We've seen so many changes in the past year, this blog and I. We've made internet friends across the globe and have been guests in places we never imagined possible. The outpouring of love my blogger baby has received validates every dream I ever had of being a writer.
As my blog grows, it demands more and more of my attention, like a prepubescent teen preparing for the first year of middle school. It's hard for me to be away from it for long periods at a time--I get twitchy and distracted, wondering how my baby is fairing in the blogosphere without having me at the helm of my computer 24/7.
We started out 2013 with a bang by ranking in the top 25 of the Circle Of Moms blog contest. Other highlights included featured posts on popular sites such as (direct links to posts provided):
Scary Mommy @ www.scarymommy.com/menopause/
In The Powder Room @ www.inthepowderroom.com/read/momsrock/2013-07-6-good-things-about-raising-teenage-boys.html
The Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop @ humor.org/2013/07/22/coffee-with-erma-2/
Generation Fabulous @ generationfabulous.com/7-deadly-sins-menopause-2/
I also wrote one rare, serious post that dealt with an unexpected confession from Menopausal Mother when I was a guest blogger over at DeBieHive's Writer's Workshop. You can read that special post here:
http://debiehive.blogspot.com/2013/08/writers-workshop-wednesday-mirror.html
Am I addicted to blogging? Yes. Do I regret it? No. My only regret is that I didn't discover this wonderful, creative outlet for self expression years ago. I'm loving the blogger lifestyle, and here's why:
* I have high hopes that I will sell a book one day and earn enough money to give The Hubs what he has always dreamed of having: a yard gnome farm.
* I've learned to get creative with my cooking. A meal should only take five minutes to prepare, so that I don't miss a moment of blogging. My family has learned to like peanut butter and canned sardines on a bagel. Microwaved.
* Blogging has become such an addiction, I might need to invent a "bloggerette patch" to wear on my upper arm. Watch for it in an upcoming infomercial.
* Termites could chew my wood frame home down to kindling for a S'mores bonfire and I'd still be laughing about it on my blog.
* I pimp myself out for new blog followers by promising tickets to the senior citizens paintball tournament (extra points for hitting the colostomy bag).
* It's true I have to deal with Irritable Spouse Syndrome, but I've cured this disease by buying all the premium channels on cable, including Goats Gone Wild and Llama Likkers.
* I've been known to write down blog post ideas on gum wrappers, Kotex pads, bar receipts and toilet paper in the ladies' room. That's what I call true dedication.
* I've made so many friends through the blogosphere. We share virtual cups of coffee, donuts and margaritas...so much so that along with my virtual hangovers, I gain virtual weight. Next week, I'll start my virtual diet.
* I get inspired while I blog and come up with some creative ideas, such as the "toilo-chair." Pee and blog simultaneously without missing a word for a bathroom break.
* I'm thrilled as long as my page view numbers remain higher than the numbers in the mating cycle of a beer-bellied sloth...or the albino tree frogs in Tunisia.
* I have carpal tunnel funnel cake syndrome. Every time I blog, I crave funnel cakes.
All kidding aside folks, there are some very special bloggers and Facebook fans out there who have become dear friends to me this past year. They have inspired me to reach new heights and break the glass ceiling. You know who you are---I thank you and love you with all of my heart.
Here's to another year of great cheer, good beer and keeping you near!
Happy Blogiversary!!!! You totally rock girl. Plus, you have now inspired me to get off my lazy ass and maybe solicit another follower or two of my own.
ReplyDeleteRemember to aim for the colostomy bags...
DeleteHappy Second Blogiversary! And thanks for making me laugh this morning! Laughter is good for what ails ya!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Glad to bring some giggles to your day!
DeleteHappy anniversary! Here's looking forward to year 3!
ReplyDeleteYou betcha! Meno Mama will be around for a long, long time!
DeleteHappy Second Blogiversary Marcia, thank you for all the laughs you've given me :-D
ReplyDeleteThat warms my heart. Thank you, Launna! XO
DeleteHappy Blogiversary to you! Here's to many more laughs!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle! Laughter makes the world go 'round!
DeleteHappy anniversary! Funny stuff, you deserve all the happiness:)
ReplyDeleteI love to keep it funny! Thanks, Talya!
DeleteYes! Congratulations on your blogiversary! I wish you continued success!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Thank you, Nicole!
DeleteCongratulations, Marcia! So cool to see where you've been featured. I could relate to a lot of this. Have loved meeting people via blogging!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kate! I have met so many awesome people like you in this blogosphere---I'm so grateful to be able to call you one of my blogger buddies! XO
DeleteHappy Blogiversary, Marcia! Glad I discovered you and your blog. I've been touched, moved and inspired by your words to say nothing of all the giggles and guffaws. I want a yard gnome farm, too!
