Happy anniversary to me...

It was one year ago today I decided to embark on this unknown adventure called "blogging." What a trip it's been!

My initial reasons were related to my desire to get back into writing when I could... or when I had something I wanted or needed to say. Little did I know it would become a natural part of my daily routine -- to the point that I missed two days of blogging Friday and Saturday so I got a call from one of my sisters today to make sure I wasn't dying or on a missing person's list.

Probably not a good thing to mention you are sick and then wait 76 hours to type again. It just happened I was pretty much only home long enough to sleep until today when I had about 5 hours to get stuff together for a garage sale the babysitter's having. When I got Rayna's concerned message, I figured I better take a break from life's madness and write. Especially on my anniversary!

I can't believe it's been a year already. I'd have to say my initial goal of "writing more" has been met. Even though I didn't take time every day, I look back and see that, wow, I've done a lot of writing in the past year. That makes me feel good! Although it's not what I would consider creative writing, more like storytelling, I guess, but that's something I aim to work on this year.

Beyond the mere act of writing, this has progressed into quite a journey of self-discovery. And with that, of course, is the good, the bad, the ugly.

At a glance, one can see I absolutely adore my son and hubby. I love my family -- both immediate and extended. I have a sense of humor (obviously reflected in my son), thus The Light Side name. But I have a deep, serious side to me, too. I am spiritual and feel an obligation to share, inspire and advise if I think others may benefit. I guess that's the good part.

The bad part is that even though I am thrilled beyond measure that family and friends are reading this, I have lessened my efforts to reach out to them individually. "What? You didn't hear about that? Didn't you read my blog?" Relationships shouldn't be so one-sided and filled with obligations.

Now the ugly. Do you realize how many times I have vowed to get healthy, exercise more and lose weight in the past year? I don't know either. And I'm not going to count. I honestly don't have a fear of commitment or dedication. I just seem to lack that gene (Oh there I go blaming my mother for something again. That, I should probably stop.) that gives me the ability to act on it for any sustained length of time. Seriously, for every resolution, the road has been paved with good intentions. I just some times forget to put my running shoes on and hit that road. Or I don't forget per se, I just hit the snooze instead.

Thank you, dear reader, for giving me the benefit of the doubt despite my downfalls and dysfunction. I do so love sharing my quirky little Midwestern life as a working mother and wife. And do you know what? I'm just getting started! Please join me as we continue the journey, won't you?