“The Bitter Ball”

http://bitterball.blogspot.com

I blog so I can have a place to get my thoughts and emotions out where I can see them. I also blog in order to find friends on the web who share the same interests and life experiences as me.

I actually started blogging during our adoption process in September of 06. I enjoyed it so much that once our son was home I wanted to blog about more than just the adoption. It was then, May 07, that The Bitter Ball was born.

I blog about my life. That includeds my family and the joys and trials that come along with raising a teenager, a toddler and the poor guy stuck in the middle. I also blog about adoption and the effects that living in an orphanage for 15 months had on my son. From time to time I post photos and information about Kazakhstan as I am trying to learn as much as I can about the culture to keep it alive in my son’s life. I am also on a journey to end the bitterness in my life and find true happiness, and I blog about my journey to happiness.

I love IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD. I also really enjoy SLURPING LIFE. I have made great friends with the two Jen’s at LIVE AND IN COLOR and SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF CLOUDS.

I am not much more than a newbie myself, but I would have to say the best thing to do is to just read many different blogs. As you find blogs that interest you be sure to leave comments and participate in conversations. The more you take part in other blogs, the more traffic you will get at yours.

I have always gone to visit the blog of whoever left a comment on one of my posts. In turn, I generally leave a comment on one of their posts. Recently, I have started to reply to comments in my own posts and try to keep the conversation going that way. I really think that is a great idea, as it shows appreciation for the comments and input they have given on your topic.

Several of them read my adoption blog which I still keep up. Only one or two even know about my other blog. I think for me it is easier to really express myself without having to worry how my family would react to something I posted.

I blog from home whenever I can find a bit of free time. That is generally after the kids are in bed or during nap time on the weekends. I do work full time so it is harder to find time to blog during the week. I have been known to post over my break or lunch hour.

Probably too much!

I was actually in a few adoption forum groups when some of the people started posting their blog addresses. After reading them for a couple of months I decided I really wanted to do it as well.

Quest to Kazakhstan Adoption Journey at http://quest2kaz.blogspot.com

It is funny that this was the first blog I read because we actually traveled to the same region in Kazakhstan a few days apart. We got to meet in person half way around the world.

My children, the orphaned children left behind in Kazakhstan, and good friends.

I set a goal for myself and my blog when I started it. My goal was to let go of the bitterness in my life and become a happier person. Having this outlet has really helped me to work through the bitterness. I have made many friends through blogging who have helped me with some great encouragement. I have really learned to let things go and look at the positives in my life. True happiness is just a few blog post away!