A year ago yesterday, I sat down with my friend, Brian, and we built a website. A year ago today, I wrote my first official post and invited my friends to read along—to help me build a community. Today I’m in awe of what it’s become. My heart bursts every time someone tells me they read something that they related to, or that I get an email that someone left a comment on a post, or that I see I have a new Facebook fan. I honestly didn’t know what would become of Using Our Words, but I couldn’t be happier with where it stands today and I can’t thank each of you enough for being a part of my life—and breathing life into this blog.
It just so happens that today isn’t just my blogiversary, it’s my birthday. And while my blog is young and full of potential, I’m feeling a bit dusty. It’s not that I think I’m old (even if that number is creeping into alarming territory). Honestly, I think of myself as stuck at about 28. But lately I’ve been noticing that things around me are shifting. So I figure today I’ll acknowledge those things, embrace them and laugh about them. Because of all my wrinkles, I like to think my laugh lines are the deepest (then again, I think I’m 28, so we all know I’m a bit delusional).
Here’s the proof I’m getting older (than I think I am)…
Recently the cops showed up at our friend’s party. But instead of busting us, they let our kids play in their car. And they sounded the siren—not to give us a scare, but to give us a thrill. (And it did!)
Lately I find myself nursing everything from a baby to injuries to beers.
While watching all of my favorite high school dramas, I find myself relating to the parents instead of the kids. (Yes, I know Tim Riggins is hot, but I gotta say, I’m on Team Coach.)
I finally joined the ladies for a big a girl’s night out a few weeks ago and the only man to approach our group could have been our grandfather. (Must have been my post-baby bump that was the repellant, because my friends are beauties, if I do say so myself!)
Most of the pop culture references Lenny and I use in conversation are cartoon related. The other day he heard my stomach growling and he started calling me Tyrone (you know, from Backyardigans? Really, it was hilarious for those of us who don’t get out much).
At one of my first jobs, I remember my boss (who was a grumpy old man) being surprised that I knew an Allman Brothers song. I said, “Of course I do. I listen to classic rock.” He laughed with shock that I used the word “classic”. I’m now the age he was back then…and most my favorite songs are “classic” as well.
These days the finish line for a potato sack race is in the ER.
If I’m going to drink a Red Bull, it will be with my cereal. Not vodka. (For those of you who have witnessed me drinking vodka—or seen me the day after drinking vodka—please refrain from comment.)
The other day I got a spam comment from “Excessive Sweating Causes” and I read it thinking it might actually be a person who could relate to my writing.
Today I got lost driving through downtown Danville (the town where I went to high school) and I kept thinking, when did this place get so cool? (“Cool” was definitely not a word I used to describe it back in the day…)
Tonight at my birthday party, the “shots” were dipping sauces that Little felt the need to throw back. And the puke in my hair and down my dress smelled of hypoallergenic formula. (And that was all before 7pm!)
Yep, I’m getting older. But I really am having fun along the way. So thanks for being there to share in the ups, downs and in betweens. I look forward to another year of using my words (and my kids’, of course) and I hope you’ll want to share a few of yours along the way as well!
erin says
June 27, 2011 at 9:34 pmAmy –
I can’t believe it has been a year. I look forward to every new post and know that the excitement and twists in your life are very relate-able to our family. Congrats on making it thru your first blog year. And happy birthday to an amazing mom.
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 28, 2011 at 8:36 amThanks so much for joining in the excitement and sharing your stories, Erin. I love hearing from you and know you’re having just as much excitement around your house!
Tracy says
June 27, 2011 at 9:55 pmCongratulations on one year! I absolutely love reading your posts … you always make me laugh! And happy, happy birthday!!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 28, 2011 at 8:37 amThanks so much, Tracy! And you had to know that guy hitting on us (well, on Julia, really) would show up here sooner or later.
Jodie Hoffman says
June 27, 2011 at 10:27 pmI’m with you every step of the way, lady – both online and in life :)!
xoxoxo
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 28, 2011 at 8:38 amAnd I couldn’t be happier to have you along for the ride!
Colleen says
June 28, 2011 at 5:51 amCongratulations on the one-year anniversary, Amy. You are a gifted writer and I look forward to reading your posts and most often laughing out loud. Team Coach!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 28, 2011 at 8:38 amYay! Thanks for letting me know I’m not a team of one. Thanks for the kind words, Colleen!
Nicole Osmer says
June 28, 2011 at 9:05 amAmy, you are absolutely stuck at 28! Or maybe even 24. Happy birthday!
Amy says
June 28, 2011 at 9:05 pmThere’s a reason I love you.
Angela says
June 28, 2011 at 3:12 pmHappy Birthday Amy! I am so glad you made this blog a reality! It gives me a lot of comfort to know that everyone has good days and bad days as a parent and a partner!!
Amy says
June 28, 2011 at 9:09 pmAngela, I can’t thank you and Anne enough for encouraging me to make this blog a reality. Gosh, it’s crazy to think back to our discussions and see how far we’ve all come. Thank you!
OpinionsToGo says
June 28, 2011 at 3:18 pmI’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I do love your posts! But, what I really love is how you deal with ALL THE STUFF that life throws
at you. You are a perfect example of “Grace Under FIRE!”
So, Happy Anniversary AND Happy Birthday!
Amy says
June 28, 2011 at 9:10 pmWell, at least I write gracefully under pressure…and that’s a start. Thanks so much, as always, for the encouragement!
Big Bill says
June 28, 2011 at 9:58 pmI can’t believe UOW is only one year old! It definitely feels like it’s been around long enough to be out of diapers or riding a bike. UOW makes my day a couple of times a week and inspires me to want to write. So… Happy Birthday. Happy Blogiversary. And THANK YOU!
Amy says
July 5, 2011 at 10:16 pmBill, thanks so much for sharing your stories and reading along the way. I always love hearing from you and knowing that our boys’ adventures are keeping us laughing!
Carpool Goddess says
June 29, 2011 at 9:18 pmCongratulations Amy! I always love reading your posts 🙂
Amy says
July 5, 2011 at 10:16 pmBack at ya, my friend!
Gabriela - Living La Vida Normal says
July 3, 2011 at 10:37 amCongratulations on your Blogiversary and your birthday! I love reading your posts and I can relate all the time. I just had a birthday too and I realized I’m getting older. However, I have to say I clapped at the table when we went out to my 16 year old’s birthday dinner and I got carded when I ordered a beer. I may have even “Woohoo”ed!
Amy says
July 5, 2011 at 10:17 pmIt sounds to me like a whoo-hoo moment indeed. Thanks for reading along the way, Gabriela!
Carolline says
July 5, 2011 at 11:04 pmI’ve been a fan for over a year, but after reading this particular blog “article,” I need to officially show it by being your Facebook fan! Great job, Amy! Happy Birthday and happy blogiversary!