Three years ago today I sat down at my computer and created a free Blogspot site.
(I went self-hosted nearly a year later and then obliterated my original site (SO SMART AM I). At least I have the original posts in Word and on paper. I re-posted that original entry on both my first and second blogiversaries, should you be curious.)
If you had told me at the time I created my site that people other than my family and close friends would read my site?
I would have been flattered. And maybe a little creeped out.
If you had told me that I would consider women that I had only met online to be tried and true friends?
I would think that maybe you had a little bit of the CRAZY going on.
If you had told me that I would traipse to another country to attend a “blogging conference” in order to hang out with women I had never met in real life?
I would be all, “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”. Then I would ask you what you had been smoking. Because it was apparently some good stuff.
If you told me that I would stay in the home of people I had only met via “the Blog”, and would then share a hotel with someone else I knew only via “the Blog”?
I might have just thrown my laptop in the lake and walked away from it all.
Yet that is what is happening.
I am flying to San Francisco today. TODAY! On the exact anniversary that I started blogging. I am not sure if it is irony, or coincidence, or what. It is just kind of COOL.
I am spending tonight at the home of the very first non-real-life-friends that I met via the Internet. I will then be sharing a room for three nights with someone else I only know through the Internet.
Weird, right? But also kind of awesome.
I will get to meet so many writers whom I have read and stalked appreciated over the years. My head might just explode.
(I am missing so many in the linkage. Please forgive me. I LOVE YOU ALL. I am just too lazy to add one hundred or so links.)
It has been awhile since I have asked y’all to come out of your corners to say HI. We are all busy; I get that. The anniversary itself might be enough of an incentive, but I have a bribe reward for those of you who take the time to type a few characters.
I want to give away a $30 gift certificate ($10 for each year!). All I need to know from you is where I should give it from.
(There is also the standard deelio. If you link to THIS POST, you get an extra entry in the giveaway. GO YOU. The contest will close when I get home.)
I am only asking that you say “Hi”. Or “Hello”, if you are of the formal variety. Then tell me where you would like to spend THIRTY DOLLARS. Amazon? Starbucks? iTunes? Chapters?
YOUR FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS.
(Thanks for being so good to me. Please also wish me safe travels. The end.)
79 Comments
Happy Blogaversary, Ange! And have a GREAT time at BlogHer!!!!!
Hannah’s last blog post..Poxy Baby
Comment by Hannah on July 16th, 2008 @ 4:19 amHave fun!!! Can’t wait to see your pictures and read about your take on it!
and $30.00 would indulge me in a few icy cold coffee drinks at Starbucks (with a side of some sweet dessert)!
joyce’s last blog post..Our cozy little abode
Comment by joyce on July 16th, 2008 @ 4:39 amhappy three years, love!
i cannot wait to meet you tomorrow 
(starbucks. starbucks. starbucks.)
Comment by ali on July 16th, 2008 @ 5:53 amHappy 3rd year anniversary!
I just started blogging last WEEK!! Still debating how much or what I want to put on there other than my dogs. What do I want people to read. What do I want people NOT to read 
I stumbled on your site last year because of Foto Friday …. your explanation of aperture made the light bulb go off in my head. That combined with means I have a Canon 30D plus various lenses.
Plus I used to be a CA
dognutmom’s last blog post..Coffee
yikes, apparently I didn’t figure out the html code for comments above.
And no way to edit …. okay … your blog plus Pioneer Woman. I had DSLR envey anyway, but this stepped it up.
Comment by dognutmom on July 16th, 2008 @ 5:57 amHey there. I’ve been craving a Starbucks gift card. Yum.
Also, I love what a strange place the internet has become, and how incredibly easy it is to meet some insanely wonderful people with just a few clicks.
wwcutie’s last blog post..Books are fun!
Comment by wwcutie on July 16th, 2008 @ 6:08 amI am leaving today too (yes, I should be repacking my suitcase!) and am very excited. What fun lies ahead!
I could easily throw down $30 (ok $300) on Etsy. That place is like my crack.
P.S. I will still hug you even though you didn’t link me. HA!
sizzle’s last blog post..Later, Tater
I would love a gift card to Lane Bryant — I need some “big girl” dress up clothes and that would be a nice start!
Comment by JenniferB on July 16th, 2008 @ 6:22 amHappy Blogging Anniversary! You’ve come a far way!
