AnchorMommy

My AnchorMommy Anniversary

November 19, 2009 by Shannon

Six months. I can’t believe it’s been six months. But I look at the calendar and yes, this week marks six months since I left my job as a news anchor and producer to stay home with my son and launch AnchorMommy.

What a ride it has been.

I’ve learned why playgroups could put me in therapy. I’ve learned that the phrase what you doin’ will make me want to run down the street like a crazy woman by about the millionth time I hear it. I’ve learned that the fairy hiccup works miracles. Oh, and I’ve also learned that just because I’ve stepped out of the news business doesn’t mean I’m any less prone to inappropriate giggle fits.

But perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned that as frustrating as it can be to be home all day with a kid who’s stomping repeatedly on your last nerve, it IS possible to defuse the tension and actually have a good day. (If I’m lucky.) I’ve learned that I can actually be kind of a fun and creative mom. But I’ve also learned that it’s okay NOT to be fun and creative. It’s okay to sit around and make block towers for most of the day, simply because it makes my boy happy. I’ve also learned that sometimes I feel a little bit guilty for making block towers all day, when I have such a wonderful husband who’s working hard so that I can stay home. But then I remind myself that this is a decision we came to together — one that he is fully on board with. (Besides, he thinks he’d go crazy if he were home all day, every day. He probably would.)

What did it take to get here? A LOT of self-introspection, along with a little bit of heartache. I was sad to leave my job. But I also have some great people around me — my family and friends have been super supportive during the past six months, and especially during the launch of AnchorMommy. Jory Sutton did some amazing photography for this site, and On The 45 has provided tremendously valuable website development and SEO support.

And of course, I have also you to thank — my loyal AnchorMommy readers. Your comments never fail to brighten my day. Thank you for visiting me. It really means a lot.

So what will the next six months bring? First and foremost, the holiday season. I can’t WAIT to spend lots of time with my family this season. Christmas is absolutely my favorite holiday, and this year I won’t have to juggle work and/or vacation time like I have during the past 10 years. And after the holidays? Kellan’s third birthday. I CAN NOT BELIEVE my boy is going to be three. There will also be some changes coming to AnchorMommy — nothing major, just a few tweaks here and there — so standby for details on that little project. And finally, I think the next six months will bring a lot more fun and growth, not just for me, but for my entire little family. I’m excited about the new things we’ll see, do and experience.

So once again, thank you for helping make the the past six months one of the most memorable times of my life.

Note: As clever as it may be, I cannot bring myself to use the term bloggiversary, or however you spell it. It’s just too weird to look at in print. Ick! I don’t even like looking at it up there. It really bugs me. Okay, I’m done writing now so I don’t have to see it out of the corner of my eye anymore… Wait a minute. I can’t really call this an anniversary either, because that would imply AnchorMommy has been up for a year. Sixmonthversary doesn’t have a very nice ring to it. Eh. Whatever.