I am so honored to be nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award! I love doing blogging tags, sharing fun, deep, and sometimes silly information about myself, and then nominating other bloggers to carry on the blog tag and keep it going! It’s a wonderful way to connect with bloggers and help others discover some of my favorite blogs/bloggers! I also think the mission statement of the Mystery Blogger Award is so lovely and beautiful: read the next section to see why!
One of my favorite bloggers (and friends) Julie of Dark Blue Journal nominated me and I couldn’t be more excited! Julie is a fantastic blogger and writer who writes about the environment and sustainability, minimalism (she has inspired me to cut down on material goods and I am currently getting rid of so many things I was randomly holding on to), and real life issues. Whatever post you click on on Dark Blue Journal, I can guarantee you will learn something new and be swept up in Julie’s informative but very personal writing. She’s truly talented and a very wonderful person to boot. Please check out her blog and tell her I say hi! Thank you so much, Julie!
What Is the Mystery Blogger Award?
This award was created by Okoto Enigma as a way to award blogs that hadn’t been discovered yet and as a way to give them some much needed recognition!
“'Mystery Blogger Award'” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion."
– Okoto Enigma
Three Facts About Me!
1. I had my thyroid removed when I was around 18 or 19. I had Grave’s Disease (isn’t that an awful name for a disease? Grave’s disease), which is hyperthyroidism, and my thyroid turned into a goiter! (Meaning it became swollen and became enormous! Like sticking out of my throat enormous!) I had the options to either a) see if the medicine I was taking would make it go down (which it might not), b) take a radioactive pill to “kill” the thyroid, or c) remove it. I obviously decided to remove it and am now on synthetic thyroid hormones for life! Plus I have a cool neck scar now. (Scars are sexy on girls, too, not just guys!)
2. I don’t like apes. I am terrified of them! Maybe it’s because they’re so close to humans, or that I watched an old movie back in the day where a chimpanzee had a GUN, or the fact that a baboon roared at me through the Plexiglas at the zoo (it could honestly be all three of these things now that I think about it), but they really scare me. They’re the one groups of animals that really freaks me out. Spiders? Whatever. Snakes? Cool. Apes? NOPE. I can’t even think about watching any of the Planet of the Apes movies! Literally nightmare fuel. I mean, I want the orangutans to stay safe in the rain forest and keep their natural habitat, and I will support their cause, but I don’t want to meet or see them! Ever.
3. The coolest place I’ve ever been to is Egypt! My sister was studying there years, so my family decided to visit her there! It was probably the most different place I’ve ever been to in my life and really gave me that itch to want to travel more. I mean, how can you not after seeing the Sphinx and the Pyramids??? So far, I’ve only been to three other countries, but Egypt is by far the most historical and amazing place I’ve been to so far! So culturally different and fascinating than any other place I’ve been to.
Julie's Questions
1. What are your thoughts about the paranormal?
Despite never having had any paranormal experiences, I think I’m a believer! Or at least, I want to be. I’d like to believe that there is some sort of life after death. I think in a way we all do. It’s a comforting feeling to know that our loved ones are somewhere safe and lovely, but as far as ghosts, I don’t know where they fit in with that. Are they in a sort of purgatory before the afterlife? Are they just echoes of the past? And if there is an afterlife, does that make things in certain religions like angels and demons are real? (I mean, I grew up Catholic, so the idea of this is terrifying to me) If nothing else, I love anything paranormal because I love ghosts stories and anything that sends fun shivers down my spine. But in the future I’d love to stay in a haunted hotel and see for myself if I have any experiences!
2. Do you think humans will overcome the climate problems, and why?
This is such a tough question! In short, I think we will be able to combat some of the problems, but not totally. What we’ve done to the planet has been going on for so long, and we’ve done so much damage, with only minimal signs of stopping. People nowadays love convenience, and with that convenience brings plastic, more new things being produced, which adds to more pollution. I think the way young people are rallying together to protest and change the climate problems is so empowering. They are the ones who are going to have to deal with this in the future, so it really is their problem and they want change. But the older generations are going to have to change too, and that includes people my age, not just people my parents’ age as well. But I want to be hopeful for the future because I don’t want our beautiful earth to end up like the one in Wall-E where it’s filled with trash and we’re all just floating on a giant space cruise ship waiting for it be to habitable again.
3. What’s a story that really stuck with you?
I don’t know if I have a certain story that’s always stuck with me, as strange as that sounds. The one that I always think about is my mom’s, which I won’t share, since it’s her story to share and not mine. But her whole life has been a struggle, but she has persevered, always putting her family first, being completely selfless, but never losing that wonderful sense of kindness and thoughtfulness that she shares with everyone. The fact that her life hasn’t jaded her and she still has hope in other people, is so inspirational to me. She is literally my hero. Even though I wish she would stop being so selfless sometimes and start treating herself with some time for herself and some much needed self-care! (Which sometimes we have to force her to do!)
Three Facts About Me!
