Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Memories - 3 Year Blog-iversary

Today is exactly 3 years since my first journal entry!

Here is the link to the first entry:  Good Friday

I started to blog with the intent to help others cope with chronic diseases, like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.  It has become so much more. 

I found a great online community, friends, and support, while also having a wonderful place to vent and write!

Here is one of the first entries I wrote about coping with RA/Lupus and not having enough 'Spoons':

What's it like to have Unlimited Spoons?

I have revisited that topic many times over the three years!  In 2007 after a similar entry, the most wonderful thing happened.  Paul, who writes at  Aurora Walking Vacation, and was one of my first blog readers, wrote an entry about my entry.  I still reread it quite often, because it makes me feel good. 

Someone got 'it' and it felt good.  Here is that entry:

I wrote this essay/entry during my second month of blogging... I still feel the same today:

Thanks for letting me revisit and reminisce.

I have to say, the 3 years have passed very quickly.  Yet, much has changed while staying the same.  I'm still coping with RA and Lupus, but now have the brain tumor thingy to deal with, too.  I had 3 'kids', 8, 10 and 12 when I began this journal... Now I have 2 teenagers of 13 and 15, and another close behind at 11! 

One thing never changes... trying to Carpe Diem -  Seize the Day, everyday.  Some days go better than others, but I am always trying.

Most importantly, always hopeful.

be well,
Dawn

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversaray!!
Missie

Anonymous said...

yes it does go fast and I do love and miss this comunity when I am away.  I mirror over on myspace and it is nothing compared to aol's.

Happy Blog Birthday : )

Much Love,
Mary

Anonymous said...

Many, many congrats!!  Here's to another three years...and then three more...and then three more and...

xx
Russ

Anonymous said...

3 years, already?!  Wow!!!  I'm glad I found you!!  Keep bloggin my Jland friend!  :)  Julie

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary!
I've enjoyed getting to know you!
Traci

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary!

It was fun to go back and read your first entry;

wishing you many wonderful blog years ahead, hopefully with some relief from RA and lupus, but with all the joys of family and friends

betty

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary......

Michele

Anonymous said...

I love your "spoons" entry. Glad you are here. --Love, Cin

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary
I have no idea how long ive had mine or when I started it.
I must investigate now.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 3rd blogoversary, Dawn, well done! Here's to many more

Guido
http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip/

Anonymous said...

thats a long time i dont even check or care how long i been here i just write lol.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on reaching 3 years!!!  I'm surely happy you decided to journal, I love coming over & visiting!!!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

omgosh i can't believe it's been 3 years -- congrats! =)  i was just telling someone special about you last night - how ironic!  you are such a blessing here and in my life ... i am so thankful for you!!  ((( BIG HUGS ))) have a happy, pain free week!!  love, trace

Anonymous said...

Congrats on three years of journaling.    One of my favorite entries of yours was " The World is  Inherently Good".  Glad your still writing.      Dawn

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I am so glad you have kept journaling.  You are always so supportive, caring & nice!!! - Karen

Anonymous said...

Happy Third Anniversary!!!  My third anniversary was the 12th of this month.  I remember the Spoon Theory, and I actually remember Paul's entry about your entry.

(and I love IHOP's crepes, too!!!)

Lori

Anonymous said...

OMG I forgot how long I am here...I guess I have to check out what my first entry was too. LOL. I love your entries too and agree with them. Here's to more years and great friends...love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,
Congratulations on three years ... I always enjoy reading your entries and, more importantly, I learn from them, too.  I know you are helping so many people cope.  Personally, I think even your LOL cats give everyone a boost!!
Best,
Marty

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary, Dawn.
-Paul

Anonymous said...

HAPPY THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!
LOVE YA,
CARLENE

Anonymous said...

Happy 3rd  Anniversary journal:) have a good week

Deb

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Dawn ! I love reading  "first " entries.
Congrats , and hope you feel good today.
hugs,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!!
Lyn
http://journals.aol.com/ukgal36/Britsblog/

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary. Hope you have many more years of post.

Best Wishes
Gina

Anonymous said...

Happy 3rd Blogaversary.  The time does seem to fly by.  I have to agree with you 100% about the community here.  Keep writing for many more years!  
                                               Hugz,  Leigh

Anonymous said...

keep on keeping the faith.....happy 3rd anniversary....and keep on writing I so enjoy reading your entries....be well....
Kelly~

Anonymous said...

J-Land became a happier place once Carpe Diem ~ Seize the Day arrived and we have been enjoying your reads ever since. Congratulations and Thank you ~ Take care and enjoy many more years to come,
Katie

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogversary!
You are doing a TERRIFIC JOB!
Love,
Loretta
www.lifebeyondlupus.com

Anonymous said...

Well done Dawn xx  Great reminicsing entry xx

Jenny

http://journals.aol.co.uk/Jmoqueen/MyLife

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 3 years, I can only hope to last that long! Apparently I've ruffled the feathers of animal rights activist (Isn't that my gig) with the picture of Pickles in my Easter entry (By the way that isn't pickles - it was aimed at adult humor concerning the Easter Bunny). You can't win some days. Here's to many, many more years of friendship and journaling. (Hugs) Indigo

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!  I'll chaeck out your early entries.  

hugs,  Bethe    

Anonymous said...

I love your memories, Dawn!  I remember Paul and the Spoons.  That is the first time I read the Spoon article but have seen it more since then.  I have to agree with your entry about the world being inherently good.  Happy 3 years!  HUGS  Chris

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary~here's to three more years!!!
Gillie

Anonymous said...

Happy 3 year anniversary! I feel very blessed to have found you in jland :)

Hugs,
Gretchen

Anonymous said...

You are incredible, Dawn.  You don't complain about what you have.  I am curious about "the brain thingy".  I never hear you mention it much or complain!  As a matter of fact, I have only heard you mention it once!  Perhaps I was away when you mentioned it, so I am curious, could you tell us about it again?  Is it benign or malignant?  Not that if it is benign it is any good either, b/c well, you know, any tumor near the brain aint too hot.  Sorry if I am talking so blunt about this, it is just the way I deal with the tumor subject, LOL.  Can you tell us more?  I will be praying for you, and you are very brave, and I admire you SO much,
Oh and happy journal anniversary, LOL!!!

Krissy  
http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink

Anonymous said...

Congrats on three years!

Beth