Here's a strange thing - on Sunday I will have been blogging at this site for five years.
Five.
That seems like a long time, doesn't it? Five years. Kinda' significant, don't you think?
I remember where I was when I created this blog on the 15th of June 2003 - I was sat at my desk at Company X on the outskirts of Stockholm. A lot of people were away on holiday and I didn't have much to do. I had toyed with the idea of blogging for a while and there, on the web, was Blogger. I logged in. I created my blog. I sat there thinking of what to name it - I wanted it to be about Any Woman, about someone you might pass on the street but who is much more than just a passer-by. I came up with the name Everyday Stranger, and to this day I'm not quite sure how I got the name. I am lucky in that I still really like the moniker, I still think it fits.
When I started blogging I was at a crossroads. I was living and working in Sweden but not feeling very Swedish. My marriage was foundering. I had two failed IVF cycles and one miscarriage behind me. I had tried to top myself 6 months prior to starting this blog, which earned me an overnighter in a psych ward that nearly pushed me over the edge, two months off work in the dark of winter, and movement to a project so much less stressful than what I had been doing that I nearly went comatose. Company X were laying off tens of thousands of people. My ex wanted us to move to China.
Seems so long ago, doesn't it? 2003. Five years. In those five years (and not in chronological order) I've:
Five years. And the thing is, I've been blogging more or less (less these days) five days a week for five years. I have 1239 blog entries, and once I push publish that'll go up to 1240. I tried to figure out how much I've written before - I gave up after a while as it was eating my hard drive. Each month came to about 35-40 pages of writing. Brevity clearly is not my thing. Times sixty (bear with me here, math is not my strong point) that equates to 2,400 pages of writing.
That's several books right there. Boring, self-centered, it's-all-about-me books, but still. Books.
Can I tell you how great my sense of pride is when I think that I have written so much? I usually can't even finish a thought, let alone so much writing. I feel really good about not just achieving, but on over-shooting that mark by a long way. It's stupid really - it's not like I've cured cancer or anything, I've just been keeping a daily journal. But I keep going at this, I enjoy it, I get so much from it. 2,400 pages. Five years, full of my failures, my fears, my joys, my hopes, and my hormones.
It's a funny thing, really. I think a lot of people around in the early days are gone now. I started getting readers quite quickly, a lot of whom no longer blog or no longer stop by. I think that's the way of things, perhaps - we grow away, although luckily some people grow together. I have people who come by here who read through all of the archives, and when I hear that I'm so humbled, I find that staggering, not least of which because the blogging platform I'm on didn't handle some changes well and there are weird little symbols littered throughout some of my archived posts.
Five years.
Now that's a thing.
-H.
PS - Still in pox incubation period. No sign yet. I do know that it's better to have chicken pox as a youngster, I just really need a break from all the illnesses right now. We've had such a long spate of them that I'm considering putting the babies in a bubble. Surely they can pipe CBeebies and mango puree into a bubble?
1
Congrats, my love. You HAVE accomplished so much...and you will continue to do so. I am VERY proud of you!!
Posted by: Lauren at June 09, 2008 10:11 AM (iUfJz)
2
I'm one who found your blog, what at least 2 years ago? and read through all the archives. You have a real knack for writing and just love that you don't fail us, we get to read and live along with your life. You are an amazing person, thanks for blogging!
Posted by: Judi at June 09, 2008 12:09 PM (1Y+4Z)
Posted by: kellyangelo at June 09, 2008 12:15 PM (DQj7g)
4
I enjoyed munching through your archives like some brave little book worm. It's amazing how your writing changed over these five years, and how your life changed, too.
It's not just some modern kind of diary, it's an protocol of growth.
Congrats,
Lily
Posted by: Lily at June 09, 2008 12:17 PM (Y8m4l)
5
5 years, wow. Such a big acheivement.
And I think you deserve a few months of sick free time. Just a small break.
Posted by: Veronica at June 09, 2008 12:24 PM (I/tDQ)
6
Wow, time does go by fast. I think you had been blogging for a few months before I came across your blog. Boy lots of changes in both our lives lol. Congratulations and keep blogging!!!! I look forward to reading you every morning with my coffee.
Posted by: justme at June 09, 2008 12:42 PM (m9SE6)
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Geez 5 years... I think I started reading in 2004/05. Still here and reading/flickr viewing almost everyday - just not commenting much due to DIY nightmares, destination wedding planning and applying for new job.
x
Posted by: Lee at June 09, 2008 12:51 PM (lN4Rc)
8
Five years. Really. Wow. Time sure does fly. I have been reading your site for nearly that long, and when I think of all the changes that have taken place in my own life in that time... I remember why I quit writing about it. :-p Haha! Happy Blog birthday to you. I'm glad you're still here, still writing. I will keep reading as long as you keep hitting the publish button.
