"Not Now, Honey. Mommy Has to Blog."

“I’d like to thank the Academy…”

02 Feb 2012 6 Comments

by "Not now, honey. Mommy has to Blog." in "Stuff"

Two people have nominated this blog for ”The Versatile Blogger” award (Thank you, Linda http://crudmykidssay.wordpress.com/ and Bill, www.billbrenner1970.wordpress.com)

Since I’m fairly new to the blogging world, I was pretty darned excited to get this nod. Between you and me, I honestly didn’t even know they had such things.

But, heck! Make no mistake! I’m glad they do!

In fact, if you’ll bear with me for a moment, I’d like to take a moment to share the speech I’ve been practicing in front of my bedroom mirror for the last…um…30 or so years:

(fumbles inside shirt pocket for crumpled up piece of paper) “Oh WOW!” (clasps face in utter shock) “This is SUCH a thrill! (takes a deep breath…face turning red) “I…I…don’t know what to say! (opens prepared speech)

“I’d like to thank the Academy and everyone who voted for me! Oh and my parents. And my best friend, Missy. And Rob Lowe. And all the actors who have inspired me from the “Afterschool Specials” of my youth…”

<CRICKETS>

What? Wrong speech?

Oh. Well…this is a little….awkward. I should have realized something was up when I didn’t see a trophy.

Okay, kidding aside. Back to the “Versatile Blogger Award.” There are some rules that I need to follow, and anyone who knows me knows that I am a stickler for rules!

RULE #1: List 7 Random Facts About Yourself.

Okay, if you insist.

1. I am the youngest of seven children. They call me the ”family bonus,” who came along unexpectantly when my parents were in their 40′s. I didn’t really grow up with my siblings; they were quite a bit older. It was similar to being an only child. But don’t get me wrong, there were perks. By the time I came along, my parents had zero interest in discipline. I’d scribble all over the walls with crayons and my mother would proclaim, “Genius!” I’d sneeze, people would applaud. Life was tough.
2. I am a creature of habit. Whenever I find something I like, I pretty much stick to it. My husband likes to call it, “Wonton Syndrome.” He is referring to the fact that one day, I discovered I liked Wonton soup from a Chinese restaurant. So then, I’d pretty much order it for the next 10 years. Of course, once year 11 rolled by, suddenly I decided I would never eat it again. And I haven’t to this day. This also applies to bagels and cream cheese, tuna fish, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, and cantaloupe. 
3. I never learned to drive a stick-shift. I know, weird right? I don’t know why. Maybe the situation never presented itself? Maybe I just couldn’t “stick” with it. (get it?)
4. I worry a lot. (Sometimes I find this worrisome.)
5. I like The Bee Gees. There. I said  it.
6. I’m fairly certain my personal trainer at the gym is trying to kill me. Perhaps I remind her of someone who caused her great difficulty in another life. (On my death certificate it will certainly read, “Death by Abs.”) 
7. I think I may be the only person in the world who does not like cheesecake. Maybe it’s the name. Cheese…cake. Gross.

Man, that was cathartic. Thanks for listening.

RULE #2: Nominate 15 Other Blogs.

1.  http://crudmykidssay.wordpress.com/ This is my pal, Linda’s blog. She told me that I was one of the funniest people she knows. (AND I got it in writing!) But that’s not why I love Linda. Many moons ago we worked together. She would make me laugh until my cheeks hurt. And she still does. She has the best way of blending her edgy sense of humor with whip-smart observations on people. Trust me, she finds humor in almost any situation – even life’s difficult ones. Her blog captures some great life moments, particularly from her two children, The Boy and The Girl. They will have their own sitcom someday. I admire her greatly. Check her out!

2.  www.billbrenner1970.wordpress.com The OCD Diaries – Bill is one of the nicest guys I’ve never met. Our common denominator is our mutual friend, Linda. He has been a bit of a mentor to me on this blogging thing and has been a great (virtual) sounding board. His blog contains some of the most honest reflections I have ever read about someone who struggles with mental illness and learning to navigate its challenges. Actually, I think the best part of his writing is the realization that his struggle has been a bit of a “blessing in disguise.” It has provided him with a great teaching tool for self-awareness and finding the almost-silver lining. His ability to document the rollercoaster known as “life” can resonate with anyone. I think he is very brave.

3. http://muffintopmommy.com/  How shall I describe this funny lady? She is a cross between Erma Bombeck and Ellen Degeneres. She is a great comedic writer. I love her fresh observations laced with a spot-on sense of humor. The more I read from her, the more hooked I become. She has a great eye for the funny! Combine that with her brilliant writing style and there’s no stopping her!

4. http://www.beamingbalance.com/ This is a great collection of personal stories from a working mom who strives to find happiness while maintaining a middle ground between work and family. And she has a smart sense of humor. I have her pegged as someone who truly enjoys her life, and who seems to find a way to effectively roll with the punches.  

5. http://lakedaybreak.wordpress.com/ Kappy’s Sunrise Project. This is a photo blog that I can’t get enough of. I just discovered it. It has the most breathtaking and serene images, sprinkled with some great animal shots (wild and domesticated!) Kappy has an amazing eye for photography and her shots always make me smile. Be prepared to be taken on a great adventure!

6. http://notesfromtheboss.wordpress.com/ I just found this gem. A fun read. This is a chronicle of the silly things a boss has written to an employee on post-it notes. The more you dive into it, you wonder just which one is in charge. A hoot.

7. http://mydogisapancake.blogspot.com/ This is an art blog from my daughter’s art teacher. She is a trained illustrator and I love her style. She also makes greeting cards and does some commercial work. I enjoy dipping into her work as she often interjects her view as an elementary school educator. She is extremely talented.

8. http://www.sheilaomalley.com/ The Sheila Variations. This is the web blog of my friend, Kerry’s, cousin. She is a stunning, absolutely gorgeous writer. Much of her material is focused on the arts and if you take some time to dig in, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

9. http://culturalheritagelawyer.blogspot.com/ This is my friend, Rick’s blog. He is an attorney who has practiced in the cultural property and antiquities law fields over the last ten years. This fascinating blog deals with many aspects of archeological and cultural arts preservation. His topics on international art theft and looting during times of war are incredibly eye-opening and informative.

10. http://thewritingresource.net/ How cool is this site! It is a great resource for anyone who wants to up their writing game. Great tips and help with grammar, too. And I LOVE how it is organized. One of my new favorites!

11. http://www.chicagonow.com/mary-tyler-mom/2011/08/gold-is-the-new-pink/  Mary Tyler Mom  This is a blog that was recommended to me. I glanced at it, now really knowing much about it. Until I started reading. This is no ordinary blog. A mother writes lovingly and movingly about the heart wrenching journey of watching her beautiful daughter succumb to brain cancer. With photographs throughout, you will get to know the little girl, Donna, and I promise you, you will never be the same again. A gift.

12. http://wendiaarons.com/ This is a new blog that I was just referred to by my friend, Janet. LOVE. IT. Very cool and funny stuff. I am enjoying getting acquainted with her dry and smart sense of humor.

13. http://lightenupweber.blogspot.com/ Another hilarious blog. Great, funny stuff!

14. http://www.noupe.com/photography/40-beautiful-examples-of-bird-photography.html This is a compilation of the most beautifully vivid bird photographs. I love these images. I’m a bit of a bird freak. Just wanted to share.

15.http://www.boston.com/community/moms/blogs/24_hour_workday/2012/01/norovirus-sick-kids-how-to-cope.html  This is a funny mom blog that is intelligently written. Her perspective on life is hilarious.

Hope you enjoy. Over and out!