Happy Anniversary, Wanda!

/ Wanda

one year anniversary badgeToday marked the one year anniversary of A Girl Named Wanda!

In the past year, Wanda has gained 220 followers and has been viewed by people from 94 different countries!

Holy shit, that’s amazing!

I started this blog as a hobby.  As an outlet to help reclaim my sense of self, which I felt had become lost in the day to day grind of life. I was dealing with some depression after moving to a new city with my family, leaving my career to become a stay at home parent, and finding it difficult to orient myself to my new life and surroundings.  Wanda became my anti-depressant of choice, but I never really thought anyone would read it. So the outpouring of encouragement, love and support from my friends and family, and then from the WordPress blogging community has been incredible.

In the past year of blogging I’ve learned a lot.  I’ve learned that I’m funnier than I think.  I’ve learned that we need to share common experiences with each other in order to feel connected with others around us.  I’ve learned that no matter where we’re from, most of us are more alike than we are different.  I’ve learned that other bloggers curse more than I do,  and other bloggers curse less than I do.  I’ve realized that I edit my posts too much based on my audience and I probably still care a little too much about what others think of me.  I sometimes allow that to influence what I write about and sometimes I envy other bloggers who’ve chosen the path of anonymity.  I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn, from all of you.

Like I said, I've learned a lot.

Like I said, I’ve learned a lot.

I’ve always said that I’m not a writer.  I’m not trying to get published.  I’m not trying to write the next great American novel.  I just enjoy sharing hopefully funny stories about life, parenting, and the frequently absurd moments that make the journey of self-discovery worth sharing.  My goal now is really to connect with others.  To laugh.  To learn.  To be a part of something bigger than myself.

Although I struggle to find the time I need to post with consistent regularity, I have fallen in love with my Wanda, and with all of you.  So thank you for sharing in this with me.  Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your stories.  Thank you for reading my Wanda!

19 thoughts on “Happy Anniversary, Wanda!”

  5. Congrats! I’m glad you realized you’re funnier than you thought you were! To me, you’re hilarious. I curse in my blog, and I’m not sure if it’s more or less than you. Just in case it’s less, allow me to say that you are a fucking delight! Goddamned right!

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  6. Congrats on one year! 🙂

    Always, like reading your blog. I would like to make some funny joke here, but guess I’m not funny today.

    Keep it coming! I always think of your name being Wanda, but I’m pretty sure in your about post you’ve said another name … but somehow I call YOU Wanda even though it’s the name of your blog. Hope you don’t mind.

    I miss when you don’t post, but know you’ll be back to post … so, I wait and lo and behold you post!

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