Just when you thought I was an ungrateful little biznatch....

I have racked up numerous awards (aren't I fabulous!) on this blog over the past few months that I just keep putting off posting. Well no more! 

Here's how this is going to work....I am going to post each award that I have received, shower the person who gave it to me with compliments, and tell you about another blog that I absolutely love. Anyone I mention should feel free to accept and post the award on his or her own blog, or just smile, feel good about being loved and move on. 

Margarita, over at Ramblings of a Fab Burnette, gave me the MeMe award. For this award, the recipient has to share seven tidbits of information about his- or herself. But, before I start with the "me, me, me" I want to talk about "her, her, her." Margarita is a creative, independent, intelligent, confident woman. She is not afraid to follow her dreams; I admire that. Margarita is in the middle of a move to Vancouver and is plugging away on starting her own cupcakery. Stop by her blog and wish her luck!

Seven things you may or may not know about me:

1. I used to have a belly button ring, but it was ripped out after being stuck to the netting of a catamaran while I was on a snorkeling trip in the Bahamas. I would have had to get rid of it by now anyway--I am too old to be rocking a bare midriff.
   
   
2. I never, never, never-ever want to have children.
   
   
3. I haven't dyed my hair since I was 15-years-old. I grew it out, long and natural, with the intentions of donating it to Locks for Love, but I became attached and never hacked it off. My hair has been flowing al naturale since.
   
   
4. I always refer to myself as being a "shy person," but none of my friends seem to agree.
   
   
5. Despite coming across as a cynic, I am a romantic deep down. Deep, deep, deeeep down.
   
   
6. I am completely and totally addicted to my iPhone.
   
   
7. When people discuss celebrity relationships as though they know the couple or otherwise have a vested interest, I want to choke them.
   

I am passing the MeMe award to Busty Satan. I started reading her blog just a couple months ago, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Her posts are always insightful, and are generally short and to-the-point--perfect for a quick read. BS likes to laugh and drink tequila; I'm certain we would be friends in "real life" given the chance.

Travel & Dive Girl gave me the "Your Blog is Fabulous" award. Well, you know what? I think you're fabulous Travel & Dive Girl! When I'm having a tough day at work, I like to take a break and cruise on over to Journey & Adventure where I live vicariously through her. I can only dream of having the guts to scuba dive. (I tried getting certified and ended day 1 underwater with a panic attack and a resolution to spend the rest of the week on the beach...with beer.) Take a look at her amazing underwater photos. And, witness her unforgiving sense of humor. Seriously, check out her blog!

The recipient of this award is supposed to list 5 of his or her biggest obsessions. (And, pass the award to 5 other worthy bloggers, but I'm not doing that. Anyway!) 

I don't know how big they are, but here are five things I obsess over:

1. Pockets--I can't stand pocket flaps that are folded, flipped or creased
2. Cabinets--I will never walk past an open cabinet and not shut the door
   
3. Discovering people's underlying motives--AKA paranoia
4. Design projects, web, graphic, whatever
   
5. Furniture placement--When I first moved in to my house and Jack refused to move the couches around the living room for the umpteenth time, I went and bought felt sliders so I could feed my obsession without his help. 
   

Another blog that I think is totally fabulous is Nicole Antoinette's blog, More is Better, because really it's true. More is better! More Nicole that is! I often laugh out loud when I read her posts--she is exactly as she describes, "Deliciously Vulgar." Not only is Nicole funny and charming, but she uses her popularity for good. Every month, Nicole gives a "shout out" to a fellow blogger she deems worthy. Also, she is compiling a collection of essays to publish in a book, Quarter Life Memoirs: Epic Essays by 20-Somethings. If you're a 20-something who has a knack for writing, please submit your work to be considered for publication! Details for submitting your essay are on Nicole's blog.

Nicole from My Teacups in Peony gave me the "My Blog is Awesome" award. Nicole is one of the sweetest, kindest, warmest people I have ever known. Nicole is not only a great writer, but also a fantastic photographer. One of her recent projects, "It's a love story," was so heart-warming that even I, a self-proclaimed cynic, couldn't help but feel touched by the love stories she posted. Nicole is also one of the many wonderful people responsible for the blog Diamond in the Rough, which gives "undiscovered gem-type blogs some publicity and get them the fame they deserve!" Nicole spreads love and positive energy across the internet--I love her for that!

Another blog that is awesome is Lora's Oh, the Urbanity! FACT. Lora and I have been friends for like a bazillion years, despite her aversion to bamboo earrings and "South-Philly tuxedos." Oh, the Urbanity! features funny-interesting-sad-entertaining pictures of the "real" Philadelphia, all taken on Lora's cell phone. Her stealth shots have made her famous (at least in the Urbanity circle) and she has acquired a cult following, me included. Her blog inspired me to create the Charm City version.


