Two days ago I received something AWESOME. A nomination for a Reader's Appreciation Award from Allison from Learning to Shine. I'm still shocked that anyone reads my blog, let alone really likes it, so I was overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude. Thank you, Allison, I really do feel like Sally Field winning that Oscar.

The concept of this nomination is to post a quick blurb about yourself in the form of a"Seven Things you Don't Know about Me" list, then pay it forward to some other bloggers who also deserve a nomination.

So, here ya go!

Seven Things You Might Not Know About Me

I started college as a creative writing major. I had high (unrealistic) hopes of becoming a poet someday. During my fist quarter at UC Santa Cruz I took and intro to film class and fell in love. The next day I changed my major and graduated with a BA in Film and Digital Media, Theory and Criticism.
One of my talents includes being able to touch my nose with my tongue.
I was born in the UK and moved to the US when I was 5. I am STILL not a US citizen because I'm scared to take the test (and it costs a bunch of money).
My favorite board game is Scategories (but only because I ALWAYS win).
If I could only eat two things for the rest of my life they would be sushi and ice cream.
I've had 8 MRIs, 4 CAT scans, 2 surgeries and 3 overnight stays in hospitals in my lifetime. Hopefully there will be no more of that.
I am happiest first thing in the morning when my daughter climbs into bed with Dave and I and we snuggle with our cats.

Blogs I Appreciate

Corbae Cafe

Victoria delights me weekly with her insightful "Enthusiasms" posts where she shares lists of food, events, books, people and products - things she is really excited about. I love when people whose opinions I trust recommend things. She also has many posts that get me thinking about life in a much more positive way. Her posts on such topics such as writing a personal manifesto and how cats can help you learn the art of relaxation have taught me a lot. Thank you, Victoria!

Rowdy Kittens

A few years ago I saw an episode of Design Star where they had to decorate these tiny houses that were about 7 x 18 ft. Not only did they need to be decorated, they also had to be designed as functional living spaces with a bed, bathroom, kitchen and sitting area. It was FASCINATING and I totally thought these house were just made up for this show. I was shocked when I took an e-course with Tammy and started reading her blog which chronicles her life living in a tiny house! Her musings on simple living are extremely inspirational. Plus she has super cute cats. Thank you, Tammy!

Francesca Russell

Francesca (my sister) has done something awesome. She is one of the only people I know who decided early on in life that she wanted to follow a career path in the arts and ACTUALLY SUCCEEDED. I hope that one day I can turn to my daughter with all honesty and confidence and say, "you can be whatever you want when you grow up." My sister proves this is true and she is a real inspiration to me. She blogs about her work as a Broadway a stage manager and life as a new mama. I think the theatre world is very exciting, visceral and romantic, so I love living vicariously through her drop dead gorgeous photographs. Plus I get to see tons of photos of my adorable niece. Thank you, Fran!