I'm Still Me

I had to laugh the other day when I was talking with my not-yet-blogging bff on the phone (I know, remember those things?) about one of my posts. Basically, I was talking about some of the great comments and she said, "Well, I used to read your comments until you started getting like 50!!"

If you haven't noticed, I have. On a regular basis, I am shocked at the number of readers and commenters that regularly visit me. There are days when I feel like I might be wearing out my welcome, with new gigs at Dot-moms, mamazine, and various other ventures. But, apparently, 18 months of near isolation with a baby can create a veritable writing monster. When all I thought I was capable (or most days, incapable) of was bouncing my daughter to sleep with one foot while changing tv channels with the other, it turns out that I have a lot to say and a rather funny way of saying it (well, at least I like to think so).

Believe me, I did my fair share of reading, commenting, and sharing the love, but people have been very kind to me - reading regularly, linking to my posts, and sending people my direction. I feel reassured that maybe I'm not really an outsider, but rather, I was just lost and couldn't find my way back home. And while I still don't have any IRL friends (within a reasonable driving radius) that I can share the craziness that is life as a mother, I have a renewed spirit and a new outlook on life. Quite frankly, I haven't felt this good about myself in a long time.

I'm motivated to get dressed, take a shower, and brush my hair. I desire MORE from my existence than the health and happiness of others around me. I am nurturing myself and in doing that, I know I'm a better mother, spouse, and friend. I may be a little bigger, wider, and flabbier, but damnit, I don't give a shit. I have some great new duds (thanks to Izzy), awesome blogpals, and an electronic ear cleaner *ahem*.

So if you think I've changed due to my increased readership, you're right. I mean, I still run to sitemeter, click back on visitors (even those who don't comment), and rush to my computer to see who has commented (and what they've said). And I still try hard to write stuff that not only makes other people think, laugh, or both, but that does the same thing for me as well. But now I write as a celebration of finding something that I'm not sure I ever knew was in me - a confidence, a peace, and a very good place to be.

Now, lest you think I've gone all sappy, let me remind you that until people are spamming your blog to get hits, commenting on how cute your child is in 102 different ways, or telling you that you are a big crybaby with a nasty red koolaid stain on your shirt, then you're just another mom blog. And, if that's the category people lump me in, it's perfectly okay with me because I'm 30 now (well, in about 24 hours). So don't fuck with me.

Comments

[Daily Piglet]

I LOVE your new design. Not that the other one wasn't awesome.

Well put post, and Happy Birthday belated...

Keep it up sista!

[amishav]

You do get a lot of comments. That's cool. THe most I've ever gotten is 27 and I was pretty proud of that. So if your are getting up to 50 or so, what's the goal for next year?

[Mrs. Chicky]

Happy Birthday! You've probably already heard this, but your 30's are so much better than your 20's.

The site looks great!

[J's Mommy]

Happy 30th. I hope it was a good one. I can't wait to get out of my insecure, confused 20's and plunge head first in to 30.

[mothergoosemouse]

Happy birthday K! I wish you all the best, always. You deserve all of this success and so much more.

[Kelly]

Happy 30th!

I love your site, the new look is great, and you have been an inspiration to me. Thanks. (Sorry--in reference to your newer post-- I don't have any cards to send =)...)

[MetroDad]

Love the new look, K! Hope you had a great birthday!

[Nancy]

I love the way you write. It's awesome and refreshing and wonderful. And I'm happy to have you as a blog friend too. :-)

[Kvetch]

Once again we are thinking along the same lines. Instead of rambling here - I'm actually going to post on my own site and yes, link to yours, thereby perpetuating your well-deserved popularity! It's the least I can do on your birthday. One thing I can promise you on your special day? The best is yet to come! :-D

[tracey]

P.S. Frickin' LOVE your new look! Izzy rocks.

[tracey]

Kay, Kristen, I totally have the chills. I know, that's sooo cheesy but I think you are super-rad and an inspiration to so many of us who still celebrate 1 comment (if that) per entry. You rock sister and deserve it all (and more)!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

[Redneck mommy]

Hot damn, I love the new design Kristen! Well done Izzy.

As one of your daily stalkers, let me wish you a happy birthday. 30 isn't so bad. 40 scares the crap out of me though!

Keep up the laughs. Cause I need em!

[krista]

I think your writing style has changed. It's more confident, stronger, better.

Happy 30th! The new digs look smashing (nice work Izzy!)

[mama_tulip]

LOVE the new design.

Happy Birthday, yo.

