Three Years Going Strong and Counting...Because of You

Today is our three year DD anniversary. I probably should say how much I've grown this past year, but honestly that's not the easiest subject for me to talk about at the moment. So instead I want to focus on why we're still going strong. Besides my wonderful husband, who truly has grown so much especially this past year, the biggest reason is because of all the support I've gotten. So I'd like to take a moment to call some people out. You may feel like you're listening to an awards speech, but the truth is, I would never have been able to keep up this journey without support of friends to vent and tell me the truth and role models to look up to. So here we go, not by any means a comprehensive list of people specifically mentioned, because otherwise this would be too long with a list of chores that are waiting, but I have to call out just a few who have especially made a difference:



Well first, I have to thank one of my best friends, not only in DD, but now in real life too. She knows who she is, I don't need to say it. But without her, I don't think I could have lasted long in this lifestyle. When you're as stubborn as I am, especially in the beginning, there's a lot you need to process through. And this friend has laughed with me and cried with me, listened to my venting, cheerleaded me and challenged me, pretty much every day. I thank God every day for her. There are not even words to describe how blessed I feel to have her in my life, and I hope everyone has someone like that, because it really makes the difference.


His First Mate. I can't not mention HFM. She was the first person who I actually met from blogland. We were actually supposed to write about it at the same time but she never did her part of it so that account is still in my drafts (glaring at her across the miles). She was also the person who helped me overcome so much. She encouraged me to get beyond my intimidations and see what I could really accomplish. Those who know me well know that it was only less than a year and a half ago, that I didn't even know how to make spaghetti. I didn't know even where to start to begin to clean my house less than two years ago. DD was helping, but Jay claimed not to be a teacher, and I ended up just being overwhelmed and not knowing what to do most days. HFM helped me get out of that. She helped me on the phone day after day after day after day to accomplish so many things step by step. And she told me what I needed most to hear (even when I least wanted to hear it, ha!). Her words and ability to break things down gave me the confidence I needed to learn how to do so much that I couldn't figure out on my own. Yes I had to listen to worse lectures from her than I even heard from Jay sometimes, but without her help, I would not be where I am today, I have no doubt about it.


Stubborn, Stubborn? You here or are you lurking, ha? I haven't known Stubborn that long, but wow what an amazing blessing she is! And not just because she does, well, make me feel a little less weird for some of the reasons I find myself in trouble (yep, misery loves company!). But also Stubborn is one of the coolest and most generous people I know. There's nothing she won't do for someone, including using her awesome chef abilities to help me when I most need it. Or encouraging me to do some wacky thing that she knows will help me but normally I'd shy away from. She's the definition of a true friend, and I know she always has my back.


Mick.Those who know me well know that I wouldn't even be doing DD were it not for reading his first posts and seeing so much of myself in his wife Lynda that I decided to give it a temporary shot to see if it would work for me too. Over the years I've actually reread those first posts that gave me hope so much when I've been discouraged that had they been on a piece of paper, they would have been dog-eared and probably torn up. If fact the ones I actually printed out are in pretty sad condition by now, lol. I also used Mick's blog to understand my husband's perspective. Sometimes you need a guy's view on things, and it helped me so so much, just like it's helped so many others, I have no doubt!


My NPA and Network family: Especially in the beginning, when we were still only beginning to find our way, I so needed those many nights of laughter and support. I used to hate even missing a night, because it meant so much. And I remember so many times that I'd log on after I'd gotten in trouble, and they would give me perspective, make me laugh, and yes, be my cheerleaders. They got me through some incredibly difficult times and still support me, as so many of the friendships I made on there have continued on still (although there's so many of you that I miss too!!). They're the ones I can call up or text when I'm having a hard time. Who will encourage me. Make me laugh. And do things like sending me an implement that looks scary but doesn't hurt! (I was so grateful Rogue, even if the relief was only temporary, ha!). Become a cyber auntie to my son (love ya, C!). And even offer to come visit and make things easier if/when I have another child (I'm holding you to that, Blondie!). And so many others who have been with me on this journey. Who don't want to hear an answer like "fine" or "okay" but really care where I'm at. Who will distract me with funny stories and hand me a cyber yummy cocktail (complete with fruit and umbrella!) when I've had a bad day. I am so thankful for their presence in my life.


Susie. What an amazing person. She's one of the people I admire most. How does she keep up with everyone? Have you noticed that? She goes out of her way to make everyone new feel welcome. The first year in blogland I tried to do that. But I couldn't keep up without getting in trouble every day and I had to stop. There's so much of me though that wants everyone to feel as welcome and special as I was made to feel. Susie does that, and makes me feel so much better when I can't. She and her husband are also such example in our community, and often a role model for me. Plus reading MM's perspective on a HOH's role to Jay helped him understand some new ways of looking at it that I'll always be grateful for.


Kady. The first time I wrote about my struggle with ADHD because I needed to vent, I think I was actually shaking as I pressed publish. I thought I would be laughed at. At the time, I felt completely alone, not just in the DD community, but also anywhere. I felt like half a person, and other than my brothers (to a point), there was no one that understood, even my husband. She wrote me a long email back explaining that I wasn't alone, not even close. That not only did she struggle with it, but so many in Blogland were like me too. I actually cried hard, it meant so much. That was very early on, the first time I realized I had a home in this community. That there were those that understood me. And she still remains a good friend and so much a support.


All of you, my blogland community that I'm so blessed to be a part of. This past year I haven't been able to write much, even when I've had so much to tell you, and I've felt super guilty about it. But just because I haven't been able to write as much as I wish I could or comment as much as I wish I could, doesn't mean that you all don't mean so much to me! And every comment you write means so much. I can't tell you the amount of times your comments have brought me to tears as you explain similar stories or tell me words I've really needed to hear. You are all such an encouragement in my life. I love that I'm not alone, and I have this place to vent. I love the way that we can support each other. We're to be be envied. So many don't have what we have.


So thank you. Thank you all.



And now wish me luck! On to the start of my fourth year... ;)