner of “If it’s a girl …”
3. I think I am on your first list, but definitely put me on the revised.
4. Henry could totally take me. I think he and my 22-month-old middle linebacker would give us quite a show.
Henry would probably win. I’ve had a tussle or three with a little boy in my day, and I don’t recall walking away from any of them with any pride.
Also now I have read about everyone’s food and my mouth is watering. Like, a lot. Green bean casserole. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
Hi, I’m Hardin and I’m a Virgo. I’m from across the street (no, I’m not a stalker)
1. Too many choices, just can’t do it.
2. I’ll let you know in a few months
3. Yes please
4. I’ll have him start with Campbell and see if he gets to me
Always a hoot to tune in.
1. Fav food: I can’t decide!
2. Baby names: Grover, Felix, and Elouise (weezy for short). These don’t quite meet my husband’s “Quarterback names” requirement.
3. Real Simple: all ready on it, I think π
4. Yo Adrian! Can you hand me that bottle?
I think your hubby is correct. I’ll play by his rules and simply de-lurk.
I work where you used to work. The person who now has your old job clued me in. I am pretty sure that really nice woman in her office with all the candy let her know about H & W. I have a one-year old, so I figure if I check in with your blog occasionally, I’ll have a better idea of what I am in for. Keep up the good work!
Hi Anna,
I have been lurking on your site for awhile. We are both Wheaton 93ers (Lucia Middleton) and I found your site, somehow, through Sarah (Nagle). I love reading about your guys. My youngest is very close to Henry’s age (6/21/06). I can tell my four favorite boys names which also happen to be the names of my four boys: Peyton, Jackson, Parker & Grayson. I am of no help for girls because that is just too foreign to me at this point. Take care, hope to see you at reunion.
hi.
Hi. First-time de-lurker. π
I actually came across your page just by browsing WordPress by hitting “NEXT.” I liked your pictures and reading about your boys. I don’t have any kids myself…but I am a stay-at-home babysitter of two girls whom I just adore!
Anyway…cute page! I’m looking forward to reading future posts here! π
[returning to lurker status]
ALRIGHTY THEN!
FAVORTIE FOODS; DARK CHOCOLATE, LOBSTER RAVIOLI, NICE MOIST CHICKEN COOKED ALMOST ANY WAY AT ALL.
NAMES; Stand outs NOT to do are; Female, Male, and Ostomy – all of which I’ve seen. Katrina needs a daring rebirth, so I propose names from all recent hurricanes of note.
Henry, Henry, Henry. I want to more more about that shiner before I enter the ring!
Hello!
1. Chocolate, pizza and chips. This is how I add bulk to my thighs- what is up with that? To have that problem!
2. Amelia, Leah, Maggie
Henry :), Patrick, Gabe
These are aside from the ones I already chose of course
3. I will never be Real Simple material I am afraid.
4. I’ve got Henry’s number. I would just distract him with a piece of fruit and he would be mine!!
Thanks for what you do!
1. Dr. pepper, cheeseburgers, pizza
2. girls: Alice, Mary, Helen, boys: anything normal sounding, particularly Henry
3. No. I wouldn’t want anyone to find our porn/gun/dope stash.
4. Me. I show no pity on babies.
Hello! Rush’s sister / mother-of-two-under-two checking in! Occassional reader-turned-subscriber and first-time-poster… Died laughing over the poop post; my daughter left me a nice present *in the shower* last week.
1. Steak, potatoes and chocolate are my favorite foods, especially as I try to keep up with my huge baby and his milk needs.
2. I am exhausted on baby names having recently gone through the drill myself. Those left on the table were Ellis, Thore & Erik for a boy and for a girl, Anika and Elizabeth / Libby
3. I too LIVE for Real Simple — except that the grammatical error in the name of the magazine KILLS me. (should be “REALLY Simple” — duh!). Please put me on that list!
