Hello, former Blag Hag readers. Welcome to my new home.
The Jenome was created as a sort of rebirth, even though it still falls victim to my curse of only being able to come up with pun titles. I’d like to compare it to a phoenix rising from the ashes, but that’s a little too grandiose. The Jenome is more like Selginella lepidophylla, the “Resurrection Plant”, blooming back to life after withering away into dormancy due to years of drought and hardship.
And you thought there couldn’t be a geekier metaphor for resurrection than a phoenix. Pfft, why turn to mythology when you have biology?
My blogging waned in 2012 due to a combination of graduate school stress and time commitments, a vicious harassment campaign against me by internet misogynists, and a stupid brain that’s predisposed to depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, the following year was even worse. In March 2013 my mother was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, and in April of 2014 she passed away. I simply didn’t have time for blogging or speaking when I was constantly worrying about and visiting my mom, while simultaneously try to work on my PhD.
As horrible as these last couple of years have been, they’ve also given me a new perspective on life. As an atheist, I’ve always believed that this is the one shot we get at life and we should live it to the fullest. But this last year made me realize exactly how true that is. You never know if you’re going to get cancer or get hit by a bus, and all the planning in the world can still get derailed by the unexpected.
This wake up call also showed me exactly what my priorities are. I want to explore how the universe works, share that wonder and excitement with others, and create art to make the world a slightly more interesting place. I don’t want to think writing something is pointless because someone else beat me to a topic. I don’t want to spend weeks debating a sexist comment posted by some random asshole living in a basement. I don’t want to be an unintentional amplifier for hate and vitriol. I don’t want to feel pressured to write about specific topics. I don’t want to worry about creating professional posts for getting a job. And frankly, I can’t totally relate to the “Blag Hag” persona anymore – Blag Hag was effectively my less thoughtful, more reactive college self, and I have definitely changed since then.
I originally fell in love with blogging because it was an open, interactive journal for me to be creative. And this is my attempt to get that back with a fresh start. If I want to write about serious topics like the latest scientific advancements, or religious privilege, or feminism, then I will. But I’ll also feel free to post about my strategy in Civ 5, or what I thought about the latest episode of Game of Thrones, or a random doodle I made of butts wearing glasses.
I enjoyed my time at Freethought Blogs and still consider the bloggers there my colleagues and friends. I don’t want to imply that they restricted my blogging topics in any way, because they gave me absolute freedom. So why did I leave? Honestly, I’m a perfectionist control freak who hates working in groups. I’m simply happier and in a better mental space when I have total control, even if it’s control over minor things like how to arrange widgets in a sidebar or what font color to use. I gave joining a network a chance for the increased exposure and the extra spending money, but I realized that’s not what’s important to me. My anxious brain got too caught up in writing “Freethought” topics, or worrying about the frequency of my posts and how it reflects on the network as a whole, and it sucked the fun out of blogging. What I really wanted was simply a space that’s 100% mine.
So, welcome to The Jenome, where the theme is yet again Shit Jen Thinks About. I really can’t express how thankful and touched I am to have readers who have stuck by me through these hard years. I’ve constantly received messages from people who miss my writing or are just hoping I’m doing okay. I still have to pinch myself that anyone wants to read what spills out of my head, but I’m happy to be able to share it with all of you again.
Edit: Yep, I know comments aren’t working well. I’m trying to figure it out!
40 comments
Mark W. says:
Apr 30, 2014
Woo! I can post here now!
Benjamin Stonier says:
Apr 30, 2014
Wonderful! I’m along for the ride, as you might expect!
Xanthë says:
Apr 30, 2014
Glad to hear you’re doing okay, and I think this will give you an opportunity to relax from the spotlight of FTB. Best of luck Jen!
Jason Thibeault says:
May 2, 2014
Testing the comment form… I can see it, can I post?
Greg Smith says:
May 2, 2014
I like the new blog name, and I hope for all our sakes that the fact that you have decided to get your own virtual place is a sign that your life affords you some posting time and energy again. We want you back! Many virtual blog-warming gifts are being wished upon you.
mathapprentice says:
May 2, 2014
Welcome back Jen! Longtime blaghag reader here. You blogging again is such good news that it prompted me to delurk! I wish you all the best with the new site.
Bill Murray says:
May 2, 2014
Welcome back. I’ve missed your blogging. Hope Grad school is going well.
Sean Boyd says:
May 2, 2014
I’ve enjoyed your writing at BlagHag, and I’m glad you’re continuing to share your thoughts with the rest of us. Good luck!
Noelle Biddlecom says:
May 2, 2014
Glad to see you blogging again. I like the pun.
Andrew T. says:
May 2, 2014
Good luck on your new site, Jen! I’ll be back for more.
Gary Usleaman says:
May 2, 2014
Yay!
Levi Claussen says:
May 2, 2014
Looks to be working.
F [i'm not here, i'm gone] says:
May 2, 2014
Hey, I’m so glad you have your site up and working. Good for you, and I wish you a better blogging experience in your new digs.
Also, your cat is still too awesome. (Squee!)
