1.13.2010

How Do I Blog Thee?

Let me count the ways...

This is my 500th post!!!

Almost four years, two new babies, a few blog identity crises, and one foreign living experience later, Code Yellow Mom is still going. I honestly never knew if I would stick to it very long and at the beginning it was with so much trepidation that I clicked "post" each time that I didn't know if I'd hold up under the self-inflicted torture of wondering if anyone would read and, if anyone did, would they like it?

You are witness to the fact that I've obviously gotten past the idea that I need to say something profound in a completely eloquent way every single time, but I still have aspirations of saying more and writing better. And I still think of you every time I click "post."

I started the blog partly because my friend Nobody convinced me to, but mostly because I don't live near my family and thought they would like a regular glimpse into my life. Only a few family members have enthusiasticlaly taken me up on that opportunity and offered support and encouragement, but I've also gained a circle of friends and family that otherwise I would never have come in contact with. It makes me feel good to know there are people who are interested, no matter how I express it.

Recording my daily snafus and observations, sometimes with humor, sometimes with apathy, and sometimes with tears, has been a fabulously rewarding experience. As I look back on posts from when Calvin and Henry were very little, I realize that this blog is a journal and a coping mechanism, a tool for learning and for going forward as a mom. I don't think I'm the same frantic and stressed, perpetually exhausted young mother I was in April of 2006. It's nice to be able to look back and see that.

500 is a big number. A super big number, as my boys would say. And I've reached it. It feels like something to celebrate, but I don't know exactly how. Except to say thanks to those of you who have read along, commented, commiserated, advised, empathized and enjoyed with me. I love you. I really, really love you.

Where does Code Yellow go from here? I'm still thinking. I'm still growing into being a mom of four, and it has overwhelmed me more than I'd care to admit. I think it's the tipping point for either becoming a lot more organized and articulate and pulled together (in more spheres than just the blogoshpere) or else falling off the deep end. I'm pulling for the "get it together" side of me. So we'll see. I'll try to blog about it...

Here's to 500 more!

And truly, thank you for being along.

10 comments:

Gypsy Girl said...

I've loved reading your blog for a long time now, and it's still fun to read even though we are sitting in the same room together most of the time... :)
Also, thanks for getting me on my own blog path - it truly is refreshing and therapeutic in a lot of ways and I will always be grateful for the "journal" I have been able to keep, no matter how long I actually keep at it... you're my blog inspiration! Hopefully I can get to 500 some day too... :

MotherT said...

Thanks for making it to the "500" mark!

I don't remember how long ago Mrs. Lemon pointed you out to me, but I have enjoyed reading through your days.

An Ordinary Mom said...

Congrats! What an accomplishment!

And your paragraph where you talk about where to go now with Code Yellow articulates very well the way I feel about blogging and life!

Here's to many more posts :) !!

Amanda said...

500 posts is a feat! I really love reading your blog. I feel like you are a step ahead of me in life so I can get some insight. And I love to hear things about Kiev. And you are a great writer (something I know I am not).

Sara said...

Thanks for keeping up Code Yellow Mom. As a new EFM it's been great to read about your experiences (although, admittedly, the entry about your washer/dryer unit did really freak me out).

I look forward to "following" your family around the world.

Linda Stahr said...

I'm all for NOT falling off the deep end. I'm pretty sure I've already done that a couple of times, and would much rather be the organized (or pretend to be that at least) mom of almost four that I think I am.

I'm so glad you're my friend and that we have shared so many experiences in that part of the world where you currently live. I love you.

Aimee said...

Here's to 500 more! Cheers!

Kendra said...

Hi Traci! This is Kendra (McClendon) Donadieu. Remember me?? from Montrose:) Anyway, I have had a hunch for a while-just from Joeli's and your mom's info on facebook-I don't think I have you as a friend yet on there...but anyway, are you or your husband and FSO? If so, that is AWESOME:) My husband is too, we are much further behind than you it seems, we just started A-100 at the beginning of Jan, but are settling nicely into living in DC! We love it so far, and I was thinking about you..kiev is on our list! Anyway, who knows where we will go...find out in a couple weeks, but I did just want to touch base with you and see exactly what it is you were doing, whether FSO or some other company. I just found your blog today, and I think it is great!! I'm not sure why, but am just super thrilled if you are doing this whole craziness too!! A little touch of home I guess:) Who would of thunk huh? Montrose to this! We are loving it, hope you are too!

The Amazing Trips said...

I hope you pull it together and don't fall off the deep end. I've pulled it together and THEN fallen off the deep end. But then, I had to quickly get out of the deep end to pull it back together again. It's a crazy cycle.

Congrats on 500!

Gabriela said...

Congrats on your 500th post-that is a big deal. I, too, really enjoy your blog-thanks for keeping it going. I think we'd be good friends IRL.

And, I know what you mean about 4-that was a real kicker for me-I'm still recovering and my baby's almost 3!