4. I haven’t met Henry but my 20-month old beat me up pretty well this morning so I am feeling like a loser in this hypothetical battle! (who knew she wanted to stay at the library *so* badly!?!?)
k
p.s. sdh — thanks for the heads up on my future niece / nephew’s names. BTW, your mom emailed me and wants you guys to have kids soon. π
Hi Anna,
I found your blog from your Christmas card!
1. My three favorite foods are: pistachio nuts, chocolate (any kind!), and anything dairy like ice cream or yogurt… (I am pregnant so I eat all three of these on a daily basis!)
2. There are many names that I like, but most of them are taken already, so I need a few ideas myself. For Boys – Tyler, Benjamin, Aiden
For girls my daughter recommends Rosie, Olivia, and Ashley (her name).
3. I don’t understand why people need a magazine to simplify their life – my life would be simpler if I had less magazines. (I also need to be on fewer mailing lists). Thanks anyway!
4. No comment!
Well, I’m not exactly a lurker, but still popping by to say hi!
1) Favorite foods – Shepherd’s pie because I just made that for dinner and it was awesome. Fresh pineapple and cream cheese dip. Hot from the oven bread pudding.
2) I love names!! Abigail, Jasmine and Rebekah for a girl -plus Nadia, but that’s taken! Anthony, William (yes really, I’m not just sucking up) and Elijah for a boy.
3) YES please! I love Real Simple and my house could definitely use a makeover. the WHOLE house.
4) I’m not even getting in a brawl with Henry. Cuz I know he’d win and I’m a fraidy cat.
Howdy, Anna. Not exactly a lurker, but don’t always comment either. π
Favorite foods: blueberries, pizza, yogurt
Names: Allen, Marie, Allison, Michael
Real Simple: There is enough material in this house for Real Simple to organize that I could keep the magazine full of content indefinitely. π
Henry: Seriously, he’d take me. But I have a matching picture of Foo from the Thursday before her FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL. Oh, yeah. It was yellow and green at Sunday school.
[…] Hank & Willie Shockingly regular entries since early 2007 « Come out, come out, wherever you are […]
Been reduced to a lurker to everybody’s blogs as of late. Having a hard time keeping up but I’m ALWAYS reading. Favorite food? This is going to take forever. Right now I’ll go with pizza, tacos (so much for going vegetarian), and adobo. Have you heard of adobo? You must try.
You can find tons of baby names (with meanings) at BabyNameSearch.com
and celebrity baby names and other current baby names in the news at Baby Name Search News
alright i can’t stop laughing at the seriousness of henry’s face in that picture long enough to put together a coherent comment. TOO FUNNY.
I am not a lurker…just a reader who’s been on vacation π
1. anything. he. cooks.
2. Claudia, Adelaide, Remy
Connor, Andreas, Phillip
3. I have no idea what you are talking about…….but everything in my house is due for a bit of organisation
4. Me…I am the TICKLE MONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. If I go with basic ingredients: leeks, tomatoes and cheese.
2. I list only names I can’t actually use for various reasons: Holly, Rosemary, Lily, Emmett, Asa and Silas.
3. Clean closets might be more happiness than I could handle.
4. Does he slobber? Cuz I flee slobber.
I’m lurking for the very first time today—found you (someone who introduced me to the best experience I ever had) through Rusharound.
1. ice cream, cheese, greek yogurt (see a theme?)
2. Theodore, Nathaniel, Geoffrey, Charlotte, Gretchen, Heidi (all names by husband won’t let me use because he thinks they’re too WASPy to go with our Italian last name)
3. I need some Real Simple in my life, desperately!!!
4. Henry, hands down (I’m a weakling)
Your husband’s got a point! I meant to raise my hand sooner, but honestly, they’ve both been real busy lately. (I wonder how you keep this site going, but I’m glad you do.) Anyway, I love the picture of your little felon and look forward to seeing new posts pop up in GoogleReader.