ReplyDeleteAwwww...you just made my day! Thank you so much for the kind words. Don't ever give up on your dream of owning your own yard gnome farm....
DeleteCongrats, Marcia!!! LOVE your blog and hope you're around for many more fun years!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on it! Thanks again Teri for being my guest this week--you rocked it, babe! XO
DeleteCongratulations! I love starting my day with a little peek at Marcia. Wait . . . that didn't sound quite right . . .
ReplyDeleteThat's TOO FUNNY!! I LOVE it!! Thanks Diane for always hopping over here--I truly appreciate all the love and comments you have given me! XO
DeleteCongratulations on your 2nd blogoversary. And what a year it's been. Just goes to show that when you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything!
ReplyDeleteA lot of the credit goes to you, my friend. You have been my inspiration this year and I love you for it! <3
DeleteCheers, my friend!! Happy Blog-o-versary <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenn!!! Your virtual cups of coffee have kept me going strong! LOVE YOU!!!! <3
DeleteCongrats on your Anniversary! I'm almost a year in...well in a few months. It's such an addiction! :)
ReplyDeleteP.s. I followed your blog through the TGIF Blog Hop, I'd love if you did the same! :) My blog is http://www.polishmaniacs.x10.mx :)
Thanks for the follow--I'll be sure to check out your site!
DeleteHAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was so funny-I now know all about new, weird disorders just in time for the weekend. ;-) Love ya, XO!
ReplyDeleteAre you buying the Goats Gone Wild on cable, too?
DeleteHappy blogoversary, happy blogoversary, h-a-ppy blogersary!!! Congrats~!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna!!!!
Deletehmmm...of course I had to mess that last part up!lol!
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny--and that's why I adore you!
DeleteDitto! !! O:-)
DeleteCongrats! It's awesome to see how much your blog has grown and progressed... I'm so happy for you and I hope you can fill your yard with gnomes :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashley! Yeah, Hubs will be happy if we can at least START the gnome farm (he already has several sprouting in the backyard....
DeleteCongrats again and love your blog as always. You were my first true friend I found on the blogger sphere. We have shared so many moments together and you have helped me grow as a woman. Hope you will be around for a lot longer. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteDon't make me cry, dammit! You know how much I love you and how much you mean to me! We have been besties now for 2 years in this crazy blogosphere. We're in this together for the long haul!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS! Great milestone and lots of funny posts along the way! And I love the gnome garden pic! Adorable!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Darcy!!! When I get my gnome farm up and running, I'll give you a call!
DeleteKudos on your anniversary! It's been a pleasure discovering your blog this year and I expect nothing but the best for you!
ReplyDeleteAwwww...thank you, John! I'm so happy I found your blog, too--you always keep me laughing and I am just thrilled to have you here!
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! Love your Blog!
ReplyDeletePat
Thank you, Pat!! XO
DeleteCongratulations! Great post
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carole!!!!
DeleteCongratulations! I understand every point you made. My blog is my baby too. I just wish I could get my family to accept that peanut butter sandwiches are a square meal!
ReplyDeleteHey, it's a good source of protein....Lol! Thanks for stopping by, Pinky!
DeleteCongratulations and Happy Blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile!!
I hope you have a wonderful Holiday weekend!
I love to hear that I made you smile! Thank you, Melissa!
DeleteHappy Birthday to Meno Mom! Thank you for making me smile and laugh with every post you publish. I'm so glad we met.
ReplyDeletexoxo
You are so sweet, Ellen, and I am thrilled to be your friend--we have certainly had some great laughs together!!!
DeleteHappy blogiversary to one of my absolute favorites! I never know what's going to come out of your mouth, er, keyboard, but I always know it will be hilarious! Thanks for being you :)
ReplyDeleteAwwww...! Thank you for such kind words!!! You have always been so sweet and supportive--that means the world to me! XO
DeleteHappy Anniversary!! I am blessed to have found you in this weird blogosphere, and we're all blessed to have your words in our lives. <3
ReplyDeleteOh Starr, what an incredibly sweet thing to say! Thank you! I feel equally blessed (and honored!) to know you---you are a good friend and an AMAZING writer! Love you! XO
DeleteErma Bombeck didn't dare write about menopaurse (it would have caused male heads to explode all over America even if they didn't read it :) but if she was alive today I'm quite sure she'd be a fan of yours :)
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! That is THE ultimate compliment, Nicole! THANK YOU!!!! Love you to bits woman, and dammit, now I have to make a DOZEN rum cakes!!!! No worries--we will eat them together when you get here!
