BLWB's First Birthday

That's right...one year since my very first post! (Okay, actually, it turns out the blog birthday was October 9, but I guess we're celebrating today because I thought it was the 11th. I'm a superstar.)

Knowing that this post was approaching, I've been thinking about it a lot. And now, of course, what do I say?

First of all, and perhaps most obviously, blogging has changed my daily life. I usually post once per day, and an average post takes about 60 minutes, including uploading photos, linking to previous posts and/or other bloggers' posts, and writing. This time also affects my time with my husband, and I am so thankful for his support. Terry really encouraged me to start the blog in the first place, so I'm particularly grateful that he helped me find something I am so passionate about.

Blogging about healthy living has helped me live a healthier life. I feel compelled to be honest when I write, which encourages me to eat healthy foods, indulge only occasionally, exercise frequently, and learn as much as I can about health.

Blogging has thickened my skin a bit. As a high school teacher, I already feel that I can handle a lot of negative comments. (Earlier this week, a student said, "You went to UCLA? And you became a teacher? Why didn't you become a doctor or something?") But blogging is much more personal than teaching, because everything I write here reflects my opinions, my lifestyle, and my personality. Any criticism I have received has motivated me to reflect, made me stronger as a writer, and helped me to stand even more firmly behind BLWB.

The question I receive most often: "How do you fit it all in?" Teaching, blogging, cooking, working out, traveling, spending time with my husband, visiting friends and family (please don't assume that this list in any way suggests the order of my priorities)...it certainly does add up. But I think we all find ways to fit in the stuff that's important to us. Some days (okay, most days) are more hectic and less calm than I'd like, but the things in my life make me happy and I am unwilling to cut anything out. So I guess my answer is I just do it. I don't always do everything perfectly, and I wish I had more time to do it all, but it works for now.

A Year of Posts
Inspired by other bloggers' recaps of their first years blogging, I tried to find my favorite posts (and yours!) to share with you.

My Very First Post:

• Let's Eat In! The Thirty Day Challenge

Random Favorite Posts:

• European Christmas Recap in Photos
• Our First Year of Marriage

Favorite Health-Related Posts

• Making Time for Health
• Why I Don't Weigh Myself
• The Importance of Dessert

Favorite Workouts

• Combo Circuit Workout
• 5-4-3-2-1 Treadmill Workout
• Half and Half HIIT Workout
• 5-Mile Intervals and HIIT

My Best Burger Recipe

• Caprese Burgers

My Most-Pinned Workout

• Do I Have To?

My Most-Read Post

• Back-Up Workout

Most Fun to Write

• Simple Things A to Z
• Lessons from a Master of Sleep

Posts that Make Me Proud

• Dear High School Me
• Empty Your Cup

As a gift to you for reading, I'll actually be hosting a giveaway very soon, so stay tuned. Also, I finally updated the workouts on my FITness page!

Apparently I feel I deserve a medal for that 

Thank you for reading. I blog because I love it, but your comments and support mean the world to me. To my silent readers, I thank you for reading along---here's a big hug!

Special thanks to my family and best friends who have been reading all along and encouraging me. And of course, to my husband, the whole reason this thing started: I love you and thank you for everything.