The Versatile Blogger Award

As I turned on my computer the other day, I noticed this comment from blogger, Sharon, of Hyperactive Inefficiency:

Heyo, I’ve finally updated that Versatile Blogger Award post, and yes, you are one of my favourite 15 blogs out of the trillion or whatever on WordPress. Thank you for being interesting.

Unaccustomed to receiving unsolicited compliments and thinking that the world was about to collapse, I immediately scurried under my desk and curled up into a fetal position.

The Versatile Blogger Award is given by one blogger to another blogger.  The former blogger is under no duress to give the award and she/he is usually not seduced, bribed, nor threatened into giving the award to the latter blogger.  No money should change hands, no free escort services, no complimentary margaritas.

At least, this is what I’m led to believe. 

The rules are:

1.  Thank the award-giver(s) and link back to them in your post.

Sharon, thank you from the bottom of my rapidly-beating heart.  Like many bloggers, I write because it’s fun and fulfilling for me.  To have the recognition of  my peers in the form of this Versatile Blogger Award is a kindness I didn’t expect.  So thank you.

When you have a chance, please check out Sharon’s blog – http://hyperactiveinefficiency.wordpress.com.

2. Tell your readers seven (7) things about yourself.

i/  The Google search terms that lead to my blog and their corresponding posts – according to WordPress stats: dark fetish net:human.slaughterhouse (this came up twice in the last 48 hours), oatcakes (you won’t believe how many people Google those godforsaken oatcakes, like there’s a world shortage), gin tonic (and most things alcohol), crossed eyes, Pierre Trudeau, UV Arm Wraps, granny panties, weight loss pills, Dopey and Sneezy.

Sounds like the guest list, menu, entertainment and party favors for a schizophrenic soiree.

You’ll have to figure out for yourself which one falls under what category.

ii/ I’ve lived in Taipei, Vancouver, Montreal, Phoenix, Seattle, and Guangdong, China.  China is the smelliest.  Montreal is the Frenchest.

I despise Las Vegas.

iii/ The existence of Brussels sprouts puzzles me greatly.

iv/ Places on my “must see” list – Cambodia, Africa, India, Italy, Spain, and that secluded beach nobody has yet discovered.  I’m only listing the ones that are a vague possibility.  The Shire and a guest spot on the Jay Leno Show are not realistic goals, so I will not list them here.

v/  Currently on rotation in my iPod – Who Kill – Tune Yards, Goat Rodeo Sessions – Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, Bad As Me – Tom Waits, Replica – Oneohtrix Point Never, and Mezzanine – Massive Attack.

vi/ I used to buy a World Almanac every year, but have finally figured out this year that nothing has changed prior to 2012.

vii/ I received a case of 15 bottles of red and white wines the day I vowed to start my New Year’s resolution of drinking less.  Yes, I know.  God is vengeful and maybe a practical joker.  In any case, he’s no longer invited to my barbeques, especially if he keeps bringing that Safeway-bought tub of potato salad.

3.  Nominate 15 more blogs for the award, then inform the bloggers that they have received this prestigious award and that they should buy me a drink.

We blog, because something compels us to do so.  The fact that we have the discipline to sit down in front of a computer and express ourselves on a regular basis is commendable in itself.

The blogs I’ve chosen all use different in writing styles, subjects and media.  But these bloggers have been consistently contributing posts and have shown some versatility in their writing or presentation.  I’ve only included 10 bloggers, because I only want to recommend blogs that I’ve spent some time looking at, instead of pulling random ones from the internet.

The blogs are listed in the order that I’ve discovered them, with the ones I’ve been following the longest first.  I’m also listing the message I’ll be sending them to notify them of the award:

1.  Gin & Lemonade
http://ginlemonade.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/i-dont-sleep-with-my-colleagues/

Lorna,

I’ve been following your blog on WordPress for a while and although I’ve not had a chance to read everything you write, some of your posts resonate with me, in terms of their sincerity and simplicity.  So, I am giving you the Versatile Blogger Award.  Congrats and thanks for your blog.