[Melissa]

Ok, so I'm new to your site.. well the past few weeks, so I can't say if your writing style has changed or not. I can say that you rock. And I think it's cool that you get so many comments. Comments whore. ;) I'll be adding you to my blogroll tomorrow. Hey, Happy Birthday.

[Mommy off the Record]

--Love the new design.
--Congrats on turning 30. I turn 30 in 9 months!
--I'm so glad you have found joy in blogging and so many people who really love you and your writing (including me!)
--Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier. It was like getting a visit from a celebrity. :)

[Undercover Angel]

Your new blog design looks great! Very clean and fresh. It's easy to read and loads very quickly too.

Congrats on turning 30! I turn 37 on May 21.

I wish I could remember how I originally found your blog. I think it was through Top Sites or something. I just know that I look so forward to checking my BlogLines each morning to see if you've posted anything new. I think my favorite would have to the evolution of bloggers post.

As per being lumped into a category - I think you're in a category that's all your own. That's why you've landed the new writing gigs - you're an original.

[Bobita]

Love the new "digs!"

Congrats on gettin' paid for your excellent commentary...and count me in on the "you rock!" comments that will inevitably (and deservably [new word??]) follow...

[Kristen]

Happy Birthday! How funny, we share a name and a birth month! Mine is the 21st of May.

I'm definitely just a mom blog, but you are so much more! You make me think, make me laugh...I love reading you!

[Binky]

Happy, happy birthday. May it be the beginning of a very literary decade--non-textbook related, of course. I'm looking forward to following your journey.

[Lucinda]

Happy birthday, Kristen!

I love your new look! It's actually easier on the eyes, although I didn't mind the last template at all. :)

[Chag]

Happy Birthday! Love the candy bar!

[Izzy]

Well, I survived Charles Fromage AND a trip to the seventh circle of hell (that would be Babies R Us to the rest of you) and I knew the big launch was gonna happen so I rushed right over!

She is lovely, the new MU :)

And you, practically a teenager still!

Have a happy 30th! Hope you do something incredibly fun or at least have some hot sex :)

[nonlineargirl]

So glad that you feel good about yourself these days. Clearly you are in good company, since so many of us also think you are great.

I'm constantly impressed that you can write so much and have it be of such high quality. (None of that "look at this picture of my chocolate ice cream covered child" crap over her. Not like some people.)

Happy Birthday!

[Pattie]

Love what you've done with the place!
Happy Birthday....30, Wow, you're just a babe! ;0

[Robyn]

I can't even remember how I found you, but I'm glad I did. (Ugh, that sounds so suck-up-y. Sorry.) I figure you're tracking visitors, I'd better comment. LOL

Oh and HB! Oh to be thirty again.

[Dawn]

You get better at 30 - didn't you know?

Happy B-day!! My fellow Taurean.

[Mom101]

Love the new you in honor of the new (30 yo) you.

And whatever it is that's inspiring you to write how you have lately--spammers, trolls, lame commenters, millions of hits--I welcome all of it!

[lildb]

*sigh*... 30... you adorable, young thing. (I am all of 33, so I know from old. er, young. I'm confused. nevermind.)

Happy Birthday! What a wonderful time to be landing smack in the middle of so much accomplishment. I wish you all the best for your big day, as well as all the not-so-big ones. Keep on keepin' on, lady. :)

[Christina]

Happy birthday! You're just a little over one month older than me. I turn 30 in June.

I don't think your writing has changed much as a result of your new fame. I mean, sure, you've refined and improved, but that's to be expected. We all do the more we write. But your writing was already interesting and witty to begin with.

Congrats on all of the new writing gigs you've landed - you deserve them!

[Chase]

You ho!! You're not 30 yet?? Arrrrgh. And here I am almost 3-1. Bitch. :(

I love your new look, too! More nuts, indeed!

[something blue]

You're still you, just a day older. Hope you are doing something fun to celebrate tonight! Happy Birthday! May the year be filled with brilliant thoughts to write about in your unique and witty way.

[Amy]

Happy Birthday! And I love the new digs! Isn't blogging fantastic?

[Her Bad Mother]

Just Another Mom Blog. JAMB. That's Great. Although for you, there really needs to be an F in there - JAFMB. Just Another FANTABULOUS Mom Blog. (Thought that I was going to go profane? I like to surprise.)

So, from one JAMBy to a JAFMBy, let me say this: the celebratory writer that you are is an inspiration to all of us who are just discovering or rediscovering the joys of writing. Really. You make me want to be a better blogger. Yes, I make with the funny here, but in funny I speak the truth.

I hope that I am the first blogfriend (can I call my self that?) to wish you the happiest, happiest birthday.