can i get some sugar?

first night jason and i met up for a "date night" to the grocery store, yes, grocery store.... I was a single mom, remember? and USUALLY people don't want to meet up on a monday night for a "date," and well since i had the hots for him years before, and we were super anxious to see each other, when he asked if he could come see us, i didn't hesitate.

told him i had to go grocery shopping and was cooking dinner with T, but he was welcome to join if he wanted to....

so over he drives....

parks.

gets out of the truck and walks up.

"can i get some sugar?" he asks.

(mind you, this is the first time i'd seen him in 3 whole days, and when i'd seen him 3 days before, it was such small talk, and lots of nervousness (at least for me)....)

good thing i didn't hold that against him.... we wouldn't be married today if i did. ;)

he's adorable.

he said, "i had it all played out in my head about how our first kiss would be, and that's what came out."

good thing i don't kiss on the first date, SO that wasn't the story of our first kiss....

but i still love it anyway.... ;)

ANYWAY....

on to the real reason of this post....

Mr. DL Hammons over at "Cruising Altitude" has given me this wonderful award!!!! I think it might be one of my favorites!!! (and i don't even like pink!) ;) "The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award." woo hoo!

I'd like to think i'm all sweet and stuff....

buuuuuuut i'm pretty sure the family will tell you otherwise. ;)

If you don't already follow him, go check him out! He's got a great blog! He's linking up with bloggers in every state and has quite a few so far, if you are from one that he HASN'T linked up with, you should link up with him! =)

There are no rules attached to this award and i'm thankful for that!

Thank you Mr. DL Hammons!!!!

Hope you all have a super sweet weekend!!!! ;)

By The Numbers.... award.

He is wonderful, TS Hendrik that is....

I appreciate him mentioning me in his blog and for thinking highly enough of me to even mention little ol' ME in his crazy amazing blog.

if you don't know him, you should.

he's BRILLIANT!!!!

if you read his blog, then you get this award.... i don't need to say much else, except that i think he thinks i'm partially awesome. =)

thank you sir!

award.

our house is noisy.

like even when taylor and jason aren't here, it's still noisy....

and so is my brain.

so i wear headphones when i sit on the floor and study.

doesn't sound very comfortable does it?

but this set up is what works for me.... for now....

so here i am, with some loud "chuggington" cartoon on,

and earphones in....

blaring Ingrid Michaelson.

i like Ingrid Michaelson.

i saw her at the house of blues a few years ago.

she somehow gets me to focus on what i'm reading....

so EVERYTIME i study, i'm listening to ingrid in my ears...

her music is soothing, and mostly uplifting....

(sidenote: pre-jason, i used to LOVE a clean house ((thanks to my housekeeper at the time)), with candles burning, peace and "ingrid" via surround sound.... this made me VERY happy!!!!! i had a housekeeper that came once every 2 weeks! it was so nice!)

okay back to reality....

so ingrid in my ear, rather than via surround sound, isn't quite the same, but it brings up those same amazing feelings....

(so much so, that i dance while i study.... and turned around the other day to find jason videotaping me and talking into the camera.... i was SOOOO embarrassed!)

back to those amazing feelings....

empowering.

powerful.

wonderful.

happy.

blessed feelings

of gratitude....

speaking of gratitude, i'd like to thank Laurnie over at "Some Whine w/ Cheese" for this one-of-a-kind award.... (i LOVE the red color!!!!)

as everyone else is getting married, or pregnant... she's not.... she's just blogging.... about everything and she is WONDERFUL! =)

note* she also has more than one blog. i'd check them both out!!

(and join THE NOTEBOOK JOURNEY! there are only 7 spots left!!!)

super comments award.

From my lovely and wonderful, Ms. Anthropy, I received this "Super Comments Award."

This is a wonderful award to receive (for me), because I always fear that I do not show enough love.... and I don't want ANYONE to think that I don't care about their blog enough, or that I am too busy for them, or too good for them or any of that.... I try my best.... a lot of times, I will start reading and then something crazy stupid happens, and no one would believe me if I told them.... like yesterday when I started posting this, my mouth all of a sudden started bleeding horribly and I was drooling.... This isn't normal.... I just got my wisdom teeth pulled.

ICK!

But here I am!!!!

and passing this award on....

