I made it through NaBloPoMo!!

I have spent the last month participating in the NaBloPoMo challenge to write everyday. May I say, I am so excited that today is the last day of the month?? Because I am. Really.

 And I did it! I wrote a blog post every single day. I think that's pretty good, considering I really had no idea how hard it would be. I really don't know how people with real lives (kids and such) manage it. It's just me and the hubby (and fur babies) and let me tell you, the hubby went without dinner a lot while I typed. Well, to be completely honest, I don't cook as many meals as I should, so I am not sure I can really blame NaBloPoMo for him starving.

So, what did I learn from this experience? Quite a few things, actually.

• I learned I can do this, and enjoy it. As tiring as it can be to feel so obligated to write everyday, I only had a few days that I really had nothing to say. Those who know me personally won't be surprised to read this, I am not really known for my long silences. ;-)
• I LIKE writing. I really like it. Experienced bloggers will read this and say "duh? why else would you be writing?" This is a valid question. But the truth is, I started this blog on a whim, without any real research or planning. Up until the moment I decided to do this, I had NEVER considered writing in any fashion. The most I had done was to write prayers, notes to friends, and my (step) dad's and grandmother's eulogies. People who heard or read my words encouraged me to write, but I dismissed them. I didn't (don't sometimes) have confidence in my words. I didn't (don't) really think that my thoughts have value. Then one day I thought, why not? And I did. (This is also how I got engaged, but that is another story)
• There are a lot of blogs out there. A LOT. On just about every topic imaginable. Some are funny, some are serious. Some are faith based, some are not. There are "mommy" blogs, and life blogs, blogs about loss and blogs about rebirth, blogs about photography and crafting, and some on politics. Literally there is something for everyone.
•   I think the very best thing about NaBloPoMo is that I have had the chance to connect with some really interesting people and see a small slice of their world through their writing. I tried to leave a comment on every blog I read (operating on the premise that I like comments, so of course they will too) and a few I decided to follow. Again, this was on a whim. Usually it was due to something they said, or maybe just the way their blog looked. If I thought, even for a fleeting moment, that I wanted to see more, I added them to my Google reader.That way I don't have to hunt them up to see what they have to say.
•  I really like Google reader.
• I have learned that I really like the "small" blogger best. I mean, there are some really well known bloggers out there who have tons of fans and get hundreds of comments everyday. These are great, and I read some of them. But with the "small" blogger, you can connect in a way that you can never do with someone who gets hundreds or even thousands of comments in a week. And I like that. 

I won't be participating in NaBloPoMo in December. I really have to take some time for some other projects. I have a scrapbook I HAVE to finish (start) for a dear (work) friend who is quitting in 3 weeks to write full time (he is working on his 3rd book). I have a cross stitch I told myself I would finish before Christmas (been working on it for more than 5 years). And I have some books I really want to finish reading. I'm not saying I won't write most days, but I just want to take the pressure of commitment off my shoulders. And I will go over to NaBloPoMo and browse the blogs for new friends and inspiration.

All and all, NaBloPoMo has been an incredible experience....and I am really glad it is done, for now.

this is me :-)