Tuesday, January 1, 2008

And The Award Goes To...

As you might know, I am not exactly computer savvy. I get by, but up until a few days ago, I didn't even know how to add a link to my posts. In my defense, people, I discovered that there is this thing( an editor toolbar), that all these months, I didn't have! I have been using Safari, and I decided to open my blog in Netscape instead, and there it was! Believe me, I'm still stumbling around in the dark out there in cyberspace for the most part, but apparently you can teach old dogs a few new tricks.

A while ago, the stupendous Sparx, gave me this award...


Honestly, up until that point, my thought was that blog awards are, well...stupid. What are they for? What do you do with them? Does anyone care if you have them? Then, there is the pressure. You must pass them along. Someone's feelings are sure to get hurt. I don't like to hurt feelings. How do you choose who to give them to? I know how women are - we analyze everything. Like, if I write that so and so's kid is adorable, and I don't write that about the next person, that woman is thinking, "Oh! And my kid is what? Not adorable?". I don't need that kind of stress. It makes my head hurt.

But, then I got this award, and I saw the other side of awards. The side that makes you go, "Aw shucks. She likes me! She thinks I'm funny! She likes what I write!" I have been reading her blog for quite a while, and I love her writing, so I was flattered. That feels good! I like to make people feel good. I am a woman, after all. I reserve the right to change my mind.

So, I am passing this award along.

To Kellan, who has to be the most considerate blogger I know. She is sometimes funny, sometimes thought provoking, and often makes me get teary eyed with the loving posts she writes about her family. She manages to always find an upside to things, and I love that.

To, Burgh Baby's Mom, who I must confess, I usually read first. Us, Burgh Babes have to stick together, you know. She always makes me laugh, and I love that she always posts pictures. She also doesn't mind, and actually likes, my sarcastic, teasing, sense of humor, and dishes it back!

To Driving With The Brakes On, who was the first "stranger" to comment on my blog. I love how she thinks, always coming up with thought provoking questions for us. She also knows how to rant, and I usually find myself saying "Yeah!"

To Elsie, who teaches me the Bristish terms for things - like pram, nappies, and the loo! Who wouldn't want to read about a little girl named Betty Button? Betty is the same age as Dylan, and I often find myself laughing at her posts, because I am going through the exact same thing.

To Pam, who I really feel for, because she is having a tough year with her class. She is so sweet and supportive in her comments to me, and I don't think she realizes what a great person and teacher she is.

To Stay at Home Dad, who rarely posts, but when he does, I am always touched by his writing. He adores his daughter, and writes about childhood in the most endearing way.

To Jck, whose blog I just recently stumbled upon. You really have your priorities straight, in life, I think. I am really enjoying your posts, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.

When I started blogging, I had no idea that I would actually come to care about the people I read about, that I would consider them friends! I appreciate each of you.
Happy New Year, everyone!

13 comments:

Kellan said...

Well - congratulations on your award! I could of swore I have passed an award or two onto you in the past and since it's obvious now that I have not - it's only because I just can't keep up with all of that - can't remember who I have passed onto or not, etc... I am sorry for that, as you are certainly deserving of awards and I am sorry I haven't given you one by now!! I did post two awards a couple of days ago that I passed onto all of my readers and you need to go over to my site and take those two awards for your own - do that!! I meant them for the people that are always visiting me and they are really great awards!

Thanks for thinking of me for this nice award - you are my special blogging friend and I love that this award is coming from you! Thanks also for the kind compliments - I think the same things about you! See you soon, Jen.

Burgh Baby said...

You better believe I like your sarcasm! It warms my heart, and reminds me that I'm not the only one that can find the funny in situations that would probably be nerve-wracking to many.

BTW, it seems like a good time to tell you that you've really hit your stride in your writing. In the time that I've been reading you, you've gone from "typical Mommy blogger" to writing about things that made me laugh, cry, think, and wonder. It's been a great ride sitting back as you've found yourself and your voice. Now you just need to get discovered so that I can say, "I knew her when . . ."

Thanks for the award and for reading my dribble all the time!

Anonymous said...

Awww, thank you! I am particularly fond of this award because it represents the community that is blogging - to know that there are people around the world who actually check in to see what I have to say truly amazes me and warms my heart. And, to think that we all find each other through mutual blogs and interests - it's a small world after all (cue the freaky puppets!) I never thought much about the awards aspect of blogging when I got started, but validation is like crack, and I am a huge whore.

Cecily R said...

I am a jerk and I never pass them along. I think it's largely because I would just give them to everyone.

Congratulations on your award and to all those who you actually passed it along to. This is most certainly one of the best of the "passing them along" posts I've ever read!

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

I'm not sure if I've ever posted here before or not, but I've been logging in every so often and thought I should mention I feel left out by your award giving. I mean, you don't know me at all and may have never logged on to my blog, but are you trying to tell me that my kid is not cute? Ha! just kidding. enjoying your blog! Blog on, my dear!

Pam said...

Wow! I am SO honored! I actually teared up a bit reading what you said about me! Does that make me crazy? or just a woman? I really can't thank you enough for those kind words.

I know how you feel with the awards all all...I have a hard time with the passing it on part because I don't want to leave anyone out...but I also don't want to just hand it out willy, nilly and have it not mean as much. I know this is silly, but I get really excited when I get an award. It makes me feel all bubbly and happy- is that wrong since I have not actually met these people?

Anyway...thanks again for the award and even more thanks for the kind words! I have really enjoyed reading your blog and I always look forward to what you have to say!

Rick said...

Congrat's - is that the cute award?

I'm going back through my comments this past year and inviting people to a little give-away that I am having. No gmicks, just my way of celebrating one year of blogging. Please come over and sign up.

http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/

Jen said...

BBM, Yes, without a sense of humor, I'm sure I would be in a straightjacket by now!
How much do I owe you for that wonderful compliment? Seriously, that meant a lot.

Jen said...

Jonny's mommy, Good one. Keep the comments coming, please, and maybe I'll say your kid is cute! : )

JCK said...

Jen, thank you SO much! It is really special to get a community award. I feel lucky to have found your blog as well.

As you know, I am in the throes of a horrendous cold, so it has taken me a bit to get here.

Thank you, thank you! And I'll look forward to passing it on.

Burgh Baby said...

For the record, it wasn't so much a compliment as a statement of fact.

:-)

Stay at home dad said...

Thanks Jen. That's very kind. My new year's resolution should be obvious!

Have enjoyed catching up with your posts and I'm glad the helmet's off!

Shellie said...

Thank you for helping me find Elise again, I found her back in August and promptly lost her url!