1. I had my thyroid removed when I was around 18 or 19. I had Grave’s Disease (isn’t that an awful name for a disease? Grave’s disease), which is hyperthyroidism, and my thyroid turned into a goiter! (Meaning it became swollen and became enormous! Like sticking out of my throat enormous!) I had the options to either a) see if the medicine I was taking would make it go down (which it might not), b) take a radioactive pill to “kill” the thyroid, or c) remove it. I obviously decided to remove it and am now on synthetic thyroid hormones for life! Plus I have a cool neck scar now. (Scars are sexy on girls, too, not just guys!)
2. I don’t like apes. I am terrified of them! Maybe it’s because they’re so close to humans, or that I watched an old movie back in the day where a chimpanzee had a GUN, or the fact that a baboon roared at me through the Plexiglas at the zoo (it could honestly be all three of these things now that I think about it), but they really scare me. They’re the one groups of animals that really freaks me out. Spiders? Whatever. Snakes? Cool. Apes? NOPE. I can’t even think about watching any of the Planet of the Apes movies! Literally nightmare fuel. I mean, I want the orangutans to stay safe in the rain forest and keep their natural habitat, and I will support their cause, but I don’t want to meet or see them! Ever.
3. The coolest place I’ve ever been to is Egypt! My sister was studying there years, so my family decided to visit her there! It was probably the most different place I’ve ever been to in my life and really gave me that itch to want to travel more. I mean, how can you not after seeing the Sphinx and the Pyramids??? So far, I’ve only been to three other countries, but Egypt is by far the most historical and amazing place I’ve been to so far! So culturally different and fascinating than any other place I’ve been to.
Julie's Questions
1. What are your thoughts about the paranormal?
Despite never having had any paranormal experiences, I think I’m a believer! Or at least, I want to be. I’d like to believe that there is some sort of life after death. I think in a way we all do. It’s a comforting feeling to know that our loved ones are somewhere safe and lovely, but as far as ghosts, I don’t know where they fit in with that. Are they in a sort of purgatory before the afterlife? Are they just echoes of the past? And if there is an afterlife, does that make things in certain religions like angels and demons are real? (I mean, I grew up Catholic, so the idea of this is terrifying to me) If nothing else, I love anything paranormal because I love ghosts stories and anything that sends fun shivers down my spine. But in the future I’d love to stay in a haunted hotel and see for myself if I have any experiences!
2. Do you think humans will overcome the climate problems, and why?
This is such a tough question! In short, I think we will be able to combat some of the problems, but not totally. What we’ve done to the planet has been going on for so long, and we’ve done so much damage, with only minimal signs of stopping. People nowadays love convenience, and with that convenience brings plastic, more new things being produced, which adds to more pollution. I think the way young people are rallying together to protest and change the climate problems is so empowering. They are the ones who are going to have to deal with this in the future, so it really is their problem and they want change. But the older generations are going to have to change too, and that includes people my age, not just people my parents’ age as well. But I want to be hopeful for the future because I don’t want our beautiful earth to end up like the one in Wall-E where it’s filled with trash and we’re all just floating on a giant space cruise ship waiting for it be to habitable again.
3. What’s a story that really stuck with you?
I don’t know if I have a certain story that’s always stuck with me, as strange as that sounds. The one that I always think about is my mom’s, which I won’t share, since it’s her story to share and not mine. But her whole life has been a struggle, but she has persevered, always putting her family first, being completely selfless, but never losing that wonderful sense of kindness and thoughtfulness that she shares with everyone. The fact that her life hasn’t jaded her and she still has hope in other people, is so inspirational to me. She is literally my hero. Even though I wish she would stop being so selfless sometimes and start treating herself with some time for herself and some much needed self-care! (Which sometimes we have to force her to do!)
4. What’s your favorite trait about yourself?
My favorite trait… as someone with low-self esteem, this is a hard question to answer! I keep thinking of my worst traits, instead of my favorites. Redirect to the positive, brain! Hmm. I like the fact that I try to be kind. Even if someone is being really rude, I do try to treat the other person respectfully, because honestly, even in the face of an argument or a misunderstanding, there’s no reason to treat another person like trash. We’re all humans and equals and deserve to be treated as such. So I like to kill people with kindness! (But try not to be walked over either)
5. What is your hope for 2020?
My personal hope for 2020 (besides a new president. Hey, this is my blog and I’m allowed to have my own left-leaning opinion!) is for my blog and my life to flourish. I’ve been dealing with mental health issues all my life, and I really want to push myself to get out of my (un)comfortable comfort zone (people with anxiety know what I’m talking about!) and get my life started, whether with my blog, or with a job or some other purpose that fulfills me IRL. I guess I’m secretly hoping I can be a blogger and have it all that way, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up about that. But you never know what the new year holds! 2020!
Nominees!
Meagan from Quibbles and Scribbles
Eleanor from Mxrshmallow Queen
Marie from Single Vegas Girl
Steph from Sometimes I Write
Kayleigh Zara from Kayleigh Zaraa
(Of course, my nominees have no obligation to do this tag if they’ve already done it or just aren’t into doing tags on their blogs. Just know that I nominated you all because I think so highly of each and every one of you and your respective blogs! But either way, whether they do the tag or not, please check out their blogs and subscribe! Each and every one of these bloggers has some amazing content that I know you’ll love!)
