Why no pic?

Photo from http://www.squidoo.com/buy-anonymous-mask

When I first considered starting this blog, I had to think long and hard about my privacy vs trying to help others. It's a tough choice. Blogs can bite you in the butt with family, friends, employers, or just plain finding your story on some media website. Heck, I don't even have a public facebook profile, which is surprising since I am very active there as well as other social media outlets.

There are many reasons not to personally attach your name or picture to a something in the public domain. In my case, we have several. There are family members that do not know every aspect of our lives, nor do we want them to. My husband is opposed to posting pictures publicly for a multitude of reasons - even ones to share with his family (we email them separately.) With his job I have to be extra careful what I post or it could cause him problems. While I do have some public social media profiles, I am very careful what I post and I do not post pics with him in them. There's also the issue of an ex-boyfriend whom I had to endure some serious stalker issues with (many online) that has left permanent marks. On and on and on with a multitude of reasons.

On the flip side, the blogs of my fellow infertility/IVF/Surro peeps have helped me keep my sanity. The stories and the pictures everyone posts help me know I am not alone and they help me get through this difficult time. One could even say I have a minor addiction to fertility blogs now. :-) There is a plethora of information and support that is unlike any I could find by joining some local group or other outlet. With that in mind, I really wanted to contribute my story and support to help, as others have helped (and continue to help) me.

Blogs like these are important. I didn't want to feel like I had to censure anything, because the process is so very important. That is why I came to the decision to not post identifying pics or our names. I wanted to make sure I was completely honest in my posts, without fear of hurting anyone's feelings or jeopardizing our personal privacy. The main picture I finally decided to use the avatar of Kali,as created by Pixar's Sanjay Patel.  (I'll save the reason for that choice for another post.)

Thanks blogosphere peeps for all that you do. I am so very grateful for your bravery that spans not only fertility, but so much more. I am thrilled that not all have restrictions as I do and love all that you share. You are an inspiration to myself and so many more. Keep up the good work.

If you are super-duper curious about me, then hit me up on the side with an email. But only if you have your own blog. :-)