554 posts... and not counting

It's the time of the year where we all make lists and start to review things with a sentimental yet scrutinizing eye.  Where have we come and where have we been?

As much as I'm not always the sentimental type, I've found myself doing a lot of reviewing lately - and as part of that, I've enjoyed rereading the past 553 posts on this blog.  At some I've cringed, at some I've laughed, at some I've cried, at many I've thought "why the heck am I sharing this anyhow?!".  This is post 554 today and I've decided to share some of that retrospect.

554 posts... and 3 years and 9 months.  Ironically the same amount of time one spends in high school from grades nine through twelve.  And not so ironically, the same kind of journey.  When I started the blog, I was just getting my writing legs back under me after years of inactivity.  I had picked a path on the crossroads of life and was looking to the future, trying to forget what was already behind me.  And I had no idea what was ahead.  (And not unlike the senior I once was and the ones I know today, I've gone through a big spurt of senioritis these past few months!)

Lots of similarities.  Then, I had owned my townhouse for thirteen months and was still unpacking boxes.  Now, I've owned my bungalow for thirteen months and I'm still unpacking boxes.  Then, I was single.  Now, I am single.  See, some things never change. 

Lots of differences.  Startling ones.  Luxe didn't exist - heck, it was 10 months away from us even having the first spark of an idea about it.  Some of the recurring characters were different.  A lot of the readers were too.

What am I aiming at here?  Well, things have changed.  I'm not enjoying this the way I once was.  In fact, I'm not enjoying it at all.  Blogging has become, if you will pardon the term, masturbatory.  I am not as inclined to share "personal" things about my life now that I can do that in a more "constrained" format on somewhere like Facebook and I don't want to talk about what I'm cooking for dinner or what I did at work.  I don't enjoy the disjointed nature of the meme's and quizzes although they have helped extend the life of the run.  And I most of all get irritated when I want to talk about something important to me and instead have to deal with sidetrack comments.

Post #555 will be my last.  I'll be shuttering this blog shortly after the new year.  If you are interested in my "personal" goings on, travels, etc. and know me, you can still follow that on Facebook and/or your own interactions with me.  And I suspect I will want to blog, albeit perhaps with a new look, different tone, and possibly with some different circumstances for comments enabled (we'll see)... so post #555 will have my new address where you can find me when this run goes away so we can continue the next installment.

Comments

[Lesley]

Awww, I've loved reading your blog but I completely understand the need to shut it down....if you keep up with the travel stories...tell me where, those I really love!!!

[Mary]

Can't say I'm totally surprised by this - makes complete sense and I look forward to keeping up with you at your new home and FB (and phone, and email, and all of that!!). Here's to a great 2009!

[Kip]

I'm not surprised either as I know how active you are on FB and other communications and there's only so much time in a day...see you on FB!

Kip

[Lara]

Happy New Year to you!
I've been an avid reader of your blog for awhile now - really enjoyed your travel stories and how Luxe came to fruition. Totally understand though, that you need to keep things "private". Everyone deserves privacy - and with the way the world is now, I don't blame you for wanting your piece/peace!
It's been real - good luck to you!

[lucinda]

I've enjoyed keeping up with you but understand your need for privacy. Good luck.

[janet_o]

AHA, see, I did the same thing and the shocked reaction from so many was unbelievable. I totally understand, and i see you a lot more on FB anyway!!

[Baloney]

I'll just have to keep up on FB, I guess. Maybe you can do a travel blog with just pictures? Of course, you can just post those on FB. :)
Are you going to Australia anytime soon? Michael really wants Hank (or Flat Baloney) to go there.

[Brandy]

I always know where to find you. ;)

[Beth W]

I shall miss you!

[Amy]

I will sure miss reading all of the travel updates and the food and wine reviews. I guess I am going to have to get with the times and find you on FB and hopefully we can catch up soon. :)

[Becky H]

I`ve enjoyed your blog. best of luck to you.