When I was preparing to launch my blog, I created a Twitter account to help promote it when the time came. Of course, among the million and one other things going on in my life, I forgot the account even existed and didn’t starting tweeting until the end of June:
In the last month and a half that followed that tweet, I have connected with so many other like-minded women and men who are just starting their blogs and even some who are firmly established. It has been so fun connecting and making friends with people from across the GLOBE.
So today, after one of the lousiest days of work, I received a Twitter notification. It was nomination from Ish, Accordingly for the Sunshine Blogger Award! The Twitter-verse has a number of similar techniques to share, promote, and support fellow bloggers. The Sunshine Blogger Award is a simple way for followers to get to know the blogger behind the words. In general, nominees are viewed as positive, creative, and inspiring. I’m truly honored to be recognized in this way and among this group! So thank, you @ishaccordingly!
So, the rules are simple. I am to:
- Thank the blogger who nominated you in your blog post and link back to her/his blog. CHECK, CHECK.
- Answer 11 questions that the blogger asked you. SEE BELOW.
- Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the awards and write them 11 questions. SEE FURTHER BELOW.
- List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post on your blog. CHECK, CHECK.
Questions:
Who, what, or where inspires you?
I am inspired by a lot of people. I think most recently, my biggest inspiration is my boyfriend. He works tirelessly and is the definition of a hustler. He’s beyond driven, even in the face of the biggest obstacles. He has big dreams and watching him chase them has inspired me to chase my own with that same tireless effort and energy that he puts forth day in and day out. I love you, V.
Do you prefer to listen to gentle showers or thunderstorms?
Gentle showers! I have been terrified of thunderstorms since I was a child and experienced some horrific hurricanes in the Carolinas. I used to hide under my bed, clutching my stuffed animals, until they were over. As an adult, I can still feel my heart-rate pick up with each boom of thunder. Interestingly enough, I nanny part-time, and one of the little girls I care for is typically comforting me. She’ll make a surprised face and then nonchalantly say, “Oh, it’s just the angels bowling.”
Favorite Author?
I really do not have one author in particular that I follow and read religiously. I have always been a huge fan of Jodi Picoult novels, though — Nineteen Minutes is a true masterpiece.
What inspired you to start writing?
As a young girl, I loved to read. I was reading chapter books by the time I entered first grade. I fell in love with the art of storytelling. In 1999, at the ripe age 8, I started watching a popular Soap Opera (General Hospital) with my mom and was enthralled by the budding friendship and relationship between the characters of Jason and Elizabeth. In 2002, the show’s writers decided to part the characters romantically, so I decided that I would tell their story the way I wished it had been told on TV. With the help of some internet-friends on a “Liason” fan site, I created my own site to share my Fan Fiction. That’s kind of where it all started and I’ve been writing stories ever since.
Top 3 recent books?
Gosh, this question made me realize that I read all of these books in 2017. Gotta step my game up this year!
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
The Promise of a Pencil by Adam Braun
Everything is Awful: And Other Observations by Matt Bellassai << This is the first book that has ever made me actually laugh out loud. One chapter literally had my abs aching and tears streaming down my face.
Introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?
At my core, I am an introvert. However, I have a knack for turning on my extroversion when the time calls for it — ALL my coworkers would say I’m an extrovert because I am very talkative, energetic, and easily make friends at work. Additionally, I’d readily admit that Felony Melanie (my drunk persona) is definitely extroverted. She wants to be everyone’s BFF — including that drunk girl who’s been crying in the bathroom for half the night. But, in general, I have a small group of close friends and feel exhausted after spending time with bigger, rowdy crowds. I thrive in jobs and activities that allow me to be independent. I am the type of person who recharges alone. I have said time and time again that my favorite person to be around is myself. So all this being said, I guess this makes me an ambivert — a term I had not heard until today!
What is your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging is when someone contacts me to tell me that my blog affected them in a positive way. Just the other day, a follower read When It Comes to Break-ups, What Is The “Right” Way To Move On? and she told me it reminded her that she isn’t alone and that she will get through her tough break-up. We ended up having a full conversation about how similar our break-ups were and I felt like I had made a new friend. I say it so often, but the human connection is a powerful thing, and I’m grateful for my growing platform that is allowing me to connect with others from all around the world!
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Man, this list is too long! I need categories: Biggest Pet Peeve: Family Gatherings, Biggest Pet Peeve: Social Media, Biggest Pet Peeve: Work. But hmm… I’ll go with this one for now. I can’t stand when one of my roommates doesn’t towel off in the shower. Instead, they step out onto the bath-rugs and get them soaking wet.
Are you a dog or cat person?
Funny question. I like all animals for the most part. I grew up with a dog, a yellow lab, and loved him dearly. My brother and sister-in-law have two amazing dogs, one of which keeps me entertained on Instagram (@life_of_dexterg) and the other is just so calm and precious. My sister has the sweetest cat ever, which is funny because she always considered herself a dog person. Meanwhile, one of my best friends the other day said, “I wouldn’t trust Melanie to take care of a stuffed animal.” So, I probably shouldn’t claim to be either. 😛
Do you prefer the fast pace of a city or laid back motion of the country?
Fast pace of a city! Strange, considering my introversion. 😉
Last time you celebrated a win for yourself?
I graduated with my master’s degree in May and went on a cruise during the week of my birthday. Double celebration! And celebrate, we did! You can read about all the shenanigans, like me trying to throw myself overboard, HERE.
So now, my nominations:
@ThyMarked of Thy Marked
@StumblyCailin of Stumbly
@SiezzleH of Lifestyle With H
@blogaboutalatte of Blog About A Latte
@MrsJosieGrant of Josephine Grant
@LifewithMelly of Life With Melly
@MaryamBaduna of Maryam Baduna
@ItzAmyyyy of Amy Jane
@JaazSaunders of Another Bipolar Blogger
@tiny_redtornado of The Tiny Red Tornado
@teliateanna of Life With Telia
And my questions for you all:
Who has been most influential to you as a blogger?
What is your idea of the perfect date?
What is your favorite junk food?
What is special about the place you grew up?
What is your astrological sign and do you feel like you embody the characteristics of that sign?
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
What is it about your best friend that makes them your best friend?
What is your favorite television show or movie?
What could you give an hour-long presentation about without any preparation?
What’s the best thing that happened in your world this week?
How was your life different one year ago?
And to any of my readers, please PLEASE leave a comment below answering some or all of these questions – I want to get to know you more, too!
Phew. That was fun! Now I need to go pack for a weekend trip to see my former roommates! I’ve only known about this trip for a month now… but decided to wait til 10 minutes before I leave to throw some shit in a bag, all while knowing I’ll have to borrow or purchase something when I get there.
Your pet peeve has me dying. I am “that person” that feels the whole purpose of the bath mat is so you can get it wet while drying off. My husband on the other hand gives me the dirtiest of glares as he refuses to dry off anywhere but inside the shower. I had NO clue that this was a larger predicament for people other than us!
My dad also always told me thunder was angels bowling which I then passed to others (mostly kids who are gullible enough to believe it). Big boom? OBVIOUSLY A STRIKE.
Hahaha! Your comment has me dying, Ashley! I actually thought this was something that just bothers me, so now I’m totally #TeamAshleysHusband 😂 I’m sure this is the type of question that could split the internet.
Parents are so creative to come up with ways to soothe their children. I can’t recall if my parents ever told me that, but I’ve now adopted the angels bowling.
Thank you so much for reading! Hope to see you around here in the future!