(No, the title is not hinting that I’m pregnant. BITE YOUR TONGUE.)
July 16th is one of those dates that stick in your head because once upon a time, something happened that changed your life. It is not the birth of any of my children nor of Matthew or I.
It was the birth of the Blog.
I started out with a BlogSpot account, but went self-hosted almost a year later. At the time I switched I thought I would try to be “anonymous” with my last name (Insert hysterical laughter here) and I deleted my original account. (I am so S-M-R-T). I have backups in Word and hard copy printouts but nothing I can link to. Instead, I will re-post my inaugural entry below.
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I’m new to the whole concept of “blogging.” I’ve been thinking about doing it as a means to distribute my propaganda. Namely, pictures and information about my kids.
After a night out with the girls last night…
I was inspired to get started. Now, a late night and an early morning (ala those same kids) does not make for an alert mind. I’m trying to see through the bleariness but it likely won’t get better until I have some of my beloved Diet Coke. Those who know me know I like the stuff. Those who know me well know that I don’t go a day without it.
I haven’t read many blogs, but what I’ve seen is that it is just a way for everyone to get their thoughts out there. Last night I started thinking…what do I have to say that people would want to read? Then I realized that we all have many aspects to ourselves, and I haven’t even discovered all of mine yet. Maybe some will come out as I write.
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First of all, I kind of sound like me in that very first post. Funny, that.
Secondly, HOW WEE WERE GRAHAM AND NATHAN???
Last year, the third anniversary of my site fell on the day that I travelled to BlogHer. This year, it does not line up quite so perfectly (I fly to Chicago in six days) but in the spirit of blogging and BlogHer, I pondered giving my thoughts on the whole deal. I could never match up to MOM 101′s post or Kristen’s post about it, so I will just send you their way. Maybe I’ll post a few thoughts before I leave. Maybe.
So here I sit. Four years (FOUR YEARS) into this thing called Blog. Wicked cool awesome hot. Or something like that.
In honour (Canadian spelling. YO) of my blogiversary, can you leave a simple “Hi!” for me? I’d also love to know what brings you here, but if that’s too daunting, I totally understand (And would probably say “sorry” if given the chance, due to me being Canadian.)
If you’d like a different question to answer, why don’t you tell me what your favorite summer beverage is? I personally have been enjoying mojitos lately…
“Hi!”
My 4-year blogaversary is coming up soon, too. WOWSERS.
You have done much cooler things during your blogging journey, though. Like scoring paid writing gigs, going to BlogHer, reviewing products, etc. I’m in AWE.
Anyway, drinks. Here are my faves, in order:
1. Coke Zero
2. Frozen Strawberry Margarita (alcoholic, of course)
3. A good NZ Chardonnay
4. Mac’s Summer Ale (yummy NZ beer, only available in summertime)
5. Franks Lemon Lime & Bitters
Hannah’s last blog post..Love vs Romance
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Hi!
I started reading when Brenda designed your banner, I think. Then I followed you on flickr, and we started talking about painting pottery together. I sent you magnets, you sent me Aero bars, and so on. Then you came to California and stayed at my house and we painted pottery and had lattes on Snail Mountain and lo, it was awesome.
Now, you’re my friend and I’m reading your blog to find out what you’re up to.
Favorite summer beverage is Diet Coke.
bethany actually’s last blog post..Day 2 – painting dots is very relaxing
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Lo, it WAS awesome.
Glad to call you Friend, Bethany
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It’s a tie between lemonade (the really sour stuff) and bacardi strawberry daiquiris made with coconut rum. Delicious!
And I come here because I like you! And you’re Canadian too!
Sorry.
Julienne’s last blog post..When life gets in the way of blogging.
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I don’t remember what brought me to your blog, but I have read you every day since.
witchypoo’s last blog post..Mocking my Dead Mother
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Hi.
I read for your humor. It’s similar to mine.. Also, I enjoy your pictures and your photography knowledge.