Dani from A Daily Dose of Dani gave me all of the awards below. Thanks Dani! Dani doesn't post to her blog too often, but when she does her posts are always well thought-out and succint. She and I hold similar views on the world, and I always enjoy reading her take on current events. Now don't get the wrong impression, Dani's writing is not always serious...she writes about dating, pretty things and fun times too. Dani is well-rounded and awesome like that!

 

 

The Lemonade Award is given to blogs that shine with positive energy (at least that's my interpretation :) I am passing this award to Magaly at Pagan Culture. On her blog, Magaly tackles such important issues as dating outside your faith, explaining your ideals to your family, social justice, sexuality...you know, life. Magaly is an excellent writer with a big heart and pure intentions. No matter what your religion, background, etc., I think everyone can find something to relate to in Magaly's words.

 

Hey Hannah at Taunt, I think "Your Blog is Fucking Fabulous!" What makes Hannah's blog so fabulous? Her posts drip with sarcasm (for me sarcasm is right up there with ice cream on list of of likes) and her writing perfectly reflects her mood--sometimes happy and ready to get funky, and sometimes angry, like when she quit smoking.

The Sexy Blogger Award goes to Mr. Condecending, my not-so-secret blogger crush. I have never actually seen a picture of Mr. C, but something about him turns me on. ;) Maybe it's the way he oozes confidence, or his smooth way with words, I'm not sure. I just know that Jack better watch out!

All though I appreciate being called the "Queen of Alll Things Awe-Summm," I know someone truly deserving of the crown--Chef Green of Sauce on the Side. Chef Green is truly and utterly fabulous. When he's not preparing delicious dishes or dealing with resturant drama, Chef Green is drinking fine wine and stealing kisses beneath the stars. His flare and style come through in every word he writes.


I also have an award to post at my other blog, but I just don't have it in me right now....

Me, Me, ME!

The oh-so-fabulous Margarita at Ramblings of a Fab Brunette tagged me for the MeMe award.


Recipients of this award are supposed to share seven things about themselves and tag seven fellow bloggers to do the same, so here goes...

It's all about me!

I often visualize my own demise. For example, when stepping out of the shower, I see myself slipping, falling over the side of the tub and breaking my spine. Or, when I'm making a turn, I imagine my power steering going out, losing control and wrecking head on into the guardrail. Morbid, right?

During my junior year of college I took a leave of absence from my regular university to take a semester at la Universidad de Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica. That experience, combined with the six weeks I spent in Guatemala doing volunteer work after I graduated, opened my eyes and changed me forever.

Growing up, my mother and I had a very strained relationship, to say the least. When I graduated high school, I moved out and got an apartment with a boyfriend. My mom didn't approve and I was cut off financially. About a year into paying my own way, I called home and apologized for being a horrible daughter. Eventually, I got rid of the scummy boyfriend and even spent the last quarter of my senior year living at my parents' house.

I don't understand--and never have understood--the allure of drinking games like beer pong and flip cup. Card games like Rummy and Poker are fun, but I don't need to play games to drink. I can pound my liquor without being forced, thank you very much.

I am not a "girly girl." I rarely wear make-up. When I do, it's mascara and translucent powder. And maybe some tinted Burt's Bees. I can't scream one of those high-pitch, horror-movie style screams. My voice is just too sultry for that frequency. I don't squeal. I'm not afraid to get dirty. I prefer sneakers to heels. (Though I do have some red patent-leather stilettos that are to die for). I can't hold a conversation about celebrity relationships, shopping, reality TV or make-up. With, ease I spout out words that many women are embarrassed to even hear. I don't freak out at the sight of an insect or rodent. I do get pedicures regularly though......

The only sport I like to watch is soccer. D.C. United games are so much fun. There's this group, "La Norte," that comes to every match with war paint, drums and smoke bombs. They sit in the crappy seats, behind the goal on the north-side of the field. I have always wanted to join them, but I never see any women in their section. I'd probably be eaten alive.

When I was a cocktail waitress, all I wanted to do was finish college and get a "real" job. Now that I have a "real" job, I pine for the days of slinging drinks, sporadic work schedules and late-night partying. I guess it's true what they say--The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

I tag....
Lora (because I know how much she loves talking about herself ;)
ShansPLC
K13
Amit
Fidgeting Gidget
Extranjera
Novelista Barista

Honest Scrap

For me? You shouldn't have!

Joe Ordinary—who's anything but ordinary in my book—at Ink for Thought and SarahBeth—a super cool chick who's not afraid of a challenge—at My So Called Life tagged me for the Honest Scrap Award.


