Twinty Eleven – A Thank You
I just got the numbers in today and I couldn’t believe it.
I double- and triple-checked them, just to be sure I wasn’t mistaken before taking the news public, but they were, indeed, accurate.
The robots look kind of like this.
As it turns out, according to the year-end statistical report compiled by my fleet of information superhighway patrol robots, 2011 was Twinfamy’s biggest, best, most successful year to date!
And I have you, O Loyal Reader, to thank.
Since its humble beginnings eons ago in May 2011, I have watched this fine publication grow from absolutely nothing to the kajillions of you frequenting the site every day, and I wanted to take this opportunity to offer you all my sincere gratitude.
Many years ago, in a time before the Twins and even before my wife and I began dating, I was a Writer. I never did it professionally, but I did do it passionately, daily, and religiously, and will say that a few times, I came pretty darn close to a paid gig. However, it was only a matter of time before I needed a real career instead of a speculative one, and so as I checked American Dream Boxes and became a teacher, husband, and DVR owner I watched my writing time grind to a screeching halt. Ever since then, I’ve haphazardly logged hours on various unfinished writing projects I still completely believe in but just haven’t had the time to realize.
Then came my children.
It sounds oxymoronic (and possibly just plain moronic) to say that having newborn twins made me rediscover time to write, but I couldn’t ignore the inspiration they awoke in me, evidenced by my walking away from a six-year teaching career in the middle of a recession to become a stay-at-home dad, and ambitiously taking advantage of my unemployment by simultaneously pursuing a Ph. D. in order to better provide for them as they grow older. Suddenly, just like that, I had what I thought to be an inherently interesting story to tell, and the words began to pour out, just like The Good Old Days.
The rest, as they say, is history. (An enthralling one that can be revisited at any moment in this site’s Archives.)
But what’s really been so special about this is all of you. Never before have I had such an overwhelmingly positive response to anything I’ve put out into the world. As someone who’s been creating things for as long as I can remember, I can’t tell you how much that means to me (although that’s what I’m trying to do here), and as we complete this 2011th Anno Domini lap around the sun, I just wanted to say thank you.
Thank you for reading, for your comments, for your support, and for your friendship. I don’t know if I ever would have kept this up if it weren’t for you.
2011 was definitely my most challenging year to date, but it’s also been my favorite. While I’m a little sad to see it go–especially because it serves as yet another reminder of the breakneck pace at which the Twins are growing–I’m psyched for 2012, and am looking forward to sharing it with you.
Happy New Year!
.
You may also enjoy:
If not, maybe you need to take another lap around the sun.
Twinfamy 
Thanks for entertaining me this year.
Glad you are enjoying your newly bestowed membership into the Parents Club. It is a crazy club but also the best one on Earth! Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year, Sarah! I’m thrilled to have had you along for the ride since Day One and truly appreciate your support, comments, insights, and camaraderie. All the best!
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All te best my friend! Looking forward to more awesomeness in the New Year!
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Happy New Year, John! Thanks so much for your support this year. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and I’m looking forward to more awesomeness from your fine publication as well.
Pssst! Loyal Readers! Check out http://daddysincharge.com
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Happy New Year! Keep on writing!
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Happy New Year to you, the Cap’n, Dimples, Mrs. P.I.B., and Wonderbutt!
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Awww. You’re so sweet to include everyone. The Firepants family thanks you!
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When you get your PhD, do I have to call you “doctor?” Because I’m not going to.
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I actually get this question quite often, with that very same adamant opposition to doctor-calling, as if they expect me to insist on it once I’m done. I’m sure I’ll be proud of the accomplishment, but for me, it’s more about the opportunities the degree will provide than developing a superiority complex. “Dr. Pseudonymous” will be reserved for professional scenarios and times I’m trying to get a better table at a restaurant. I’ll still always be John, especially with homies such as yourself, Justin.
Now that you mention it, though, an “Ask Dr. Twinfamy” spinoff of some kind could be fun. I know you work in television, so please consider this a formal pitch for a talk show, in which I impart my obvious expert knowledge on child-rearing and 1980s movie references, while Tom Cruise jumps on the couch and guests throw chairs at each other when one finds out the other saw that one movie they were supposed to see together.
I could make you a very rich man. Think about it.
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I’ve only recently discovered your blog but I have really appreciated your support and conversation on Twitter and Facebook this past year. I’m looking forward to more adventures here and elsewhere with Twinfamy.
Here’s to a great 2012!
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Likewise, James. It’s been a blast and I’m looking forward to more e-adventures in 2012 before the world falls apart leaving only John Cusack.
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