Some time between Friday night and Saturday morning, it happened. And let me just say the last time something this exciting happened while I was asleep, I was 11 years old.
In both cases, we’re talking about a personal milestone; although in this case I didn’t have a talk from my Dad the next morning about my reproductive system. No, this milestone is particularly important because it has come as a result of sharing it with you — which was another talk my Dad had with me, but again doesn’t apply here.
Last night, blogger Jim O’Sullivan at GingerFightBack, which is an extremely important blog dedicated to the plight of redheads, i.e. “gingers,” officially became my 1,000th follower. This, as you can imagine, comes with many fringe benefits, such as entry into the WordPress executive lounge at any Greyhound bus station, membership in the Prolific Speller Club, and a free iTunes download of the John Denver classic “Follow Me.”
I started this blog on my birthday almost a year ago, thinking it would be good motivation for me to explore social media, offer some laughs and, just as importantly, validate my feelings to my wife for wanting an iPad. All of those things proved true. What I didn’t anticipate was how interactive blogging would be, and how many incredibly interesting, funny, insightful, supportive and talented people I would meet. As a syndicated columnist, I get letters and emails from people, but it’s a very limited kind of interaction.
They are my readers, and I truly appreciate them.
You folks here at WordPress are more like family, offering acceptance, encouragement and — from some of you when I need it most — a wedgie.
My most sincere, heartfelt thanks to each of you for being a part of my blogging family. But the next time something exciting happens to me in the middle of the night, I promise I’ll keep it to myself.
Ned's Blog 
Congrats on 1000 followers. I think that officially makes you a cult leader… 😀
HaHa! No Kool-Aid, I promise 😉
yay, ned – congrats to you!
i suspect 2,000 is right around the corner – keep your eyes peeled (funny expression,”keep your eyes peeled, isn’t it?)
🙂
Thanks so much. And you’re right! Strange expression to peel ones eyes… probably Egyptian 😉
Agree, that sounds like a type of torture.
It makes me think of Bugs Bunny using laundry clips to keep his eyes open. Or was that me watching Twilight with my daughter? It’s all a blur…
Nice. Certainly well deserved. Thanks for all the laughs, my friend.
Thanks, Michael — It’s always my pleasure 🙂
There is nothing better than a well-timed wedgie!! Well….maybe nasal projectile raspberries, but that may require a vote!
Lol! Actually, when you think about it, nothing gives an added thrust to a good nasal projectile than starting with a well-timed wedgie anyway 😉
not many can say they have been followed by a 1000 people…does that make me a stalker?
I’m no lawyer, but I don’t think it counts if we’re following each other 😉
awesome.. i am so happy to be followed… do these shorts make my ass look big? cause i have a big ass…
I’m sorry, did you say something? I was distracted… 😉
Congrats! If I unfollow, bringing you back down to 999, then follow again, will that make me the honorary 1,000th?
Hahaha! Thanks. And sorry, but It’s too late. You’d have to bump off a few folks now. But if I ever close in on 1,999, I’ll be counting on you 🙂
You can keep the wedgie to yourself…
Otherwise, Thank you. Thank you very much.
On another note, I really do love your door.
1000 followers? Shooot.
Lisa, you’re more like a kick in the pants. But not the kind that leaves me doubled over, except if I’m laughing. And you’re welcome. You’re very welcome 😉
Is that your plea for your undying love for me? A wedgie? Oh how I love thee! All over a door!
Hmmm…It sounds like I might need to wipe down The Door… 😉
Hahaha. I had to read and re-read that one. The pun….
No wiping!
Yeah, I was probably reaching a bit… to reach the top of The Door, I mean 😉
You know, I have always wondered how you guys reach…so far. There is so much to move…….on the door that is. ;D
Nice. I should recommend my redheaded daughter to that ginger blog.
Forget the wedgie but grab a towel. You are about to get the swirly of your life.
Good timing. I just cleaned the bowl.
Oh crap, I was just thinking a swirly would be the perfect gift for 1,000 followers!! I had thought about a wet willie, but reconsidered. lol
It’s cheaper than going to a water park. Ned might be feeling blue when the swirly is over, however.
No, just a little flushed.
That was a quick comment. Usually you are a little turdy.
I’m at work; I get backed up sometimes.
Paperwork?
Exactly, it’s absorbing.
