May I Interest You in a Blog?

About nine and a half months ago, I was sitting at the local baby pool and got a really sweet note (I was checking email constantly because my site was down and in redesign mode which sent me into a total panic). Christine, of Quasi Agitato, highlighted me on her blog. She said nice things and gave me a pretty badge to prove that I had been honored in such a way. Ever since, I’ve been wanting to say thank you and pay it forward, but somehow I keep finding a way to push it down my to-do list. So, here it is, a bit of Friday fun (before somebody wines me).

There are a few rules that accompany this award.  They are:

• Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

• Tell us seven things about yourself.

• Award fifteen recently discovered new bloggers

While I’m a huge fan of following rules, I’m going to break a few. First of all, I don’t want anyone to feel they have to participate. Something like this should be fun, not a burden. Second, I don’t remember how to count to 15. These are just friends with blogs that I wish I had time to read. (But if I want to continue to write, I’m afraid reading isn’t always something I can squeeze in.)

So, Christine, thank you. Thank you for not only sharing me with your audience, but for making me feel like I wasn’t just invited to the party, I was welcomed with open arms to play with all the other kids. (Read her touching post about her daughter and you’ll get this.) You have a wonderful way with words and it’s always great to connect with you.

Here are 7 things about me you may not know:

1) I can’t touch cotton balls. The feeling I get when I do is equivalent to nails on a chalkboard. And, yes, I had to admit this to Little’s preschool teacher when she wanted me to help kids rip them apart (about 1000x worse than just touching) to make Santa’s beard. There are other extensions of this phobia, but I’ll save those for another time.

2) I’m a master grape peeler. When you have 3 babies with allergies and grapes are one of the few things on the “ok” list, you learn the hard way. If you cut them lengthwise in fourths, you get a little of the part that was attached to the stem on each piece and peel from there. You’re welcome.

3) It doesn’t matter how much I psych myself up, I’m still shy. Even with people I know. (Weird for someone who writes about anything and everything, I know.)

4) Lenny and I call each other by our middle names (which explains his pen name) because we always had roommates with the same names as us.

5) My favorite movie is Father of the Bride (the Steve Martin version…still haven’t seen the original) and I can pretty much recite the whole thing. When I’m trying to calm myself down, I say his opening monologue.

6) I can’t think around clutter, but I can’t seem to get organized. (Which is why this took me almost a year.)

7) My favorite lullaby is Sweet Child O’ Mine. Yes, the Guns & Roses song.

 

Ok, enough about me. Here are some of my friends that I’d like you to meet.

Amy, Trembling Ovaries– Ever since I met Amy, I wanted to be like her when I grow up. Our maiden names differ by just two letters and I like to think that’s not the only thing we have in common. She recently started blogging and I stop everything when I see she has a new post. She’s hilarious, honest and loves her family as much as her Chardonnay.

Aimee, Everyday Epistle– My friend Julia connected me to her friend, saying I had to check her out because she’s such a beautiful writer. She was right. I love reading Aimee’s posts. If you’re Christian, you’ll love the way she can connect things like shoes and grocery shopping and ads to scripture.

Cristie, Real Life Wellness– I know some people think I’ve gone off the deep end drinking green smoothies and skipping pizza at parties. But there’s a good reason. Lots of them, actually. And Cristie does a great job of reminding me why eating right isn’t about being skinny, but being healthy (in mind, body and spirit).

Jessica, Sassafrass– Jess is a beautiful writer with a fetish for shoes and the sweetest love for her son. She shares her experiences as a single mom with the humor, grace and insight I aspire to.

JJ, Unfrump My Mom– Let’s face it, we’ve all changed a bit since having kids, but how low can we—or should we—go? Enjoy some laughs and easy fashion pointers from a mom who cares about helping other moms avoid frump. Have you seen my “everyday” sassy tight black pants (of the non-yoga variety)? You have JJ to thank.

Kimberly, Pier to Peer– All you (LA) South Bay moms will want to be sure to check out this new-ish, but booming blog. Kimberly has a wonderful eye for decor and a passion for family fun in and around Manhattan Beach.

Linda, Carpool Goddess– I got to meet this hilarious Parenting Guru last year, so I know not to believe she indulges in as many cupcakes as new pairs of shoes. Reading about her experiences with a high-schoolin’ daughter and college-aged son, makes me realize how fabulous I’m going to be when my kids get older.

Lori, Mommyfriend– Meet my fellow Parenting Guru who actually deserves the title. I’ve linked to her Facebook page because Lori is a mad Babble blogger as well and you’ll want to catch those posts too. She covers everything from postpartum depression to songs to get busy to. What’s not to love?

Laurie, Manic Motherhood– Yes, another Guru. She’s very witty and someone I know I should meet. And maybe I will someday since I’m pretty sure we live close to each other.

Saralynne, MerelyMothers– Saralynne is another Guru with a more educational slant. As a teacher and military wife, she brings an interesting perspective to motherhood that she does a lovely job of sharing in her writing.

Ok, I have lots more to share (seriously, I just keep thinking of more), so I’ll do this again soon. But, it turns out Little needs someone for his bear to attack. (Hopefully I live to see round 2!)