A blogger sent me an email asking if I would participate in a project she was doing on her web page, saying that it would spread blog love and let other bloggers have exposure to new blog reads. I decided those are good things and I agreed to play along.
When I considered my guest list for Aud’s Barking Mad bloggity dinner party and who I would want to invite, my first thought was “EVERYONE! DUH!”.
Then I started thinking about what a pain in the ass that would turn into. The guest list would have hundreds of people on it and I would end up communicating by semaphore to people at the other end of my big-ass table.
It would also mainly be women.
That is a radical and interesting concept, no? A huge room packed with amazing bloggity people that are mainly women with everyone trying to talk all at once?
Umm…I just did that. It was called BlogHer, thank you very much.
As amazing as BlogHer was, I don’t want to have a repeat experience quite so soon. (Besides, even if I was the one throwing the party I would probably STILL manage to miss She Likes Purple in the crowd, dammit).
No, I am ready for something different.
For my dinner party, I am going to be hanging out with the dudes. The men. I will be the only female invited. An isle of estrogen in a sea of testosterone. The lone hoo-hoo in a forest of peep-peeps. (What? Backpacking Dad did the same thing. Ok, fine. I’ll admit that he may have had different motivations, but if he can have an all-penis party with his guest list, so can I. Heh.)
Don’t get me wrong, I love my female readers like you (ehem) CANNOT IMAGINE , but the MEN! Oh, the men. They hold a special place in my heart because dude…men can comment like nobody’s business. There are some amazing, hilarious, kind, lovey women around here that I love, adore and need, but sometimes having a guy pipe up and ZING through is a totally welcome thing.
In the interest of fairness, I made a freaking long list of every guy I could think of that I read and who comments here and I put them in a generator to help me pick. I couldn’t help it. I have so many favorites it was the only way to go about it. (And don’t think I didn’t think about fudging it to include Black Hockey Jesus, because I totally did.)
My dinner party of ten (in alphabetical order):
Adam of “Shadows on the Wall”:
Maybe it is that his Twitter handle is “Adam the Mediocre”. Maybe it is that he is very real about his struggles staying clean and off drugs. Maybe it is because when he linked to me he said he was hesitant to do so because he wanted to keep me all to himself. Maybe it is because he dressed up his dog Floyd in a babushka and posted about him winning the role of “Tzeitel” in “Fiddler on the Roof”, who knows. He intrigues me. His comments make me laugh. (And he needs to post more freaking often.)
Backpacking Dad:
Without question one of the most intelligently chivalrous bloggers on the planet. Sometimes I fear that this blog is in peril of becoming the “I pink puffy hearts love Backpacking Dad” blog. I can’t help it. Wouldn’t you love a man who confessed to garnering the moniker “Tight pants Shawn” in college?
The guy is RAD. I made a comment on Neil’s site about how I worship my male readers and he showed up with an email and internet flowers (or whatever) saying he was ready to have his feet kissed (or something) and it’s been true, platonic bloggity love ever since. He is the wind beneath my wings, yo.
Craig of “Banter of a Blond Republican Couple”: 
Craig co-authors a blog with his lovely wife, MacKenzie and until last week, they both resided in my town and were members of “The Cache Valley Illuminati” (Which is basically a bunch of people who like to go to lunch together and talk about geeky things like blogging platforms). As I’ve gotten to know Craig (and MacKenzie)I like him more and more. He writes comments that just make me chortle. Like this one he made on a post that I wrote about what products I would and would not purchase in a generic version:
Craig says:
…I try to get MacKenzie to buy generic feminine products, but she refuses. So selfish.
February 4th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Dad Gone Mad: 
I mainly lurk over at his site (unless it is to pipe up and chime in my nickname for a penis on his post about wanting to find employment as a “dick spam” author. (My contribution? “Mighty, purple-helmeted warrior”. Like this surprises ANY of you.).
He is someone I click over to when I want to read exceptionally good writing that almost always includes some guffawing and snorting on my part. Since the guy doesn’t know me and out of respect for his “Hot wife”, I will refrain from flashing my “Magical boobies” during the evening’s festivities.
Besides, I already did that when I crashed Backpacking Dad’s party. (It was magical, indeed.)
Dougie! author’s Doug’s Rants and Raves. I ‘met’ Dougie! through Erin of Grad School Knitter and was completely smitten by him. Any gay man who thinks I am too hot for words gets an automatic pass, in my book. (And yes, I alway think of him as Dougie! with an exclamation point in my head.)
Dougie! is not the most consistent blogger/commenter on the planet, but I’ll take him any way I can get him because he says the funniest things:
“Why do I come out looking like a fat axe-murderer in all of my photos? Seriously, I’m so cute in the mirror, which I constantly stare into. This is why I don’t take random photos of myself. Everything must be carefully orchestrated.”
