Rowdy, Proud, & Loud--It's Award/Thank You Time

As you know, for months, I've been consumed with my Dallas Mavericks run for the championship.  I've loved them for as long as I can remember, so with each game, each win, the anticipation, excitement, and nervousness increased to levels I can only assume reached some unknown stratosphere.

Sunday night, the run ended in spectacular fashion with the Dallas Mavs winning their very first NBA Championship.  It was truly a dream season.

I've been so incredibly touched by how many of you supported my devotion to my team, which included some hot-under-the-collar posts about, oh, you know, one-sided announcers, people who constantly put my Mavs down, etc. From the seriously giddy to the rather emotional moments, y'all were there, supporting me and my Mavs, and I want to thank you.

The fact that you even pulled for my Mavs...well, that just meant the world to me. As corny as it sounds, I kinda like to think the Mavs could feel all of the support coming their way.

So, for all of you who put up with my Mavs-sporty-gal posts...this is just a little something for you. The Rowdy, Proud, & Loud Award...well, really it's just a thank you.

With love from a Mavericks' fan.

Somnia, Jewels, Eva (even though you don't accept awards...since this is really just a big thank you, I figured you might not mind too much), Aubree, Chanel, Yvonne, Oilfield Trash, Carole, kitkat, Mrs. B, Chocolateangel, Jack of Diamonds, Not The Hero, George, David (even though he didn't pull for my Mavs, he's a basketball fan and a good sport).

If I missed anyone, I'm sorry--you know who you are and you know I love ya to bits!

Rules? None. This is simply a thank you...a blogging hug of sorts. There are no rules with thank yous. Hugs to you all...

...and, one last time this season...

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!

Come One & All To The Overlord Award!

Disclaimer: Um, I got carried away with this one! So, I give you a fairytale of sorts, albeit a little twisted. I hope you enjoy it. *blushes*

“Hear ye, hear ye! Welcome one and all to the annual hunky blokes jousting…oops…wrong scroll.”  The shaky little man, with his bushy white mustache nervously twitching, looked at me concernedly. I simply smiled and urged him to carry on.   Dear, sweet Stumbles.  He is a devoted subject and friend, but he can be a bit scatterbrained. 

Straightening his velvet blue cape emblazoned in gold with the letters TFV, Stumbles cleared his throat and began reading the next scroll.  “Hear ye, hear ye! You are cordially invited to the royal wedding…oh dear…my mistake, your majesty.  If I may, ruling without needing a King is highly respectable today in a world so consumed with…”

“Thank you, Stumbles, now kindly proceed…with the appropriate scroll,” I said gently while adjusting my sapphire and pink diamond crown.

“Of course, my Queen, right away,” said Stumbles, rummaging through his collection of scrolls.  With a worried little whimper, he started yet again.  “Hear ye, hear ye! Our fair Queen has been granted the power of Overlord by the beloved Queen Jewels of Precious Gemland.  I now give you, our Queen,” he said, bowing so low the tip of his round red nose brushed the plush pink carpeting. 

“Thank you Stumbles.  As with any power, there are certain responsibilities I must address," I began, working to keep my voice from getting that nervous wobbly sound. 

“I must first thank my dear friend, Queen Jewels, for bestowing this power upon me. I hope to make her proud in my choices.  Second, three changes must be made to our lives.  And third, I shall bestow this power upon ten friends worthy of world domination.”

I slowly stood, glowing scepter in hand, and did what any public speaker does—I pictured everyone in the immaculately dressed crowd stark naked.  And my, my, Sir Lifts-A-Lot is looking mighty buff.  Ooh, and just look at Baroness Boobaledge trying to catch Prince Charming’s eye! Baroness, my foot—more like Temptress Trampy Trollop!

“Your Majesty,” muttered Stumbles, hiding his words in a cough.  “The changes to be made…”

“Oh!” Darn it. My first act as an Overlordess and I allow a set of muscles and a skanky alley cat to throw me off course.  Composure.  “The three changes to be made are as follows,” I said, steadying my voice into a firm, yet gentle tone. 

“First, the term celebrity shall no longer be defined by the following: fifteen minutes, falling over drunk, having a limited vocabulary of swear words, lifting one’s skirt, sleeping with a married athlete or public figure, screaming, breaking things, or otherwise act in a way that makes people want to gouge out their eyes and pull off their ears. 

“Second, Lady Luck and I shall duel, wherein I will win.  You see my friends, Lady Luck, believed to be a generous mystical bringer of positive energy, is really a subjective evil shrew, descending from the depths of she-devil hell. No more will she shower undeserving ghouls and wenches with copious amounts of good fortune! No more will you good people suffer from rotten luck! Lady Luck will, henceforth, cast good luck upon everyone equally.”

