Happy blogiversary - let's talk about me for a minute

Warning: self indulgence ahead!

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Today Tune into Radio Carly celebrates its first birthday! A blogiversary! Hurrah! I started it on 16 December 2009. Not a lot was happening in my life back then. I had a good, rewarding job. I had good friends. I was studying. I volunteered. These things are still happening for me. But there is so much more in my life. And it's mostly because of my blog!

• My blog is a creative outlet. It also enables me to hone my writing and research skills.
• It allows me to vent through the hard times, and gain support from strangers and friends. I will always be thankful of the support I received from you all when my dogs passed away, when I've been unwell, and when that woman in the store abused me.
• I have commenced two freelance writing opportunities - DiVine earlier in the year, and now the ABC's Ramp Up. I've always wanted to be a writer! And now I am!
• I won an award for my writing! A very proud moment for me and those who know me.
• I became a TV presenter! Who would have thought?? It is so much fun, and I've made awesome friends through filming.
• I have been invited to speak on the radio, three times - twice because of my blog!
• I have met many new friends through blogging too. Blog readers and writers - some I've met in person, others I can't wait to meet.
• Blog readers have recognised me in the street!

It's been a brilliant journey. I've opened up a lot, and also been myself. It's documented a journey. Everything you've read here is the real me.

When I started writing this blog, I wondered whether I had enough content to maintain it. I feared I'd have to do things to blog about. But then I saw that there was a story in everything. All I needed was a notebook and pen, a camera, or my iPhone and a good sense of observation, and I was set to record my stories for my blog. My Dad often asks me why I have to photograph everything. It's potential content. I sort of do have to participate in things to blog about - the blog has made me get out more.

I think about whether things are bloggable. Most things are. I think I can successfully make the mundane interesting. (Remember the Asian Snack Challenge? SO. MUCH. FUN. Both doing it and writing about it.) There are many things I don't tell you though. I have shared more than I'd ever imagined, which may have drawn you in and encouraged you to return, but I have kept some things off limits. I don't blog about 9-5 job. I don't blog explicitly about sex. I don't name people I am angry at, or in love with (unless they are celebrities). I always ask people if they want to be in my blog or whether I can mention them/what we did - that is only fair.

I sincerely thank you for taking interest in my life, and also showing you care.

I've told you a lot about my skin condition, ichthyosis form erythroderma. You have all been so very compassionate, empathetic and positively curious. Most of you had never heard of ichthyosis. Some of you have ichthyosis, or have family members with the condition, and come to me for advice about it. I hope I've been helpful. Sometimes it's been challenging - I'm not sure if just living with the condition makes me the one to give suitable advice to people.

As I've showcased in my Enough about me, let's talk about YOU for a minute guest blog series this past week, I am inspired by other bloggers. Thanks Christine, Lanelle, Cheryl, Hayley, Kendi, Bern and Sydney Shop Girl. The theme of the series, which I did not initially mention, was how has blogging changed your life? As you have read, blogging changed all of my guest bloggers' lives. And mine too.

I've formed so many friendships - online and then continuing into real life. Blogging makes a brilliant community, showcasing huge talent. It creates discussion, piques ideas and facilitates passions for topics and events. Each day I read blogs and am thankful for people sharing their lives with the world. It's so much more interesting reading about real people and not celebrities.

Here are (more than just) a few of my favourite blog entries. They remind me of the defining moments of my year:
The Marie Claire/Jennifer Hawkins debate
10 years ago
Perfection versus excellence
When my face is this sore I find it hard to look in the mirror
Miss you love
There's something I need to tell myself
Someone will come along one day
Celebrity sighting - Callan Mulvey
My face may have ruined her clothes (for the supportive comments received)
Note from Callan Mulvey!
Get that sausage - Asian Snack Challenge
The power of one - a public thank you
From Earth to table
Sausage making
Season three Rush premiere
I did a forward roll to prove I can do one
How do I deal?
Filming the sketches - best day ever!
You've already won me over
What I wore for filming
My feature on Mia Freedman's website
That I would be good
Power shopping with Sydney Shop Girl
Words from another blogger - not being able to blend into a crowd
Hello, my name is Carly and I'm a shopaholic
What would Rebecca Twigley do? The bra shopping adventure
2010 ARIA Awards. Wow. What a trainwreck.
Everything and nothing to say
Yooralla Media Award and another announcement
Bob Evans at the Tote
This one's for you, Steve Tucker

I hope that my blog makes a difference to you. I hope it makes you laugh, think, find new music, inspires you to cook, and sometimes cry. I hope that you can share it with those you know. I hope you keep leaving comments and continuing the discussion that I start, perhaps on your own blog.

Thank you for reading Tune into Radio Carly. Stay tuned for more!

Don't forget to enter the birthday giveaway! Entries close at 11.59 pm Australian EDT tonight!