I've got free wifi and a bit of battery time left so here's the short, link free version.
In summary, it was excellent. I didn't win the best blog post award, but had zero (well not zero since that would be mathematically illogical since I was nominated) expectation of getting in and the winning post (and winning blogger) was a stunner. Best part of the experience as ever was spending time with a load of intriguing, articulate, provocative and funny people.
Myself a selection of other lovely ladies meet in the presidential suite of the well posh g hotel for the Ladies Tea Party, organised by the force of nature that is Sabrina Dent. We had lovely pink wine and delicate snacks and there was nail painting and nail polish remover and it was all fabulous. The women I met with, some I knew already but most of them I hadn't, were without exception amazing, friendly and warm. I had my nails painted a vampy deep red, most unlike me it was. But I have to admit, they looked good with my blue dress. The didn't even get too damaged as the night progressed, and neither did I(!)
The awards were distributed efficiently and I was especially pleased by 3 wins; Red Mum for photoblog, Irish Autism Action for group blog and Xbox for personal. The best part of the evening followed with all the chatting and a little bit more drinking (mostly tea) into the morning. The clocks went back depriving us of an hour of either sleep or fun. I chose less sleep. Eventually I made it to my bed for a few hours sleep.
Today I joined a few more bloggy types for brunch in a pub and now, knackered, I'm facing the long trip home. But sure I can read for hours uninterrupted. I don't really mind this voyage.
Links and maybe more spouting about this to follow, probably.
Showing posts with label blog awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog awards. Show all posts
26 Mar 2010
Westward Ho
It's the weekend of the Irish Blog Awards and I'm off bright and early to Galway tomorrow morning to join the party. Amazingly, I'm a finalist in the best blog post category for a post I wrote last June when Duncan and I had spent a beautiful few days away together, just the two of us. It's a post that flowed out of me, one that expresses my feelings of love, pride, contentment and joy in my child. I'm really happy it was selected to be among the final few posts, astonished too! But it was a lovely surprise in a downer of a week so thanks very much to all the judges for getting it this far. I hope a few people will have read it and consider that parenting a disabled child isn't less than, just different.
Here's the list of posts in the category which is sponsored by KRO IT Solutions I know which one I think is the best among that lot and hope it wins tomorrow.
But the prizes are a very small part of what makes the blog awards great. It's the chance to meet people and chat, eat, drink, laugh, renew old friendships and make new ones. It's just a great big party. I am looking forward to it very much.
Here's the list of posts in the category which is sponsored by KRO IT Solutions
- Grandad – Passive smoking is beneficial
- Twentymajor – It is time to turn our back on the criminal catholic church ltd
- Panti – No more Mr. Nice Gay
- Fatmammycat – Twilight, the horror, the horror!
- Stranded on Gaia – I heard there was a secret chord
- Curlydena – I wasn’t ready
- The Voyage – Just as he is
But the prizes are a very small part of what makes the blog awards great. It's the chance to meet people and chat, eat, drink, laugh, renew old friendships and make new ones. It's just a great big party. I am looking forward to it very much.
I CAN'T Wait
Duncan had another appointment with the dentist this morning. Lady and Thomas have both started school now (more on that later- but it's going well) so it was just the two of us. The 1st time we were at that dentist it was a huge struggle to get him in the building. He stood outside crying for ages while I tried to reason with him. We made it into the waiting room where The Tweenies was playing on a tv, henceforth that room was known as "The Tweenies Room." Duncan utterly refused to leave the room so the dentist came to him and after Thomas modelled the procedure, Duncan consented to allow the dentist a brief glimpse inside his mouth right there. On the next visit he made it to the examination room but not onto the chair, though he did enjoy moving the stuffed dinosaur with the big teeth up and down on the chair. Then the dentist got another kick look but didn't see much. Today however Duncan was an absolute star. We entered the Tweenies Room and he dashed about a bit checking out the books and wall posters, seemed pleased that there was no smoking allowed, then got ready to leave again. An old woman and a younger man, probably her son, arrived. The man might well have been autistic himself. Duncan was restless and I said several times, "we will wait."
"I can't wait!"
"Look at the door, read the sign. This is a waiting room."
He read it and seemed a bit happier to do what the sign said, for a while at least. He got ready to move again and I said, "wait for a little while. The dentist will be ready soon."
Duncan replied softly, "I don't want to wait. Listen to me, pal!"
I just asked him about the book he had picked up. The woman most have had very acute hearing as she snorted a bit then said, "oh, that's a strange thing to say."
Now was thinking that her sticking her nose in was strange, but reasoned that she might not have known better and said, "it's a phrase he picked up from a video. He doesn't know what it means." (I regret saying that with him right beside me now.)
"Well one thing I will say, in my day we respected our parents."
"That's nice. He respects me and I respect him too."