“In an effort to promote truth and acceptance, my third change involves a series of enchantments designed to protect the innocent and teach the wrongdoers a memorable lesson:

-The Spew & Sniff: From now on, all women will know when a man is b.s.’ing them, for they will smell it from a mile away. To all men who relish in feeding women b.s.—for every utterance of b.s., you will smell like the rear end of a cow after eating too much chili chow.  And to the teasing ladies who do the same to men…same goes for you. 

-The Bully Backfire: No one will bully, tease, or demean someone for their life’s choices.  Should you attempt physical violence upon another, your fists will swell to five times their size and turn upon you.  You will, in effect, bully yourself, and hopefully knock some sense into your otherwise puny little brain.  Should you verbally attack another…your mouth will betray you.  It will yell at you, ridicule you, and spill your darkest, most humiliating secrets for the world to hear. 

“Lastly, my friends, I am to bestow this power upon ten of you.  Please know how terribly difficult this task was for me. In fact, I added a few extra deserving friends.

Yvonne 

Drake Siger

NumberEleven

Gorilla Bananas

KLo

ms. caboo

Alessandra

Aubree

kitkat

Lex

George

David Batista 

Somnia

Katsidhe

J. Day

“I know each of you will use this power wisely. Thank you all,” I said, breathing a sigh of relief.  

Now, I really must pick up my glass slippers, retrieve my talking clock from the clockmaker, and plan a ball, where all eligible bachelors are to attend. 

The End. 

Award Time: Pay It Forward Award

What’s better than an award to kick off a long weekend? How about two?! Technically, one was from a while ago. *blushes*  Bad me.  Not to worry, I will do it justice in its very own post (I baby these awards, huh?).  

For today, we have the Good Bloggers Pay It Forward Award. 

Somnia recently stumbled upon my little corner of bloggersville and I’m so very glad she did.  Not only is she a talented writer, but she is strong, honest, funny, and amazingly supportive of her fellow bloggers.  And let me tell you, she loves her country music...and loves cheering on the Mavs!  I’m incredibly honored to receive this award from her.

You know how awards come with rules?  I kinda don’t like calling them rules, so I’m going the pirate route and renaming them guidelines.

So, the guidelines for this award are as follows:

1. Name the blogger who gave me this award. (See Above)

2. Post a link to their blog.  (See Above, and please visit when you have a chance--she's a sweetheart!)

3. Pay it forward to five more bloggers--very difficult task, but I'd like to pay it forward to some new blogging friends. 

Chanel at Fabulously Neurotic

Mrs. B at Go Ahead, Take a Bite

Carole at Carole Reid Artist 

Anna at Artist's Charm

Beliza at A Series of Random Thoughts

Like I have said before, I am awful at selecting only a few bloggers when everyone is so deserving (I always feel so dang guilty).  I just think the world of all of you...so...I formally pay it forward to EVERYONE. I'm such a dang softy!

*Note: No idea why the font and size changed. :/ Apologies.

Mavs, Please Win & Monday Awards!

First and foremost, I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday!!

Now for the hard part: I must acknowledge the mind-numbing collapse of my Mavs in Game 4 on Saturday. *deep breath time* Just say it and get it over with.  Okay. With my Mavs up by more than 20 late in the game, Portland came back to win. Oh, Lord, that was hard to think, much less type. While watching what many are dubbing the "ultimate choke," I sat very still, much like the eye of a category five hurricane. By the end of said game, I was left wondering how on God's green earth the Mavs just coughed up a win and a 3-1 lead in the series.

Credit to Portland, of course, but I simply do not understand what happened.  With the series now tied at 2-2, I'm guessing the Mavs will have to battle themselves more so than Portland if they are going to win this series.  They can do it...I know they can. Next game: tonight. *copious amounts of Cadbury Eggs will be consumed*

Monday Awards:

How nice is it to awaken to awards on a Monday? Thank you so much to the wonderfully sweet, funny, and supremely talented PencilGirl, who added some sun to a really gloomy day, actually (hey, sun, where are you? Tired of the cold, now!). Please take a moment to visit her blog and be prepared to stay--it's that enjoyable. :)

The first award is one she created for anyone who has commented on her blog--how amazing is that?! I would like to pass this award to every single one of you! You might already know this, but it's worth repeating: your comments are like the white gravy on chicken fried steak--without the white gravy, the chicken fried steak wouldn't be nearly as good. *Hugs*

There are no strings with this award, except to bring smiles. :)

The second award is the Versatile Blogger Award!

For this one, I did not see any rules posted, apart from passing it along to 7 fellow bloggers.  But, just for fun, here are 5 random factoids:

1. Not a fan of clowns. Overall, they creep me out. My mom dressed me as a clown for Halloween one time.  Admittedly, the costume and makeup looked unbelievable.  However, when I looked in the mirror, I wigged myself out. Never told her that, though. The only clown I ever really liked was Ronald McDonald. Why? Because he's the one with the fries and Happy Meal toys. Duh. Still holds true today, truth be told. ;)

2. Diverse Music Selection: One minute I'm singing Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback, and the next I'm chillin' to La Vie en Rose.