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I linked to you from Kaili’s blog, and I remember thinking your “kissy face” profile picture made you seem cheeky!
joyce’s last blog post..Because I should post something…
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I do have my cheeky moments…(wink)
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Every time I read one of your posts, I think, I really really like her. And then your photos are awesome, and you’re funny and you keep making me think that I should just drive to Summerland so we can *finally* meet!
kirida’s last blog post..imagined conversations with a three-year-old
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Man, I haven’t been reading long, so I ought to remember. But then again, I have the attention span of a gnat these days.
Favorite summer beverage – cold beers on the patio with my dad and brother. However, this summer, it’s been iced tea.
DiWriter’s last blog post..Motherhood is Hard
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I love everything about your blog, but I particularly love your thoughtful writing about marriage and family.
Janssen’s last blog post..Princess
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I am also enjoying Mojitos this summers
Your photos are awesome,You make me laugh,And I feel like you could be a friend of mine.
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I could be! I’m really quite friendly
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What brings to me read about your life? The way you say things. I can relate to you, even tho my 5 kids range in age from 24 (EEK!) to 15, I relate. Our values are the same, and you don’t swear! There are great blogs out there that have the eff word often…makes it difficult to read around my kids and husband! So anyway, your blog is clean, entertaining, makes me thing..and fun.
My favorite beverage is water. I know that sounds boring, but there ya go! After that a cherry limeade from Sonic, but I limit those to one ever two or three weeks..if that. Pop doesn’t like me so much, that is why the limiting.
Have a great blogversary and have fun at Blogher!
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I read you because I can relate. And I’m hoping you have some wise words of wisdom since your kids are slightly further ahead than mine and the light, I want to know it’s there.
Favorite summer drink: lemon shake-ups from the fair. When I’m not at the fair, pepsi. Then again, always drink pepsi.
Crystal’s last blog post..Potty Time
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Hi! I think I started reading because you are a Canuck like me. Will say hi to you when I see you in Chicago because I suspect you might be nice in person
Emma’s last blog post..Write it on my hand
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I AM nice! And a bit of a dork. PLEASE say hi if you see me and my curly mop floating around
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I found you through someone I know from Capernwray (Kickyboots), and I just enjoyed reading about your daily adventures in a place I would love to live (the Okanagan). I like to sit down in the morning first thing with my coffee and read your blog because there is always a new post up and I enjoy your consistency. Love my mojitos too.
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Happy blog anniversary! Or blogiversary. Or something
Favorite summer drink is a well-made margarita. On the rocks, no salt. Or a really refreshing mimosa.
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..Help me enjoy my commute
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Hi,
I’m a fellow Canadian (Mississauga, ON) with 3 kids of my own. I read you because I relate, and I’m envious of your blog. I’ve tried to start a few times, but haven’t found my voice.
Your children are lovely, and I really enjoy reading what you write.
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I sure do wish I could remember what exactly led me to your blog to begin with, but I have stayed with your love for family, photography and faith. I do and will always cherish honesty and keeping things real and you do that so well!
Happy Blogiversary!!!!!
April’s last blog post..An Old Favorite
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I come hear because I enjoy hearing about your kids. I have two boys of my own ages 9 and 11. I love remembering all the stages that they have gone through. It also helps me remember that the stages they are in now will pass! I love to read about your girls’ nights out. I have a group of friends from grade school that I still hang out with whenever possible. And I intend to go enjoy a few busch lights with my best friend tonight! Happy Blogversary! Keep up the great blogging!
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Hi!!
I love reading your blog because you are so funny! Also your kids are adorable!! Plus I can totally relate to you.
My favorite summery drink that I actually drink all year long is Turkey Hill Green Iced Tea, it is so good!! As far as alcohol, I am a beer girl.
Happy Blogiversary!
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Thanks for all the good times! I don’t remember where I found the link to your blog, but I have read you ever since that first time! I think it was the curly hair! Someone with hair just like mine and you make it look so good! I am still working on that!
Happy Blogiversary!!!!
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Yay! Happy blogiversary!
As far as summer drinks go, tragically I’m not supposed to be drinking any calories or anything carbonated, so… well, it’s a tie between water and Crystal Light. YUMMY.
Jess’s last blog post..Help plan our trip
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Oh, girl. I have quite the array of Crystal Light flavors in my cupboard.
