I have a follower.

When I started The real L.A. love story less than two months ago, I had no expectations that anyone could possibly be interested in my life and personal story. My dad even had the tenacity to imply I was “heading in the wrong direction” since most people don’t have the time to read through someone else’s “diary.” But I knew I had to keep a daily account of my new life as a reluctant housewife and mother—if not just to get me out of bed each day to do something, then at least for King to look back on when he is older—and posting in a public space gave me the accountability I desperately needed to keep going. At times I have felt vulnerable putting up pictures and private details from my life and other times empowered that I have this platform to share and exchange stories and experiences with others.

King being all cute with his doting Aunt Carly.

I remember when my blog first went “public” and this tiny icon popped up on my follower’s list. It was my college friend, Sun Min, and he was my very first follower. At the time I was still figuring out the kinks on my blog and even though I wasn’t completely sure what it meant to “follow” someone on Blogger, I knew I had in some measure one reader and it put a huge smile on my face. 40 posts later, I KNOW that many friends, family, and fellow bloggers are reading and I am humbled and so thankful that you check in with me, comment, and give me feedback and advice on my writing and posts. I read every comment, look at every follower’s blog, and wish I could write personal emails to you all.

On that note, I’d like to make a shout out to some of the bloggers who have been so awesome and welcoming from the get-go: Ashley Sisk, Ameena, Pua, Buckeroomama, Life With Kaishon, Ebony, Efrutik, Puna… And a couple more new readers who have been leaving me really encouraging comments lately: Debra, Brandi… And a big thanks again to each and everyone of you—the list would go on and on so I will just say I look forward to many days of bountiful stories, discussions, and friendships!

P.S. I am out of town for most of this week and am not sure what the Internet situation will be. Advance apologies for delayed responses…and I can’t wait to show you where we are going!