3.  My favorite James Bond movie is The Spy Who Loved Me with Roger Moore as Bond--it is the very first Bond film I remember watching with my dad. It's a special-memory-movie. :)

4. Sean Connery, however, is my favorite Bond. Each actor to play Bond has brought his own unique flare to the role, but Sean Connery was just...sigh.  I could never quite gel with Timothy Dalton, however.

5.  Dobby: I loved Dobby from the Harry Potter books. I know he annoyed some, but I thought he was such a true, honest friend to Harry. And, um, I cried like a baby at the end of Deathly Hallows, Part I. There, I said it.

As always, I would like to pass this award to everyone reading (I'm such a softy)! ALL of you deserve these awards! Hopefully, they will make you happy. :)

Happy Award Time

I don't know about y'all, but this week has been jam-packed with stress and general ugh. I blame tax time--it always seems to put people in a cranky mood.  So, in an effort to tackle tax grief, I have an award to give out!

Award:  I have to give many, many thanks to Starlight, who surprised me with the Blog With Substance Award! It couldn't have come at a better time! If you haven't visited her blog, please do so when you have the chance--she's so creative, kind, and fun!

Rules: Reveal 7 random things about yourself and pass this award to 7 fellow bloggers.

For the reveal:

1.  Bring It On Home by Little Big Town is one of my favorite songs. I love to turn it up, rest my head, close my eyes, and hope.

2.  Football Tears: When another season passes by (both college and pro), I feel a sense of deep and profound emptiness. How will I spend my Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and sometimes Thursdays? Thank The Good Lord NASCAR starts pretty quickly thereafter. ;)

3.  Dance With Me and Cocktail are two of my guilty pleasure movies. Salsa, sand, and two handsome leading men--need I say more?

4.  Gross Grass: I can't stand the smell of freshly cut grass--literally.  It's not that it smells particularly bad, but the minute I catch a whiff, my nose and eyes react something awful!

5.  90s R&B: Honestly, those years produced so many AMAZING songs. I actually miss R&B like it was in the 90s.

6. Rudolph & Frosty: When I was little, I used to cry at the end of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer--I didn't want Santa to fly away. I cried during Frosty the Snowman as well--two words: Frosty Melts.  

7.  Chipmunks: I love 'em. They are the cutest little peanuts! I have one that likes to sleep on my doormat. He just popped up for Spring and was back on my doormat the other day. I love him. His name? Duh, Chip!

Pass to 7 bloggers: You know what I have to do--EVERYBODY! If you want this award, pick it on up, and have fun with it! Everybody needs smiles, right? :)

Happy Monday: It's Award Time!

Stephanie was sweet enough to pass "The Incredibly Sweet" blog award to me. She is such a sweetheart--definitely visit her blog when you have a chance...you won't be disappointed: she is honest, funny, endearing, and just a joy to read.

As part of this award, I need to reveal 5 random facts about myself. 

1.  Miracle Whip Me: One of my favorite beauty routines is turning my face into a sandwich. I smear Miracle Whip all over my face, leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes, and then wash it off to uncover baby-soft skin.  Basically, it's a super cheap alternative to a mask for dry skin.  It makes my face red for an hour or so, but it makes my skin soooooo soft.  My eyes water while it's on and I tend to smell like a sandwich, but it's better than a $40-$50 mask!

2.  Sports Dreams: Since I was little, I have been able to accurately dream the outcomes of sporting events, especially ones involving my teams.  It's uncanny.  It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, I pay attention. Some of the wildest ones have involved the LSU Tigers...and if you have followed LSU football the past few years, you would know why I use the word "wild."

3.  The Blue Man Group: Scares the ever-loving crap outta me. No idea why, but they totally wig me out. And yet I love Smurfs. Go figure.

4.  Superstitious: Yeah, I kinda am, especially when it comes to football. When I was in junior high, I would make posters prior to a Dallas Cowboys game. Every single blasted time I did that, they lost. After about 3 losses, I declared poster-making a jinx and never did them again.

5.  Walking on tiptoes: I like walking on my tiptoes when I go upstairs. Random, right? Reckon a plus side is the whole leg-strengthening thing.

Now, I have to pass this award to five special bloggers.  Well, I'm going to break the rules here because I'm naughty like that (hey, I have to be naughty about something, right?).  I've seen this done before and I just think it's such a great idea...so...EVERYONE gets this award! If you read this, take it and have fun with it! You all deserve it.

*****************************************************************

Tag Time! The adorable Lex tagged anyone who read her post and wished to participate.  If you haven't visited her blog, please do so--not only is she a total sweetheart, but she has a good head on her shoulders, won't let anyone walk over her, and is funny as heck.

Rules: 1. List 3 things you love about yourself; 2. Post a picture you love; 3. List 5 bloggers to whom you are passing this along.