The rules for this award are to answer the following questions:

1. Why do you blog?

I started this blog for family when I was pregnant. Family wasn't all about the blog ( I don't think), but I began to realize that it was therapeutic.... I am all about the therapy!!!!

2. What was your favorite age to be and why?

I like where I'm at right now. Too bad I feel like I'm 97.... but I can't look back and say I wish I was back to a certain point in my life because going back to that age would mean I would also take back all the years of therapy.... i don't want to take back any therapy I've had.... so, I'd have to say right now. 26 years old is my favorite age, because I know more now than I've known, and I still have so much more ahead. =)

3. What's your favorite sport to play?

I'd have to agree with Ms. Anthropy... Is blogging a sport? I'm not very great at playing sports.... I'll play anything. I like racquetball. can we say GEEEK? haha.

4. What's your favorite sport to watch, and who's your favorite team?

Honestly, before kids, I think I like sports more. I loved watching football; still enjoy it. Love the steelers. (and chargers) I like basketball (when it's in the finals....) and I like the Lakers....

5. If you could pick your perfect career (and money doesn't matter / the kids are out of the house) what would it be? This was just like the question I had for my crazy king award.... I'd say nursing.... or maybe starbucks a few days a week (for the unlimited free amounts of coffee and socializing with customers.) annnnd because I worked at a coffee shop when I was 14 (I actually used to ditch school to work there and LOVED it)

6. Do you ever feel guilty for blogging?

Sometimes, and for many different reasons.... sometimes for blogging instead of watching sports with my husband (he ALWAYS wants me to sit with him, no matter what.... sometimes I just can't sit there with my mind going a million miles a minute.... MUST. BE. BLOGGING....) other times I feel guilty because I know my stepmom doesn't like if I use inappropriate language.... sometimes I feel guilty if my writing might offend people....

7. What is your favorite holiday? I like all family gatherings. I really enjoy the 4th of July. It's the day after my birthday. It's in the summer, which means, it's warm from the crack of dawn until you crawl into bed.... I LOVE watching the fireworks at the lake from my parent's backyard at night, while swimming or sitting in the jacuzzi, after a day full of bbq'ing.... street wars.... parades.... just gooooood times!! =)

8. What's your favorite kind of music?

I love a whole lot of music. I love country. (loved it more when I actually went linedancing)... I don't know. I really like a whole lot of music.

9. Do you consider yourself a good driver or bad driver?

I am a good driver. Jason says different, but I am a good driver. We both get the "good driver" discount. I'd say that makes me a good driver. =)

10. What's the farthest away place you have visited?

Japan

and I pass THIS blog on to....

Ms. Anthropy (who doesn't have to display this, or even answer anymore questions, but honestly, she is usually the first to comment on my blogs.

Patrick Tillett @ Extremely Overdue (for ALWAYS commenting on my stufffff)

Mainland Streel

Fourth Grade Nothing

I Think It's Interesting

The thing is, that we follow quite a few of the same blogs....

If you've already received this award, please do not worry about reposting it and linking it to me and all that. I just want you guys to know that I appreciate the comments.... always....

and I appreciate everyone else's too VERY much so!!! you guys are the absolute BEST!!!! =)

no really....

I'm certain I probably screwed this up and left someone or some people out.... I really do appreciate you all!! =)

certified CRAZY KING style.

sooooooooooooo....

i'm not very popular.

i wish i had an award to give to some of the AWESOME blogs i've come across lately,

so i took it upon myself to make my own award....

*drum roll please*

certified CRAZY KING style award....

this is making you OFFICIALLY (certifiably) crazy.... cuz i said so.

King, (well cuz that's my last name)....

with a crazy style....

that's okay.

i'm crazy too. =)

it's nice to see that i'm not the only crazy person out there.... =)

i'm not going to tell you you HAVE to do this in order to pass it on, but i think asking just 1 question to the people you choose to pass it on to is kind of fun.... you can use mine or make up your own.... =)

I'd like to know: if money wasn't a factor.... what kind of work/volunteer work would you do?

i think i'd work at starbucks a few hours a week (free coffee and talking to people.... seriously 2 of my favorite things).... but i'd totally do nursing.... even if i didn't get paid.... and i know i asked what WORK you'd do.... but does sunbathing while listening to some AWESOME tunes count as work? cuz i'd totally do that too....

soooo the following award is presented to:

1. Marlooney, I mean Marlene over at "Disguised as a Grown-Up". i am pretty sure nearly every single one of her blogs has me laughing over here.... she's not only SUPER crafty, but she's hilarious and she teaches me a new word, every. single. day. =) i think she's wonderful. i'm sure you will too.