I’d spend mine at iTunes.
I love that my blog is the “stalked” link. heh
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
whoorl’s last blog post..Want to hear about my weekend?
Comment by whoorl on July 16th, 2008 @ 6:34 amWoo! I think that is a little ironic.
I got to meet two blog friends this week. It is SO not creepy! It’s GREAT fun!
I wish you safe travels and an amazing time at BlogHer. I’m only a little envious that you get to go. Learn lots! Have fun!
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..I’m leaving on a jet plane in a van
Comment by Mrs. Wilson on July 16th, 2008 @ 6:56 amI hope you have an awesome time. And Happy Blogging Anniversary!
A $30.00 gift card….Amazon would be my choice I guess. I can get more camera equipment there! Can anyone say money for a new lens?
Have a safe flight.
dana’s last blog post..June 19 pictures - Mountains and Waterfalls
Comment by dana on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:30 amsooo jealous! wish I could go but I have a very handsome little boy hanging off the “front” of me! have a great time!!!! $30 in starbucks or target would be just swell
Filtering Life’s last blog post..The Chloster
Comment by Filtering Life on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:35 amHappy Anniversary, girl!
The pregnant lady says STARBUCKS. *twitch*
Marcie’s last blog post..Seven Months
Comment by Marcie on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:43 amHappy blogiversary, pretty lady. I’m so glad we “found” each other online! Have a safe trip and amazing time!!
metalia’s last blog post..Sticky Fingers
Comment by metalia on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:56 amHappy 3 years! We are all so glad you started typing 3 years ago ….
Have fun at Blogher - and safe travels!
$30= amazon most likely, with a little Caribou (Starbucks rival in MN) too!
Comment by Michelle on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:57 amItunes….my new IPhone is lacking!
Best of luck and time in SF. I wish I was whitty enough to have followers!!!!
Amanda’s last blog post..Summer Days….
Comment by Amanda on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:00 amHave an amazing time! I look forward to reading about your adventures in SF.
Also, Starbucks
Samantha’s last blog post..Little Bits of Awesomeness
Now THAT is cool that you get to go to BlogHer on your Bloggiversary! Have a fabulously awesome and safe time!
I can’t decide between Starbucks and iTunes. Decisions, decisions…
Elaine’s last blog post..It’s My Man’s Birthday!
Comment by Elaine on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:23 amWhat a perfectly timed blogoversary! I just had my oh 4! in June, and now your 3! today. Congrats, babe. I don’t even have to tell you how excited I am to see you (finally!) this week, probably because I think I’ve told you eight hundred times already. One more sleep!
Loves.
Kerri Anne’s last blog post..Weekend Update, Pre-Vacation Edition
Comment by Kerri Anne on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:25 amBe safe and see you soon!!!
Kristie’s last blog post..I suck at a lot of things, but I suck the most at packing.
Comment by Kristie on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:47 amHappy blogoversary, and have a great trip!
(I’m sorry I won’t get to meet you since I’m not going. Maybe next year…)
Sephora is currently my favorite place for giftcards, but if they don’t have those in Canada, Target works!
merrymishaps’s last blog post..weekly winners
Comment by merrymishaps on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:48 amHappy blogiversary!
I’d chose iTunes or Old Navy - I need some new tunes and new capris for my upcoming adventure.
Safe travels, and hope you have a wonderful time in SF!
Sharon’s last blog post..Stress
Comment by Sharon on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:00 amHave fun! Be safe! (sorry - I’m not a mom but my mom says that all the time and *sigh* I’m turning into her.)
I would loooove to spend $30 at Chapters.
hills’s last blog post..A Breath Of Zen That’s Nice
Comment by hills on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:05 amHave a great trip! If I should win, I would like the $30 at Target… but I never win these things
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you - and I wish I had known you a little better before the one time I did meet you!
Have a great time at the conference. Blogging rocks.
I have been craving some new music and I am down to five bucks on my iTunes account, so iTunes if it’s me!
Thanks, and God bless!
That is CRAZY it is three years today!
I can’t wait to meet you and all the other fabulous people tomorrow!
Oh, and iTunes.
SEE you soon!
