10 Years: I’ve Been Blogging So Long, I Broke My Laptop

And so, Gin & Lemonade has ticked over to ten years old. To celebrate, I’ve actually started writing a book, and then I dumped coffee on my laptop. Yes, again.

Regular readers (are there any from ten years ago? I honestly love you) will know that coffee spills are a regularish thing around here. And that I name my computers. Hemingway met a watery end, replaced by Truman, and then Frank.

I’m back to writing on Truman, lumbering and slow. And hopeful that my book pages come back and Frank lasts his repairs.

Anyway, I should have learned in ten years that people don’t care I name my computers.

How can I help you?

This is my souped up intro to Gin & Lemonade and the facts remain the same. Except the blog is now older than my marriage and my daughter.

I not so secretly started this blog to work up the courage to write the book I’m actually writing now. Thank you to everyone who said I should write a book, forever. Because I’m actually doing it, finally.

I not so secretly had blog titles which were more like chapter titles (Hint: Maybe don’t do that. If a blog doesn’t tell me what it is these days, I kinda don’t read it.)

I also asked for questions to answer from my FB group, so I’ll answer them here.

Have you changed as a blogger and writer?

I don’t think I have, but blogging has. I still write to write and connect with people. But blogging isn’t your online journal these days, and if what I have to say isn’t helpful to other people, usually don’t post it.

I’m still sarcastic and disabled. And I love it when non-disabled people tell me my writing reminds them disabled people are human beings. I’m still sarcastic.

Is there anything you regret writing about?

No, but if it’s not my story to tell, it isn’t my place to tell it.

Is there anything you regret not writing about?

Possibly my from New York-ness. And my from nowhere thing. But maybe stay tuned.

Your all-time favorite personal blog post?

I have a few.

That time I bought a Barbie, that time I went tipsy Christmas shopping, and when the fam takes it on the road. Also, I talk about my Dad some. And this is what I said when my kid asked if I wanted to walk.

What advice would you give yourself ten years ago?

The notes for this question turned into a longer post, happening soon.

What has made you stick to blogging for 10 years?

The people. The creative outlet. The new beginnings. The idea that every day can be different. It’s still fun.

What’s the secret behind your discipline?

Have we met? I have no discipline. But every day is a fresh start. For actual blogging advice check out Faith Mariah, What Mommy Does, and The Bloglancer.

And writers who blog check out Rachel at Bad Redhead Media and Gabriela at DIY MFA.

What subject do you feel you would like to write about but feel it may be too controversial?

This really is a coffee blog, and I really don’t like tea unless it’s iced. But I’d like to stay married, so.

But really. I’m always honest. Sometimes I wish my inner-critic would shut up, so I could say more. A work in progress, as ever.

What I will say is thank you. Whether you’ve been reading for ten years or since last week, I write for you.

Previous years in review are here and here.

Thanks to the team at Lyrical Host for keeping me switched on.

Thanks to my husband who’s still a regular husband and not a blogging husband, and thanks to the kid who lets me talk to my friends on the screen all the time.

That’s you guys. Thank you the most.

What do you think you’ll be blogging about in ten years?

If you enjoyed this post or any post in the last ten years, please consider buying me a coffee, which lately is the Frank the Laptop Repair Fund, or if you’d like more shenanigans, sign up for my weekly newsletter through the form at the end of any post.