A Fairly Odd Review of 2011

I just read a meme from Nan called The Year That Was and since I’d rather write about 2011 than talk about how Jilly was throwing up last night, I’m going with her meme. 


First though. . .some perspective: In 2011, I blogged only 63 times which is about half the number of posts I wrote in ’08 and ’09, and about 40% of the total in ’10. My focus was instead on my job and in trying to save our homeschooling life. I think this was the right thing to do, but I miss this space and am going to try to work a little harder at it in 2012.


But before looking forward to 2012? A review.


In 2011, what was the. . .


. . .most beautiful post (on your blog)?
When the Storm Passes
A very hard post to write, but one of those imperfect moments in parenting that will stick with me forever.


. . .most popular post (on your blog)?
Waiting Is The Hardest Part
This post about waiting for the results of my ten-year-old’s milk allergy test was by far the most popular post in 2011. And though she still hates milk, she gives two thumbs up to any baked good she’s met so far. (that’s my girl!)


. . .most controversial post (on your blog)?
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
I should have known that a post about why we may quit homeschooling would generate strong feelings. And while this wasn’t “controversial” in the sense that I was fighting with commenters (I don’t really “do” that kind of controversy), it was filled with strong emotion which I so very appreciated hearing at that very difficult crossroads.


. . .most helpful post (on your blog)?
Wordless Wednesday: Through the Looking Glass

 

Though not instructional per se, I love looking at the photos of Jilly’s Alice in Wonderland party. The included links will hopefully help others create a similar party themselves. Way more affordable than renting out that smelly gymnastics studio!


. . .post whose success surprised you?
Facebook Ate My Blog
With only one measly comment, this post about why I haven’t been blogging generated way more traffic than I expected (#2 in traffic this year!). 

 

If I’m not basing “success” on traffic numbers alone, I’d say this photo of my son with his broken LEGO contraption got a lot more attention than I expected.


. . .post that you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved?
Oh Meme, Oh My
Last year’s meme took forever to write, but just wasn’t all that popular. One would think I’d learn from this. . .


. . .post that made you most proud?
Do You Untag Ugly Photos?

 

I couldn’t have written this post twenty years ago—I would’ve untagged the ugly photo and pretended it never happened. I suppose being able to accept who I am in my skin, right now, is growth. And that does feel good.


Here’s to more growth in 2012! Happy New Year!

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