Amidst all of the political hullabaloo we almost overlooked a very important birthday. We have a new 1-year-old on our hands, and you're all invited to the party. And no, I'm not talking about our little man Mark. Today The Daily Detour turns 1. (Cue the streamers, balloons, and whoopie cushions!)
One year ago today I ventured into this previously-unknown arena of the blogosphere on an experimental quest to see if we could create a community built on critical thinking, cultural analysis and mutual civility. From my vantage point today, my initial desires have been surpassed by all of you, who, thankfully, represent a broad cross-section of political and theological persuasions. Because of that, our community here is all the better for it. (If you are interested in taking a trip down memory lane, feel free to go back and read The Daily Detour's first post.)
It's hard to believe that this blog has actually been maintained for so long. I certainly have been lacking in the sleep department with my many late nights of blogging. But it's for a good cause, right? My wife is especially surprised, since I found out earlier this year that she was secretly waiting to see if I would actually follow through on this undertaking. (Honey, I told you we'd get 'er done.)
I still haven't hosted a TDD blog party yet so we can all put names to faces, though I have had a few opportunities to introduce people from this community. It usually goes something like this, "Hey Andy, this is D.J., ya' know, from the blog." (And then the light goes on, and we are strangers no more.) Aaah, The Daily Detour, bringing humanity together. Hopefully, we can pull off a blog party sometime later this year. In the meantime, I would be curious to know where you all are logging in from. If you're so inclined, post a comment that includes your screen name, state/country, and anything else that suits your fancy. Many of you I know, many of you I don't. So, whether you're an old timer or you just stumbled upon this growing community today, stop by the comment board and drop us a line.
It's been a great year, and I have to thank all of you as I always do during our regular TDD check-ups for your faithfulness in continuing to stop by the blog, as well as, your willingness to add your 2-cents to the various discussions. I really do consider it an honor and a privilege that you think there is something I've spouted in this posts worthy of coming back to read so regularly. I hope it has been as profitable for you as it has for me. I trust that in the coming year we can take this little excursion to the next level and invite even more people to make this detour a part of their daily routine. Imagine how big the birthday party will be next year! 
Figured I'd get the party started. Just in case some of you haven't determined it yet, this is John, the now 1-year-old blogger, blogging to you from Indianapolis, Indiana. Any further commments are posted above (or are coming to you very soon in future posts). Thanks again to all of you. I really do appreciate your faithful readership. :)
Posted by: John | January 30, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Comments coming from the south side of Avon, IN.
Happy Birthday...has it really been that long. Can't wait to see where the comments come in from.
Posted by: DJ | January 30, 2008 at 05:08 PM
This is Abby in Ellensburg, WA and this is my blog..
www.abbyhoefer.blogspot.com
Posted by: Abby | January 30, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Mid-Avon, Indiana :) That goes for Jim too. Hooray John! Fabulous job!! Although, I do think you have contributed to my computer addiction...
Posted by: Mandy Leech | January 30, 2008 at 07:12 PM
andy from timbuktu indiana
Posted by: andy | January 30, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I'm Pete from Ft. Wayne, IN. (Not Bragging, but I've been Crane-neck's buddy since Kindergarten) (Ok, I guess I'm bragging a little)
WTG, John!
Posted by: Peter Eicher | January 30, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Dateline Danville, IN, GOOD JOB JOHN!
Posted by: Greg | January 31, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Beth here from Indianapolis, IN. TDD is exactly its name. It’s part of my warm-up routine here at work where I sit most of the day to write and edit books and curriculum.
I read the blog way more than I comment. While I’m usually never shy about offering my “two cents” in person, I’m still a little cautious on blogs.
Another one of my favorite blogs is a Free Methodist pastor (of which I am one) who was recently elected as one of our three North American bishops, David Roller. He recently wrote "Sincerity requires more effort than sarcasm ..." Good words to consider. TDD stands out as a sincere forum, unlike the many cutting, rude and sarcastic alternatives.
I applaud your committment to keep the conversation going.
Posted by: Beth Cullison | January 31, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Resident Atheist here in Tulsa, OK. Grats on the big date. I promise to give you grief for another year.
Posted by: Resident Atheist | January 31, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I wouldn't expect any less. :) Glad to have you on board.
Posted by: John | January 31, 2008 at 11:50 PM
This is Jean (John's wife). Way to go, baby... one year under your belt- you've made a believer out of me!
Posted by: Jean | February 01, 2008 at 02:09 PM