Three things I love about myself:

* I am who I am.  I'm not trying to be something/someone I'm not.  What you see is what you get...I'm not afraid to just be me, flaws and all.

* I love how much I love my parents.  My mama and daddy mean the world to me.  I just love them so much and wish I could take their dreams, wrap them up with a great big bow, and make them come true.

* I love how I can stand toe-to-toe with a guy on sports. The sparring is so much fun.

Picture: Animal House. When I hear or read nonsensical crap spewed on the news or in entertainment headlines, I always, always think of this scene. I figure this image sums up my mindset pretty nicely.

List five bloggers: In keeping with Lex, and the above award, I'm tagging ANYONE who reads this post and would like to participate!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

The LOL Award, Part Two

We have another LOL award to give out!! Thank you so much, J. Day for my second LOL Award. If you haven't visited her blog, please do--she is fantastic!!!

Rather than select a few fellow bloggers to receive this award, I'm changing the rules and passing it to EVERYONE! Go on, grab the LOL Award and do what you like with it. Honestly, all of you bring the smiles, making it an impossible task to narrow it down to a mere 7...plus, I really don't like leaving anyone out--I know, I know, I'm a softy. Truly, I think everyone deserves it. :)

So, now I have to reveal 7 previously unknown factoids about myself (this is getting kinda tough, actually):

1. I'm a huge fan of the t.v. show Dallas. My mama introduced me to J.R., Bobby, and the whole Ewing clan at a pretty young age, and I've loved it ever since. The theme song is truly one of the best in television history...at least to me. *blushes*

2. I tend to collect pens. Wherever I travel, I have to get a pen representing the area.

3. Williamsburg is one of my favorite places to visit. It's so beautiful there. The guys in costume have absolutely nothing to do with it. ;)

4.  My very favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast. I love the whole theme of seeing past the surface to the beauty of the soul.

5. Haunted houses scare the living daylights out of me. When I was in third grade, our school had a haunted house, which I thought would be fun. After all, we're little kids--how scary could it be? Well, one bloody, headless dude offering me a bowl of eyeballs and Freddy from Nightmare on Elm Street jumping out of nowhere officially did it for me and haunted houses. It was a little too much for a young child. Still, I love the idea of haunted houses...I'd probably still go to one.

6. Sometimes, I like to listen to instrumental music. Several of my very favorite soundtracks include: Sabrina, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Pride & Prejudice. The music is so calming.

7.  Fifth grade: One of my classmates threw a huge Halloween party at her house (actually, it was more like a mansion). Everyone had to dress in costume for the party. It was pretty common knowledge that the coveted costume awards would be given to her personal friends. My best friend grumbled, wishing one of us would win something; I just wished I could win something for my mom, who did an amazing job on my kitty cat costume. But, I didn't know the girl very well, so I figured there was little chance of me winning anything. Then, shockingly, I heard my name called for "the big award," Cutest. Think that was the only time I won anything...and it still remains one of my fondest memories--because I could take that award and show it to my mama. :)

I'm Funny!!! It's Award Time!

The LOL Award: My sleepless day was totally made yesterday when the wonderful PencilGirl left me a wonderful award on her blog. On top of that, she thinks I'm kinda funny! Yay!!! I'm convinced humor is the cure-all for dealing with jackholes.

 Rules: 1. Thank and link to the blogger who gave you this award (see above); 2. Pass this award to seven fellow bloggers who make you giggle: Sandra; Aunt of 14; Simple Dude; Rebekah; Alessandra; Yvonne; Drew; Jewels;
The Mad Fat Girl

3. Reveal 7 unknown things about yourself.

a. My eyes appear to change color from their normal blue. If I cry or have watery eyes, they look aqua; if I wear green, they look very green.

b. I used to have the biggest crush on Zack Morris (Saved By The Bell).

c. French Music/Latin Music: Love both. Sometimes, I just put on a salsa beat and cut loose; other times, I chill to some relaxing French music.

d.  My favorite Broadway show is Phantom of the Opera. The music caught my ear when I was about seven years old--loved it ever since. Every time I hear That's All I Ask Of You, I cry.

e.  I'm a total believer in jinxing your teams. When I was in high school, I, on occasion, would make "Go Cowboys" signs for game day. Every time I made the sign, they lost (which wasn't often because they won the Super Bowl in those days). So, to this day, I refuse to make signs, hang banners, or wear anything related to my Cowboys on game day. In fact, this holds true across the board. If the Cowboys are playing, I wear a Texas Longhorns shirt; when the Longhorns are playing, I wear an LSU shirt; when LSU plays, I wear a Cowboys shirt, etc. Works pretty well unless your team is just total rubbish for a season, then it doesn't really matter. I love my teams too much to risk jinxing them.

f.  My favorite flower is the daisy--they remind me of a smiling sunshine. I just love them...and pink roses.

g. I can't stand for my feet or hands to hang off the edge of my bed. Dunno why. Maybe it goes back to when I was little and believed the monster dwelling under the bed would grab them. ;)

Tomorrow's the big day! Guest blogger over at Jewel's blog!!!!! :)

Guest Blogger News!