Boy names I love: Brody Quinn, Cade
Girl Names: Aunika, Kate (popular), Brooke,
you already know me, but i just wanted to say how much i love that picture of henry. π reminds me of my little bruiser. π
i agree with the husband, you do ask a lot here. but i love you, so here goes:
1. fresh, ripe peaches; chocolate of any kind, but the darker the better; roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2. i can’t say my favorites, or i lose anonymity; but if i ever have a girl, her name will be lilah grace (lilah is short for delilah – i don’t feel comfortable using the biblical name for “prostitute,” so lilah it is). if i have another boy, i’m screwed – but i do have a friend that named her son “colton,” which i love.
3. yes, please add me to that list. i’m all about a home makeover. how about organization for my messy playroom/family room that meets a small budget and allows for frequent moves?
4. hmm… i think henry could take me down.
1. So many foods sound good about now. I’ll say Peanut Butter Cups, Beef Stroganoff, and grilled cheese.
2. This is interesting, cause I need baby names too. π I’m for sure settled on “Henry” for a boy. It’s my mom’s maiden name and my DH’s grandfather’s name. If we have a boy, his name will be Henry. I also like Nathan/iel, Jack, and Andrew. For girls, I like Adelaide/Adeline, Laurel, and Grace.
3. I love Real Simple, but there’s no way I would want “before” pictures in a magazine that my mother and sister subscribe to. (I subscribe too.)
4. I have three nephews under the age of four. If they could “help” me, I think we may be able to take Henry. If not, I’m gonna forfeit the match. I am pregnant, after all.
Hi, I’ve commented before-but not daily.
My favorite food changes by the day or the hour, even. Right now, I could go for some good mexican (I think lunch will be tacos from Tijuana Flats), pizza and a good steak. (steak is almost always on the list). Ask me tomorrow and it might be Greek, fondue and prime rib.
2. Baby names? Shop is closed, but names I love: Gavin, Megan and Colin. Yes, we’re quite Irish in this house, so those names would work well for us.
3. Yes, add me to the list, though I’d love to have them start with my office!
4. One look at that face and Henry would win, no problem. He looks all business!
You could come over to my place and comment on my delurking post, too! π
I’ve commented before but not regularly, but love your blog! And I missed delurking day so I am establishing my own…someday….in the near future.
1. I love chocolate. And peanut butter. And raspberries. And sea bass. Asparagus. Arugula. Caprese salads. Chocolate flourless cake. Pistachio gelato. Ok, I’ll stop now.
2. Just some names I love: Ben, Hayden, Evelyn, Vivian, Beverly.
3. LOVE REAL SIMPLE. Want them to reorg my life.
4. I’d be afraid to meet Henry in a dark alley somewhere.
I’m with Brian. π
Crista here. I love reading many, many posts at a time… always a big laugh. Thanks for your wonderfully entertaining creation.
1 favorite foods: ginger hermits, top pot donuts and your bread pudding
2b hank, willie, heiney
2g widda, gigi, lala
3 Knowing that Real Simple magazine may be looking for me puts a renewed motivation to house hunting. You should pitch an idea for a car interior make-over. I could use a nice throw or some interesting artwork to draw attention away from the booger finger paint and the emergency rations that are scattered on the floor and on the seats.
4 All henry has to do is blow one kiss my way and I’m a goner!
I found your blog by going to the wordpress.com site and looking under “family.” I think they gave me a list, but yours looked the most interesting. My three favorite foods are: 1. Mexican; 2. Pizza; 3. Cupcakes (preferable pink – they just taste better). My favorite baby names are: Daniel (not Danny, ever); Kaitlynn; Liam; Gillian; Ashley.
Please consider me and my highly unstable linen closet (or any other part of my house!) for the Real Simple casting list.
Henry would definitely win the brawl, I can’t even wrangle my linen closet into any type of order:)
Hello!
I found you from “Reader’s Roll” on OMSH’s site.
What was the next question? Oh…Food, I should have remembered that one, for pete’s sake!
1. Pizza, Burritos, chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
2. Boys~Braeden, Aidan, Christopher
2. Girls~Aleksandra, Elizabeth, Catherine
3. Um, I would be horrified for Real Simple to see my house, but love the mag.
4. Oh definitely Henry….too cute!