Seven Years Ago

Do you know what you were doing seven years ago? Heck, I can hardly remember what I was doing yesterday at 7 pm, let alone what I was doing back in 2005! 

Luckily, I have this little ol’ blog to remind me what I was up to. Seven years ago today, it turns out, is when I created my own space on the web. It’s gone through several names (Just Another Place to Escape, Typin’ Away with Jesstagirl, Jesstagirl and Her Officer, and Jessica Lynn Writes), and it’s had its share of more than a few looks, but I love it just as much today as the day I started rambling over here. 

Those first few months/years of posts are nothing more than me keeping a slightly-modified diary. I talked a lot about boys, partying, being bored, family, my feelings, and so many other random topics that I’m actually a little embarrassed when I go back and read those early posts. It’s crazy the things you’ll say when you don’t think anyone’s reading 🙂

Speaking of having people read this blog; I didn’t have a readership for years. Years. I just looked and in 2008 I had three people reading this and I LOVED it (I’m pretty sure one of the three was my mom, by the way). Back then, I truly wrote for myself. Writing was—and still is—my therapeutic outlet. I would get ecstatic when I’d get that new-comment email in my inbox and would rush over to see who said what. Knowing someone was reading what I wrote made me over the moon. Actually, I still get excited when I have a new comment and I read every single word.

I think the best parts about blogging are the friends I’ve made and the support I receive. I know back then (and even today) it’s a little taboo to actually meet people you’ve met online in real life, but I can honestly say I’ve met some of my best friends all because of blogging. And the support I get from here? It absolutely blows my mind. I could write so much more about that, but it all comes down to being extremely grateful and blessed to have you all in my life.

I also love that this blog is now a way for our family and friends to keep up with us. Being this far from home is extremely difficult, but I’m happy they know what’s going on in our lives, especially since we don’t call or write, and definitely can’t go home as often as we’d like.
 
Well, I can feel myself starting to ramble, so I’ll close by saying how much I really love writing here and that I appreciate you stopping by to read this blog—even if you just lurk and never comment. (That’s kind of a lie; I really wish you would leave a quick little comment saying, “hello.” It would seriously make my day!) 

p.s. I’m thinking about making these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies again. I made them last year for my 6th anniversary, so I should probably make them again, right? 🙂 

p.p.s. Please sign up for the Postcard Swap—the sign-up form is open for five more days!