I just wanted to make sure y'all know that this coming Thursday, I will be the guest blogger on http://www.jewelsturning30.com/. 

I can't wait! I've been stressing, but that's so me. Writing for Jewels has been an absolute joy. I hope y'all will check it out...and I sure hope y'all like the post. :)

PLUS, I have an award to give out!! Yay! I'm working on the award post now and will publish it tomorrow (had hoped to have it posted today, but time just got away from me).

Oh, and the news stirring up Dallas fans: Troy Aikman is getting a divorce. Didn't expect to see those headlines while searching for Dallas Cowboys news. I truly hope things will work out in the best possible way for them all.

Award Time: I'm Stylish, Happy, and Sweet!!! And So Are Y'all!

That's right, it's blog award time!! As always, PLEASE do what you will with these awards--you certainly don't have to follow the rules or anything like that--just have fun with them and enjoy them! **Honestly, I don't like picking people for an award because I truly, genuinely think EVERY single one of you deserves them**

Happy 101 Blog Award: The first award is the Happy 101 Blog Award. My dear friend, J.Day, gave me this award before Christmas. Um, yeah, I'm a little slow in posting this wonderful award. Check out her blog--it's a fantastic read...and the roommate posts are insanely good--and I do mean insane. ;) Her ex-roommate will make yours look like a dream. Thank you so, so much--you are truly a sweetheart!

Rules: 1. Thank the wonderful blogger who gave you this award (above, but I'll say it again--THANK YOU SO MUCH *hugs). 2. Pass this along to...EVERYONE! To every single person who reads my little blog, this Happy award is for you. I can't thank you enough for your support.



The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award: The wonderfully funny, kind, and supportive Jewels gave me this award, and I couldn't be happier. If you haven't found her blog yet, click the link and take a look--she's funny, real, and true to the core.

Rules: 1. Pass the award to 6 fabulous fellow bloggers: Cinderita; Lex; Julianna; Stephanie; Cherry; ms. caboo;  2. Confess 5 guilty pleasures:

a. Having a small bowl of dry Captain Crunch while watching sci-fi shows like Being Human, Torchwood, Doctor Who, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. (Hey, since I'm slaying stereotypes, can I be a Slayer...you know, of stereotypes?)

b. Staying up late/Napping: I love to stay up while the rest of the world (almost) sleeps. Likewise, I love to sleep while the rest of the world is awake. (Um, I totally sound like a vampire). There's something really cool about doing the opposite of what everybody else is doing at any given time. Have you noticed I'm not a follower? Well, apart from following blogs. Bah. You know what I mean.

c. Marc Jacobs handbags. God, help me, I love 'em. I'm more of a Marc by Marc Jacobs girl--I like my bags BIG and squishy. Oh, the smell of the leather is...AHHHHHH...divine. I'm frugal, though--I only buy on sale with free shipping codes. It's just a smart way to buy luxury labels.

d. Tiger Droppings .com during an LSU game. 'Nuff said.

e. Dancing and singing in my undies. Yes, the virgin likes to shake it in her undies. What can I say? It's fun.

The Stylish Blogger Award: Oooh, I love the name of this one! Given to me by the oh-so-sweet Starlight! If you haven't already, you must check out her blog!!Thank you so much--I can't tell you how much it means to me!

Rules: 1. Thank and link back to the individual who gave you this award (see above); 2. Share 7 things about yourself. 3. Award 5 bloggers: Jewels; J. Day; Yvonne; Lori; Jules

a. There are some foods I can't stand because of texture, like raw tomatoes--if they are cooked, it's all good; raw, not so much.

b. I LOATHE sushi. Don't get me near the stuff...the smell alone will surely send me into full on gag-mode.

c. Recurring nightmare (warning: it's truly pathetic): I show up to class and realize I forgot to study for an exam. I start freaking out that it's going to destroy my GPA. It's about then when I wake up in a panic, only to realize I'm through with ALL those years of schooling. Ugh. Will I ever outgrow the Hermione phase? Probably not.

d.  I wish I could bottle the smell of my mama's garlic roast dinner. *Sigh* It's so ridiculously good.

e. Sometimes I just like to listen to American Standards--break away from today's pop sounds (they all begin to sound alike after a while). From Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall, I love them all. So calming. 

f. I love to play the online game Bloons. Seriously, it's kinda addicting.

g. When I was little, I used to re-write the endings to movies. My mom would place a yellow notepad next to me toward the end of a film, just in case I felt the need to recreate the ending.

The Life Is Good Award: Many, many thanks to Yvonne and J. Day for this seriously smile-worthy award!  I just love these awards! They make my day!

