versatile (ˈvɜːsəˌtaɪl)
–adj
1. capable of or adapted for many different uses, skills, etc.
2. variable or changeable
3. ME!
You are reading the words of a versatile blogger! I have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by both Scriptor Obscura and The Novice’s Journey. (Special note to The Novice: I’m so sorry it has taken me so long to write about and pass along the award–but please know that I am very grateful that you read and enjoy my blog.) I am very happy for readers like these and very happy to be labeled “versatile.” When I started this blog, when the only people reading it were two of my best friends and the occasional lost googler, I worried that my blog topics were too bouncy. A story about grandma here, a quick word about a quirky news story there–it wasn’t like I had a theme. But as it turns out, my words weren’t wandering–they were versatile.
Anyway, like anything worth having, there are a few responsibilities and stipulations with this award. They are:
1. Post linking back to the person that gave you the award.
2. Share 7 random things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered blogs.
4. Drop them a note and tell them about it.
And so, here we go.
15 Versatile Blogs I Enjoy Reading (in no particular order)
Some of these weren’t “recently discovered,” but as a versatile blogger I reserve the right to veer from the rules by just a little bit. I know, I’m a rebel.
1. Gone for a Walk
2. Away with Words
3. Gin & Lemonade
4. Girl on the Contrary
5. Let’s Talk Cookies
6. Drunk Literature
7. A Full Measure of Happiness
8. English Major Junk Food
Can I use EMJF? Ash, are you technically a blog? Oh well, I’m pleading ignorance and listing you anyway.
9. How Did I Reach Sixty?
What happened to you Nan? Haven’t read your words in awhile…
10. Sea Sweetie’s Pages
11. Belle of the Carnival
12. A Striped Armchair
13. The Edmonton Tourist
14. After I Quit My Day Job
15. Your Servant in the Kitchen
And, because you must be dying to know….
7 Random Things About Me
1. I have size 11 feet. (I didn’t know what to put for my first Random Thing, so I decided to jump in, feet first.) For me, shoe shopping can be as emotionally taxing as bathing suit shopping. I am this close to shopping in the men’s section–and actually, that may not be a bad idea because I’m pretty sure that men’s shoes are 1,489,263 times more comfy than women’s shoes.
2. I studied abroad in Milan, Italy during my junior year of college. I had an amazing experience and was lucky enough to travel all over Europe. I saw Obama give a speech in Prague, soaked up art at the Louvre, felt a tug on my soul in Greece, and gelato-d my way around Italy. I am so grateful for the amazing experience, but I still have regrets–things I wish I had done or things I did but wish I had done better. When I’m in a proper state of mind, I remind myself that I can always go back. I have a Europe To-Do list and it gets longer every day!
3. I have weird, physical reactions to awkwardness or embarassment. It doesn’t matter if the undesired awkward/embarassing moment is mine or someone else’s, all I need to do is think about it, see it, or remember it, and I feel squirmy. Sometimes I have to close my eyes or clench my fists, and I often feel an awkwardness-inspired shiver scurrying down my back. I’m pretty sure I experience vicarious embarassment (it’s a real thing!) and I figure this makes me a better, if squirmier person.
4. When I say “wash,” there’s an “r” right in the middle. Basically, when I say “wash,” it rhymes with borsch. I get this from my grandma and mom, and since they’re both from Pennsylvannia, I figured it was a Pennyslvannia thing. So far, though, I’ve never met another Pennsylvannian who says “warsh.” Go figure.
5. During college, I had to choose between taking a second-level creative writing class and being a tutor for an elementary school student. I had tutored at my college’s community literacy center two times before, and absolutely loved it….but I love creative writing, too, and it was my last chance to take it. I chose tutoring, and I don’t regret my decision–I had the cutest, sweetest student. But I do occasionally wonder what I would have accomplished writing-wise if I had taken that writing class.
6. It really annoys me when people are prejudiced against small dogs. If someone says small dogs aren’t “real dogs,” within my earshot, they better be ready for a lecture or a damning judgement of their character. I’m not saying Bubba the Biker has to love terriers, but he should be aware that they have just as many loveable characteristics as any “full-sized” dog. It’s the size of the heart, not the size of the dog, dontcha know.
7. Without fail, I tear up when watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Specifically, I tear up when they move the bus and the family sees their house for the first time. This is puzzling to me because I do not cry easily–although, technically, tearing up isn’t crying. Anyway, seeing the people so happy and excited and crying tears of joy is some sort of trigger for me.
Another definition for versatile? Being able to kick butt and rock a purple mini dress
Oh My Words! 
I’m with you on the tearing up thing. It’s something about joy. Or maybe triumph?
exactly! Gets me every time.
I met another Pennsylvannian who said warsh! just thought I’d share…
And congrats on the award! I always thought the lack of theme worked in your favor. 🙂
You did?? Where?
And yes, now I’m happy with my themelessness
I also experience vicarious embarrassment, where I blush and cringe and look down to avoid the horrible awkwardness that is someone else’s humiliation.
The “warsh” fact is a funny one. I have to admit I make a friend of mine repeat that word because she says it the same way. I think it’s incredibly cute when she says it. Just like how the hubby laughs at me because I’m an Asian girl with a Southern accent. 🙂
Hahaha! Thank you! I feel like bursting out into the Show Tune from Gypsy “Let Me Entertain You! Let Me Make You Smile! I can do a few trick some old and some new tricks! I’m very versatile…”
I also love reading your blog and feel protective of my little dog. Nobody messes with the little ones just think of Napolean :O
I had to go listen to that song after I read your comment! perfect!
I always thought Napolean would be a cute name for a little dog… 🙂
Well done for the award 🙂
And I totally see where your coming from with the embarassment thing, I physically cannot watch any movie with Ben Stiller in it without hiding behind the cushions, or my hands if there are no cushions. And I mean this litterally.
Yet I find horror movies hilarious, something about the ridiculous concept, and the fact that my scientific brain allows me just to think ‘this is either impossible or highly unlikely, lets just laugh at it’. If it doesnt seem to have too many points to laugh at, then I just dont get that scared. In fact, I fell asleep in paranormal activity, and had to rewind it to see the bit I missed. Comedies are my horror movies.
Ben Stiller movies are the worst for vicarious embarrassment! Oh, I get squeemy thinking about it.
I can’t watch horror movies (unless they’re old ones, like The Blob or something) because I’m a jumper. A loud noise, a creak out of nowhere–I jump a foot. Rationally, I understand the ridiculousness of most of the plots…..but those noises and sudden scary scenes get me every time.
Ah. I blame my freakish toughness for horror movies (I mena who have you heard of other than me who fell asleep in Paranormal Activity, I know I haven’t found anyone else) on the fact that I live in a very old house, that happens to be near an old church and a graveyard. Spooky noises are a regular occurence, and I have gone on midnight church yard walks with my dad and old dog (when I was little), so thats probably made me pretty tough. (By the way the church yard isn’t open all the time, our local vicar gave us a key, because he has a dog as well, and said we could walk him in there whenever we wanted to).