Marie from Single Vegas Girl
Steph from Sometimes I Write
Kayleigh Zara from Kayleigh Zaraa
(Of course, my nominees have no obligation to do this tag if they’ve already done it or just aren’t into doing tags on their blogs. Just know that I nominated you all because I think so highly of each and every one of you and your respective blogs! But either way, whether they do the tag or not, please check out their blogs and subscribe! Each and every one of these bloggers has some amazing content that I know you’ll love!)
Questions for My Nominees
2. What is (one of) the most thoughtful thing someone has done for you?
3. If you could time travel, when would you most like to visit? And why?
4. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
5. What is the most ridiculous fact that you know?
Rules
2. List the rules.
3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
9. Share a link to your best post(s)
Best Post!
That was my response to the Mystery Blogger Award! Much thanks again to Julie for nominating me! This tag was so much fun to write and I love the message behind it: this award is for bloggers who haven’t been discovered and/or deserve recognition! Though I did include some bigger name bloggers in my nominees, I believe that every blogger deserves even more praise and recognition for all of the hard work we put into our blogs, no matter how big or small of a blogger you are. So if you haven’t checked out any of the nominees I named, please do because I can promise you that you’ll LOVE their blogs!
What did you think of my tag/nomination for the Mystery Blogger Award? Have you ever been nominated/done the tag? What question of Julie’s or one of mine would you most like to answer? Let me know in the comments! (And your answer, of course!)
Stay Weird!
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Hi Emily, I enjoyed reading your responses as usual, especially when I asked the questions. Haha! It's Christmas Eve today so Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you had your thyroid removed. I find your view of scar so refreshing - I'm inclined to agree with you. Also, you made me want to visit Egypt! I've seen some photos of Egypt that my friend posted and it IS very different. I feel like seeing these places must be mind-opening!
I'd love to stay in a haunted hotel too! Just for one night. Lol.
I have the same thoughts about our climate crisis too. We're like a freight train going at full speed with our consumption habits, it's hard to change. But like you, I want to be hopeful.
Your mom sounds like an absolutely beautiful person. She must be part of the reason you're so kind. "Even in the face of an argument or a misunderstanding, there’s no reason to treat another person like trash" - exactly! I asked about your favorite trait so you have something to hold on to when you're in a bad spot. On the days low-esteem have you in its clutches, I hope you'll remember what your fav trait about yourself! Kindness is a superpower!
I'm so glad to know you want a new president, though I guessed as much. It's not my place to take a side but I'm left-leaning too!
We pretty much share the same hopes for 2020. "I really want to push myself to get out of my (un)comfortable comfort zone" - yes, I understand. Even our comfort zones are somewhat uncomfortable. It's incredible how similar our situations are to ourselves. I feel stuck and I'm hoping to get my life re-started in the new year too. I hope we both can do it in 2020. I'll keep rooting for you!
Lovely post!
Julie | Darkbluejournal.com
Hi Julie! Thank you so much again for nominating me! I think one of the reasons I liked this tag so much was because of your questions! And Merry Christmas to you too! (Just a day early, haha)
DeleteYep, it's been the only major surgery I've had, thankfully! Egypt is an amazing place to visit, I hope you can visit one day. It's incredible to just see all of that old history surrounded by everything new and bustling. Oh, I'm just waiting for the moment when I can stay in a haunted hotel! There's a famous one north of me and I'm desperate to go!
I want to be hopeful about the climate change too, but it can be hard sometimes when you look at the facts. Your blog has been super helpful in opening my eyes about the state of the environment, so thank you for that! :) Aww thank you! I think my mom is a lovely person and I love her so much. And thank you for saying that. That was a very clever way of reminding people of their favorite trait about themselves. You tricky person, you! ;) I hope it does remind me when my self-esteem if low! And I love thinking of it like that. A superpower!
I usually don't talk politics because it can be an uncomfortable subject, but if I can't mention it a little on my blog, then where else can I, haha? I like that we both have similar goals for the new year! I'm sorry that we're in these situations and mental places where we want that change, but I'm rooting for both of us! I think we can both do it and I know we can probably talk to each other if we need help too! :) And you're so sweet. <3 Thank you so much for your lovely, lovely comment. It really made my day, you have no idea! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!!
Congratulations on your reward nomination. I'd never heard of Grave’s Disease before, or that you could survive without a thyroid.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas/Holidays
Thank you so much!! It's always an honored to be nominated for any blogging award, I think :) I didn't even know about thyroids before I was first diagnosed with having Grave's disease, lol. That's how well I knew the human body. Always a new organ to discover!
DeleteI hope you had a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays plus a great new year! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!!
Such a cool award and congratulations for nominations. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteNew Post - http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/12/viktor-rolf-bonbon-eau-de-parfum_26.html
Thank you!! I was so flattered to be nominated! Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I really appreciate it :) And Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you!! <3
DeleteInteresting answers
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you! :)
Delete