Kristabella’s last blog post..Sharing Is Caring
Comment by Kristabella on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:23 amCongrats on your three year blogiversary! I just came upon your blog a few days ago and had to add it to my reader. I have a Canon camera and I don’t know how to do anything but automatic settings, so I have been reading up on Foto Friday to learn some new things to try.
Where would I love to have a $30 gift card from? Somewhere to get clothes… Old Navy, Gap, Macy’s, JC Penney…
Laura Williams’s last blog post..The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Comment by Laura Williams on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:26 amHappy anniversary! Safe travels! I’m sorry I won’t get to meet you this weekend, but we’ll meet another time. (Starbucks!)
bethany actually’s last blog post..Not hard to cheer up when you can hit the beach
Comment by bethany actually on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:37 am[...] another note, it’s Angella’s blogiversary today. Drop by and congratulate her, and in return you’ll get a chance to win a $30 gift card! Everyone loves free stuff, so head [...]
Comment by Reunion « Sharon’s Space on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:48 amAmazon sounds great! you’re really nice. have lots of fun!!!
Comment by Mary Jenkins on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:49 amHappy Blogversary. Now give me money!
LVGurl’s last blog post..Two years
Comment by LVGurl on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:50 amHappy blogiversary! Can I get a mini cooper for $30?
Moose’s last blog post..I Really Hope I Paid PG&E
Comment by Moose on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:53 amHello!
How about FOOD?!?!
ashley’s last blog post..A Conversation with Chef David
Comment by ashley on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:58 amHappy Anniversary!
Have save travels, have fun!
Oh, and I love Amazon
ENJOY YOUR VISITS!!!!
Victoria’s last blog post..Recent Video Watching Escapades Volume 1
Comment by Victoria on July 16th, 2008 @ 10:49 amAlright, I’ll admit I’m a blog lurker! Your blog is great, and I completely understand the “this isn’t creepy, really!” bit. Have a great time at the conference, I know you’ll find some great blog fodder there too, I’ll stay tuned.
Candice’s last blog post..You learn something new everyday
Comment by Candice on July 16th, 2008 @ 11:00 amOops, Starbucks!
Candice’s last blog post..You learn something new everyday
Comment by Candice on July 16th, 2008 @ 11:01 amWhere is my head today? Not on my head apparently. Not only did I mess up my first comment, I then didn’t include important information in my second …
Starbucks!!!!!
Have a great trip
dognutmom’s last blog post..Hostas
Comment by dognutmom on July 16th, 2008 @ 11:10 amHave a safe and happy trip!
I didn’t notice my year anniversary until a week after it had past last February. Bummer.
Georgia’s last blog post..Daydreaming
Comment by Georgia on July 16th, 2008 @ 11:13 amHappy Blogversary to you!!! So glad I found you not that long ago.
Wow, I would so spend my $30 at Starbucks…YUM! I will send others to you when I post today!!
Heather’s last blog post..Who reads the blog?
Comment by Heather on July 16th, 2008 @ 11:27 ambooks are best. i’d go for Chapters. Have a safe trip with those strangers!! kidding. Kind of.
kelly’s last blog post..Watoto
Comment by kelly on July 16th, 2008 @ 12:36 pmStill here, still reading, I like your blog. Happy anniversary, wishing you safe travels and tons of fun!
Comment by Nicole on July 16th, 2008 @ 12:46 pmHappy Anniversary!
I hope that you have a great weekend. I know that I don’t comment much but I love reading your blog. It entertains me, it’s lso nice to know that someone else may lead as crazy a life as I do.
A $30 gift certificate hey? Well I hate to be the practical one, but my husband is in school full time and my daughter does need a Cabbage Patch kid for Christmas. Am I allowed to spend it on that?
Have a great weekend.
Faith’s last blog post..Our Annual Edmonton Trip
Comment by Faith on July 16th, 2008 @ 12:57 pmHappy Anniversary!
I hope that you have a great weekend. I know that I don’t comment much but I love reading your blog. It entertains me, it’s also nice to know that someone else may lead as crazy a life as I do.
A $30 gift certificate hey? Well I hate to be the practical one, but my husband is in school full time and my daughter does need a Cabbage Patch kid for Christmas. Am I allowed to spend it on that?
Have a great weekend.
Faith’s last blog post..Our Annual Edmonton Trip
Comment by Faith on July 16th, 2008 @ 12:58 pmHi.
