"Stuff I Like" Sunday: YOU!

Yes, that's right. I'm talking to you. If you're reading this right now, consider this your own personal post ... because you're one of the people that has unexpectedly come into my life and helped to make it that much more awesome.

Less than a year ago, I started this blog as a way to express my feelings about motherhood, about myself, and about my struggle to keep "Mommy" from overwhelming "Rita." I figured my family would probably read it, and a few of my real-life friends, just to be polite. But then something amazing happened: a stranger stumbled across my page. And then another ... and another. And those strangers became friends, people who have come back again, who have shared in some of the most emotional and profound events of my life - like my Grandma's death and Coby's birth - and who have given me their thoughts and advice and encouragement when I've needed them the most. I never imagined that there were so many kindred spirits out there, but you guys have surprised me. You've come from all corners of the world, and it blows me away that you care enough to keep reading ... and to invite your friends to read, too.

I appreciate each and every one of you, and often wonder who you are, how you found me, and what we have in common. Like the people visiting from Kaiserslautern, Germany or Wichita Falls, Texas - I've lived in both of those places. (If this is you, holla!) Or the people reading in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or anywhere close - seriously, talk to me! We could meet in real life and be, like, super cool friends and stuff! And the people in all the different countries and continents: it's such a small world when we can all relate to the rollercoaster that is motherhood - or at least enjoy stories about it.

From now on, I'm going to try ("try" being the operative word) to respond to all of your comments. I often bite off more than I can chew, and responding individually every day seems like kind of a lofty goal, but I SO want to show you guys how much I love and look forward to each and every word you write to me. So don't hate me if I miss a few, but do check back in.

Finally, I want to thank the peeps who have bestowed upon my blog the highest honors: the awards you'll find in my right-hand sidebar under the heading "They Really Like Me!" Take a minute to scroll through them and visit the sites of the wonderful, witty women who deemed me worthy - you won't be disappointed. In this spirit of giving and sharing the bloggy love, I've created my very own award: the Freakin' Sweet Blog Award. Marvel at my mad Photoshop skillz. ;)

(Actually it's GIMP which is like a free version of Photoshop 'cause I'm too cheap to buy Photoshop, but whatever.)

I'm awarding this to five bloggers, and the only rule is that you must pass it on to a blogger you love - whether it's one person or one hundred. My picks for the first round of the Freakin' Sweet award:

JenJen at Jen's Voices
Alicia at It Ain't Easy Bein' Cheesy
The Lady of the House at Checking the Electrical Box
Julie at Foursons
Kate at Practical Pablum

And that, my friends, is just a mere sampling of the awesomeness that makes up my regular reads. I may bust out this unbelievably amazing award for more deserving recipients sometime in the future, but for now, nosh on those.

I know that "Stuff I Like" Sunday is generally about, well, stuff - but this time it's about you. I just wanted to tell each and every one of you that you make me happy. Your thoughts, visits, and advice enrich my life in immeasurable ways. Leave me a comment, even if all you say is "hi" ... it means more to me than you'll ever know.


Comments

  1. OMG Thank you! I wasn't expecting anything--I came by actually to see if you responded to my comment (ironic).
    Thanks Rita.
    Your blog is a pleasure to read...

    As soon as I log on for real (I'm so supposed to be in and out of the shower and on the road, like 5 minutes ago) I'm going to do this up right!

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  2. thanks so much! I love this blog and I wish we lived a little closer because I would totally be super cool friends and stuff with you! Can't wait to pass this great new award on to others! thanks!

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  3. What a sweet post! I feel the same way about my readers- such an honor that ANYONE cares what I have to say LOL. I enjoy your blog and interacting on Twitter! Happy Sunday =)

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  4. Wow- thanks! So unexpected...I feel so special now!

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  5. I for one am so glad that I found you. I so enjoy reading your blog. It is awesome!

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  6. Yes, readers definitely make writing worthwhile! And readers that keep coming back are proof that you're doing your job well. Congrats on your success.....I'm so proud of you!

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  7. I discovered your blog a few months back and love your energy and fun style----I don't know if you have ever come on over to my blog....but I think that you rock!

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  8. Wow. I've never been liked this much on a first visit since...... since.......

    Actually, I can't think of a previous example. Goodness - I'm quite overwhelmed.

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  9. Rita - I'm so glad I found your blog. You crack me up and let me know I'm not alone in the madness that is motherhood. Keep writing and I'll keep reading :) Kristi

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  10. Thanks for the award Rita. I'm going to print 2 copies and put one on each nipple :)

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  11. First off: THANK YOU, everyone!!! :)

    JenJen - I love reading your stuff! You never fail to make me "LOL."

    Kate - I SO wish we lived closer. Then we could update our Twitter statuses about all the super-cool-friend things we were doing and make everybody jealous.

    Melissa - I know! I am consistently amazed and flattered that anyone cares enough about my Internet blathering to actually come back. :)

    Julie - You should definitely feel special. Because that is probably THE single most awesome example of an award ever. EV-ER. ;p

    Jen - I'm so so glad you like it ... and I always enjoy your comments so much!

    Mom - Thanks for always being proud of me. Although I think I'd worry if you weren't ... since you're, you know, my mom and stuff.

    Shawn - Why thank you! Yep, I've been to your blog - you have the most gorgeous family!! They're all like models!

    Matthew - So much liking on the first visit ... I hope you don't think I'm a whore. ;)

    Kristi - I am a fellow "crap-tastic mommy" - but we admit it so it's all good! :) Motherhood definitely is a journey, and as long as my kids keep embarrassing me and leaving crazy messes for me to clean up, you'll have plenty to read!

    Stacey - If there's anything that could make this award more awesome ... it's that. :) LOL

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  12. Oh that is such a cute award!!! Your blog is so cute!Ive enjoyed my time here!
    If you would like come check out my blog and enter my current giveaway at littlemissheirlooms.blogspot.com
    I hope you decided to follow me because I try to bring my readers a new and AMAZING giveaway every Monday!
    Xo
    Priscila

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  13. Stopping over from SITS...I love your blog and can't wait to read more!

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  14. That's so sweet! And we love you too! I keep coming back because well, I relate, and you are hilarious! Truth.

    If you do get a chance to respond, but being a mom of only one, I can imagine if you don't get a chance... What is SITS? Who are these who come from there?

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  15. You're awesome! Keep entertaining us. It's funny now that I have my sisters-in law and my MIL following, FOF is like a regular topic of conversation for us!

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