Rules: 1. Thank and link back to the wonderful blogging friends who gave me this award (see above); 2. Answer 10 survey questions; 3. Pass the Award on to your fabulous blogging buddies: Martha Ruth; Aunt Of 14; Wynn; Starlight; Average Girl; George; Suzanne; Rebekah; Kalei; Mynx; Drake

Q1.  If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you aren't anonymous, do you wish you started out anonymously so that you could be anonymous now? For now, I am comfortable blogging anonymously. Anonymous or not, this is me...this is who I am.

Q2.  Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side. My mom is probably best equipped to answer this one. Honestly, I think just trying to find my soul mate without having to lay down with every guy to find him makes me pretty darn stubborn...or foolish...I guess time will answer that one. Still, I'm not giving up, and I'm not giving it up to just anyone.

Q3. What do you really see when you look at yourself in the mirror? Someone who is finally realizing she is pretty darn strong; someone who has a foolishly big heart; someone who doesn't take herself too seriously...and someone who can be a big dork sometimes.  Basically, I see me, flaws and all.

Q4. What is your favorite summer cold drink? Do I really need to answer? SODA. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring...SODA. 

Q5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do? I love to read, write, curl up and watch epic movies. Just escape reality.

Q6. Is there something you still want to accomplish in your life? Oh goodness, yes. Aside from finding love (pretty much a given, right?) and starting a family, it would be a dream come true to have my mama see me achieve my dreams. I would love to deconstruct the stereotypical face of virginity and really show people, young and old, that waiting for love is a real option, not some crazy, bizarre thing reserved for the wacky.

Q7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching? I was your quintessential Hermione Granger, especially in college.

Q8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see? Seeing my daddy in the hospital, fighting for his life. He's such a strong, solid Texas guy; seeing him so fragile was unbearable. It made me realize the importance of every single second we have in this life. All those little things we complain about--all those cruel things people say--mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. Loving your family, spending as much time with them as possible...that's what matters. Just breathe...live...love.

Q9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog, or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events? I think it all depends on the topic. Generally, I'm pretty comfortable--it's just me...in writing, really.

Q10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why? Reading a book, hands down. I love getting completely lost in a story, its characters, its world.

Hark Go The Blog Awards!

I have two utterly amazing blog awards to give thanks for and to pass to other wonderful, deserving blogger buddies.

First, I know I am so far behind on blog reading--between everyday life, my seemingly perpetual sentence in Singletonville, cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, and worrying about my mom 24/7, I've had little time for much else...other than sleep, which I have tried to squeeze in when possible...but I do believe I'm taking on a zombie-like quality. Please forgive me.

Okay, first award: I'm A Shiny Turkey. No, really, I am. And I cooked one, too (yeah, I know, lame joke).


My wonderful friend, J. Day, over at The Ramblings Of Charlie Brown (Check out her blog--it is vastly entertaining and she is just a truly wonderful person) awarded me this yummy award--thank you so much. *hugs*

The rules are simple: Pass it to 3 or 4 bloggers and tell a story relating to any of the following--intoxication, food, kitchen, cooking/baking, or holiday.

Well, I reckon my recent Thanksgiving cooking adventure qualifies...especially the part where I inadvertently burned up my mom's stove top, rendering it completely useless. Or, maybe, I could talk about the time we had an ice storm in Dallas during the Christmas holiday. Ice storms happen in Texas, but for it to happen just in time for Christmas was pretty cool.  Hmm, maybe I could talk about friends. You know, how REAL friends call to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. My BFF called first thing at 8:30 a.m. Wasn't (who is quickly turning into He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named a.k.a the snake-like Voldemort) doesn't. Nope. Pretty revealing, if you ask me. Heck, I wish everyone a Happy Anything every year--it's just...polite...and nice...and the human thing to do. Anyway, I digress.

Here you go fellow bloggers--a turkey award for you (I figure it still counts because turkeys are tradition throughout the whole of the holidays): Juliana, Alessandra, Ms. Caboo, Jewels, and Martha

My second blog award comes from another dear blogger friend: Average Girl (Tracy) at It's An Average Life. She is such a sweetheart and whenever she comments or blogs, she just makes my day a little brighter. You will want to visit her blog. This award is called...are you ready...love this...The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Thank you so much Tracy. Um, is it wrong that I really want a piece of that strawberry pie?

There aren't any rules that I could see with this one, so I will do what Tracy did and pass this forward to three bloggers (though I could pick everyone!): Yvonne, Jen, and Rebekah

Two yummy, delicious blog awards that, quite frankly, are making me hungry.

Thank you again for thinking of me. *hugs to you both*

My Little Blog Shines...And It Means Everything To Me.

I am quite literally over the moon....and gobsmacked (love that word--it just totally captures the emotion). Jen at Ink Drops has taken the time to create a beautiful blog award called The Star Award, Your Blog Shines.  What a kind, generous, wonderful idea. I can't possibly thank you enough, Jen.

