Bi-Annual Me Post & Awesome People

Hey gang! Longtime followers know I don't do many of the blog award type things. Not that I don't appreciate them a ton, I just don't like talking about me all that much. (You're grateful, trust me.) Plus, they're incredibly time consuming.


I'm a derelict when it comes to getting around to all of my favorite blogger friends. I'm doing good to get a couple of meaningful posts up each week. The last thing I need to do is distract myself with myself. Then there's the idea of passing the awards on.


I've visited with so many bloggers who look at these awards akin to a prison sentence. They cringe instead of smile when someone says, "Hey, I gave you an award!" It's like someone handed them a card that reads:


I'VE JUST STOLEN TWO HOURS OF YOUR LIFE. HAVE A GREAT DAY!


I don't look at them quite that way. As I said, it truly is an honor. One I don't understand, as I know I'm by far not the most deserving of the attention. I'm just doing my Web 'thang' like all of you.


In fact, it's you I look up to. You are the reason I blog. It gives me an excuse to hang with YOU. So when one of you takes the time to think of me, I'm genuinely amazed and proud.


As a result, I typically do one or two of these award posts a year, just as a thank you to any and all who've given me an award. 


Plus, it gives you a little more dirt on me should we ever cross paths in the real world.


This year's award of choice? It's called the Kreativ Blogger Award and the rules are simple: Jump through four hoops.


HOOP # 1 - Thank the person who nominated you.


My award comes courtesy of Guilie at the Quiet Laughter blog. Guilie is an absolute sweetheart of a person, and a superstar blogger in the making. (Seriously, her blog posts are exceedingly creative and beautiful to boot.)


HOOP # 2 - Answer Questions


What is your favorite song?


This is like picking a favorite child! I love all kinds of music, so this can change literally on the second. I'll pick a song that embodies everything I love about music. The song is On the Radio by Regina Spektor. The second and third verses pretty much some up my life view:


"This is how it works

You're young until you're not
You love until you don't
You try until you can't
You laugh until you cry
You cry until you laugh
And everyone must breathe
Until their dying breath


No, this is how it works
You peer inside yourself
You take the things you like
And try to love the things you took
And then you take that love you made
And stick it into some
Someone else's heart
Pumping someone else's blood
And walking arm in arm
You hope it don't get harmed
But even if it does
You'll just do it all again"

What's your favorite dessert?


More of a second helping kind of guy, so dessert isn't high on my list of food desires. I do love pumpkin pie (probably more for the season it reminds me of).  And anything with peanut butter in it is aces.


What ticks you off?


Besides those stupid 'Easy Open' packages? (THEY NEVER WORK! I end up taking twice the time trying to find scissors, etc. to open a mutilated Easy Open package as I would just tearing the dang thing open like a normal package.)


I'd say assumptions really raise my hackles. Seriously, if you don't assume anything in life, you're probably better off.


What do you do when you're upset?


Exercise is great. Also like to play my guitar. Those are the healthy things. :)


Your favorite pet?


This really is picking a favorite child for me. Absolutely cannot choose. I have two dogs: a 12 year old chihuahua mix, and a five year old beagle mix. Both are rescues, and both are awesome. They keep me sane when the world is crazy. I love them.


Do you prefer black or white?


I like a clean look, so both are pretty awesome from an aesthetics perspective. I'm also practical, and white is hard to keep clean. I guess I view them as sides to the same coin: Do you like a blank canvas (white) or void (black)? Both can be filled with whatever you choose.


Biggest fear?


Losing. Losing the people I love. Losing hope. Losing my desire to fight. Just losing.


What's your attitude, mostly?


Definitely 'can do'. I'm a positive person. I like to always be moving forward. I don't believe in regrets, I believe in choices. I see the potential in everything and everyone.


What is perfection?


Unattainable. Ask the best there's ever been at anything and they'll tell you it never happens. Michael Jordan, Mozart, da Vinci, Hemingway, Einstein--none of them ever believed they couldn't do better, that they couldn't BE better.


Guilty pleasure?


Let's see: There's my love of 80s hair bands. There's pepperoni pizza. There's comic books. There's a second glass of wine. There's a third cup of coffee. There's taking a walk or throwing the Frisbee to my beagle instead of writing. There's watching historical documentaries. There's playing Rock Band with my friends. There's...


HOOP # 3 - Share 10 random facts about yourself.


1. I have a Master's degree in counseling.


2. I can't swim but love the water.


3. Favorite color is red.


4. I'm the youngest of four children.


5. I paint (mostly oils) and draw for fun.


6. My childhood aspiration was to be a comic book illustrator. Or an 
astronaut. :)


7. I'm a total sports junkie and am still convinced I'd be playing in the NBA if I were a foot taller. And could jump.


8. I play several musical instruments by ear. Only formally trained on the trombone.


9. My grandfather (mom's side) was a preacher.


10. Although no one else in my immediate family cared for it, I somehow fell in love with classical music. I listen to it at least an hour everyday. Not on purpose, it just happens in the background while driving, writing, making dinner, etc. Been doing it since high school. I go to our local symphony every chance I get.


HOOP # 4 - Pass It On


Ooh boy, this is where it gets sticky! Rather than pass this award on, I'm going to issue my own very special award. I came up with it a year or two ago as a way of thanking people without asking them to do anything in return. If you snoop around, you might've noticed it on other blogs. It's called the 'No Strings Attached - Real Trooper' award.

If you get it, you do nothing. I give it to my most dedicated followers, and the bloggers that impress me with their heart and determination. I'm going to try to come up with some folks who haven't gotten it before. 


If you haven't met them, please stop by their blogs or say hello. You won't be disappointed. Here goes:


Julie Musil
Donna Yates
Tanya Reimer
Alyson Burdette
Cassie Mae
Lorelei
Morgan Shamy
Christine Rains
Ella


Last and certainly not least ...


Guilie

~EJW~