This award recognizes bloggers who "keep it real," and as blog awards go, it comes with a couple of rules:

- Tell your readers 10 things about yourself that they may not know.
- Tag 10 fellow bloggers for the award.

I'm breaking the rules and only listing 8 things and only tagging three fellow bloggers...

1. I broke my left femur in a car accident when I was 10 years old. Because of the accident, and years of subsequent surgeries, I now have mechanical scoliosis and a serious scar all the way down my thigh. Having a gnarly scar and a limp during my pre-teen years definitely did a number on my self-esteem.
   
   
2. Saying "no" is really difficult for me, both in my personal life and at work.
   
   
3. When it comes to music, I'm all about the underground baby! The only radio stations I ever listen to are National Public Radio and 99.1 El Sol, our local Spanish-language radio station.
   
   
4. Despite my hot high-top kicks, ghetto hoops, crooked hat and city-strut, I'm secretly a tree-hugging hippie. Maybe this isn't as big of a secret as I'd like to think....
   
   
5. Earlier this year I convinced my boss to let me move into a Web content manager position, despite having no formal training in the field.
   
   
6. Back to self-esteem issues. I have had a horrible time adjusting to my new, late-20s voluptuous figure. I have almost no clothes that fit me, because when I try to go shopping I wind up frustrated and angry or crying in the dressing room. Pathetic, huh?
   
   
7. I often find myself completely disenchanted with the United States, its policies and people. Maybe that's a direct result of working in Washington, D.C.
   
   
8. When I eat a sandwich, its contents must be perfectly proportional for every bite. I cut my sandwiches into four equal pieces and turn the bread so I get just the right amount of crust in every bite.
   

I would like to pass this award to:

Garf
Nicole
Haley

Keepsake

I received this lovely "Keepsake Blog Award" from Garf at A Garf Secret. A testament to technology's awesome power to connect people, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Garf, who lives on the other side of the globe in India. He is a kind, generous and thoughtful person, who values love, happiness, kindness and friendship above all else. Who couldn't get on board with that?

The "Keepsake Blog Award" is on of my favorite blog awards out there, because whoever receives it is supposed to post a photo of a keepsake that they hold dear to his/her heart. 

Just like looking through an old photo album, objects can remind us of fond memories, of loved ones who have long-passed, and of our former selves. 

These ceramic elephant plant stands that now decorate my home belonged to my grandma Libby. She had them at her apartment in Baltimore, and at her apartment in Perryville. And, at her apartment in North East. My grandmother followed us each time we moved to a new town--she always lived within five or ten minutes of us. 

She smoked like a chimney, so her apartment walls had a slightly yellow tinge. These elephants guarded the entry of each of her apartments, topped with spider plants with waxy leaves that touched the floor. When I was really little, I liked to run my hand along the smooth, cool ceramic and drive my matchbox cars around the base. I always loved these elephants, and just before my grandma Libby passed, she gave them to me. 

My grandma was not the kind of grandmother who brought you gifts and baked cookies, but she did knit me lots of sweaters. Itchy, wool sweaters that I hated but my mother made me wear. As a kid, I didn't understand that each sweater was stitched with love. 

She had a nasal voice (think Fran Drescher, without the Queens accent),  a sharp tongue and a critical eye...and don't think she cut me a break just because I was her only grandchild. When I was in fifth or sixth grade, I had a tie-dye folder with a peace sign on it. My grandmother took one look at it, sneered and said "What are you some kind of hippie now? I hate hippies. Your mother was a hippie, you know." That was my grandmother. She was hard on those she loved, and she certainly loved me. 

Tell me about one  of your treasured keepsakes?

Reversing a trend {week 3}

Each week I post a compliment to myself and a compliment to a friend. The goal of this project is to help myself and all the amazing women I know to embrace our inner-beauty.

I am not afraid to be silly. I like to make silly faces, interject witty (read:immature) commentary into conversations and break out cheesy dance moves like the "grocery cart" on a crowded dance floor. This may sound like a strange compliment to give myself, but I feel like not taking yourself to seriously is an important quality to have.

Lizzi (Life According to Lizzi) is a creative and talented artist. She's an excellent painter, photographer and writer. Even more impressive than her shear talent is that Lizzi does not allow her roles as a mother, a wife and a working professional to keep her from exploring her creative side. She makes time for self-expression and is bold enough to post her work to a blog and share it with the world.

I met Lizzi in the blogosphere earlier this year. Since then, we have become modern-day pen pals, reading and commenting on one another's blogs and keeping the conversation going through e-mail. I am certain that Lizzi and I would be real-life-flesh-and-blood friends if we weren't separated by 2,000+ miles....