When I first started this blog, I was admittedly nervous...okay, I was utterly terrified. It's no small thing to just say to whoever may stumble upon your blog, "hey, I'm a virgin...at 32!" I was afraid people would lash out, say cruel things, belittle me, ridicule me...basically bully me. Unfortunately, bullying isn't something that  happens to kids alone; as bullies grow and mature, so does the style of bullying (which begs the question: Do bullies actually mature? Or do they just get better at bullying?).

From what we've seen on the news, the bullying is getting worse by the day. I don't think I'll ever understand why some people feel the need to treat others badly. Does it really make the bully feel better about themselves? Does it make them feel more important? Why hurt another human being? I don't get it...never will. We're all in the same boat, really...we're all trying to figure out how to plug the leaks.

I've heard my fair share and I've shed some tears, but my skin has gotten pretty thick in the process.  Still, it stings when I hear the backhanded comment or see "the look," usually accompanied by the ever-popular head tilt. Laughing is my rule at this stage in life.

After over four months of blogging, I have made some very dear friends (yes, I consider you my friends, silly at it seems), received more support and encouragement than I could possibly imagine, and have had actual blog awards bestowed upon my little blog.

I guess I just wanted to say thank you--through this blog and through your support, this once little cowardly lion has found her courage badge...and I'm proudly, openly wearing it, maybe for the first time in my life.

Versatile Blogger Award!!

I was so honored to find that both J. Day at The Ramblings of Charlie Brown and Jewels at Turning 30: A Journey of Self Exploration awarded me with The Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you both so very, very much. These awards mean the world to me, as corny as that may sound. Truly, I am always stunned to receive one. I'm such a dork sometimes. Anyone who hasn't visited J. Day and Jewels, you really have to when you get a chance--they have amazingly entertaining, thoughtful, funny, and thought-provoking blogs.  You will not be disappointed.

Here are the rules in accepting this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave me this award. (see above)
2. Tell everyone 7 things about myself
3. Pass this award to 15 other bloggers (I'm changing this one to 9 because of time constraints). 
4. Contact the bloggers that I picked and tell them about the award (I may have to do this over the course of a day or two)


7 things about myself:


1. I love doing dishes, but HATE when people stack dirty dishes on top of dirty dishes--that just means I have to wash the top and bottom. And, yes, I know that's why God invented dishwashers, but I still feel the need to have them nice and clean prior to going through the machine.


2.  Germ-a-phobic. Yeah, I use waterless hand sanitizer wherever I go. Actually, I have a small travel bottle for each handbag, including one for the car. Touch a menu, use the hand sanitizer; touch a public sink handle (which I try not to do), use the hand sanitizer; if you are sick and shake my hand, don't be offended, but I'm breaking out the hand sanitizer. People USED to think I was nutty, but when I rarely got colds, they started catching on and now can't do without the stuff.


3.  "Look, mom, no cavities!" I've never had a cavity. *knock on wood*

4.  I LOVE BBC America programming. Seriously, everything from Extras, The Office, Gavin & Stacey, Coupling, to Torchwood, Doctor Who, and Primeval.  However, I may walk around with an accent  for a while saying things like, "That's immense!" "Tidy, " and "Brilliant!"

5.  I LOVE the holidays--Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter--everything. Christmas is my absolute favorite--the music, the films, the decorations, and just that wonderful Christmassy feeling.

6.  First date curse: I have one.  It's like I have this incredible ability to make a complete and total a** out of myself on a first date, particularly if it's some fancy ordeal. Don't believe me? Let's look at an example: After being hit on in front of my date by our waiter, I nervously flailed my fork and sent a juicy piece of chicken to the floor. The splat sound was surprisingly loud...or maybe it just sounded that way to me becasue I was utterly mortified. The snickering around us was, however, quite loud. Later, while walking to his car, I slipped on some ice, sending us both to the cold, hard, snowy ground. I don't think he stopped laughing for a week, though he seriously wanted to go back and punch the waiter.

So, I absolutely INSIST on the first date being something low-key--I don't care if it's an arcade, a bowling alley, picking up some take-out and playing video games, or watching a movie--so long as it's a place where my idiocy will blend in when the first date curse kicks in. The absolute best place for me on a first date is probably a sporting event--what better place to blend in than with a bunch of fans, many of which are either partially clothed, wearing inexplicable costumes, or covered in body paint, screaming their fool heads off?

7. I LOVE to beat the system--to me, that means buying on sale. Yes, I'm a handbagaholic, but I have NEVER paid full price for my bags. Not once. I watch the sales carefully; I know when the luxury stores have their sales...I know when they add extra discounts and have free shipping.  For me, it's a game that I have to win. I feel proud when I find a heck of a deal on something that was originally nearly double (or more) what I paid.  Even if I had Paris Hilton's bank account, I would shop the sales. You never have to pay full price for fashion.