2. TS Hendrik, over at "The Non-Review." He is a brilliant writer.... everything he comes up with is clever.... he lives in Tennessee and just recently lost everything in the floods, (yes he blogged about it WITH pictures), and STILL somehow manages to have the best outlook and sense of humor.... i am pretty sure if i lost everything, i'd be sitting in a corner, crying somewhere, indulging in pounds of chocolate of some sort in hopes of healing.... he's just great. i'm certain you'll love this guy....

3. Betty (or BB, as we call her) over at "Bossy Betty".... she is just magnificent.... she will make you laugh and cry. she has beautiful stories and poetry, and shares stories of her own that are all just wonderful and AMAZINGLY written.... you'll be looking forward to her monday morning flowers just like i do and you will be asking for "more bossy please!!!" i'm certain of it!!! check her out! =)

4. Freakin Una over at "The Sassy Curmudgeon", now i've given her awards before, and i know she doesn't really pass them on, because i mean, seriously with like 4 million followers, and awards on a daily basis, i'm certain she doesn't have the time. she's like superwoman. a SUPER nice lady who will have you cracking up with EVERY post.... she loves her hubby and red wine and so do i.... she can make fun of herself (and everyone else) and she's just an all around GREAT person.... amazing writer.... creative as all hell... you'll love her. take my (and all of her other follower's) word for it.... she's phenomenal!

5. Stacey over at "Is There Any Mommy Out There?" this woman.... this woman is a HIGHLY respectable woman.... she is brutally honest and i love her for that!!!! she has this way about her.... i really could just hug her if i ever saw her.... she can reach out and touch any and EVERY single person who reads her blog.... for sure.... i only wish i was fortunate enough to know her in real life too.... you'll laugh at her posts, and you'll cry.... she's wonderful.

6. Pat, over at "Extremely Overdue." hell, most of you came over here from his.... and for those of you who don't know.... i have the honor of being his stepdaughter..... since i was 9 years old.... i was blessed to have this wonderful (CRAZY) man in my life.... i wouldn't just give him this award for being a wonderful stepdad (or out of obligation, because.... well.... i'll get to that another time, just trust i wouldn't do that).... i would have just made him a "SUPER amazing stepdad" award.... but really and truly, i admire the man he is, even though i'm not even a man.... he had one hell of a life, that left him with stories to tell.... you'll always feel like you're right there with him.... feeling all that he's feeling... (especially his childhood stories).... and his vacations.... (he takes amazing photos).... he's a super tough guy who can do nearly everything, and knows more about stuff than i've even heard of.... he's the most helpful, friendly man you'll probably EVER meet in your lifetime, and he has got probably the biggest heart i know. he is DAMN funny too!!!! okay.... this was more like a tell-all than an award presentation.... whatever.

honestly, there are a ton of you guys that i could give this award to.... i'm pretty sure that everyone i follow already follows each other, and you probably already know each other.... i absolutely LOVE my blog friends. and yes, i call you guys friends, because i jump on here nearly every single day waiting to see that you guys are all alive and well.... and well, we aren't friends on facebook or anything else, and this is my only tiny little link that i have to you all.... your words.... your stories.... the little bits and pieces you choose to share on here.... i love them all.... i am beyond amazed at how many phenomenal people i've come across on here.... i mean that really and truly....

copyboy is quite a character. i don't know how he fires out like 50 million posts a day.... i try to keep up. i really do.... it's hard, but you usually have me cracking up (or gagging).... but either one is good, if you've gotten your point across.... you have some of the most original and far out ideas ever....

Ally over at "Fourth Grade Nothing" is just the sweetest little thing ever!!! she recently started doing video blogs and her followers are through the roof! she has one of the sharpest memories ever and will always take you "back in the day...." she's lovely....

Ms. Anthropy, i just have a wonderful connection with her. would just love to just sit and chat with her.... she is a lovely woman.... with lovely stories.... and i think more people should encourage her to share more of them with us.... she is great!

