As the "43" series and my 43rd year are soon coming to an end, I'm reaching all kinds of milestones. For instance, tonight's post is entitled "Five Hundred" as this is my 500th all time post on "The Bumpy Ride"!! It hardly seems possible to me, but when you take into consideration that tonight's post is also my three hundred sixty third consecutive blog; it's not so difficult to understand how I arrived here.
I remember deciding to take a stab at writing a blog like it was yesterday. I'd been having such a great time spewing my opinions about the Oscars and the fashions, that when Michelle M suggested that I write a blog, I thought I'd give it a shot. Even though quitting's not my nature, I almost threw in the towel when I found out that I had to create a title, a sign off name, and commit to what I was going to write about, because the tasks seemed so daunting. But in no time at all - I knew. To call my blog "The Bumpy Ride" only seemed natural, since I really do write like I talk -which is one of the reasons that (as you may have noticed), my punctuation isn't usually correct. This in and of itself makes for a bumpy journey - I know; but the name also derived from my storytelling style - which to this day I think fits it perfectly. As for the subject matter, I've stuck to what I know. My real life (bizarre as it is sometimes), pop culture, and my observations about anything and EVERYTHING.
Over time, "The Ride" has evolved into recommendations for (say it with me) "THE GREATER GOOD", and life lessons as I learn them. In 500 posts I have yet to figure out why, although I'm so self-conscious, fear ridicule AND criticism; I never hesitate to share my most embarrassing moments, and my frequent faux pas with you.
From moment one, I explained that I wanted to become a professional writer, and even though I still may be a long way off from that ever happening; I feel like if even in a very small way, my stories have somehow made a difference.
The "43 " series has been the brunt of my 500 posts and deciding to write is has been both a blessing and a curse. I've chronicled the year that theoretically could have been my last. I was distracted, I was observant and I didn't miss a minute. I documented my life past, and present and now have a testament to everything that I thought and did this year; which if nothing else, will be something that my children will be able to remember me by when I'm gone (a long, long time from now.) So yes, ultimately I truly do believe that it was a small price to pay for the inconveniences.
My hope is that one day 500 will be the number of followers that I have, or the number of lives that I've positively impacted, or the number of dollars that I'm being paid for an article or to speak publicly.
I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has encouraged and supported me throughout my 500 posts. Thank you to anyone who's shared my link, left a comment, or took the time to read. I look forward to getting started on the next 500.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Big fan of continuity that I am, on this auspicious occasion, I feel compelled to say, "Milestone, Milestone, who's reached a milestone?" "It's me! It's me!" "Milestone, Milestone who's reached a Milestone?" "It's me, It's me!" "Uh-huh, uh-huh, Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "100 to go!"
Yes, today is the day that I have been striving towards for weeks. I have now been 43 for 266 days and I am delighted to report that all is well and I'm still going strong. Additionally, I've now written 266 consecutive blogs; which means that in just 100 days, I will be 44 years old, my daily blog will be concluded and Lyndzi, Jackie and I will be on our way to New York. I can't wait, on all three accounts!!
Although I REALLY wanted to write about John Travolta's appearance on "Dancing With The Stars" last night; I felt obligated to share something a bit more personal today. I thought that it would be appropriate to tell you a few of the things that I've learned in the past 266 days, since when I first wrote "43" I said that I planned to write about things that I learned, enjoyed, or recalled. One of THE most important things that I've discovered thus far, is that you need to take your happiness wherever and whenever you find it. Rejoice in all things that give you pleasure, even if it's something small. So since John Travolta makes me SO happy, and I enjoy him thoroughly, I've concluded that it makes perfect sense to write about him tonight after all.
Now if this isn't your first time at this rodeo, than y'all know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Maksim Chmerkovskiy (dancing pro) on "Dancing With The Stars," and I'm also a big fan of his partnership with Kirstie Alley this season. You may also recall that on a number of occasions, I've mentioned that John Travolta is my favorite actor. So imagine my sheer delight when John Travolta popped up on "DWTS" last night, because Kirstie felt that she and Maks needed the aid of "The Dance Doctor." WOOHOO! I felt myself smile from ear to ear when JT popped in. Now JT didn't dance, he just gave Kirstie and Maks a lil coaxing and encouragement; but nonetheless, it was a pleasure to see him. I knew right then and there that I wanted to write about how giddy his appearance made me; and I started to reflect on why I adore him. I considered this "Dance Doctor" title and realized that I could think of no other actor of our time that has danced in as many movies as John Travolta has. I'll state the obvious, "Saturday Night Fever." Then he sang AND danced in "Grease." There was "Staying Alive," then he two stepped in "Urban Cowboy," heck he even danced in "Pulp Fiction," and strutted his stuff briefly, in "Michael," and I have to give him double props for dancing as an overweight woman, in "Hairspray." Other than "Staying Alive," I loved all of these movies, and even the ones that he hasn't hoofed it in.
Yes, seeing John Travolta on "DWTS" last night, was a perfect example of how easy it can be to get happy; and I think that we need to be thankful for all things big and small that put a smile on our faces and make life a little sweeter.
I am so thrilled that I've been able to live up to my commitment, despite the many times that I didn't think that I could. I know that I'm in the home stretch now; and instead of fearing the 100 posts that I have yet to write; I'm going to embrace the challenge and push myself to make these next 100 blogs the best that I've ever written.
Thank you so much for taking this journey with me. As always I welcome your ideas for new posts and your feedback.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