9 fellow bloggers:

1.  A Real (Upstate) NY Housewife
2.  Ms. Caboo
3.  Aunt of 14
4.  Deviled Megs
5.  Jen
6.  Just Another Avenue
7.  Little Match Girl
8.  An International Affair
9.  Dusting Myself Off

Please feel free to do with the award what you like. I understand everyone has time constraints, so please don't feel that you have to pass it on--just do what you want. :)

One Lovely Blog Award Winner!!!

My week started with a truly awesome surprise: One Lovely Blog Award from the wonderfully kind Me, Myself, & I .

In order to accept this award, I need to do the following:

1.  Give Credit to the person who bestowed it and post a link to their blog: Me, Myself, & I: You are truly a treasure, thank you so very much for thinking of my blog. It means so much.

2. Pass the award on to 10 new blogs you have discovered
3. Contact the recipients and let them know.

Here are the 10 blogs I have chosen for this award (I'm trying to pick different blogs from those who have already received this one, just to spread the love):

1. Alessandra
2. Average Girl
3. Aunt of 14
4. R.R. Jones
5. Jen (Ink drops)
6. George Wells
7. Miss Innocent
8. Annie
9. Rebekah
10. Queen

Frankly, I pass this award to everyone following my 'lil blog--you all are amazing and special. :o)

The Frisky Virgin: Blog Of Substance Award Winner!!!!!

I'm truly overwhelmed.  The wonderfully kind Queen Of The Rant has honored me with the Blog Of Substance Award. I cannot possibly express to you how grateful I am. It took every bit of internal strength I had to start this blog, to put my heart and soul out there.  To be a virgin in this day and time, and at my age, is difficult, but to actually stand up and TELL people is markedly more difficult.  Never in a million years did I think I would meet so many wonderful people on here--people who encourage this choice of mine, as well as my wish to show people that it's okay to wait for love...that it's okay to be different...that virgins are normal people who have simply chosen a different path.  I thank you so very much, Queen.

Now, in order to accept this award I must do the following:

1. Thank the blogger who gave me the award: Again, I must thank you so very, very much, Queen. I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me.

2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five (5) words: To enlighten people about virginity.

3. Pass it on to 10 other blogs which you feel have real substance.

This is one of the toughest decisions I've had to make, for there are countless blogs I'd love to name. You know I'd name you all if I could. In random order:

1. Dusting Myself Off  

As one of the first people I met, Rebekah instantly made me feel welcome in this world of blogging.  Her blog is more than a blog about marriage, love, and life; it is a blog that gives you hope, and it's one of my absolute favorites: funny, heartwarming, honest, and an absolute joy to read.

2.  Only If Your're Listening...

This blog is one you will love to read.  From her "letters to her future husband" to the "much needed comic relief," it's a fun, uplifting blog about finding our way through this life.

3.  Little Match Girl

Follow the adventures of online dating in the Big Apple with Little Match Girl.  Reading her adventures makes online dating a lot less scary. One of my favorite reads!!

4.  It's An Average Life

The name of this blog just jumps off the page, as does her blog when you start reading it: it's filled with honesty and humor about life, love, and everything in between.

5.  Turning 30: A Journey of Self Exploration

Truly one of my favorites! This blog is without a doubt one that opens my eyes and makes me think.  She is raw, real, and true--three characteristics that seem vastly undervalued today. 

6.  Stephen On Stuff

As one of my only guy followers, I love to hear his perspective on things as much as I love reading his blog.  You will find an array of interesting, funny posts that always entertain.

7.  Cup-Tin Creations

Read all about good eats, fun stories, and maybe even cook up a recipe or two.

8. Renewed Day By Day

Uplifting, inspiring, faith. Those are the words that instantly come to mind when I visit this blog.

9.  The Adventures Of Cinderita

Recently, this wonderful blogger stopped my my blog, and I'm so glad she did. Her blog is uplifting, fun, and inspiring. Truly a wonderful blog.

10.  The Anonymous Perils Of A Single Southern Woman (WARNING: At Times, Adult Content)

The name alone instantly grabbed my attention...and then I began reading her blog. She warns you up front that there may be X-rated material at times, and that should tell you just how honest and open this blogger is about life, love, and everything in between. 

11.  mytressa

Although I have only just started reading this blog, I can already see it is going to be a favorite.

12. Surviving Boys

Rent-A-Hubby.  That's all it took to get me completely and totally hooked on her blog! Although, he's not a Rent-A-Hubby any longer!! Now we can all look forward to engagement stories, wedding prep...oh, the possibilities are endless! You are a wonderful person, and I'm so very happy for you!!!!

I know, I added a couple extra, but it's always been tradition in my family to do just that with birthday candles for good luck. Why not apply that here?

To anyone I might have missed or forgotten--I'm so sorry...you know I value each and every single one of you so much.

Queen--thank you again. *hugs to you*