Blog Wordle created 1/9/11—obviously reflecting last week’s Hate/Love post
1,105 days ago, on December 25, 2007, I started this blog. Today marks my 1,000th post. Whew. I may not be the best blogger around, but I’m pretty darned consistent about posting!
After months of reading blogs and clicking my way down one rabbit hole after another, I had a sense of what I liked, who I liked and also an idea of what my place in the blogosphere would be like. One thing that was very clear to me was that while some of my favorite writers had an angst (and often breathtaking honesty) to their writing—and to their lives—that wasn’t going to be my direction. Because honestly, angst-y is just not me. My life has been easier than some people’s and harder than others, but I’ve been blessed with a pretty positive outlook and a can-do attitude—and that is what I wanted my blog to reflect.
From the beginning, blogging has been much more than I ever expected it to be. Mrs. G. from Derfward Manor, Stacy from Apathy Lounge and Mary Alice of the now-defunct From the Frontlines were three bloggers that I consistently read and admired and who inspired me to jump into blogging and to make sure I had a platform that provided the strikeout. Would you believe that I’ve worked with all three at The Women’s Colony, talked to all of them on the phone and had the privilege of meeting both Mary Alice and her lovely daughter in person? Whouda thunk it?
And BOSSY? I’ve met her twice and there’s a placard over Grownup Girl’s bed that says, “BOSSY slept here.” (Not really, but there could be.)
I had the honor and privilege of being part of The Women’s Colony and working with the smartest, funniest, most ethical women around. It was an amazing experience.
Blogging also involved me in a very painful episode, the story of which I’ve not ever fully told (and I’m not sure when I will), but since I’ve always believed that personal growth most often occurs during the rough times, that’s okay. I learned some valuable things—about myself and others. It did reinforce that I’m definitely not a person to let a few cloudy days spoil the whole summer. I will continue to meet and forge personal relationships with you, my fellow bloggers and commenters, whenever possible.
Even if I were to not write another word on this blog after today (totally NOT going to happen) I feel I would have fulfilled my initial goals of daily and improved writing and leaving a record of what my family, and my life, was like. Plus, it’s been fun for my whole family—they give me blog fodder and I give them fodder to tease (and sometimes ridicule) me with*. It’s a win-win.
Thank you for reading, for commenting and—for so many of you—for being my friends. It means a lot to me. I had friends warn me, when they learned of my blog, that too much time on the internet meant withdrawing from “real life.” That has so not happened—instead, many of you have become part of “real life.”
And now, for a favor . . .
I know that 225 people subscribe to my feed in Google Reader and that I average between 250 and 300 page views a day—so there are a lot of people that read, but don’t comment. Which is totally cool, but . . . even if you don’t normally comment, I’d love it if you would leave a comment today. Just for fun—and also, so I can make sure I can visit you as well; after all, you are my neighbors in the blogosphere.
* I have to say thanks for being the best sports evah to the these guys—the loves of my life—my family—Social Butterfly, Mr. Fix-it, MVP, Grownup Girl and Danger Boy (whose name Deb thinks should be changed to Danger Man. Sigh.)
**This is 673 words—it DEFINITELY did not need to be any longer.
Love your blog and your attitude! I don't have a blog for you to visit, so keep on posting here, k?
Posted by: cariba | January 09, 2011 at 11:54 PM
Your positive attitude is the reason I read your blog. I'm glad to hear that you're going to keep on blogging.
Posted by: Catherine | January 10, 2011 at 01:44 AM
Wow, 1000 posts and I am sure I have read every one of them. You are an amazing blogger, Jenn - you talk a load of sense but are never patronising. That is a much harder balance to strike that you realise and few manage it.
I love love love your blog x
Posted by: reluctant blogger | January 10, 2011 at 06:43 AM
I have thought often about trying to start a blog, but haven't yet taken the plunge ... too busy reading everyone else! I always enjoy your posts, whatever the subject matter.
Posted by: Annie | January 10, 2011 at 06:58 AM
I posted my favorite writers from the WC into my reading favorites folder. So I don't subscribe, don't always comment, don't have a blog of my own, but I check in almost every day.
Posted by: Naomi B. | January 10, 2011 at 07:59 AM
I, too, am sure I've read every single one of your posts. Your perspective often makes me think, and that's a good thing! Keep on keepin' on, please?
