Monday, December 29, 2008

One year ago today (plus a couple of days)

I started this blog on December 27, 2007. Yes, I should have posted about my one year anniversary on the anniversary date. I know. Think about it though; that was on Saturday, I don't have many people come here on a normal day, not to mention on a Saturday after Christmas. I wanted to make sure a few people saw this one.

Anyway, it's been more fun, and more difficult, than I thought it would be. I was never deluded enough to think that I would get a lot of people to come here besides my wife. Actually, if Jenn didn't start hers I don't know if I would have started my own. I had thought of it for a while but when Jenn said she wanted to start one I figured it was a good idea. She usually has good ideas.

Anyway, it was a little weird to be writing knowing that nobody was reading this at first. Then Jenn sent out an e-mail to our friends to let them know to come by and read; that actually made me nervous. I don't know why. I know all of them, they knw I'm a little weird already.

Not long (about a week; I was surprised at that) after I started writing here, John Scalzi posted on his blog that he was handing over the responsibilities of the Weekend Assignments to Karen over at Outpost Mavarin. I had never done, or seen, the weekend assignments since they were on his AOL blog so I went to Karen's site and decided to play along. I'm glad I did! If it wasn't for that I would never have met, Karen, Florinda, Unfocused Me, or Carly. They are most frequent commenters. And isn't that what makes a blog fun? If I didn't want people to comment I would have a diary shoved under my mattress. (No I wouldn't, but you get the meaning).

From there I decided to play along with Ten on Tuesdays since Florinda always does them, and it seemed fun. I still do them when the subject is interesting, or I have time.

After my initial apprehension of leaving comments on blogs of people that I don't know, I started leaving them whenever I found something interesting. I believe it was a post on Pop Culture Junk Mail that lead DC to come to my blog and leave a comment. Now she is one of my most regular visitors as well. And, of course, I go to hers all the time.

The latest thing I joined was Carly's Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot; after much prodding from her. We recently bought a new camera and I've been having a lot of fun playing with it. I missed last week's photo shoot because of the craziness that was this week, but I plan on getting back to it this week. I hope.

I'd have to say that I'm surprised about how this last year has gone. Like I said, it's been even more fun than I thought. I never pictured myself being this into blogging, but I really enjoy it. I think I'll stick around for awhile. Or, until nobody comes here anymore, whichever comes first.

So, thanks to Jenn, Karen, Florinda, Carly, DC, Unfocused me, as well as Cookie, Dreamybee, as well as all the Photo Shoot Monday people, and anyone I have forgotten. It's been a great year because of you.

10 comments:

Cookie said...

Happy Blog Day, Mike!

I read everything you write, btw. I'm just bad about the commenting.

Keep up the good work!

Florinda said...

A couple of days late, but Happy Blogiversary to Yoououu! (Pretend I'm singing that. No, don't.)

You're one of my most regular commenters too, and don't think I won't mention that when it's my second blogiversary in March :-). And you're right - it's the commenting/conversation that makes blogging fun, and more than just a diary under the mattress.

Your blogiversary seems like a good time to ask something I've wondered about: Did you pick your blog title because you figured you'd talk about "everything under the sun," or is it an astronomy reference, or taken from the ending of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon"?

Congratulations on a great first year, Mike, and here's to the next one! And maybe I'll see you when I come to Chicago in July...

Mike said...

Cookie: Thanks!

I know, that's why I made sure to include your name. Thanks for reading!

Florinda: Thanks, the singing was great. :)

I picked the title because I was going to talk about whatever interested me. I meant to say that in this post, but I forgot. That's what I get for trying to write a post while the kids are running around. :)

Anonymous said...

A whole year! Good for you! I haven't made a year yet, but I'm hoping I can. I haven't been posting as much since it can be difficult to keep up.

I'm glad I found your blog. I like reading your posts whether they're about weird neighbors or some random photo shoot. It's always worth a read.

Thanks for always stopping by my blog. I too figured no one would come around and read my foolishness and debauchery, but there are still a few. Who knows, with the Wii I may soon have a post titled "How I broke my arm and TV at the same time."

Keep up the posting! I'll keep up the reading! :P

Jenn said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary and next time you give me that look when I suggest something (Yes, you know there's a look) I'm going to remind you about the "Jenn/good ideas" comment :))

Mike said...

DC: Thanks! You'll make a year, I can feel it in my bones. :)

Let's hope you don't break anything with your Wii. Though, it could make a fun post. :)


Jenn: Great, I set myself up for that one. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy blogiversary! Glad to know you and Jenn. Or e-know you. Whatever.

Are you running the Shuffle in March? Registration opens Jan. 1. Don't forget.

Mike said...

Unfocused: Glad to e-know you too.

Yes, we are doing the shuffle. I need some motivation to get off my butt. :)

Dreamybee said...

Congratulations! I know what you mean about it being weird to write when you don't think anyone's reading, but you don't have to worry about that anymore! Keep up the good work!

Mike said...

Dreamybee: Thanks. And thanks for coming by!