Well today marks an anniversary. Four. Four years since I started this little "habit" of mine.
Four years ago, almost to this minute, now that I look at the clock. IT happened. And as weird as this sounds I remember it as clear as a bell.
I was sitting in my townhouse in Tampa starting my blog reading rounds. I was over at Blackfive checking out the MilBlogs when one click took me to blogspot and there it says "FREE. Start your own blog".
OK.
And I did. Within 15 minutes I had my first post up. I kinda screwed everything up trying to move it over here, so I can't link but I remember what it said. Nothing more than this would be daily musings of a single road warrior, talking about life, business, politics and dating. Not a lot on the dating part, but I think I've got the rest covered. :-)
The next thing I did was shoot an email to two of my favorite bloggers. Laughing Wolf and Neptunus Lex. You see, they had been really bugging me to start my own blog - between you and me, I think they were tired of all the comments I was leaving over at their place, but whatever. Not long after that things took off. Then....something that seems so small, but made the BIGGEST impact, I was "adopted" by Harvey into the Bad Example Family. THAT changed everything.
The funny thing is, as reader counts have rose and dropped I still have many of the same folks stoppin' by. Just checkin' things out.
That's just mind boggling. Seriously. Complete strangers have been coming over and reading my "thoughts" for 4 years. Offering support and encouragement. Sharing a laugh. It's just amazing to me.
And incredibly humbling. Y'all know more than I thought I'd ever share and yet you STILL stop by. Thank you. Talk about unbelievable.
And we've had us some adventures, haven't we? My original life in Florida, driving and selling like mad. Mama getting sick. The decision to move cross country. Jobs, and jobs and jobs. Moves and moves and moves. Holy Crap! I'm exhausted again just thinking about it.
Lately with Brandon and Mama Vi....y'all have been the best. I appreciate every comment, every email, every phone call. And I pass your thoughts and concerns along to my family. YOU have renewed our faith in people. That is priceless.
You see....what you don't realize is this site is no longer just about me. I know - shocking isn't it, since I write about my life, my thoughts, my feelings. But.....it's actually about YOU.
You read, you comment, you share, you pray, you support, you offer advice. YOU are where I cash my chips in. YOU hear the thoughts that I can't verbalize. And God love ya....you still stop by. Thank you!
I've had the opportunity to meet the most AMAZING people - both on-line and (best of all) in person. No kidding, some of my very closest relationships have developed from this little site of mine. Some of the most FUN I've had these past four years, stems from adventures with those same individuals. Times I'd never change, memories I'll cherish ALWAYS.
And I have news for you, folks. The adventures.....they just keep a comin'. I can't make many promises, but that....is a guarantee.
So....four years. Thank you for those. You've made my life better than you will ever know......
Happy Blogiversary!
Posted by: oddybobo | March 10, 2008 at 06:31 AM
Happy Blogiversary!
So, our grandpappa's are LW and Lex?
Posted by: Quality Weenie | March 10, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Technically speaking, I guess you're right QW. Huh...that's almost as scary as those Harvey/Grau combos....
;-)
Posted by: Tammi | March 10, 2008 at 06:46 AM
WOW!!! 4 years!!
Thank you my friend.....
Posted by: awtm | March 10, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Happy Blogiversary!!! Holy crap... where has the time gone? I still refer to my boots as my 'tall as Tammi shoes'. ;-)
Posted by: Bou | March 10, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Happy Blogiversary Tammi.
Posted by: stacy lee | March 10, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Happy Blogiversary! :)
Where has the time gone?? - I have one coming up soon too!!
Posted by: Richmond | March 10, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Happy Blogiversary, Tammi!!! :D
Posted by: pam | March 10, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Happy Blogiversary!
Posted by: Teresa | March 10, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Tammi,
You and T1G were some of my first meet-in-person bloggers. It's been a good experience. Here's to many more years!
I just noticed that you're on Typepad now. Good choice. Very reliable. And like a Jewish wife...it never goes down.
Posted by: Jerry | March 10, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Happy Blogiversary!!
You were among those who got me started, hope I can keep going for four years.
Posted by: bx19 | March 10, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Four years. wow. I stopped counting because it was getting depressing.
Posted by: Contagion | March 10, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Happy Blogiversary!
Posted by: Tina | March 10, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Congrats on four years! Holy crap!
I know you'll be doing it for a long time, too... I've never known you to run out of things to say.
*runs*
Posted by: That 1 Guy | March 10, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Happy Blogiversary! I'd sing the HaBlogiverary Song but the dogs would start howing, then the dogs on the next street would join in, then the dogs a little further away, it would eventually reach the Mississippi and turn north. Eventually dogs would be howling all over Canada.
I don't want to start an international incident again. Mexico is still mad over me taking over the fabled Tequila Mines of Cuervo.
So I'll just say, Happy Blogiverary.
Posted by: Peter | March 10, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Happy Blogiversary!! I have only been reading you for about a year or so, but quickly made you a daily read.
Posted by: cindy | March 10, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Happy Happy Tammi. Hope to read a bunch more.
Posted by: PatInMi | March 10, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Happy Blogiversary! What a coincident. Mine is tomorrow. I turn one!
Posted by: Butterfly Wife | March 10, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Four more years! Four more years!
Posted by: zonker | March 10, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Belated Happy Blogiversary to you Tammi.
Posted by: cin | March 11, 2008 at 10:45 AM