My Blogiversary, My First Post, A New Segment, And A Unique Giveaway

Happy Blogiversary To Me!

Exactly one year ago (on March 2, 2009), I began this blog.  Today is my Blogiversary as it's known to other fellow bloggers. 

I'm not quite sure what made me type my very first post one year ago.  I had friends who had been blogging for awhile and they raved about it.  I'm typically always behind on the trendy stuff though.  I resist until I find a reason to do it.  I suppose one year ago I found a reason.

Early last year, I was very frustrated with things in my life.  I was having a hard time being a mother.  I felt like a failure.  Vivian wasn't walking yet and she was fourteen months old.  Developmentally, she seemed behind the curve.   Plus, I wasn't truly happy in my career.  I wasn't making time to exercise or take care of myself.  This site actually began out of my need to escape from reality.
 

My Very First Blog Post
This was my very first post a year ago.  Here, I'll paste it below:

"March 2, 2009:  Figuring It All Out

Maybe one day I should be on a Jeopardy show. Not that I know a damn thing about obscure knowledge or history or literature. But I'm always asking questions. I could invent a game about questions.



I'm the one that can always come up with something to ask about. Have I always been this way? I'm not sure. I don't remember. My memory stinks and it has gotten worse ever since I had my daughter (October 29, 2007). I'm always analyzing this or that about myself, my life, my choices, the fruit in the grocery aisle, my socks with the holes in them, and so on and so on.


I wonder if I'll ever be truly satisfied or find a place where I can just be and relax. At age 30, I had hoped I would have had more things figured out by now. Nope! I'm more confused now than ever. I struggle with being a good mom, a good wife, a good friend, a good person. Do I believe in God? Do I really need that piece of chocolate? Why didn't I remember to pick up that liquid dish detergent on my way home? It's always something....


Maybe writing this blog will help me figure things out. Or maybe it will just be fun or a journey that I can share with my daughter Vivian someday. We'll find out. Let the fun (and lots of questioning) begin...."

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That's it.   My first post, unedited.  Nothing special.  But it is honest.  And I was still trying to find my voice after being quiet for way too many years. 

I think back to my mental state last March. I felt so differently back then.  I wasn't very happy.  I stayed up a lot of nights worrying and questioning.  Don't get me wrong, I still do that sometimes now, but not as often.  And I'm always working toward ultimate happiness, but I'm many steps closer to it today than I was one year ago.

I actually gained the courage to start this blog after I won an essay contest through a local newspaper and online site.  The essay was about being a frustrated mom.  Here is the post about that essay and the fun spa day I had because of it.  Winning that contest, even though it was a small event, gave me the courage to start this site as well.  Each day I gained a little more confidence in myself as a writer.  And that was me, one year ago.

Today, a year later, well.....I'm still me.  But I feel like I'm in a much better place, mentally and physically.  I have a better attitude and I'm taking control of my happiness in a whole new way.   And I am reassuring myself that it's okay not to have the answers to all your questions.  Sometimes the unknown is where you're supposed to be.  The fact that I am questioning means that I'm on the right path. 

Since last year, I've changed the priorities in my life.  I'm not very focused on writing for a newspaper or magazine, or even beginning a novel, play, short story or poem these days.  In fact, besides this blog, I'm not even doing a whole lot of writing.  Sometimes I feel down about that but on most days, I'm okay with that.  After all, I'm really enjoying being a mom these days.  That's SO DIFFERENT than how I felt last year.  I'm also reinventing myself by creating new challenges, which brings me to my next topic....

A New Blog Segment Is Coming Soon

Right now I am very interested in making positive changes in my life, my attitude and those skeptics around me.  So true to my stagnant nature, I've decided to start a new segment on this blog.  It will be called "Mandy's Monthly" and it will include my monthly goals and my progress with each achievement.   I already have a few drafts in the works now and they will be posted very soon. 

This new segment will be a great addition to this site.  And also an ideal way for me to stay motivated and keep focused on my personal goals.  It's where my head and my heart lies at the moment, so I'm going with it.  Maybe it will lead me to write more frequently and passionately.  I relish in knowing that I'm moving past my sense of humor to attempt something more meaningful.  I'm sure they'll be some laughs along the way though.

But back to my one year status....  It really is amazing when you think about it, that I have committed to doing something for a whole year like blogging.  How many other things can you say that about, well, besides eating and taking breaths? 

A Unique Giveaway For You!

I wish I had something fun or cool to giveaway in honor of my one year blog anniversary.  But I don't have any spare change these days.  And let's face it, giveaways aren't really my style either.  I almost never enter them, even on my friends' sites.

Still, I'd like to offer you something.  You are worth it, after all.  How about a real-life conversation with me?  How about a chance to hear my southern accent and hear Viva the Diva count up to thirteen?  She does it very well, by the way. 

If that is something you'd be interested in -- a phone call from me, and I promise to make you laugh at some point during our conversation too, then please leave a comment telling me that you'd like for me to call you.  And I will.  Or you can call me, if you'd prefer me not to have your phone number. 

Come'on!  Let's take our virtual relationship to the next level.  Can you handle it?  :-) 

Or if you're not a phone talker....  Truthfully, I'm not much of one either but I'm making an exception here.... Then perhaps I can write a poem for you, or one for a friend or spouse of yours.   We can come up with something.  Tell me what you'd want, within reason, and I'll try to offer it to you.  Leave your suggestion in the comments section.

Oh, and this goes for all my faithful readers, friends and followers.  You know who you are.....  This is open to EACH of you, NOT just one.  Because I think the more, the merrier!  Let's have a party!  You're all invited.  Let's chat live, like a couple of old friends over beers and cocktails would.  Post a comment and email me at littlebit.mandy@gmail.com with your telephone number or your interest in calling me. 

Seriously, I want to thank you for being with me on this journey.  Thank you for your comments and for your words of encouragement.  I love my blog and its readers.  I'd still be wrting even if no one commented.  But the comments do add something special to the site.  

Surprisingly, I'm very happy with the number of followers I have.  In fact-- Shhh, don't tell your friends about me!  I like being able to keep up with the people on here and not get lost in numbers, visitors or who I'm networked with.  I like our intimate conversations.  I like not having to apologize for whenever I don't post.  I like writing and sharing things with you.  And even if you decide to go away someday OR if your life gets busy and you don't comment or read that often in the future....Well.... I would understand.....  In fact, I already do, since that is how my life has been lately too.   You don't have to apologize to me either.  I won't feel sorry for living my life.  But for now, please know that you being here is special and my blog is even more meaningful because you are a part of it.

So thanks!  And Happy Anniversary, Bloggy-Style, To Me!  Here's to another great year to come~