Susan

2.  Mostly Bright Ideas
http://mostlybrightideas.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/crossing-the-line/

Charles,

Not that you need another accolade to throw onto the heap you already have, I’m awarding you with the Versatile Blogger Award.  You know I’ve enjoyed your posts, particularly the post about moving to Canada.  Your observations are always spot on and humorously expressed.  Thanks for your blog.

Susan

3. Ginger Fights Back
http://gingerfightback.com/ginger-life/beauty-tips/

Jim et al,

Yes, China really does love you Gingers.  We love you so much that I’m giving you the Versatile Blogger Award plus a case of Walkers Scottish Oatcakes for your intestinal health.  Being on this side of the world I might not always understand what the hell you’re talking about, but your writing has provided me with hours of chuckles, the occasional guffaw, and often a slap on the knees.  Thanks for your blog.

Susan

4. The Camel Life
http://breezyk.wordpress.com/about-the-camel-life/

Hey, Ms. Breezy —

Congrats!  I’m giving you the Versatile Blogger Award!   I always find your writing thoughtful, funny and sometimes incomprehensible to me – mainly because I’m older and think that “Kim Kardashian” is the way our potatoes should be sliced. 🙂

Thanks for your blog.

Susan

5. Malate
http://malate.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/the-qixian-spread/

Hey Elmer!

You’d better drag yourself out of your drunken baijiou stupor and write another entry, because I’m giving you the Versatile Blogger Award.

I’ve enjoyed the beautiful pictures you’ve taken during your travels in China and hope to see more of it more regularly.  If you ever stop by in Guangdong, please stop by and we can enjoy some good vodka (not baijiou) together.

Thanks for your blog.

Susan

6.  My Parents are Crazier Than Yours

http://myparentsarecrazierthanyours.com/2011/01/30/my-dad-steals-shit-3/

Moira,

Even though you don’t know me from a can of Ovaltine, I want to let you know that you’ve received the Versatile Blogger Award.  Hope this makes all of your angst worthwhile.

I’ve really enjoyed following your writing and, like others, hope you can achieve the success you’re looking for. 

I’m also wondering, when you’re parents move to Florida, what will you be writing about?

Thanks for your blog.

Susan

7.  Twentysomethingwaitress
http://twentysomethingwaitress.com/2011/12/25/dear-very-confusingsecret-santa/
http://twentysomethingwaitress.com/2011/12/20/dear-customers-who-are-apparently-terrified-of-me/

Hello!

I’m so glad I found your hilarious website.  Never thought that working as a waitress in a restaurant can provide so much fodder for your writing.  That’s why I’m giving you the Versatile Blogger Award.  You can print off the logo and put it on a button and tell customers to F*** off, I’m a versatile blogger now, if they give you any crap. 

Congrats and thanks for your blog.

Susan

8.  Kitchen Slattern
http://kitchenslattern.com/2012/01/10/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner/

Hey, Kit-Slat!

I’m an idiot. Just realized the other day that your posts have recipes… I mean I always knew that’s the purpose of your blog and the reason for the name, but I’ve always been so hung up on the hilarity of it all I glossed over the recipe part.  That’s why I’m giving you the Versatile Blogger Award.  Break out a case of champagne and celebrate!

Thanks for your blog.

Susan

9.  Becoming Cliche
http://becomingcliche.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/your-comprehensive-guide-to-passive-aggression-vol-1/

Howdy,

I’ve enjoyed your musings and I’m sure we can all relate to becoming our mothers (although I hope I dress better when I’m her age).  That’s why I’m giving you the Versatile Blogger Award.  Thanks for your blog.

Susan

10.  F Words by Sue Fenton
http://fwords.co.uk/tag/humour/

Sue,

Even though I’ve just started following your blog, I enjoy your style of writing and your wit.  I’ve noticed we have many bloggers on here from the UK on WordPress and I do appreciate the diversity.  Thanks for your blog.

Susan