And the winner is...

A few days ago, I was actually given TWO blog awards. The Sunshine Award came from Kathy, who, like me, is an Oregonian. She was banded in March 2008 and has lost an AMAZING 93 pounds (42.18 Kg)! I so appreciate the suggestions and wisdom from the veteran bandsters like Kathy.

I also received the Stiletto Award from LDSwims . She is still jumping through the insurance hoops, but has a unique perspective and is so brave in the face of personal adversity.

Thank you both and all of my friends here in Bandland. I feel like I get to go to a support group meeting every day with a wonderful group of people. We are really fortunate to have found each other!

Now I am supposed to pass the awards on to 12 others (Really 22 others, but I'm not going to do that. I do have to work, you know.). I want to say first that I have gained wisdom and support from EACH and EVERY one of the authors of the blogs that I follow. I am pretty new to blogging and I never imagined that it would be so informative, rewarding and enriching. So please select whichever award you would like or take them both. YOU deserve it! So here is my list, in no particular order.

Stephanie - A new bandster whose blog is full of honesty and humor.
tessierose - Just one week post-op, Tessierose has insight that I really appreciate.
Jacquie - Also newly banded, Jacquie is a brave soul (like me I guess) who had her surgery done in Mexico. She brings so much enthusiasm and joy to Blogland.
Band Groupie - BG has been banded for awhile and is getting close to goal. She looks FANTASTIC and gives me so much inspiration. She's also very clever (just check out today's blog).
Kristen - Kristen was banded in January and she is doing great. She also sent me some clothes a few weeks ago (I'm wearing the jeans now) even though she was on her way out of town on vacation. I always appreciate her advice and perspective.
Butterfly - I just starting following her blog and I really enjoy it. She is so honest about her struggles and has great insights. She's also newly banded.
Debi - As soon as I started following Debi, she mentioned my blog in her post and helped me to gain several new followers. I've noticed that she does this for all her new followers.
Tina - Another Oregonian and veteran bandster, Tina just hit goal. I love following her blog.
Carmen - I often find that Carmen and I have tons in common, even though we've never met in person. We are planning to get together when she visits her brother in Oregon. I'm thinking Portland Bandster Meeting at La Calaca Comalona!
Leslie - Leslie has been banded for awhile and is facing another surgery to have her port moved. She also just decided to go back to school. She faces life with a great attitude!
Camille - Newly banded and a physician, Camille always has a unique perspective.
Michelle - SIX kids under 10 (need I say more?)!!! This bandster is creative, inspirational, and a survivor.
Sandy Lee - She always makes great comments.
Andrew - Since Fat Bastard stopped posting for awhile, poor Andrew is the lone man in Blogland. I so appreciate the male perspective and he should be sainted for putting up with all of our TOM talk.
Dirttrackdiva - Another veteran bandster with great wisdom. You are my inspiration!

I am sure I have forgotten someone (multiple people) important, but I've got to stop. I've been trying to write this all morning and I've got to focus on my work now. Thank you to all of my friends!

SUNSHINE & STILETTO AWARD RULES


The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging world.
Once you receive one, then you:
1. Post the logo on your blog.
2. Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.
3. Link the nominees
4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.
I would like to nominate the following bloggers in no particular order & pass on the happiness

1. Display your Stiletto Badge of Honor on your sidebar! Wear it with pride… (grab the badge above)

“Heels this high are not meant for clubbing or walking long distances in. They are mainly used for getting from the living room to the bedroom, from the car to the restaurant, or for a short stroll along the catwalk.”

2. BRAG ABOUT IT! -write a post about your award.
3. SAY THANKS! - include a link to the friend who nominated you for the award.

4. SHARE THE LOVE! -nominate 5-10 blogs that you feel deserve the award. Include links to them in your post -and- leave them a comment to let them know they are nominated.

5. DO WHAT YOU DO! -keep at it. Keep inspiring and encouraging and sharing your life! We love it and we thank you!!!