Also, safe travels. Oh, and… have TONS of fun. Take lots of pictures. Make lots of great memories. I know you will do all of the above!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Guided
Comment by Elizabeth on July 16th, 2008 @ 1:05 pmI am so proud of you. I don’t have time to read blogs every day, but I do try to keep up with what is happening with you. What wonderful things are being thrown your way and I know you will sail through with flying colors. I think it’s wonderful that we as humans can find community anywhere. Best of Luck this weekend - have the time of your life! (I am an Amazon girl for the GC)
Comment by Kristin on July 16th, 2008 @ 1:31 pmAlmost time until BlogHer! Woo Hoo!!! Can’t wait!
If I won, I’d just want the money to go into my fundraising for my marathon!
Jill - GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..Overthinking: BlogHer
Your blog was one of the first that I began reading on a regular basis! Happy blogversary! Have a great time in SF…
Oh and Chapters!
Louise’s last blog post..Protected: I Can’t Resist
Comment by Louise on July 16th, 2008 @ 1:38 pmI hope you have a wonderful time! I can’t wait to hear all about it since those of us not going are living vicariously through all of you.
Oh, I pretty much can always find something I LOVE at Target.
Happy blogiversary!
Jennie’s last blog post..Couch Potato Update
Comment by Jennie on July 16th, 2008 @ 1:48 pmStarbucks for sure - that way I wouldn’t feel guilting spending it on ME!! ALL ME!!! Instead of buying the baby a new pair of shoes or something.
And - I’m new to reading this here bolg and now that I know you’ve been writing for 3 years I will need to dig into the archives.
ikate’s last blog post..A New Recipe
Comment by ikate on July 16th, 2008 @ 1:58 pmOk, ok, you’ve convinced me to de-lurk! I’d love a $30 gift card to Lane Bryant because Momma needs some new clothes!! Hope you have a fun time in S.F. and a safe trip!
Have fun!!! I have so many great “online friends” who I have met in real life and I can’t imagine how I ever lived without them now. : )
Smilf’s last blog post..BOTB: Dear Bossman
Comment by Smilf on July 16th, 2008 @ 2:47 pmHello. Happy Blogiversary. Have a splendiferous time in SF. Can’t wait to read about it when you return. Safe travels.
And…I love Starbucks and Music ~ so iTunes works for me as well.
Comment by Tamara on July 16th, 2008 @ 4:40 pmHappy Anniversary!
I would like some of your pictures. That’s really what I would want if I won.
Have fun in San Fransisco!
Comment by Heather on July 16th, 2008 @ 4:57 pmhey Angela, Happy 3rd Anniversary of Blogging!! I hope you have safe travels. I think I would want to spend $30 at Chapters. Have fun in San Fransico
Hi. Me again. I’ve finally caught up on your posts since I’ve been away. Safe travels! Cute shoes! Be bold, be strong! Have fun!
(And my blog is now of the public variety again. Bring on the bloglines. Just so’s you know.
Rachel Joy’s last blog post..Jack-in-the-box!
um…gap?
right on regarding the three years.
its pretty remarkable.
cheers!
julie
Started reading your blog last fall and started my own this spring. Still don’t know what de-lurking is Just thought I’d throw that out there.
I’d spend my moola at Chapters. I really want that cook book by Jerry Seinfeld’s wife.
Safe travels.
Laurie’s last blog post..Needles
Comment by Laurie on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:06 pmHappy blogiversary, and enjoy BlogHer… can’t wait to read about your adventures. Safe, safe, safe travels.
Kaza’s last blog post..Toon Tuesday: WHAT?!
Comment by Kaza on July 16th, 2008 @ 7:52 pmI just started following you a couple weeks ago. I really love Photo Friday!
I’m torn between really wanting to go to BlogHer, and being terrified because I don’t even have an internet relationship with any other bloggers that would be there. Maybe next year…
And I’m also a Target girl
Happy Blogiversary! I was coming here to wish you a fun BlogHer! It sounds pretty exciting.
Anyway, I’ve only been reading your blog for about a month or less but I really enjoy it, and love your photography. Thanks for sticking to it for 3 years so I got a chance to say Hi.
I love love love Target.
Ciao!
charlotte
monstergirlee’s last blog post..Jumping on the Bed - Day 3
Comment by monstergirlee on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:08 pmHi, your kids are cute. have fun on your trip.
