I have been tagged on a number of blogs to list quite a few different things. Today I am getting to what Cricket, Destini and Lynn tagged me to do…list 7 interesting things about myself.

1. I have hitch hiker’s thumbs. You know, the kind that bend back really far. I think they’re hereditary.

2. I have only seen The Wizard of Oz one time. It was this past Christmas at Kevin’s parents’ house. Hopefully that’ll be the only time. Maybe it’s magical when you’re little, but I was not impressed.

3. I am an early bird, but only if the temperature outside my bed is close to the one inside. It is very hard for me to get up in the mornings if I’m stepping out into a cold room. My body just won’t do it. Since I try to save energy and not run heating or air at night, this becomes a problem.

4. I’ve lost 12 lbs. recently, which is pretty awesome.

5. I think I know the words to nearly every song by Trisha Yearwood. I love her. And man, she has good hair.

6. I have very manageable hair. And lots of it. I’m kind of a hairdressers dream…or worst nightmare.

7. I have a family that rivals the one in My Big, Fat Greek Wedding. Ask Kevin. They think he’s quiet, but really, he’s just normal.

I’d like to encourage you all to visit Rocks in My Dryer and read her latest post about meeting the young boy she sponsors through Compassion International. And please, consider sponsoring a child through this incredible organization. The money you give doesn’t disappear into some large account that gets dispersed in who knows how many ways. No. The money you give to sponsor a child goes to that child. Take a moment to look at their website.

Here’s an excerpt from Shannon’s post:

We sat down to eat, and his eyes were as wide as saucers.  This was not only his first visit to the city, it was his first time to eat at a restaurant.  He’s nine years old.

We began to go through the backpack full of goodies I brought from home.  His eyes nearly came out of his head.  He couldn’t believe the clothes (they were a perfect fit) and his mouth hung open at the $1 solar-powered calculator.  He must have said “thank you” to me a thousand times.

The Compassion worker from his project in the village made the four-hour drive with him, and she served as our interpreter.  She and Dissan together told me his story.

He lives in the village, in a mud hut.  Both his parents died last year, and the relative he was sent to live with is very sickl.  So is his six-year-old brother (Dissan is healthy).  Because it has rained so much in Uganda the last few months, the front wall of their hut has washed away.

This boy, this precious boy with the golden smile, does not have parents, and he does not even have four walls.

…

I told him that I promised we would continue to sponsor him through Compassion as long as he needs us, until he’s an adult.  I gave him a long momma hug, which he eagerly returned.  I whispered in his ear the blessing I say over my own kids before they get on the bus each morning:  May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you, may He be gracious unto you and grant you His peace.

Taking a cue from Jen at Jayesel and having my own “de-lurking” day. Because I didn’t back when everyone else did.

So if you’re reading, just say hello! I’d love to know who runs across this randomly and who is a regular reader.

Right now I am in Clinton, North Carolina meeting a few members of Kevin’s extended family. I know, I should have some crazy story to tell you by now, but the truth is, his family is pretty great. So while I’m out here spending time in a town that looks much like the one I grew up in you should read about a time when The Pioneer Woman almost had a meltdown in front of many of her “boyfriend-but-someday-husband’s” family members. It’s hilarious. And sweet.

Here’s an excerpt:

I had no choice but to surge on, to get dressed, to face the music in all my drippy, salty glory. It was better than staying in the upstairs bathroom of his grandmother’s house all night. God forbid Marlboro Man or Tim start to think I had some kind of feminine problem, or even worse…constipation or…gasp!…diarrhea. I’d sooner move to another country and never return to my homeland than to have them think such thoughts about me.

Not really, but you should head over to The 2007 Weblog Awards and vote for i am bossy as the Funniest Blog.

I am. Terrible. From time to time I get like this. No posts for days. And what kind of blog is that? Not the kind I like to read, but I do appreciate those of you who stick around and check everyday just the same.

At least I’m not a terrible monster. (Wonderful book!)

Right now I am staying pretty busy (by my standards) with planning parties, throwing showers for a soon-to-be-old-and-married friend, going on road trips, and turning twenty-three (next Wednesday). I’m hosting a “personal shower” this Friday and let me tell you–that’s going to be fun! Pictures (the ones that wouldn’t put a funny knot in my stomach if my Granny were to see them) next week sometime.

Until then, I leave you with ME, very excited to see the Haygoods in Branson.

BOSSY loves Dooce.
But Ms. Dub love BOSSY.
(And The Pioneer Woman.
And Redneck Diva.)

But since it’s only been twice, there’s really nothing to complain about. You should be glad that we’re not in 3rd grade and this isn’t the Halloween carnival princess nomination. If it were, I’d be coming over to sit across from you in the cafeteria, wearing sea green stirrup pants, enjoying my post-lasagna ice cream cone, saying, “So, whose name are you going to write down on the ballot after story today?” Only I wouldn’t say “ballot” because most kids in my 3rd grade class had no idea what a ballot was. I did. I was a politically aware 8-year-old (and now look at me). But that’s a story for another time.

Without further ado…

Only one day left to get your nominations in for the 2007 Okie Blog Awards. Hurry on over there and nominate your socks off! Nomination or not, I’m probably going to head up to The Part of the State I Don’t Like So Much (except for their Quick Trips. I love QT) for the Okie Blogger Round-Up with The Boyfriend. A cash donation might even persuade me to wear stirrup pants, if anyone is interested.

That’s right, it’s time for the 2007 Okie Blog Awards! What are the Okie Blog Awards you ask? Well, children, they are simply splendid. It’s a time when all the Okie bloggers come out of the woodwork and nominate their favorite Okie blogs. Magical things happen. People you never knew start to visit your blog, some of them on a regular basis. Some people link you in hopes that you’ll return the favor. It’s a very happy time.

So, Okie bloggers, get yourself on over to the 2007 Okie Blog Awards nomination page, send in your nominations, and cross your fingers that, YES, Susan Lucci, this is your year!

“Is it like a burning sensation?”