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You know me so I’ll go with a drink – Vanilla Coin, I had it at Bridges on Granville Island and now I need to make a trip to the liquor store.
Vanilla Vodka, Cointreau and Ginger Ale. Sweet but good!
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You are going to force me to gush, aren’t you?
Fine.
I come here for the wit and the wisdom and your beautiful photos. You make me laugh and you make me think.
And no matter what time of year it is, I’d like a beer.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah’s last blog post..Must Be Time For BlogHer Again
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I just recently found ya, but now that I know your Canadian? Just kidding…like it here, think I’ll be coming back often. As for my preferred drink? Nice cold beer.
The Urban Cowboy’s last blog post..Cowboy Bowling
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I ended up here because I kept seeing comments from some Angella with two L’s on other blogs, and I wanted to know who this Angella chick was. She sounded cool. Then I started reading your blog and discovered that you ARE cool, and you write great blog posts. Plus you’re an accountant, which is what I’m going to be when I grow up.
My favorite summer drink is an Italian soda – ice, club soda, half & half, flavored syrup. Delicious.
Happy blogiversary!
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Hi Happy Anniversary! I read becuase I think you are a great writer.
Jenn
Jenn’s last blog post..Nathan a Walking Boy
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And thirdly, HOW BIG WAS MY BUM?! Seriously!
Happy Anniversary, Ange.
I have, and always will be, a bellini girl. Yay for sugar-soaked slushies that get you tipsy!
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..Having Too Much Fun To Type
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Happy 4 years! Congrats! I read because I like your humor, sensitivity, and fun times with your family (can’t wait to have those times sometime soon!)
Favorite summer drink (non-alcoholic) is cucumber water – so refreshing any day!
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Hey-o!
Started reading your blog after lurking on my friend Becky’s blog links (I went to high school with her and who is YOUR friend Christy H’s sister – wow, sounds creepy, ha) and haven’t left since! I love the photo’s and the way you write….so funny.
Favourite drink? Spiced Rum and Gingerale….mmmmmmm
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Hi! Happy anniversary!
I linked to you from somewhere else – Mr. Lady, maybe? Or maybe it was that time I was looking for Canadian bloggers.
As for favourite summertime drink, I am a white wine fan. When I can get my paws on it, Summerhill Pinot Gris (which seems to be only available from the winery in Kelowna itself).
Nicole’s last blog post..8
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I have no idea what lead me here. I think it was before BlogHer last year, but I really have no clue. I stick around because I love your photos, your wit and your insight into life. I sooooo can’t wait to meet you next week-had I known you were coming on Wednesday when I made my travel arrangements I would have stuck with getting to Chicago then. Oh well, now I will be there at 6:50 AM on Thursday-you’ll be at the station waiting for me, no?
My fave drink besides Diet Coke (which sadly is a huge downfall for me in my weight loss, so I only use it as a reward-it makes me retain so much water!) Is a lowfat Iced chai that I make at home. I use the liquid mix and yum!
Happy Blogversary & I LOVE the intertube photo.
Heather @ Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday-Lighting a Candle for Grandma
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I won’t be at the station, but I WILL hug you.
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Whoa! Your blog is like a senior citizen! Congrats!
Camels & Chocolate’s last blog post..Orlando, Adult-Style
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Hmmm.. I read because I like your thoughts, we have lots in common, your kids are cute and I like the way you write. Happy Blogoversary!!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Welcome to the Jungle? or not
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I think I came here originally from someone else’s blog. I can’t remember who, but you must have had an awesome comment, or they linked to you. Either way, I’ve stuck around because I love your writing, and you seem like a very awesome person. Happy blogiversary!
My favourite summer drink would be a margarita, or an ice cold beer. Perfection!!
Sharon’s last blog post..In search of the perfect LBD
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I love to follow your kids…
My favorite beverage…beer. But lately…Regular Coke.
Greetings from Omaha, NE!
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Hi! And happy anniversary. I honestly don’t remember how I found you. But I remember thinking that you are my people if only because we share a deep, deep love for Diet Coke.