Blonde Belle’s last blog post..Gold Digger?
Comment by Blonde Belle on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:19 pmSafe travels!!! I am sort of thinking of going to BlogHer next year, not cuz I think I’m any sort of “good” blogger, but because I think it would be HILARIOUS!
Chapters/Indigo baby!!!
Meg’s last blog post..Exhausted
Comment by Meg on July 16th, 2008 @ 8:46 pmI say Starbucks! Did you know they have delicius breakfast sandwiches now? hee hee, have a great time, good for you for being so brave, expand your mind man!
Hooray for 3 years of blogging. That is SO neat that your blogiversary is the day you fly to blogher!
I hope you have a safe and wonderful trip, enjoy!
Comment by Kristin on July 16th, 2008 @ 9:56 pmHappy 3 year anniversary! I “met” you back when you weren’t quite so popular and have watched you grow into this little Angellaempire!
Have FUN!!
And I would spend $30 at Superstore. Ha! We have nothin here…I don’t know.
happy blogiversary!
sending wishes for safe travels and lots of fun.
$30? the practical side of me says superstore or london drugs. and then i’d buy all kinds of fun things-burt bees products, and licorice, nailpolish, a magazine…
steph h’s last blog post..walking on a spider web.
Comment by steph h on July 17th, 2008 @ 12:23 amI want to hear about what you’ve been up to in the past 24 hours! I’m dyin’ for an update here!
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..Week In Review
Comment by Amanda Brown on July 17th, 2008 @ 11:58 amHi!
Starbucks or iTunes would rock!
Have fun in SAN FRAN! I am so jealous! So awesome! Can’t wait for an update!
kaili’s last blog post..It’s in.
Comment by kaili on July 17th, 2008 @ 4:43 pmHappy 3rd Anniversary! I’m so glad I found your blog, nearly two years ago and I have loved it ever since! Hope you have an awesome time in San Fransisco, may it be everything you want it to be and more!!!
Oh ya, my fav…Amazon!
Comment by Michele on July 17th, 2008 @ 6:34 pmoh hai we’re at dinner right now. I’m looking at you. Creepy.
jenny’s last blog post..The Moronathon has begun?
Comment by jenny on July 17th, 2008 @ 7:29 pmHey!
I just got home and you are away. Sounds like you are having a blast, can’t wait to hear all about your escapades:-)
And Starbucks would be my first choice! But you might have already known that.
Kami’s last blog post..Sum-sum-summer Time
Comment by Kami on July 17th, 2008 @ 7:31 pmI have to say… you, Angella, have enriched my blogging life and I am always thrilled to see a new post in my bloglines.
Three cheers for Angella and three years of blogging excellence!
Live it up in San Fran girl!
-Andrea
Andrea’s last blog post..Let’s Talk Army Wives, Military Life, and Fraternization…
Comment by Andrea on July 17th, 2008 @ 8:34 pmHope you have a blast at Blogher while I ….dont….am I jealous..NO I’m not jealous, why would I be?
Cracking up at jenny’s comment above….
I would have to say Cato’s for me…
Jakki’s last blog post..Lazy Days of Summer
Comment by Jakki on July 18th, 2008 @ 6:31 pmI love your blog. I’m glad to be one of the strangers reading it.
I would totally buy some curtains for my bedroom.
Janssen’s last blog post..Whip It Up
Comment by Janssen on July 19th, 2008 @ 10:31 pm[...] that little bribe contest I had? I just went to Random.org, stuck in the numbers and out popped…15. I scrolled through [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » Back To Life, Back To Reality on July 22nd, 2008 @ 9:12 am[...] that little bribe contest I had? I just went to Random.org, stuck in the numbers and out popped…15. I scrolled through [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » Back To Life, Back To Reality on July 22nd, 2008 @ 9:12 am
Happy Blogiversary! I just started blogging this past January, and I can TOTALLY understand how it just sort of takes over. It’s like therapy without the big bill. I hope you have an amazing trip; the idea of BlogHer intrigues me. Thanks for keeping it real.
Oh, and I’d spend my $30 at Target, fo’ shizzle.
Eileen’s last blog post..Kicking the habit
Comment by Eileen on July 16th, 2008 @ 4:06 am