Unhappily Ever After

I'd like to congratulate everyone that was nominated for the 2006 Vivi Awards. It's awesome! I must say, I was really surprised to be nominated in "Most Outspoken" and "New Journal" for the Vivi Awards. I knew I was on the list to be voted on, but I never expected to be nominated because not that many people know about my journal, and the fact is that usually the votes go to the most popular/most known journals. Nonetheless, it really is an honor to be nominated, and I would like to thank those that made it happen from the bottom of my heart because I've never been nominated for anything before - heck, even during the J'Land Third Anniversary Celebration, the Red Carpet Roving Reporter didn't even show me the courtesy of stopping by my journal, and I definitely didn't make it on that special list of awards created by Brenda, which by the way, I thought were very cute and unique. Oops... am I being a little too "outspoken" there? Sorry, can't help myself, LOL. Bad, bad girl! I'll go stand in the corner now. Oh wait ... that just reminded me of this adorable graphic that Lisa Jo has with this little girl saying, "OK, I'll go to my room, but I'm eating the crayons." LOL, she always has the best graphics and they always make me laugh... just wish I knew where she finds them. ;-) Seriously though, my journal means a lot to me because it's a way for me to express myself and vent my frustrations, and it has helped me tremendously, and has changed so much in me. There are so many issues that we were taught to keep quiet about as children, especially growing up in Catholic schools as I did. So many things that were not to be discussed, so many feelings that we were not allowed to feel, and so much BS about life in general that's it's no wonder so many of us "Catholic" girls run away from the church the first chance we get. Oh don't get me wrong, I definitely believe in God, and I try to be a good Christian, but the damage that was done to me and so many others by the Catholic church is not something that can be undone or easily erased, that's why it helps so much to be able to open up in my journal and just be me. Not only that, but I've made such nice friends and learned so much about other people, ... but just like everything else in life, my eyes have been opened to a lot, and I've seen things in people that I never expected, but then again, why should things be any different online than in the real world? 

                      

One thing does go without question though, Jackie and Chris are the ones that should be receiving an award for all of their hard work in making this happen despite losing the rest of the commitee members. I really have to hand it to you ladies, you've really shown us what you're made of!



To my J'Land Buddies:

We may not always realize
That every thing we do,
Affects not only our lives
But touches others, too!

For a little bit of thoughtfulness
That shows someone you care,
Creates a ray of sunshine
For both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer
Someone a helping hand ...
Every time you show a friend
You care and understand ...

Every time you have
A kind and gentle word to give ...
You help someone find beauty
In this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness
And loving ways bring love;
And giving is the treasure
That contentment is made of.

Huggies, Mandy