Just last week, Lizzi bestowed upon me the "Queen of ALLL Things Awe-Summm!!!" award. Thanks Lizzi!

Before I can officially accept my crown, here's what I am supposed to do:

1. List 7 things that make me Awe-Summm

2. Pass this award onto 7 deserving bloggers

3. Tag said bloggers and link back to who tagged you

Here's my list:
1. I make silly faces at strangers.
2. I make people laugh.
3. I am willing to try anything, at least once.
4. I can rap my favorite ghetto-tek tracks at 160 beats per minute.
5. I am a good cook, and my dishes range from Latin American to Israeli inspired.
6. I love to learn about everything and anything.
7. I am friends with people of all different backgrounds.

And, here is a list of seven bloggers who I think are totally awe-summ!!!!! Be sure to check them out.

1. Chef Green at Sauce on the Side
2. The Wife in Stilletos
3. Jasmine at An Experiment in Poverty
4. Floreta at The Solitary Panda
5. All the wonderful women at Wednesday Spaghetti
6. Diane at The Pits
7. ShansPLC at Word.

Keepin' it real

Fidgeting Gidget, a fellow 20 Something Blogger, gave me the "Honest Scrap" award last week. Be sure to check her out!

While I appreciate all the awards I receive, I especially like this one--and not just because it makes my blog look oh-so tough! This award recognizes bloggers who write honestly and openly and encourages more straightforward and candid conversation by obliging recipients to list 10 honest things about his/her self. Here goes:

1) When I hear people talk about how their father walked out on their family, I am actually a little jealous. Sometimes not knowing is better.

2) I am driven by guilt. Every action I take to better myself and the world around me is an attempt to ward off the guilt I would feel for doing nothing.

3) I was in a horrible car accident as a child and have mechanical scoliosis, an irrational fear of doctors and extreme road rage as a result.

4) Despite my high-power D.C job and urban lifestyle, I am [not so] secretly a dirty hippie.

5) You wouldn't know it from my relative success in life and innocent appearance, but I have a sordid past.

6) Jack is the one person in this universe that knows all the secrets of that sordid past.

7) It took 20 years for me to begin calling my step-dad, just "dad."

8) My dream is to own a small, eco-friendly bed and breakfast in Costa Rica or Panama.

9) I am the most un-photogenic person on earth.

10) I am relatively good at everything I try to do. This is a curse. When I encounter something that causes me to struggle, I just give up.

Now it's my turn to pass on this great award! Here is a list of five blogs I believe embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap:

• An Experiment in Poverty
• This Could Take a While
• Jakezilla
• Love is Nice, Like Us
• Life According to Lizzi

For me? You shouldn't have!

I recently joined "20 Something Bloggers," a group very enthusiastic and supportive group of bloggers with lots to say. Since joining 20SB, I have added a number of new blogs to my reading list, gained new readers and even received an award from The Novelista Barista! I am happy to have met Novelista in the blogosphere--she is super-friendly, very open and shares my love of travel and desire to make this world a better place. Be sure to check her out!

This award is dedicated to those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging and seeks to find the reasons why we all love blogging.

Each person who receives the award is obliged to show thanks by posting the award on his/her blog, giving a shout out to the person who gave the award, and to answer the following question: "Why do you love blogging?"

Blogging helps me deal with the craziness that life throws at me--I sort out my emotions and thoughts through writing. Also, I love the community aspect of blogging. Through blogs, I meet and connect with people I probably would never have had the opportunity to know otherwise. People really are more the same than different--the abilitiy to build support networks of friends from all over the world through blogging proves it!

Without further ado, here's a list of five bloggers with whom I'd like to share this award:

• Lora at "Jakezilla"
  Lora introduced me to this whole blogging thing, so I can't think of a more worthy person to receive an award for people who "love to encourage friendships through blogging." Lora is a great writer, who is not afraid to tell it like it is and encourages two-way communication with her readers.
  
  
• Joe Ordinary at "Ink for Thought"
  Joe Ordinary writes from the heart and has been all over 20SB trying to make connections with other bloggers and find new ways to encourage his readers to engage in conversation.
  
  
• Patrick at "Engineering My Life"
  A very active member of 20SB, Patrick writes about everything and anything, from politics to daily life. Check him out!
  
  
• Greg Santos at "Tactical Diversion"
  Tactical Diversion is unique, creative and hysterically funny. Greg encourages readers to submit their own content to be published on his site. He was one of the first people on 20SB to welcome me to the group.
  
  
• Lizzi at "Life According to Lizzi"
  An artist, writer and mother (and much more, I'm sure!), Lizzi's blog posts are always insightful, yet light-hearted and visually interesting. If you leave a comment, Lizzi is sure to keep the conversation going by responding back.