celebrating 100

Wow! That was fast!

Can you believe this is already my 100th post since I truly started my everydayMOM blog a few months ago? I am so thankful for those of you who have stuck around and read my thoughts, rants, ideas and general craziness over the last few months.

To celebrate the fact that I did not quit this endeavor, I wanted to write about a few things I have learned from the last 99 posts.

1. This is fun! I'm going to blame my need to blog on the fact that I am the youngest of four children in my family and always had a very quiet voice when I was growing up. (I probably still do have a quiet voice, although I've learned to project when necessary.) I remember at family gatherings I had so many things on my mind that I wanted to say. But with all of the loud talkers in my clan with their hilarious story-telling abilities, I often felt like I was in that dream where you are trying to shout but no one can hear you. Out here in BloggyLand, I can say it all -- write it all down -- and I don't have to yell. =]

This also has become a hobby for me. I have a hard time relaxing... just doing something I enjoy rather than looking after all the other needs around me. So, this has been a good excuse to unwind.

2. This is harder than it looks. Just because you start a blog and give it a spot on the World Wide Web, doesn't mean that anyone will actually read it! "Welcome, from the other 5 million blogs out here in BloggyLand!" I am so thankful for the handful of people who have read me consistently and offered me so much encouragement. I would have never continued without you!!

3. Speaking of readers... I'm so amazed that some people who don't know me personally take the time to read me on a regular basis. And that's a huge compliment. I've also realized that a lot of people prefer to just read and not be known. These people intrigue me the most. WHO ARE YOU?!?! (I see you on my stats, so I know you are there!) Actually, I understand that feeling. And if you want to lurk, that's great! If you ever want to join in and post a comment, I would love to hear from you. That's half the fun!

4. Which brings me to point No. 4. Blogging is a two-way relationship! If someone takes the time to respond to something I've written, I've learned to pay a visit to their blog or comment back. This makes it a lot more fun! I've "met" some really cool people with some great thoughts through other blogs.

5. My blog is a lot like me... it's kind of moody. Some days it's funny. Sometimes it's serious. Sometimes it's down right crazy. I've tried to develop more of a consistent voice, but since it's MY voice, I think it's impossible. Thanks for sticking around for all the mood swings.

I was trying to keep this to five points, but I can't skip No. 6:

6. You can dramatically increase your visitors if you include certain key words in your posts. Most popular: LOST, paraffin wax, Benjamin Button and high-heeled boots. Why do SO MANY people search the web for info on paraffin wax?!?!

So, what do you think? What have you learned from blogging? Feel free to write about it and then include a link to your post in the comment section. I would love to read what you have to say.

I hope you have enjoyed the first 100! I would love it if you decide to stick around for the next 100, too!