“We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome. One of our ancient methods is to tell a story begging the listener to say — and to feel — “Yes, that’s the way it is, or at least that’s the way I feel it. You’re not as alone as you thought.” –John Steinbeck

Thank you SO much to mommyverbs and Tuttacronaca for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!! I am so honored because mommyverbs inspires me very much–it humbles me that she would even consider me to be inspiration! And Tuttacronaca is a remarkably prolific blogger! One of the main reasons I write this blog is to normalize the feelings and experiences we all feel and undergo. But we somehow keep these stories inside, fearing others may judge us or not understand us–when in fact, we’re all in the same boat. It’s important for me to normalize our fears and joys and insecurities and pride and anxieties and triumphs by sharing my stories. So part of this award is also sharing seven things about me–see below!
Here are the rules of the award:
1.) Display the award logo on your blog.
2.) Link back to the person who nominated you.
3.) State 7 things about yourself.
4.) Nominate 15 bloggers for this award.
5.) Notify those bloggers of the nomination by linking to one of their specific posts so that they get notified by ping back.

More about me:

1. I’m a loud, energetic, outgoing…introvert.

2. I’ve decided if you add vodka to anything, you can rightfully call it a martini and you’re fancy instead of just a drunk (Mango martini! Hazelnut martini! Apple cider martini! Strawberry lemonade martini!).

3. Third grade math is kicking my ass. For reals. I’m smart, I think–I have a master’s degree from an Ivy League school, for God’s sake. But I have to ask The Google sometimes when checking my son’s homework. Perhaps I need to rethink my enthusiasm for him performing above grade level. I may not be able to tolerate the humiliation by 5th grade.

4. I am addicted to TED talks.

5. The older I get, the more I understand life is mostly gray—there are very few things truly black or white. I chuckle that I used to feel so CERTAIN that issues were one way, things meant ONE thing, that life happens THIS way. Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids…

6. It’s taken me a long time to understand the difference between being direct and being rude. General shout-out to the world: Sorry ‘bout that…

7. I don’t know how to teach my daughter that outsides don’t matter nearly as much as insides if I continue to be addicted to things that sparkle.

And here are 15 blogs that inspire me!

You’re Just a Dumb Ass

A Wild One Within

Sweet Little Thang

In Wine There is Wisdom

Finding Blanche

Momastery

Ordinary Courage

Rantings of an Amateur Chef

Fit For a Year

The Foodies

Rodney Agura

Mika Fryling

Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast

The Dough Will Rise Again

To Be Aware