Brandi over at "A Mainland Streel," she's my buddy on facebook now too.... she's just as lovely as her blog reveals her to be... she's amazingly talented.... super motivated.... crazy fantastic writer, extremely clever.... and i just know that if we lived closer, i would have totally been helping her to renovate her place.... and then we would have gone for pedicures and massages. ;)

Andrea at "Sharkenjuice and Moodicarry," she's got a heart of gold too.... i think she is far greater than she even realizes.... you guys should definitely go check her out.

sarahjayne smythe over at "writing in the wilderness," has a phenomenal blog for writers.... not even going to lie, her blog is often intimidating, it's THAT good. she always writes such sweet comments too.... you should check her out.... always has great links too!!

oh my holy hell.... this blog is getting so long. i feel like IIIII just won the freakin award.... and was giving my thank you speech.... the academy would have TOTALLY started playing music louder and louder like 15 minutes ago.... sorry guys....

i know there are so many other great people out there.... if my mom started a blog, i'd say she was deserving of this, cuz she's damn crazy too.... maybe one day.... if everyone on my blog starts telling her she should start her own, maybe she will.... c'mon "buymebarbies! buymebarbies! buymebarbies!" (that's her alias.... her "commenting" name.)

Hope everyone sleeps or slept a hell of a lot better than i'm about to not....

good morning.

sooo....

i've always wanted to be a writer....

some kind of writer.

i literally have probably almost every piece i've ever written since about 7 years old or so....

but i also wanted to be a doctor.

well, chances are, i won't be a doctor.

too much school,

not much bedside time.

on call far too much.

i'd rather be a nurse than a doctor....

i think.

but i'd still love to write....

i became a fan of BlogHer on Facebook some time ago.

i love the blogs they share.

There are close to 6,000 followers on there.

I just realized YESTERDAY, after ALL this time, that i didn't have a BlogHer account....

so i made one.

I'm totally unfamiliar with the website and i am DEFINITELY no professional writer, so the whole thing is a bit intimidating for me.

I didn't have anything posted on there, and well, i couldn't just make an account and not post anything on there.... so i posted "flight line and teardrops" (an older post of mine that is probably one of the most powerful pieces to me.... i can re-read it and cry nearly every single time. my chest gets all tight. i can hear the sound of the jets. i can fell the rumble beneath me. it's like i live that day all over again every single time i read that post....)

so anyway. i post that to my account, so at least i have something up there. now, again, i'm not too familiar with how this whole thing works and maybe this is really no big deal, but i woke up this morning to find a link to my entry on BlogHer's Facebook page.

really?!

someone liked it enough to send it out for other people to read too?

a lady had commented on it and how her sons are serving in the military and are overseas right now, and she was appreciative for the post.

THAT warms my heart....

well it really warmed all of me.

(if you click on the BlogHer link that i posted, you might have to scroll down their page a bit to find the entry but yay! it's really there. )

maybe they post links to everyone's blogs. heck, i don't know. =)

whatever, just let me be excited that that post was sent out to almost 6000 people via BlogHer. =)

i don't brag about much (except about lucky i am to have snagged such a great husband, but that was a wonderful start to my Wednesday.... 'Wonderful wednesday' it shall be called. Good morning everyone. How was the start to your day? anything wonderful happen for you?

100% penguin rocker approved.

this is a brand new award, and i'm near certain no one else in the blogworld has this (well except a few and of course the wonderful Pat Tillett over at "Extremely Overdue" does, as HE is the one who gave it to me.

he may very well be my one and only fan because he has issued me 75% of my awards. =) hey, i'll take em, even if they are ones like 100% penguin rocker approved. ha!

penguins like arctic cold....

i like my starbucks peppermint white mocha fraps arctic cold...

i also am a complete rocker on Guitar Hero....

so me and this penguin dude, we have a lot in common.

so i'll rock the penguin rocker approved award (made by: TS Hendrick)....

thank you Patrick Tillett!

you are likely my numero uno fan. =)

and if you haven't already checked him out (which most of, if not ALL of, you guys pretty much CAME from his site), then please do check him out. he's got stories that will keep you hooked.... and the best part about them is that they are real, true stories of his childhood. if only you knew the kind soul this man has today.... i'm not one to gush about or brag about people (unless it's my husband or children), but i am beyond lucky to have him as my stepfather.... he is a huge reason why i have such a wonderful husband. =)

okay enough about me, go check him out. haha.

