An Embarrasment of Riches

I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from PTSD (Post-Thanksgiving Stress Disorder), which is why it was extra nice to receive some awards and prizes this week:

• a pair of Posh Pads organic reusable bamboo nursing pads from Happy Green Babies. My leaky boobs thank you!
• a $50 gift certificate from the Beau-coup.com store as part of their Fan Appreciation Giveaway. They are the ultimate in customizable party favors. I have a year to spend the money...I'm thinking of favors for Marlie's 1st birthday.
  
• Did I mention that I won the "I'm on the Blog Roll" contest over at The Redhead Riter by figuring out her real name? (It's Sherry in case you still don't know.) For all my hard sleuthing work, I won this Pamper Yourself prize pack, which includes candles, a book of poems, washcloths, a big fluffy towel, and a plush blanket to wrap up in (perfect for a long, hot bath on a cold, winter night):
  Sherry is currently hosting a giveaway for a $25 American Express gift card from Hellman's. We all could use a little extra cash this time of year, but you have to be in it to win it. Head over there to enter!
  
• The Redhead Riter also gave me this award. her blog is like a hot cup of tea, go check it out:

  This one didn't come with any rules, but I'm interpreting it as a recognition for those who leave heartfelt comments.
  
  
  
  
  

• I also got an award from Kate at Busted Plumbing...thanks my dear! Her blog is a must read. You'll fall in love with her sassy attitude and sense of humor that flies in the face of a heartbreaking situation. She could easily and justifiably be bitter, but she chooses to be bright...so.go.love.on.her! The rules for accepting this honor are:
  

• Share 7 things that you don't already know about me
• Name 7 other blogs to receive this award
• Leave a comment on each of the blogs I nominated
• Thank the person who gave you the award

7 Things You Don't Already Know About Me:

1. I've never met a vegetable I didn't like (except okra...too slimy!)
2. I was editor of my high school newspaper during my senior year. Our principal tried to censor a story and we challenged him in front of the school board. The ACLU got involved, and it made national news.
   
3. I majored in journalism in college. I wanted to be a news photographer for National Geographic.
4. Instead, I became a nonprofit professional and spent ten years managing youth programs.
5. I started my own nonprofit in 2003 called Enchanted Closet.
   
6. I cannot swim (despite living near a beach most of my life)
7. I cannot fall asleep without the television on.
8. I am a deep sleeper. I slept through Hurricane Andrew...the sounds of torrential rain, golf ball-sized hail, debris hitting our roof...none of it woke me up.
   
9. I'm athletic by nature. I like running, Rollerblading, biking, kickboxing, hiking, rebounding, yoga...anything on land.
   

I'm giving the Heartfelt Blogger Award and the Kreativ Blogger Award to these 7 blogs:

1. Akilah @ Execumamas, I hear ya!
   
2. Amy @ Six Flower Mom
   
3. Betty @ Cut and Dry
4. Jen @ Jael Custom Designs
   
5. Kelly@ Speaking from the Crib
6. A @ Lemonologie
7. Serenityville @ Aayymeee, whatchoo gonna do-o???

Whew! That's a lot of pats on the back and all well-deserved. I think I might go for a run now...