We were called to the dentist then. I suppose I should be glad she only felt it was her right to comment on my son's words and wasn't tempted to stick a pen into his or my eye unlike the wish expressed by a "home-schooling" mother I read about on Liz's blog. This "christian" (I won't capitalise the word, this woman doesn't deserve it) clearly hasn't heard about "suffer the little children." It's hard to believe she could possibly be so ignorant about autism as she obviously is for unless she's living as part of an able-bodied people only cult, she surely knows of other non-school educated families with autistic children; there's loads of us out there!
But forget her, my boy did well today, Lady and Thomas are settling and happy in their new school, I'm off to Galway for the weekend. It's going to be just fine.
"I can't wait!"
"Look at the door, read the sign. This is a waiting room."
He read it and seemed a bit happier to do what the sign said, for a while at least. He got ready to move again and I said, "wait for a little while. The dentist will be ready soon."
Duncan replied softly, "I don't want to wait. Listen to me, pal!"
I just asked him about the book he had picked up. The woman most have had very acute hearing as she snorted a bit then said, "oh, that's a strange thing to say."
Now was thinking that her sticking her nose in was strange, but reasoned that she might not have known better and said, "it's a phrase he picked up from a video. He doesn't know what it means." (I regret saying that with him right beside me now.)
"Well one thing I will say, in my day we respected our parents."
"That's nice. He respects me and I respect him too."
We were called to the dentist then. I suppose I should be glad she only felt it was her right to comment on my son's words and wasn't tempted to stick a pen into his or my eye unlike the wish expressed by a "home-schooling" mother I read about on Liz's blog. This "christian" (I won't capitalise the word, this woman doesn't deserve it) clearly hasn't heard about "suffer the little children." It's hard to believe she could possibly be so ignorant about autism as she obviously is for unless she's living as part of an able-bodied people only cult, she surely knows of other non-school educated families with autistic children; there's loads of us out there!
But forget her, my boy did well today, Lady and Thomas are settling and happy in their new school, I'm off to Galway for the weekend. It's going to be just fine.
26 Feb 2009
Irish Blog Awards- top blogs I discovered
While reading various blogs in the past month or so as part of my duties as one of the many judges, I encountered so many blogs I didn't know existed, not so surprising I know! A few were utterly dire, clearly I won't link to these, but some of them I loved.
Fist of all Daddy or Chips? which seems to be a magpie sort of blog picking up on fun, pretty and shiny things. I'm happy to be corrected if I'm missing layers of deeper meaning, some sort of rage against the system. It's got pop and well built men and more pop and I liked it a lot.
Next I want to highlight Stranded on Gaia which somehow I'd not read before. It's a popular blog, frequently updated with funny as hell stories and rants and some top quality swearing. I'll be back.
I discovered what might be the most beautiful blog of the lot, Lickable Wallpaper. It's by an Irish couple who did the most marvellous thing; quit jobs and everyday safe life to travel the world. The blog records their journey with fantastic photos and makes me so very jealous. (If you're reading Cathy, you'll love this one.)
I met Eddie at 4am or so after the awards when just 4 of us remained sitting around the skewed world-map table (Ireland was shown as x2 times Britain's size) and talking until the cleaners arrived the next morning. We only went to bed in case we were given a cloth and some polish.
I don't know what they're going to do now they have come back home, but I think it would a shame to let such a great blog sit untended.
So Eddie, g'wan and get back to it.
I looked at many amazing photoblogs. These people are all astonishingly talented, but one of those that I loved and which didn't make the shortlist was venividi, a blog by a Polish person living in Cork. I'm no photographer (which I hope doesn't make my praise too limited!) but I thought the images presented were amazing, telling stories, captivating and making me wonder what was happening and wanting to know more about the subject. There was a lively discussion on each post some in Polish and some in English.
Many of the photos were taken in Cork so as I walked around the city on Friday and Saturday, it seemed at times to be that bit more familiar as I spotted scenes and places I'd seen in the blog.
I may think of more in time but that'll do for now. Good on you all for what you've created.
Fist of all Daddy or Chips? which seems to be a magpie sort of blog picking up on fun, pretty and shiny things. I'm happy to be corrected if I'm missing layers of deeper meaning, some sort of rage against the system. It's got pop and well built men and more pop and I liked it a lot.
Next I want to highlight Stranded on Gaia which somehow I'd not read before. It's a popular blog, frequently updated with funny as hell stories and rants and some top quality swearing. I'll be back.
I discovered what might be the most beautiful blog of the lot, Lickable Wallpaper. It's by an Irish couple who did the most marvellous thing; quit jobs and everyday safe life to travel the world. The blog records their journey with fantastic photos and makes me so very jealous. (If you're reading Cathy, you'll love this one.)