Beautiful Blogger Award....

an award.... from a 2nd fan! =) how exciting! especially because after i read her profile, i was pretty sure i just awarded myself this award.... with the exception that i'm not a granny yet, although my health (and husband) would tell you otherwise.... she is a coffee-drinking, wife, and mommy (and granny, which i find hard to believe).... she is overly sarcastic and hardly leaves the house.... Ms. Anthropy, are you SUUUURE you're not my clone? or vice versa?

Thank you, thank you for the "Beautiful Blogger Award"....

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 8 5 bloggers who you have recently discovered and you think are fantastic!

4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Now, i'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself.... you probably already know enough.... but let's see....

1. im addicted to starbucks.... i used to get a venti peppermint white mocha frap, but now just drink a tall (small) to cut down on the calories.... i get migraines.... and usually imitrex and coffee help cure my migraines.... however, i really don't like taking medicine, so i usually sit around until i can't take the migraine anymore, and then take half of the dose of medicine and sometimes even cry because they hurt so bad.... am i the only adult who cries? probably....

2. i never cooked until i married my husband.... i hated cooking and usually lost my appetite before i was done cooking.... and i really only started cooking to save money.... (and so our kids wouldn't grow up with type 2 diabetes and unhealthy) and i still don't have a lot of recipes, so i started a group on facebook called "recipes for all" so that i could get (and share) recipes with other people.... i didn't think very many people would join, but there are now about 100 people on there now, and a few good recipes.... i get these ideas that sound really great in my head, but getting them to actually play out the way i'd like them to, is a little bit harder.... nooooo way???!!!

3. i've never done a single drug in my life. i know, many of you who know me in person, won't believe that, because i'm so off the wall and rather nuts and addicted to coffee, and i'm loud and i have this weird thing with my corneas, so my eyes are red sometimes, but honest to goodness, i have NEVER done a drug in my life and i'm super proud of that. i don't know how to pass this on to my daughter, but i told her something like this.... "taylor, there are going to be people, maybe even friends, who will try to get you to do bad things, like smoking, drinking, drugs.... i remember people used to make fun of mommy for never even trying those things..."

she asked, "what did you say to them when they made fun of you, mom?"

"i'd ask them, 'why would i try something that isn't good for you? to see if i like it? and what if i like it? then i'm addicted to something that is bad for me, AND i have to PAY FOR IT?! that's just stupid!"

"that's a good answer mom."

4. i believe in God. i believe in doing good for the world and the people in it, whenever you are capable of doing so. (except giving money to gypsies who knock on your windows in a target parking lot).... there's a country song (yes i love country music) with the lyrics that go something like this "maybe he's an angel sent here from heaven, makin certain that you're doin your best, to take the time to help one another, brother are you gonna pass that test.... you can go on with your day to day, knowin good and well what you saw in his face...." and i think of those lyrics everytime i see someone who needs help.... "maybe they're an angel sent here from heaven, and God's testing me to see how I respond." just something to think about.... i also believe that "religion" is very much like "politics", which is probably why i've never really been good at it and understanding it... politics, i agree with some things on each side.... i can't say i'm 100% this or 100% that, and i don't want to start any political debates with anyone, cuz i'm pretty sure i'd lose. and that comment probably made me sound like i don't fully believe, or accept the Lord. no, no that's not it. i do. i believe in God. are you totally confused with what you were supposed to learn about me from number 4? good, cuz i'm confused too. moving on to number 5.

5. i believe there is a difference between "falling in love" and "Real love" and i think that "the road less traveled" defines and explains this the best way.... aside from my husband's stunningly good looks, he's also incredibly intelligent and respectable too!

6. i believe in therapy. i think everyone can benefit from it, no matter what.... and if you think you don't need help, you probably need it the most.

7. our son is 8 months old and about 25 lbs.... i think that's kind of big. don't you? he was born a month early by c-section (read full story here) and was still 6 lbs 14 oz. i'm pretty sure his head was like 6 of those pounds.

Now, I pass this award on to 5 other bloggers that i have recently discovered and think are fantastic.....

i don't usually pass this blog on to "big" bloggers.... meaning people with 5 bazillion followers, because i'm like an ant to them, and they probably don't even know someone like me exists in this world.... but there have been a few that have touched ME beyond words...

