When this post was written about bloggers listing accomplishments and tooting their own horns I was not inclined to add to it. Horn tooting does not come naturally to me. When I am given a compliment my first reaction is to make some self deprecating comment to minimize the compliment and make people laugh. Learning simply to say “Thank You” has taken much coaching by my ever patient husband.
I am proud of myself for many things accomplished in 2009 and I am glad that this isn’t on camera interview, I would be stumbling, blushing and to top it off I have a massive cold sore that makes me look really gorgeous. So without stalling more than I already have here is my list!
Hold on I need to think of something.
1. Can I be honest my biggest accomplishment in 2009 has nothing to do with blogging. Watching my son go from 2-3 and all the positive changes and developments in his life has been a joy, finding such joy in these moments and not rushing through them has been my greatest accomplishment. I know that he won’t always be the center of my world but I am not afraid of the fact that right now he is. I don’t feel as though I have lost who I am one bit being so focused on being a parent. I am not embarrassed to say that hearing him say ” You are the best mama ever!” and ” I love family dates!” are more important to me than getting paid to write ( see #3) or feeling credible in my chosen piece of the blogosphere ( see #4). I take great pride in being a mom and trying my hardest at it every day is my biggest accomplishment this year.
2.My main blog No Time For Flash Cards started 2009 with a few devoted followers and with 11 months of blogging under my belt just over 250k pageviews. In 2009 I gained a much larger following and finished the year with over a million pageviews. So that was my numbers accomplishment.
3. In May I started blogging for FamilyEducation.com as a parent blogger. It’s a paid gig and it feels great to contribute financially to my family. I had a hard time adjusting to not having a paycheck and these aliviates some of my irrational feelings about not doing “enough”. It also justifies shoe buying. Other writing jobs for IttyBitty Bookworm, Parentella and Everything Mom have followed and fill me with the same pride - and closet with more shoes!
4. This isn’t a single event , rather a series of people on twitter, emails from readers and links on other blogs/ sites. In the past year I have felt very noticed by those I want to notice me. No not the hotty garbage man, yes I swear I have a hot garbage man. Rather early childhood professionals, CEOs of companies like 360Kids, authors and bloggers that I respect . Having them show approval and joy for what I do has given me that boost that what I am doing is on track. I crave approval from authority figures ( seriously it’s really something I should probably get medicated for) and feel wonderful for the nods I have gotten in 2009.
5. This should really be tied for #1 or at least be #1 b… the emails I got from readers in 2009 have been amazing. From a reader who made a craft daily with her daughter to send to her husband stationed in Iraq with photos of him with them plastered up proudly, to a mom who’s son’s speech therapy was aided by my silly song videos and countless thank yous from moms who didn’t know how to fill long days alone with their kids. I started NTFFC with the hope to help other moms, that’s it so these emails keep me going, knowing that I am accomplishing what I set out to do.
So while i won a few awesome awards this year , created a sizable social media pressence and sat on some wonderful online panels, my accomplishments come down to my ability to do the things I love the most. Mother best I can and be a trusted resource for as many families and children as possible.
Wait wait- one last one. I learnt how to properly spell definitely. I always thought there was an a, no more red squiggle for that word!
2009 was toot worthy indeed!
Congratulations Allie.
Can I add one to your list of accomplishments? You are a wonderful mentor and cheerleader. Your support of my blog through your comments, putting me as your spotlight one week, and nominating me for Most Provocative Blog meant SO much to me. The moral support, the pats on the back, and the new readers that you brought me over the year are very much appreciated!