Posted by: N | January 10, 2011 at 08:41 AM
I never comment but I just wanted to say I enjoy reading your blog. I have you in my reader under favorites and those are the ones I always read first. I also try to be a positive person and it is refreshing to read your pages. Thanks.
Posted by: katy | January 10, 2011 at 09:16 AM
I check in pretty much every day to see if you've posted something - you have become my #1 blog to check, actually. I love your writing, I love your outlook, and I think you are an amazing person and mother. That pretty much sums up why I keep coming back! I'm a lousy commenter, though. I have gotten a bit better over time, but it still needs some work! :)
Posted by: Katie | January 10, 2011 at 09:18 AM
Hey. I've stopped blogging. Still read a few including yours. Happy 1000th!
Posted by: Mandy | January 10, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Smalltown Mom | January 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Hi Jen! Just wanted to say congrats to you on the "blogversary"(now there's a word for ya!) and to say I admire your writing. Filled with truth, insight and tempered with reason you usually hit the nail on the head for me. Keep writing, living and loving your crew and all will be good in the universe!Peace and blessings, may the journey be long and the ride intersting!
Posted by: Bramble | January 10, 2011 at 10:16 AM
I love reading your blog and hearing about your family with older children/adults. This BETTER not be your last post!
Posted by: suzie | January 10, 2011 at 10:20 AM
i do read an occasionally comment...i've linked my blog, but i'll warn you, it's likely totally NOT in line with your politics ('tis why i never share it).
Posted by: falnfenix | January 10, 2011 at 10:20 AM
OK, this time, with the family photo? I am thinking, correct me if I am wrong, that your younger son is the tallest in the fam? WOW!
hey, keep on writing, congrats on the thou :)
Posted by: gary rith | January 10, 2011 at 10:21 AM
I first came across you on the Women's Colony. CongaRats on the 1000/1000.
Posted by: janet | January 10, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Congrats Jenn.
I think I have read almost everyone of your posts, you are inspiring and of course I love your positive attitude. (You know some people have been annoyed by my sunny outlook!!! crazy)
I keep coming back because I keep learning new things from you; another perspective in this thing we call life!
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | January 10, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Congrats! That's quite a milestone.
I too love your positive attitude about things! I'm inspired by it, actually, as a person who battles against my own negativity frequently.
Posted by: Nic | January 10, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Congratulations, Jenn!
And you can hopefully add me to your list of "bloggers met" next month--I'll email you soon!!!!
I'm so glad I found YOU out here in the blogosphere, you're on my list of influential bloggers, along with Mrs. G and Mary Alice.
Posted by: green girl in wisconsin | January 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Congrats on hitting this milestone!
Please don't stop blogging -- how else would I learn the skinny on parenting teenagers?
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | January 10, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I admire your writing style. Your interesting and articulate posts are fun to read and have illustrated to me that coherent and consistent blogging is possible.
Your sunny attitude is also an inspiration.
Posted by: Meg B. | January 10, 2011 at 11:19 AM
I'm happy to comment and say congrats on a terrific blog! I really do mean to comment more, but then I find I am finished with breakfast and must head off to work! Those young minds won't mold themselves! (Actually, I believe they would, but I'm happy to facilitate!)
You don't need to visit my blog. I've let it languish...
Posted by: barbra | January 10, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I don't comment often, but I have before. I've lost my blogging umph - maybe I'll get it back, who knows. But I still enjoy reading you and many others. Congrats on 1000 posts!
Posted by: Owlfan | January 10, 2011 at 11:26 AM
I drop in Mon through Thurs (I don't like the Confessional on Friday). While I have a blog site, I seldom blog...in fact, I posted on Dec 25, 2010, exactly one year after my previous post. So keep blogging, I'm enjoying your snippets of your family.
Posted by: Gail | January 10, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Congratulations, what a milestone!
Posted by: Steph | January 10, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Congrats on 1000! I'm one who has no blog and rarely comments on anyone's blog. I added you to my Google reader feed after reading you at The Women's Colony.
Posted by: LeeAnn | January 10, 2011 at 11:36 AM
I always read your blog. This single 29 year old Floridan thinks it's fun to see how a family in California lives their lives. Similarities connect more than differences disconnect. Yay for 1000!
Posted by: Aubrie | January 10, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I'm so glad you started this blog, and that I found it. I love your positivity, and to be honest, find the angst blogs a bit annoying sometimes.
If all 300 people comment, are you really going to visit each one? Knowing you, yes.