1. is Katie from Katie's Keepers. i couldn't tell you exactly how i came across her blog, but i did. and when i did, i was hooked.... for days, i read about her story.... her beautiful baby, Reese, was due within a few weeks of our son, Lewie.... her beautiful angel was born a few weeks early and was only with them for just around 50 hours.... i read SOOOO many of her posts and sat and cried for so long. Her blog reminds me (nearly every single day) that when i am on here venting about Lewie not sleeping through the night, there is a mother some where wishing she was waking up to her screaming baby.... it makes me feel horribly guilty for complaining and incredibly blessed to have what i do. she is an AMAZINGLY strong woman, whose family has endured SO much. she has a love for God that carried her through so much and is highly admirable! So here's to Katie!!!

2. Vodkamom, she is a teacher, brilliant writer, and lover of the small things in life.... and although she has a bazillion followers too, she is still a great story-teller.... i love the little things she comes across that brighten her day.... they usually brighten my day too! Thanks for the humor and love in your stories!!!

3. Allie, from Hyperbole and a Half .... again, another person with gangs of followers and fans.... i'm pretty sure every single one of her posts made me laugh.... the language may offend some ( don't go there if so,) but her art is fantastic. and she comes up with things that i'm not quite sure how she does it.... i especially like her music video/striptease for kyle, who said she's ugly and unfunny. she's pretty and VERY funny. if i had a bucket full of tennis balls to award her (to rid her of her bird problem), i totally would, but for now, the beautiful fantastic blogger award is going to have to do....

4. Ms. Anthropy, because although she just recently discovered me, i only recently discovered her too.... and i wish i'd discovered her sooner.... she is my clone. i'm telling everyone that. i love her blog and can't wait to catch up on all the past entries, as i've only read a tip of the iceburg and am already hooked. =) AND because no where in the rules did it say you couldn't give it to the person who gave it to you.... so here's to Ms. Anthropy, my fellow coffee drinking, wife and mommy, who never leaves the house, is hardly sarcastic and so not full of herself!!! i love that!!!!

5. Mainland Streel.... because she remembers being a nerd too.... and we both ended up snagging hot men! and she gives me high fives via the internet! =) she has a great blog and what seems to be a SUPER genuine heart! and if you have a super genuine heart, and it's a good one, i just love that.... she's got a great blog and she totally admits to rubbing her eyes after having eaten jalapenos.... i've TOTALLY done that!!!! so hmf! you should totally read her.

so there you have it folks.... even though i am SO not good at this kind of stuff, the award has been passed along.... =) thank you for the wonderful reads and the ongoing entertainment. i'm sure my husband thanks you all too, as he says, "honey, if blogging is your addiction, i'm okay with that.... there's far worse addictions you could have." =) thankfully, i'm not addicted to, like, cleaning the house or anything. that'd be far too boring.... haaaa! sorry honey. ;)

Prolific Blogger Award....

so recently i've received 2 awards, and NOW i am here to give thanks and pass them along. =)

i'm sincerely flattered for them and appreciate the heck out of them!

so thank you Pat and Ms. Anthropy!!

First things first.... I'd received my 2nd award from Pat this weekend, and was beginning to think he was my only fan. ha! (which would still be flattering, becuase he's a phenomenal writer for sure) no, i'm not one to base my "success" on my awards.... i just like to hope that someone can and will be inspired by some of the stories i share and MAYBE they'll think or treat their loved ones a tad bit differently (and more lovingly and appreciative).... and if that happens, then this blog is far more successful than receiving any awards, HOWEVER, i accept (and with GREAT appreciation) the "Prolific Blogger Award" (most of you already know who Pat is, as most of you came over from his anyway. ha! but thanks for being here! i'm happy you are!)

These things require lots of work (and work requires time) and i have a migraine, and my eyes are burning.... i'm going to excuse myself from the computer for a while (but with GREAT APPRECIATION still!!!!) and i WILL get on here and put in the work to pass this lovely award along.... please hang tight and hope this migraine goes away.

Thank you again, Pat, for being my biggest fan (i think?) You have given me 66% of my awards. =) thank you tons!

i'm so gonna make it big now....

so i got my very first blog award today. thank you, thank you....

i imagine standing up on stage, under some really hot, bright lights in a dress that's probably far too sexy for me to be wearing.... sweat dripping from my armpits down my sides, cuz i sweat like a man.... okay, so not really.... but i would under these circumstances, and my mustache would be sweating for sure.... which would then make me wonder "can people see my mustache now that it's sweating?" and then i'd probably lose track of my "thank you for this award" speech....

but i'd try to get this out anyway....

