Most of the bloggers I know started their blogs with the intention of documenting a journey. A weight loss journey, the parenting journey, a conception journey, a travel journey, or, as in my case, a wedding planning journey. My engagement to George was an unbelievably happy time, but was slightly bittersweet because my closest friends and all of my family lived states away. I wanted to experience all the stuff that you are supposed share with your mom and your grandmothers and your besties, but I wouldn't be able to. This blog was my solution. And, if I'm being completely honest, this blog was also a sneaky little way for me to finally share my greatest passion... writing.
So obviously, I'm now married. I'm no longer documenting wedding dresses (thank GAWD) and bachelorette parties (but, oh how I wish I was able to document another bachelorette party!). I have grown and changed, and my blog, being ever so faithful, has grown and changed with me.
I've grown more confident. A years ago, I shared my blog link with my family and friends. I wrote for them. I considered myself a "girl with a little blog". Now, I share my blog with anyone who is willing to visit. I now write for me and YOU. And now, I call myself a "blogger". Don't get me wrong. I'm no big shot. But I dream of being one.
I've developed friendships with amazing men and women who are "blog successful" beyond my scope of comprehension. I've spent hours upon hours upon hours reading them, researching them, and trying to develop a blog that helps me express my creativity, helps me navigate my highs and my lows, helps me document the journey of my life, and gives you something you like and want to read.
The hours that go into blogging are intense (and worth every stinking second). Writing posts is "relatively" simple. But the behind the scenes stuff, makes Jen Has A Pen sort of like a second job - a second job THAT I LOVE. And I'm ever so thankful to my George for understanding that; for understanding the late hours and early mornings and middle of the night key tapping in our bed (you think this could be effecting our baby making time???) I'm also thankful for his editing, and his complete support of writing about whatever I want - regardless of how private most people think it may be.
I write for me. I write because it's my favorite thing next to vacation. I'd choose writing over massage, over chips and salsa, over concerts, over sleep... over just about anything. But I'm lying if I don't admit I also write for you. I get such a high from your interaction and comments and sharing. I get such a thrill from following the every day experiences of my new friends in the blog community. Jen Has A Pen has helped me develop so many friendships with new people. It has sparked conversations and has rekindled relationships with so many people from my past. I've been able to document my struggles to conceive, and people have come out of the word work by the dozens to discuss their like struggles and give their support. That kind of stuff makes this blog one of the things I'm most proud of.
One of my favorite things is when we are at a tailgate (for something FSU, duh!) and one of George's friends will razz him about something I posted. Who knew they were even reading? Not me. But seriously, I love it. LOVE IT.
In the last year, I've had a name change (R.I.P. www.thebrulliotts.blogspot.com), a face lift (shout out to Carolynn), and a Facebook page created. By the way, have you "liked" my Facebook page??? It's my newest thing to nag you about. ;-)
And even cooler than all those things, my readership has grown by 489%. That is a completely made up number and if you knew me in real life, you would know I have no idea how to calculate percentages.
So this party isn't just for me. Or this blog. It's for you too. I'd still write if you weren't here. It just wouldn't be nearly as fun.
So thank you. Thank you for supporting the thing I love. My Bleaders are legit. Fa real.
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