I met Eddie at 4am or so after the awards when just 4 of us remained sitting around the skewed world-map table (Ireland was shown as x2 times Britain's size) and talking until the cleaners arrived the next morning. We only went to bed in case we were given a cloth and some polish.
I don't know what they're going to do now they have come back home, but I think it would a shame to let such a great blog sit untended.
So Eddie, g'wan and get back to it.
I looked at many amazing photoblogs. These people are all astonishingly talented, but one of those that I loved and which didn't make the shortlist was venividi, a blog by a Polish person living in Cork. I'm no photographer (which I hope doesn't make my praise too limited!) but I thought the images presented were amazing, telling stories, captivating and making me wonder what was happening and wanting to know more about the subject. There was a lively discussion on each post some in Polish and some in English.
Many of the photos were taken in Cork so as I walked around the city on Friday and Saturday, it seemed at times to be that bit more familiar as I spotted scenes and places I'd seen in the blog.
I may think of more in time but that'll do for now. Good on you all for what you've created.
23 Feb 2009
Irish Blog Awards, great times but how does it work?
I enjoyed myself so much this past weekend. Heading down to Cork for the weekend, staying in a decent hotel and meeting lots of fabulously interesting, opinionated, talented articulate and passionate people. I loved having some time with my beloved little sister and the banter and craic were mighty altogether. The Ladies Tea Party was delightful and the award ceremony was organised and enjoyable. Everyone I met was warm and friendly and all were impressed at how well Damian and all his helpers had managed everything. New friendships were made and old ones strengthened.
It was delightful to return to my family. Gordon met me at the airport with the boys. Thomas blew kisses every time I looked around and smiled at me like a matinee idol, Duncan grinned and held my hand as we drove to pick Lady up from her friend's house. It was a rapturous reception.
Later I had a quick look at the blog which won in my category and was shocked to see that it only started on December 2nd. Now I'll be honest, when the shortlist was announced, I had a quick read through the 4 other "Specialist Blogs" and I thought that the only one that didn't stand a chance of winning was the one that won, Irish Economy. The blog content, while incredibly topical, seemed to me, to be written in a dry textbook style. I fully admit that I only spent a few minutes reading it, whereas I read many posts by the other bloggers, and personally,I was more impressed at their content, style, wit and the level of engagement they had with readers. And what I had taken on first glance to be a blogroll on the Irish Economy blog, was in fact the list of contributors- 24 in total. Each of the other 4 blogs shortlisted are written by just one person.
Now I'm confused about something. Perhaps people will think this is just sour grapes that I didn't win. It's not though...
I was a judge for this year's blog awards. Judging each person's quota of the massive list of nominated blogs began at the beginning of February, only 2 months after the Irish Economy blog commenced. But crucially, the awards nomination rules stipulated that, "to be nominated the Blog has to have been actively blogging between July 15th and December 15th 2008." As a judge, I took this to mean that to be eligible, all blogs (except those nominated for best new blog and best blog post) had to have regular posts in the period stipulated, not that the blog must have had some posts at any point in that time. It never occurred to me to use the 2nd possible meaning. For each blog I judged, I went to the archives and read a large selection of the posts written between July and December and ignored the rest so when I came across blogs that hadn't started until later in the year, I gave them as few marks as possible and wrote my reasons for the low mark in the allotted space. It now seems that other judges interpreted the nomination rules the 2nd way and I fear I have discriminated against many good blogs.
I would appreciate it if Damien or someone who knows, could clarify this. It's too late to do anything about it this year but I hope that by next year, it will be more obvious to those nominating and judging, exactly what the rules are.
PS, I'm really delighted that 3 of the winners were those I nominated; well done, Maman Poulet, Trust Tommy and The Cedar Lounge Revolution, and well done too all the other winners...even if some of you might be glad you weren't judged by me.
It was delightful to return to my family. Gordon met me at the airport with the boys. Thomas blew kisses every time I looked around and smiled at me like a matinee idol, Duncan grinned and held my hand as we drove to pick Lady up from her friend's house. It was a rapturous reception.
Later I had a quick look at the blog which won in my category and was shocked to see that it only started on December 2nd. Now I'll be honest, when the shortlist was announced, I had a quick read through the 4 other "Specialist Blogs" and I thought that the only one that didn't stand a chance of winning was the one that won, Irish Economy. The blog content, while incredibly topical, seemed to me, to be written in a dry textbook style. I fully admit that I only spent a few minutes reading it, whereas I read many posts by the other bloggers, and personally,I was more impressed at their content, style, wit and the level of engagement they had with readers. And what I had taken on first glance to be a blogroll on the Irish Economy blog, was in fact the list of contributors- 24 in total. Each of the other 4 blogs shortlisted are written by just one person.
Now I'm confused about something. Perhaps people will think this is just sour grapes that I didn't win. It's not though...