Froyd: 
Froyd has been a reader since the wee baby days of my blog and he’s pretty much a genius. He also looks nifty in Viking horns. He is one of the fabulous Bemidji State Alums that were the first fans of this blog. He does not pipe up here very often but when he does it is freaking hilarious. (Like this GEM yesterday? I about peed myself.)
Once I posted a photo of my silverware drawer after my boys took all the silver out of the diswasher and just DUMPED it in the drawer with less than zero attempt at organizing them into their respective slots. This was his comment:
Froyd says:
I’m not sure I see the problem there…is that not a silverware drawer?Is it not filled with what appears to be, in fact, silverware?
Looks to me like a job well done!
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Jon Deal 
Owner of the best Twitter Avatar on the planet, Jon Deal also authors “Ransom Note Typography”. His comments and Tweets crack me up. I link to him a lot because, well…I like him a lot. And he is hilarious and writes me fashion and makeout tips to prepare for BlogHer and goes to dinner with me on my occasional jaunts down to Salt Lake. We like bouncing ideas off one another and often ask each other to read copy before we hit the publish button.
Plus, because I am notorious for editing my posts AFTER I hit publish, he wrote what I consider one of the funniest posts of all time appropriately titled, “Edited”.
Plus, he’s heard a good deal of my crazy and it somehow doesn’t stop him from liking me.
It’s a beautiful relationship.
Kevin Charnas 
Are you serious? Why wouldn’t I have a guy who is unafraid to don a wig and hot pink dress and show off his man cleavage? He is a newish find for me, but am I ever exited to get to know him better.
Laid off Dad: 
Everyone knows the man is funny but what they may not know is that he also has one of the most lovely speaking voices out there. It’s rich, deep baritone sound. As a vocal snob, I was very pleasantly surprised at his community keynote speech. Don’t make me choose between him and Mike Rowe. It may get ugly.
Lou Ceel “Uncle Lou”. 
Creative-types always make my heart go pitter-pat. And Lou definitely falls into that category.
I have a total confession here. The very first time I saw “lceel’s” comment my head translated his name to “ICE-EEL”. He has a lovely tag on his blog explaining the accurate pronunciation and all that, but I am afraid that the damage was done. Even though I realized that was an “L” and not an “I”, I still have to really restrain from thinking “Ice-EEL”. Which kinda sucks because dude, how cool is the moniker is that? Although, on the down side, I always start humming ‘Ice, Ice baby” within ten minutes of reading one of his comments, which are usually hilarious.
So, there you are.
Pretty rad guest-list, no?
Why don’t you show the peepers some peep love in my comments? Who are your some of your favorite male bloggity people?
Robin says:
You suck yo. I want to be a guy right now so I can make your stinkin list.
All right fine, twist my f’n arm. I’ll leave some love on these guys’ blogs. Not you though Backpacking Dad or Dad Gone Mad. I’ve been doing back-bends with no undies for weeks now and you still haven’t noticed me..
Robins last blog post..The Importance
August 16th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Texan Mama says:
Ooh I read a so very funny guy blog. It is the perfect blog for anyone with 3 or more sons. Plus, if you live in Texas, you’ll be able to relate:
http://dadthedude.blogspot.com
Other than that I do read Dad Gone Mad, but I want to know how you remember all these people… didn’t you purge your Reader? Sounds suspicious….
Texan Mamas last blog post..Stuff I’m still not getting
August 16th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says:
Always looking for more male points of view. Thanks for giving me something to do while the hubs and son are at The Clone Wars.
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommys last blog post..Weekend Events for 7/25 - 7/27
August 16th, 2008 at 2:44 am
ali says:
lalala. everyone’s all about turning this dinner party into a sausage fest….
sure. take the easy way out!
seriously, though, this is a GREAT list. some on here i LO-HO-HOVE and some i’ll have to check out…because if you say i will like him, i believe you!
alis last blog post..The Boots is three
August 16th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
Great list…now making my list of must reads even longer.
So wait, you suck! (I kid, I kid) I really need to put some thought into mine, but I am sure it won’t be as cool as your list.
Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..In honor of Jennifer’s last "official" Haiku Friday
August 16th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Christine says:
Why no picture of my man Neil? He’s got that nifty one of him w/his dapper hat!
Great list…I’m too lazy to throw that dinner party. But if I did, I’d invite you. I like how you look at me when I rant ;).
Christines last blog post..Yes, I am the Butt of the Joke
August 16th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Christine says:
Oh, and yeah…some of us we were totally commenting on LOD’s awesome voice while on the Alltop shuttle.