Posted by: Lisa at June 09, 2008 01:35 PM (EcHBm)
9
Congratulations!! I've enjoyed hanging around and commenting for 3 or 4 years, even if we don't always see eye to eye.
I hope you get a break from the illnesses.
Posted by: Solomon at June 09, 2008 01:36 PM (x+GoF)
10
a real accomplishment...and good for you for giving yourself credit.
We have home movies of our chicken pox - all three kids, my brother and I dancing around, displaying our poxy parts for the camera. My baby sister, maybe a year old, splooshing her chubby self around in a basin of whatever they soaked us in. I'm sure we whined and complained plenty, but take heart - we didn't look to be suffering too much when the camera was rolling - so perhaps if the twins get it, it will be mild.
Posted by: Suze at June 09, 2008 01:48 PM (+kr97)
11
My dog has it been that long, I remember when you first started out, or shortly after. I read for years before I finally started commenting. Time Flies and indeed you have had many changes, I am soo proud of you!
Posted by: Cheryl at June 09, 2008 02:06 PM (082BT)
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Happy blog birthday!
I can't believe it's been five years. I've been reading almost that long, since around Octoberish 2003. You've become a part of my routine, I look forward to tea and Helen in the morning. I think Everyday Stranger is a perfect name.
I look forward to the next 2,400 pages!
Posted by: Laura at June 09, 2008 02:23 PM (hwoG6)
13
Wow...five years? Congratulations! I only found you about three years ago when I started blogging, but I was one who went back to the beginning because I wanted to know who this Helen person was. I must say I'm so glad I did! You've grown and changed and been through so much... and yet, at the core? You're still just Helen. You are amazing and inspiring and yes, just like everyone of us and that makes you so very real. We love you. Don't ever stop the writing. Someday I hope to be reading one or two or five of those published works...!
Posted by: sue at June 09, 2008 02:50 PM (WbfZD)
14
You should print it all out, and then continue to print it out like once a year, and put it in a safety deposit box to leave for the babes once you are gone.
Trust me on this, it will be the best and greatest gift that you could ever give them, and their children, and their children's children.
Wouldn't you love to read about one of your great grandparents thoughts? And activities, highs and lows?
I'd say to burn it to cd, and you could do that too, but what if they do away with the program you used or something, and it's not retrievable in 90 or 100 years?
Also, if the babies do get the pox, get a sock, or bag, fill it with oatmeal, and let the water run through it in the bath, and let them soak in it. Stops the itching, makes them feel so much better, and if they like the water, keeps them entertained and less cranky.
Posted by: Donna at June 09, 2008 03:07 PM (K3ONQ)
15
I started blogging in October 2003 but I think I started reading you in 2004. What I can't remember at all is how I found you or did you find me or...?
Ack, I don't remember!
Do you? Probably not.
Kudos on your blogoversary!
Posted by: The other Amber at June 09, 2008 03:11 PM (zQE5D)
16
It seems amazing to me that it CAN have been that long, you know? But then I look at the archives and realize that it can't have been any less. Congratulations on quite a milestone. And thanks for letting the rest of us continue to peer through the keyhole a bit every day.
Posted by: caltechgirl at June 09, 2008 04:26 PM (IfXtw)
17
I found you quite early in my blogging obsession and I have no intention of ever quitting you. Congrats on the milestone!
Posted by: kenju at June 09, 2008 04:29 PM (yvCMb)
18
I found your blog probably about a year ago after finding your 365 project on Flickr. It has always been a great joy to read your blog. All of the ups and downs are always written in such a way to make me feel as if I wish I knew you in real life. You have so much humor and feeling and your writing is always wonderful. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Christopher
P.S. For the record, I don't read blogs. Never have, probably never will, but somehow, you're writing keeps me coming back and checking for new content. Thank you and congratulations on five years.
Posted by: Mr.Thomas at June 09, 2008 04:45 PM (bB3uL)
19
I've been reading you for 5 years now. Remember Plain Layne?
Posted by: plumpernickel at June 09, 2008 05:35 PM (iooYW)
20
I have been reading since the early days and don't intend to give up soon. Weird, reading that made me think of all the things that have happened to me in the last five years....it's good though, the change, moving on. I hope you can look back on your journey with satisfaction and pride. I know i look forward to reading your next five years, i hope you look forward to writing them!
abs x
Posted by: abs at June 09, 2008 07:48 PM (+82GZ)
21
Your writing is a lot of things, hon, but boring is never one of them.
Posted by: amy t. at June 09, 2008 08:12 PM (3dOTd)
22
It's been about 4 years since I started reading your blog, I originally found it through Jim's blog. I was intrigued (and tickled) by some of your comments, and I found on your blog a writing style that I envy to this day. Yes, I have flashes of inspiration but not as consistently as I'd like. And I doubt I'd ever approach the consistency of your writings.
