Guess Who's 1?

Me!




Well, more like my blog! Yes, today is my very first blog-o-versary! And I've been waiting to write this post for a long, long time. Isn't it funny that I was able to find that picture? Sadly, though, it's not as though the first anniversary of OINSL is exactly news worthy!

I started keeping this blog originally as a way for my students to communicate with each other and with me. I intended for this blog to be a way we could have conversations about themes and events in novels we read in class. Obviously that went out the window a year ago today. Besides, can you see my freshmen actively and responsibly participating in a meaningful online conversation? I thought not.

So, after my trip to Italy with 30 other people, I decided to come home and share my thoughts, experiences and opinions with everyone. And I still find it incredible that people read about my life.

Over the past year, I've traveled to Europe (and am going again in July!! Back to Italy!); I've welcomed people into the world (Henry!) and into my life; I've made friends that I wouldn't ever have made otherwise; I've said good bye to some people that meant a lot to me; I've attracted some serious freaks, and some how managed to not attracted some other normal guys (imagine that!); I've prayed Heidi and Spencer break up, though after tonights ET, it looks like they've actually gotten married; I've struggled to find ways to get people to leave comments, and still ponder over why my max to this day is 10 comments on one post (kidding! sort of...); I've written about Edisto more times that Blogger ought to allow (but we are going two weekends in a row coming up! So more to come!); I've brought you all into my classroom, my home and my life. And for all of these things, I am very grateful. I didn't think I'd find this blog nearly as enjoyable as I have. And I appologize for not always being the most up-to-date blogger! It's hard when every night between now and this Saturday night is booked!

I looked back over my previous posts, and like any good teacher, noted my growth as a writer over the past year. I've written about some silly/meaningful/strange/sweet/fun things. And I've really enjoyed it.

People come in and out of your life for many different reasons. It's refreshing and hard all at the same time. And it's funny how things change.

I appreciate you all hanging with me for this long.

As far as I'm concerned, there will be many more blog-o-versaries in the years to come!

Thanks!