I registered the domain karenika.com on June 5, 2000.

I put up a page and started writing. Nothing in particular. Just anything that crossed my mind. I had begun reading a few weblogs and as a person who wrote diaries for years, I loved the idea.

On August 20, 2001, I started using blogger.

I changed the layout of my site. I kept reading. I kept writing.

At first, I had one loyal reader. My good friend Cheryl.

But then it changed. I kept checking my referrer logs, trying to find out where people came from. Certain sites kept appearing in my logs over and over again, making me feel giddy.

Last week, I downloaded all of the main karenika writings into a Word document. Running wordcount showed that the file had 121,110 words.

121,110 words.

That's almost two novels.

And it doesn't even include the excerpts, tidbits, or 'what I learned' section.

And here I was feeling miserable that I couldn't finish my novel.

In the last year, I've shared many of my emotions, thoughts, frustrations and joy with the entire world. I've met some incredible people. I've been sad, mesmerized and inspired. I've learned an enormous amount from the community that is exclusive and inclusive at the same time.

I love writing my page and to each one of you who come to read every day, or even once in a while, I thank you. You encourage me to keep writing, even if you don't say a word. Just the fact that you come to my site thrills me endlessly.

And if you've been coming for a while and haven't ever shared or dropped me an email, please do so. What makes the web amazing is the people and I'm delighted to be a part of this wonderful place!

Here's to another great year!

Previously? Burgaz.