Today is the ninth anniversary of my first post here. This
year doesn't feel particularly triumphant because I've been struggling to keep
thinking of stuff to write about, but at least I have the satisfaction of
knowing that I've kept going.
This isn't the first time I've taken the opportunity to direct you back to my very first blog post on one of these bloggiversaries, but today I've actually taken the liberty of updating that post. Back when I started blogging, I never posted photos. It was an artistic choice at the time, but since then I've changed my mind. Therefore, my very first post now has a (not very good) photo of me taken in conjunction with the event it describes.
And thus is history rewritten...
So how about those nine years? To keep you from having to read through the entire archive to find out, I can point out a few key things, in no particular order:
- My hair is blonde again. Until I went and dug up that first post photo, I didn't remember what color my hair had been back then. It was a fashion choice then; today it has a lot more to do with covering grey.
- I sort of have the same job. When I started my blog, I was working at a small web/game design firm that was later acquired by the company where I currently work. I've jumped around to a half-dozen different departments since then, but I'm happy to say that I'm still there and getting things done.
- All of my pets are different. When I started the blog, the cat lineup in our household was Kato, Friday, Velcro and Alexandra, all of whom have since died of old age. Now our cats are the relatively youthful Xena, Velvet, Trillian and Dr. Jones, and we have a senior dog named Toby.
- I have a lot more friends. I cannot overstate the effect that blogging has had on my social life. Between meeting bloggers and social media folks in Kansas City and connecting with the same at conferences around the country (notably BlogHer, BlogPaws and BlogWorldExpo), not to mention meeting people online in different parts of the world, I've developed the most wonderful network of people I really enjoy spending time with. Thanks to this blog, there are literally hundreds of people that I would fly anywhere to visit without hesitation if money were no object.
- I'm in a band again. Never believe me if I say I might stop singing in bands. It always turns out to be temporary.
Since we're celebrating my blogging anniversary, I'd like to ask you: How long have you been reading Average Jane? I know there are some long-time readers still around and I'm curious to see if I've attracted anyone more recently.
Happy Friday! Have a piece of cake if you can get one!
Photo credit: Nakeva Corothers
i've only been reading for the last 2 years, but i've been pretty thorough about going back and reading the archives :-)
Posted by: ljobab | February 15, 2013 at 08:23 AM
Today is my first day reading your blog. I think it's safe to say that I'm your newest fan :) I look forward to reading more of your past entries this weekend. Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Paula Pritchett | February 15, 2013 at 09:02 AM
I can't really say how long it has been(the brain goes after a while lol), but it has been several years. Congrats on your 9 years! I had a cupcake in your honor!
Posted by: East Coast Girl | February 17, 2013 at 01:11 AM
Several years but I can't say for sure... maybe 3?
Posted by: Melanie | February 17, 2013 at 06:32 PM
I think I've been reading maybe 4 years or so. Always enjoy your posts!
Posted by: Kathy | February 19, 2013 at 07:39 PM
I've been reading since just after I met you at BlogHer 2007!
Posted by: Laurie | February 25, 2013 at 04:27 PM
Since our first KC blogger meetup at a Halloween party in 2006. I have faithfully (if sometimes tardily, read your blog ever since). http://notablereading.blogspot.com/2009/11/blogging-anniversary.html
Posted by: A Librarian | February 28, 2013 at 01:15 PM