"whoa... whoa. thank you for this award. i guess i'm supposed to tell you 5 things about me that you didn't know.... but i think i've told you quite a bit about me anyway.... here goes nothin'...

1. i'm legally blind. this last time i got my eyes checked at costco, the guy told me that i had the worst prescription he'd ever seen. thanks guy! i should've told him he had the worst face i'd ever seen.... but i didn't. ;)

2. everytime i am in a plane and it's about to take off, i always think of the most horrific scenarios possible like thinking the plane's gonna snap in half or something.

3. i had the HUGEST crush on Jason when I was a lot younger. our mom's were best friends when they were in middle school together.... his mom told me to wait until at least high school and that i'd date him then.... look at us now.... married.

4. i had my car repossessed 4 years ago.... i was without it for 3 whole days, and drove out to pasadena and used my first paycheck and all of my savings to get it back. when the repo guy came and took it, i had a full tank of gas. when i got it back, it was on empty. i had not 1 single dollar left to my name. The place they had it stored at (in pasadena), waived the "storage fees" and even took my car across the street and filled up my tank for me after he saw me crying in my car because the gas light was on. i never forgot how horrible, and horribly lucky, i felt to get back in to my jetta.... there was nothing in my car except my sugarland cd, and i remember singing sugarland the whole way home at the top of my lungs, telling my jetta that i was sorry i didn't pay the car payment and that i'd never let her be taken from me again.... (just as a sidenote: i didn't know how many car payments you could miss before they'd take your car from you.... i just thought i could catch up my payments once i started making money again.... boy was i wrong.... and NAIVE!!!)

5. i was someone's hero.... while working in property management, i'd received a call from "lifeline" stating that one of our residents was not responding and they'd believed she had fallen.... they asked if i'd like the paramedics called. i said yes. and immediately got the keys to her apartment and ran over there in my high heels.... i knocked on her door and told her who i was and that i was entering her apartment... only to find her tipped over (backwards) in her chair and her purple feet (up in the air) were all that i could see. i jumped in to action, and somehow got her flat on the ground and opened up her airways before the firemen and paramedics arrived... she started coming to and i was awarded and given 2 annual disneyland passes (one for me and one for taylor) for having "saved her life." firemen said that if i hadn't arrived and acted immediately, she would not have made it. i felt like a hero.... aaaand wanted to go back to nursing that much more....

soooooo, now that you know 5 things that'll make you smarter than your friends.... we move on to the passing of the torch, or the "lovely blog award...."

first, she's probably received this same award like 17 million times, but i'm going to make it 17 million and one.... Una's blog.... "The Sassy Curmudgeon".... Not only is she brutally honest and HILARIOUS, she is an amazingly caring person. She DEFINITELY goes above and beyond what anyone as busy as her would or should do.... i know that if she lived closer and we bumped in to each other on the street, we'd totally click.... in the most heterosexual way possible. you can follow her on twitter, and she also writes for the huffington post online.... check out all of her... she is awesome! =)

2nd.... i award Patrick's blogs, "Extremely Overdue" and also his photo blog "As I Saw It", first one all, because of his honesty.... he will share with you things that will make you appreciate your life a little bit more. he sheds light on things that many people wouldn't dare.... oh he does.... and he does so in a way, that puts you right there in his moment.... you feel like you're right there in the story that he's telling.... so far i've been in a backyard performing surgery on his friends with him, i've fought along side with him in vietnam, i've picked up dog poop with him, and stood along side with him in the vet's office while his cat was put to sleep. it's a journey, you'll want to join, for sure. his photo blog, well it just has real life pictures from places he's been. i like anything that can tell a real, HONEST story....

3rd.... i award the anonymous mommy in "The Drunk Mommy Diary".... big guess why? her honesty.... it takes a brave soul to get out there and bare with you their soul.... their daily battles, and struggles.... she very much has a clue.... and i just admire her for her complete honesty (or just really good storytelling).... because i am totally in to the story completely!!!

there you have it.... i've passed the torch.... just because i didn't mention you, doesn't mean i don't enjoy reading you.... it is very difficult to just select a few.... i do enjoy reading many of your blogs and stories.... keep em coming....

thank you, thank you for this award...."

and then i go on to like trip off the stage while giving the miss america wave or something, because that's totally something i'd do....

i'm so gonna make it big now....