Christines last blog post..Yes, I am the Butt of the Joke
August 16th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Frpud says:
Party Party! Wooooooooooo!!!!!!!!
FEAAAAST!
Frpuds last blog post..busy busy
August 16th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Froyd says:
that obviously should read “froyd” not “frupd”
it was a long night last night.
Froyds last blog post..busy busy
August 16th, 2008 at 11:02 am
heather... says:
well, I know I’ll sound biased, but I really do love http://www.thenewbornidentity.com. He cracks me up with every entry. Plus, his wife is awesome.
heather…s last blog post..The Olympics Are Killing Me
August 16th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Redneck Mommy says:
Wicked dinner party girl. But then I knew you had great taste…after all, you played tonsil hockey with me, after all.
I think it’s a brilliant idea to pay more love to some of the penis tuggers out here in blog land. Those who sport testicles have been some of my biggest supporters and helped me get through some rough times.
Thanks for pointing out some great new testosterone filled blog for us to love. I’m off to introduce myself to them and maybe flash them some boobie.
Except for Danny. He’s already seen them. Heh.
Smooches, doll.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Craig says:
Yeah, I get to come! Whatever will I wear? Also, sign me up to bring a blueberry cobbler.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
SparklieSunShine says:
Fun! I enjoy hanging out in a room full of peeper’s. They usually take my sex comments better than they girl. I get to be high fived instead of hearing, “What does that even mean?”
TMI? I tried to be vague. Haha.
Have fun at the party. The blueberry cobbler sounds delish.
SparklieSunShines last blog post..8 Things Meme - I Was Tagged!
August 16th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Doug says:
I’ve eaten so many cookies today that my pancreas hurts. It’s been raining for days. I’m so fed up that I went and laid in the hammock today anyway, reading the paper before it discentigrated in my hands. But this post totally made my day. And yes, I think you’re stunning (the eyes, the eyes…) and I will meet you one day, even if it means me treking cross country and stumbling upon this “Cache Valley” you speak of. (I keep picturing fields of RAM in every direction). Since I don’t have any money at present, I’ll have to hitchhike or go train-hopping. Hey, maybe now that my sister’s a carny, she’ll know the best trains to hop.
Dougs last blog post..Miscellany from a hammock
August 16th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Amber says:
This comment has nothing to do with your post. It’s just…you have this ad on your left sidebar, and I’m curious: were you and Amanda Peet separated at birth? I’ve never thought of it before, but she could be your long-lost triplet.
Ambers last blog post..Dear Veterinarians of the World,
August 16th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Melly says:
I didn’t know you were such a sexiest pig.
Mellys last blog post..Rain….Spain….Bunny Brain
August 16th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Csquaredplus3 says:
Thanks for playing! Can’t wait to check these out - I already love “Froyd” referring to himself as “frupd”.
I’m feeling frupd this morning. Too. much. wine.
Csquaredplus3s last blog post..I’m trying to get his priorities straight.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:52 am
slynnro says:
My husband actually has a blog he updates approximately every other solar eclipse:
http://www.thunderouslyawesome.blogspot.com
Of course, I have dinner with him all the time, so he would be a lame choice on my part.
slynnros last blog post..How Bizarre, How Bizarre.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Backpacking Dad says:
I don’t believe for a second that this was a random list.
And you forgot “funny”. I’m also funny.
:}
You’re awesome.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..And just where were you while this was going on?
August 17th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
gwendomama says:
if you’re all about the love, then you’re gonna love this sharing of love
http://gwendomama.blogspot.com/2008/08/awards-links-speshulness.html
gwendomamas last blog post..Awards, Links, Speshulness
August 17th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
lceel 'Uncle Lou' says:
I am flattered and honored to be included in the list of ‘Peep-peeps.’ Of course, I DO understand that the only REAL qualification, besides being a blogger, is having a penis. I do have one, and I have never had more pride of ownership.
And I have balls, too.
lceel ‘Uncle Lou’s last blog post..100 Word Challenge - Fresh
August 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Dad Gone Mad says:
If I may be so bold, I doubt an actual “dinner” would be required at any such party. I’m picturing a few cases of cheap beer, a PlayStation, and lots of baby oil. And with all of this talk of boobies and back-bends, the baby oil might be unnecessary.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Cheaper Than Therapy » Blog Archive » Come and party with me. there will be beer slurpees. maybe. says:
[…] at the post again. and i just had to be a part of this. and not just because Backpacking Dad and Loralee and Mr. Lady have already done it. because i like what it’s about. community. love. two things […]
August 19th, 2008 at 7:48 am