Rebecca (Bearca)’s last blog post..late adopter
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
We do. And a deep, deep love for Sarah
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I don’t even remember how I came here, I think it was through Mocha Momma. But I keep coming back because…you make me laugh, you make me smile, you gross me out (episiostomies and puking and those are the nice ones
), you take AWESOME photography (which is one _my_ wall!) and you are a fabulous writer!
As for drinks, water…I’m boring that way, that and I have yet to find any alcoholic bevy that I like the taste of.
And last but not least…
Happy Blogiversary!!!
Amanda’s last blog post..Twitter – The New CNN?
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Hope you have a great time in Chicago. Lisa
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Hi Angella! Happy Blogiversary!
I come here because I like you! And my favorite summer drink… Well, I drink a lot of electrolyte beverages, but I don’t particularly love them. Otherwise, I’m going to have to go with Diet Dr. Pepper, I crave that more in the summers.
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..Shakin’ Up The Norm
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Helloooo! Happy 4 years! (Now I have the 1-2-3-4 song stuck in my head. Thanks for that.)
I come here because I enjoy your writing. And you make me laugh. And your photos are fabulous. And your kids are cute. The end.
Oh and my favourite summer beverage is a frosty gin & tonic with lots of fresh lime juice.
hillary’s last blog post..I Woke Up In A Strange Place Music So Loud That I Spilled All My Beer
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Hi!
I don’t remember how I found you, it was either through your sister SongsInBlue or Twitter when I very first started like 2 years ago. Either way I’ve stayed and will continue to stay because you are one cool cat, and well a really good writer. I enjoy reading about your children and your life.
My favourite summer beverage is also a Mojito. Yum!
heathercoo’s last blog post..Grace in Small Things: 19 of 365
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angella Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Cheers
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You know I am not much of a commenter but okaaaaay. I started coming here shortly after I met you and I have been reading pretty much every day ever since.
Oh, and I like a really tart lemondrop martini with a nice thick rim of sugar on the glass.
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Hi! I’m a new reader, just found you last month, I think with your “Time for a Rant” post. I believe I got here from Mom101 or Motherhood Uncensored, which are both also new to me.
I don’t have kids yet but I’ve been reading a lot of Parenting/Mommy Blogs (for lack of a better word). Especially the ones that don’t sugarcoat but are also full of cute pictures and funny kid stories. My husband and I just started trying for babies and I want to know what I’m getting into!
You are funny and honest and I love your writing style. I think it was your rant about how people compliment your ‘son’ when she’s wearing a sundress that really pulled me in.
I’m 28 and I live in Northern California.
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Happy Anniversary! Hope you get a good date out of the deal!
Ashley’s last blog post..Barely breathing
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Hi.
I don’t remember how I came to be here, but have been reading for the past couple years. I have been a lame commenter though- my apologies.
Favorite Summer drink? Definately Sangria!
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hiya, yeah, I’m all about the mojitos this summer too! Last night I had one with lemon juice added… it was even more amazing.
I don’t remember how I found your blog… linked from some other random blog I’m sure… but glad I did
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I don’t remember how I originally found out your blog but I think it was from a link on someone’s. I have continued to read it because I enjoy the way you write about things. And it doesn’t hurt that you are a fellow Canadian
My favorite summertime drink is a long island iced tea! Congrats on 4 years of blogging!
Carissa’s last blog post..Dog-Tired
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Hi!
For me, it’s the 3-children thing. And the working-mom gig. I get you. (And I enjoy your honest writing and mad photography skillz!)
Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..Not Liking It (Yet)
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I keep coming back to your blog because of your honesty in your posts, the fact that your canadian, where in canada you live, that you married a dutch boy (yah that’s right, I’m dutch), your photography, and I have to say you’re pretty darn entertaining. Thanks for letting us all peek into your life.
I’m pretty sure I found you through Elizabeth at Look At Us Now! though I’m not positive about that….
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Hiya! I read your blog because I like your voice, I love your stories and your photos, and your posts make me smile. It adds something positive to my day
Happy blogiversary!
Laura’s last blog post..Whip It Up Week 2: Coconut-Ginger French Toast
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