I've heard you say your blog became your therapy. In a ways, mine kinda is too. I haven't tried anything as spectacular as offing myself, but I did have a personal incident a couple of months ago that dropped my already-low self esteem to rock bottom (I may blog on it in the near future. Stay tuned.) and I decided that taking up blogging might help me pick it back up. I've always seemed to communicate better through writing than speaking, anyway. And you're probably tired of hearing me say this, but you are certainly an inspiration. And not just to me. Read your comments, you've inspired a lot of people with their everyday lives.
So blog away.
Posted by: diamond dave at June 09, 2008 08:15 PM (EKSJf)
23
I've been reading for going on 3 years and am still inspired by your writing. Happy 5 years!
Posted by: water sign at June 09, 2008 08:52 PM (gRbZd)
24
I have been here with you for five years. It is amzzing how fast it passed by. Thank you for sharing your life!
Karen
Posted by: Karen at June 09, 2008 09:02 PM (jtWJ9)
25
I think I started reading just after you moved to England - and I've read through the archives too! I'm guessing I speak for many when I say we feel privileged to have you share your thoughts with us, and to be partners (in the smallest of ways!) on your life journey.
Posted by: lori at June 09, 2008 10:20 PM (DdboI)
26
I hardly ever comment, but I love your blog. I've read all the archives! I think I got here by way of the Other Amber, but I can't remember. I just know that your writing is something that catches my attention and holds it. It makes me think of things in a different way. It has made me count my blessings and sometimes, envy yours.
Congrats on your anniversary and your accomplishments, it's been quite a ride!
HUGS!
grace
Posted by: grace at June 09, 2008 10:28 PM (8OGiU)
27
I found Everyday Stranger through Twisted Ovaries which I found randomly through another blogroll about 2 years ago. I read through the archives at TO and your writing just struck me. I appreciate your honesty and enjoy reading, now, about your family.
Write on Helen!
Posted by: Abe at June 09, 2008 10:43 PM (JxR0J)
28
I don't even remember who pointed me at your blog, only that it happened after you moved to England. It's one of the few that's stayed in my top tier for that whole time, and believe me, there's a lot of churn. It's been marvelous seeing you write happier as the time has gone by— you still have your doen days but it's the difference between winter and spring. If you like spring.
Posted by: B. Durbin at June 10, 2008 01:23 AM (tie24)
29
5 years on and still amazing.
Keep it up girlie!
Posted by: Tommy at June 10, 2008 01:29 AM (Ffmbd)
30
2400 pages of thought provoking, laughter inducing, tear jerking, and incredibly entertaining words. I don't know exactly how long I have been reading (at least two years I think), but no matter how busy my day is I alwsys make it a point to read what you have written.
I have been silent in comments recently- the second pregnancy didn't make it either- but I have recently started to come out of my blue mood and I think this is a great post emerge from my self-imposed isolation and on which to leave a comment.
Thank you for wruting and giving voice to your thoughts and dreams.
Posted by: Jen-Again at June 10, 2008 03:07 AM (fpBSq)
31
ergh- wruting=writing.
My cat was trying to distract me- goal achieved.
Posted by: Jen-Again at June 10, 2008 03:08 AM (fpBSq)
32
I followed the link from 'Sarcasmo's Corner' 3 or 4 yrs ago. It was when she posted a list of people she would like to have dinner with. I was intrigued. And decided to stay for dinner too.
Saddly, Star, passed away(stepped through the door)last year but I still visit her blog - her mom keeps it going.
Posted by: j.m at June 10, 2008 05:25 AM (ygieo)
33
Damn. Have I been hanging around here that long? Sheesh!
I would not call most of the last 5 years boring and self centered. More along the lines of fascinating and introspective.
Posted by: ~Easy at June 10, 2008 11:04 AM (XD24A)
34
I've probably been here for 2-3 years... I googled something random and you had a post which contained my search and it was love at first read. It happened to be an archive post and I have been coming back nearly everyday since then. I am onto my second blog which I don't post at as much as I should.
Posted by: Sk at June 10, 2008 03:28 PM (34LEC)
35
Five years, huh? Seems like yesterday that I wandered onto your blog. You've been on an amazing life journey lo these many years and I'm honored that you've felt like sharing it with us. I look forward to many more years of
you.
Anyway, here's an early Blog Birthday wish. I wish you all the best.
Posted by: physics geek at June 10, 2008 04:34 PM (MT22W)
36
I just wanted you to know, after 5 years I'm still an avid reader! I just can't comment much anymore since work seems to have categorized your comments link as "pornography"
Posted by: minawolf at June 11, 2008 12:40 AM (tj0Oq)
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