Posted by: Jenrantsraves | January 10, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Wow - 1000 posts is a major milestone and an indication of a lot of dedication. So glad to have found you and honored that you read me, too!
Posted by: Brightside-Susan | January 10, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Hi from Holland (Europe)! I used to blog and still enjoy reading yours. Thanks!
Posted by: Marit | January 10, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Happy 1,000th blog post. I'm one of those that read you daily but don't comment often. Keep the posts coming!!
Posted by: Kay | January 10, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Happy Anniversary! I enjoy reading your blog and hope you will continue for at least 1000 more!
Posted by: Jamie | January 10, 2011 at 12:41 PM
As someone with 476 Google readers and has been blogging longer than you, I can tell you that not everyone reads our blogs every time we post. Some have joined and check the titles in Google and if it appeals, they read, if not, they move on.
How do I know that? Because I've joined lots and lots and LOTS of blogs but don't read more than 10.
Posted by: Suzy | January 10, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Happy 1,000 posts! That is so awesome! I am so glad you are continuing your blogging -- I really enjoy reading "you."
Posted by: Stacie | January 10, 2011 at 01:01 PM
As one of the Google Reader readers, I want to wish you a congrats! I have enjoyed reading about you and your family and especially value the insights to education that you share. Thanks!
Posted by: Patti | January 10, 2011 at 01:05 PM
I don't comment often, but always enjoy reading your blog. I especially find your posts about education to be spot-on. If only the powers-that-be would listen! Anyhoo, thanks for sharing your life, your thoughts and your humor! And congratulations on #1000!
Posted by: marty | January 10, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Keep going! I read you (nearly) every day.
Shelly
Posted by: Marms37 | January 10, 2011 at 01:44 PM
I ALWAYS read you. I've been enjoying reading you as kind of a "yes, I will make it through my kid's early years to their teenage/early adult years" inspiration! And I always love your insights into the education system. More of those posts would be welcome!
Posted by: Heather | January 10, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Congrats on hitting the 1,000 mark! I've been reading you since near the beginning of my own blogging, but I honestly couldn't tell you if you are in my Google reader... I never did figure out how to use the thing! You are in my feed reader on Flock. :)
Posted by: kcinnova | January 10, 2011 at 02:03 PM
I look forward to your daily posts and so enjoy your writing as well as your content and discussions on life, family, and education. I should probably do a better job of leaving comments on sites that I visit daily. Keep up the good work.
MarthaMc
Posted by: Martha Mc | January 10, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Hi!
Posted by: magpie | January 10, 2011 at 02:17 PM
congrats on your 1,000 post! Love that picture of you and your family :-)
Posted by: Janet | January 10, 2011 at 02:46 PM
congrats on 1,000!
Posted by: tonya lynn | January 10, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Love your blog, Jen. Your authenticity and outlook on life keeps me coming back! Congrats on your 1000th post!
Posted by: Mama Hen Em | January 10, 2011 at 03:33 PM
I generally don't comment. But I almost always read.
Posted by: Diane | January 10, 2011 at 03:44 PM
"...clicking my way down one rabbit hole after another..." Oh I like that expression! Precisely what happens, once you start reading blogs.
Congrats on 1,000 posts.
Posted by: allmycke | January 10, 2011 at 04:32 PM
De-lurking here.
Found you through the WC. Loved you there & loving you here now.
I'm not a Momma yet (waiting for the adoption to go through), and I only hope that I can be as good a one as you are with kids as fantastic as yours!
Posted by: Davesanngel | January 10, 2011 at 04:46 PM
Look at all these comments! Nice.
1,000 posts!? That's awesome.
Posted by: Kelly, The Glass Dragonfly | January 10, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Happy Birthday Mom! Oh, wait... Happy Comment Begging Day, Mom! =) But congratulations on 1000 posts, you deserve all the acclaim you receive!
Posted by: Grown-Up Girl | January 10, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Love your blog and I feel like I "know" you and your family. Is that a little creepy? I hope not! I feel like you could live next door to me (in fact, I wish you did! You were the one who posted my conundrum about friendship, "Ask Jenn Juggling"). Anyway, keep up the great work! I find you to be very articulate and honest.
Posted by: Michelle | January 10, 2011 at 06:28 PM
Very much enjoy reading your blog. I "found" you through reading the Women's Colony, and followed you when it disbanded. I appreciate your attitude towards life in general. Thanks for the great reads!
Posted by: Charlotte | January 10, 2011 at 06:55 PM