Please don’t squeeze your paperwork.
That’s not what I’m squeezing.
Whatever gives you inspiration can not be wrong.
You’re right. It just smells wrong.
I am a Walt Garrison inspired writer — just a pinch between the cheeks. My coworkers love me.
As a courtesy, and for the sake of convenience, I’d suggest the minty freshness of Skoal Bandits.
Just a clench between the cheeks does not seem like a convenience. The minty freshness would be a benefit.
*shaking head side-to-side* Sorry, I just had a flashback from my time as a drug mule…
I shall call you Mister Ned, the incredible clenching mule.
We should probably leave my Willie out of this…
Should’ve known you would go there Ned. Even 1,000 followers can’t lift your mind out of the gutter!! bwahaha. . . .don’t feel bad, I’m right there with you!!
I actually cleaned it up a bit. The joke I mean.
Congrats on your many followers. 🙂
And thanks be being one of them 🙂
And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Billy Joel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSq4B_zHqPM
HaHaHaHa! I love it!
Yay! I am proud to be one of your thousand followers!
Thanks, Punky! And I can definitely say the same 😉
Hello Ned – what a fine thing to wake up to on a Sunday morning! Well done and look forward to reading your work! Best wishes, Jim
Thanks, Jim — and the same here! I really enjoyed reading your blog. Great stuff! Looking forward to more. Cheers, my friend.
— Ned
Congratulations!
Many Thanks!
Thank you so much Ned! …you WERE talking about me weren’t you?!
Please don’t stop sharing your midnight musings! Amazing news – very well done and well deserved.
Z x
Lol! What happens in nocturnal dreams stay in my nocturnal dreams, unless I start talking in my sleep…
Many thanks for being part of my WordPress family, Z 😉
Congrats and happy to be a part of your eccentric, dysfunctional, yet loving family ) ps – shall I expect a gift on my birthday ?
Very I’m happy to have you. And as for the gift, that goes without saying. Jut like your last birthday…
“eccentric, dysfunctional, yet loving …” Ksbeth nailed it. Lucky you, Ned! It’s wonderful to know that so many people are discovering the joys afforded by your blog — it’s all far too good to keep to just us kids. Write on, I’m standing by for the giggles.
Thanks so much, Judy. It’s a wonderful family to have, even when Uncle Horace shows up wearing nothing but his socks.
Fortunately, we’ve all had time to get used to Uncle Horace and his idiosyncrasies … and other parts … and sometimes he gives us fair warning by crashing into the shrubbery on his way in.
Another reason I’m keeping the azaleas!
Ned Hickson
You are Batman
Only when my wife wants me to dress up.
Ohhh impressive n stuff.
I’m nothing if not… uh, stuff.
Can I be an embarrassing auntie in your WordPress family please? One of those who insists on kissing you inappropriately and starts singing and stripping off when they’ve had too many egg nogs.
I’m working on my presentation right now and have just taken off one of my fluffy slippers … oooo, sexy!
P.S Congrats on your 1000th … and I sincerely mean that despite being eaten alive by jealousy.
LOL! Nice touch with the slipper, leaving something to the imagination like that. I see you’ve done this before. Or maybe you just don’t remember after the egg nog 😉
And btw — Thanks, Angela 🙂
That is jaw slapping awesome!!! Congratulations Sir! You are an amazing writer and I am glad you get to stretch your creativity and humor here with us at wordpress 🙂 Mazel Tov! ( I’m not Jewish, but I love how much more sincere it sounds in Yiddish/Hebrew 😉 )
Thank You! And yes, I could totally feel the extra sincerity 😉
Wow! Congratulations! Where’s the beer? 🙂
I have a delivery boy who I keep on retainer for such occasions. I had him deliver a Mexican mocha to all my readers when I hit my 100th post several months ago. He left yesterday morning with a Dos Eques for you. I can’t guarantee it will still be cold when you get it. But the mocha will be…
Send him a message, I’ll be at the back door of my third world kitchen 🙂
No worries. It could be a while; he’s traveling by bicycle 😉
Soon, you shall have enough followers to raise a small army. What you will do with the army, I don’t know. But I’m assuming it will involve Justin Beiber. 😉
Lol! Small army, large band of midgets… either way, Justin is out’ta here, assuming he doesn’t run into a door.
Well congrats and all that.