Peter Landers says:
May 2, 2014
Hello, welcome back to blogging. I had only just discovered your writing when you backed off, so I’m looking forward to reading your stuff more often again.
Fail Blue Dot says:
May 3, 2014
Wooo! Really glad you’re back to blogging. (From a longtime reader, infrequent commenter)
Michael Neville says:
May 2, 2014
I was just saying to someone else “Whatever happened to what’s her name?” and here you are back again.
Erp says:
May 2, 2014
Welcome back to blogging from another long time reader. Your voice has been missed.
Edin Villalobos Mora says:
May 2, 2014
¡Good luck!
mogman1 says:
May 2, 2014
Welcome back, Jen! I was always one of the lurker readers who rarely ventured into the comments and I was super sad when you took your hiatus. I’m excited to get to read your writing again!
Jay Tee says:
May 3, 2014
Welcome back! I’ve always enjoyed your writing…looking forward to some Civ V tips!
Flewellyn says:
May 5, 2014
I’m really glad to see you blogging again!
feministskull says:
Jul 8, 2014
I am really glad that you went back to individual blogging again. I was getting caught up with all the ads that Freethought Blogs puts on their website so I stopped visiting your blog. I’ve been reading your blog since “Blag Hag” and you inspired me to become a biologist (and helped me come out as an atheist and feminist). I am in school now unsure with what I want to study or do when I get out, but I know I want to do something in science. Thanks Jen!
jstatham027 says:
May 29, 2018
Use hashtags específicas muito personalizar a hashtag para o canal de mídia social específico que você está certo de que seu hashtags são fortes, mas não promotionalMake seus hashtags limpar e conciseDon’t usam muitos hashtagsCreate um evento usingMake: montar um evento em que você reunir influenciadores, embaixadores da marca, fiéis seguidores, etc……! Algumas das maneiras em que você pode envolver as pessoas no seu concurso está fazendo com a “gostar” do concurso, recebendo-os de fazer comentários sobre seu concurso (as pessoas adoram a expressar suas opiniões e sentir que suas opiniões são importantes para você) e outras formas criativas para envolver as pessoas. comprar seguidores instagram
jstatham027 says:
Jun 8, 2018
It is nonsuch to improve a system of say action and carefully operation the secondhand sources referred to . write my essay for me
jstatham027 says:
Jun 20, 2018
Thus you can now get hold of a number of wallpapers and keep switching among them to the one which is according to your mood and represents you in the best way possible. 1080p Wallpapers HD
jstatham027 says:
Jun 21, 2018
Key West. When the sun goes down, visitors and locals alike flock tThe Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where the evening’s merriment begins. Afterward, head tDuval Street and explore the Keys’ bar and restaurant district – which features a host of entertainment options, all within walking distance of each other. miami to key west shuttle
jstatham027 says:
Jul 10, 2018
Refer that the printer is won over in the premier paragraph of the essay and also considering that an academic essay is evaluated closely it becomes real valuable that the author commence strongly . Rodrigues Island Mauritius
jstatham027 says:
Jul 15, 2018
Much obliged for each other useful site. The spot else might just I understand that sort of data written in such a perfect means? I have an endeavor that I’m a few seconds ago working on, and I have been watchful for such data. james allen vs blue nile
jstatham027 says:
Aug 4, 2018
Much obliged for each other useful site. The spot else might just I understand that sort of data written in such a perfect means? I have an endeavor that I’m a few seconds ago working on, and I have been watchful for such data. russian escort
jstatham027 says:
Aug 6, 2018
That seems, by all accounts, to be fantastic anyway i am still not very beyond any doubt that I like it. At any rate will look significantly more into it and choose by and by! débouchage toilettes
jstatham027 says:
Aug 8, 2018
nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! buy instagram likes
jstatham027 says:
Aug 16, 2018
This is an incredible rousing article.I am essentially satisfied with your great work.You put truly exceptionally accommodating data. Keep it up. Continue blogging. Hoping to perusing your next post. ganhar seguidores no instagram brasileiros
jstatham027 says:
Sep 4, 2018
A debt of gratitude is in order for a magnificent offer. Your article has demonstrated your diligent work and experience you have in this field. Splendid .i cherish it perusing. antique gallery
jstatham027 says:
Oct 4, 2018
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers GClub
jstatham027 says:
Oct 6, 2018
This is such an awesome asset, to the point that you are giving and you give it away for nothing. I adore seeing blog that comprehend the benefit of giving a quality asset to free. GClub
jstatham027 says:
Oct 12, 2018
It’s always smarter and more efficient to use a “turnkey” print and mail provider to do the heavy-lifting for you. cheap luxury EDDM® box
jstatham027 says:
Feb 2, 2019
i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me. lawyers in Lagos
jstatham027 says:
Mar 6, 2019
After research a few of the blog posts in your website now, and I really like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will probably be checking again soon. Pls check out my web page as nicely and let me know what you think. https://getinmate.com/
jstatham027 says:
Mar 7, 2019
I do accept as true with all the ideas you have introduced on your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for newbies. May just you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time? Thanks for the post. coworking space
Sot Perm says:
Jul 13, 2019
I’ve enjoyed your writing inmatereleases.org