DeleteCongratulations Marcia! I always knew you were someone special from the first time we "met". Someone different, and unique. Someone "real". Your humor has made me smile at times I didn't feel like smiling... That's a gift. I hope you never lose it. Your honesty and candor at times has been enlightening and inspiring. Your friendship has meant more to me than you can imagine. So Marcia, SALUTE, stay true to you... And may all your bloggy dreams come true.
ReplyDeleteNot gonna cry...not gonna cry....ok I lied...you got me on this one! My eyes are watering. Jon, your friendship has been a gift to me. You are one of the first people I met in blogging and you have always inspired me to reach new heights in blogging. All those "scary" posts I was afraid to share---YOU encouraged me to take that step, and I will always be grateful for your wisdom and incredible support. Thank you, dear friend, for always being there for me when I needed you most. XO
DeleteCongratulations Mama. I can't see any of the images tho.
ReplyDeleteReally? Are you on your phone? My site loads really slow. I will be switching over to my domain name very soon--hoping that will make a difference.
DeleteHappy birthday! So glad that you've found your wonderful voice!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thank you!
DeleteCongrats on your two-year anniversary! xo T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Tina!
DeleteDouble M (#2)...
ReplyDeleteAbsolute Congrats on #2!!! It's early, so I'm raising my coffee cup (instead of my whiskey glass). Two Thumbs Up.
I feel Blessed to have met you through this "Blog" thing. You have brought many smiles to my mug. And I so appreciate the visits on the other end. Keep on keepin' on and have an amazing 3rd year.
All the best, Slu
That makes me feel awesome, Slu! Thank you so much. My life is richer for having known you as well. Your blog ALWAYS brings a smile to my face!!!
DeleteHappy Blogoversary! And here's to many more years of Blogging! Clink!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Theresa! You have been a wonderful source of support and inspiration to me---I raise my glass to you, too! XO
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!!!! here's to many more years!
ReplyDeleteI had to move my blog because my GFC was not working so if you want to continue following it you'll need to refollow me at http://momraisingherboys.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for the heads up--I'll be over to check it out!
DeleteI just joined the ranks of your followers and wanted to wish you a Happy 2nd Anniversary with your blog. I look forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the follow---I will be happy to return the favor!
DeleteYou can give up making notes on toilet paper and tampons. If you're the blogging addict you say you are, you carry a phone with recording abilities. Nothing beats sitting in a public toilet stall laughing out loud as you dictate to yourself the ideas that came to you while shopping. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my! Never thought of doing it that way---sound like fun! Just not sure if the people around me will appreciate hearing me cackle in the bathroom stall next to them....
DeleteA gnome yard for hubby is thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you blog. :)
Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync, and Happy Bloggiversary!!
Thank you, Rosey, for always being here with love and support--it means the world to me! XO
DeleteI never stopped by to wish you a Happy Blogiversary! Hope this upcoming year is even more memorable for you. HUGS!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crystal! I think it will be with the love and support from awesome bloggers like you! XO
DeleteWhat a celebration! You have much to be proud of - in only 2 years! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Leah!!!!
DeleteHappy blog anniversary menopausal mama! Your blog rocks and I too suffer from irritable husband syndrome. My hubby tells me I spend too much time on the internet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! I know what you mean---but my husband has given up about the internet thing. At least now he has plenty of time to watch sports!
DeleteHappy 2nd Anniversarry, I always love reading your blog, and I am glad that you are now posting on a regular basis, compared to when you only post one blog every 2 weeks? I still need to catch up with some of your previous post though...but As promised i will defo buy your book once its out..
ReplyDeleteCheers Mrs...hugs..xx
You are so sweet--thank you, Cecile! Yes, I blog every Friday and I feature guest bloggers every Wednesday now.
DeleteI'm sorry I missed this post MM. No excuses, just a a sincere apology.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very Happy belated Blog Anniversary. You've been keeping me fully entertained for quite a while. I love to stop by here and have a peep in your house to see what you're all doing, and it's always fun. You have made me laugh and put tears in my eyes.
I'm glad you found your calling in life and that book will be written by you, and it will be successful. Tell hubbie to make room for several gnome farms and to snuggle up to you now, because you'll be very busy in the future. In fact, now is the time to get one of those real-life size standing poster things (unsure what it's called) that he can look at when you're away doing interviews.
Continue the good work mate, you deserve every bit of success. Make us proud mama :) I hope you celebrated doing something really nice.
I never would have made it this far without the love and support of wonderful followers like you, RPD. Thanks for always being there for me! XO
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