I was a judge for this year's blog awards. Judging each person's quota of the massive list of nominated blogs began at the beginning of February, only 2 months after the Irish Economy blog commenced. But crucially, the awards nomination rules stipulated that, "to be nominated the Blog has to have been actively blogging between July 15th and December 15th 2008." As a judge, I took this to mean that to be eligible, all blogs (except those nominated for best new blog and best blog post) had to have regular posts in the period stipulated, not that the blog must have had some posts at any point in that time. It never occurred to me to use the 2nd possible meaning. For each blog I judged, I went to the archives and read a large selection of the posts written between July and December and ignored the rest so when I came across blogs that hadn't started until later in the year, I gave them as few marks as possible and wrote my reasons for the low mark in the allotted space. It now seems that other judges interpreted the nomination rules the 2nd way and I fear I have discriminated against many good blogs.
I would appreciate it if Damien or someone who knows, could clarify this. It's too late to do anything about it this year but I hope that by next year, it will be more obvious to those nominating and judging, exactly what the rules are.
PS, I'm really delighted that 3 of the winners were those I nominated; well done, Maman Poulet, Trust Tommy and The Cedar Lounge Revolution, and well done too all the other winners...even if some of you might be glad you weren't judged by me.
17 Feb 2009
Shortlisted for Irish Blog Award
This is utterly smashing. The short list is out for Saturday's Irish Blog Awards and I'm still there in the specialist category. No too bad; about 50 or 60 blogs were nominated in this category, it being the one for all the blogs that don't really fit in anywhere else. This was whittled down to 20 or so in the long list and there are now only five finalists. I'm up with four exceptional blogs:
The awards party takes place in Cork on Saturday night. I'm flying down on Friday and meeting my sister who is coming over from London. She'll make sure I behave myself when I'm let loose with no children for a couple of nights in an unfamiliar city. There will be much merriment and unlike last year, I will actually know some others there. I'm looking forward to it.
Best Specialist Blog - Sponsored by iQ Content
- xbox4nappyrash.blogspot.com
- biopsy.wordpress.com
- irisheconomy.ie
- thefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com
- irishtaxi.org
The awards party takes place in Cork on Saturday night. I'm flying down on Friday and meeting my sister who is coming over from London. She'll make sure I behave myself when I'm let loose with no children for a couple of nights in an unfamiliar city. There will be much merriment and unlike last year, I will actually know some others there. I'm looking forward to it.
15 Jan 2009
3 years of The Voyage
I wrote my first post on January 16, 2006. I'm surprised and proud to have stuck to this blogging game for so long when I was never a diarist or much of a writer.
My aims for doing this have been to have a record of our lives and my children's development though I have tended to focus much more on Duncan recently and I rarely now write about our home-education pursuits, except for learning through living. I have changed my layout to display all my favourite blogs, not just those with a disability/autism/home-education/science theme. It's easier to keep up with new posts and hopefully, others reading here might sometimes have a look at something new.
Blogging has been a great way to connect with people and learn from them. I've met some in Real Life and some have become true, close online only friends.
Obviously, I want to keep increasing the numbers of people who read what I go to the bother of writing, and I have received more visitors with each passing year which must be good. OK they are still shitty numbers compared to the bigger blogs. I'm hardy going to change the world with this! Like most of us blogger types, I enjoy an occasional fix of comment crack which some good people have been kind enough to supply.
The biggest surprise and highlight of my year as a blogger was to win an award at the Irish Blogger Awards for Best Specialist Blog. Even had I not won, that was a fantastic experience and was the first time I got to meet some very friendly, funny, welcoming and supportive people and later, it was lovely to join some of these people in contributing a chapter to the Homepages book.
As always I have loved the energy, vision, honesty and power in the efforts of those in the disability/autism blogging communities (you know what section of this I mean) to tackle discrimination, delusion and to improve the lives of people like Duncan.
I hope that in some small way my words will seep out and possibly influence someone somewhere to think differently about autism.
My aims for doing this have been to have a record of our lives and my children's development though I have tended to focus much more on Duncan recently and I rarely now write about our home-education pursuits, except for learning through living. I have changed my layout to display all my favourite blogs, not just those with a disability/autism/home-education/science theme. It's easier to keep up with new posts and hopefully, others reading here might sometimes have a look at something new.
Blogging has been a great way to connect with people and learn from them. I've met some in Real Life and some have become true, close online only friends.
Obviously, I want to keep increasing the numbers of people who read what I go to the bother of writing, and I have received more visitors with each passing year which must be good. OK they are still shitty numbers compared to the bigger blogs. I'm hardy going to change the world with this! Like most of us blogger types, I enjoy an occasional fix of comment crack which some good people have been kind enough to supply.The biggest surprise and highlight of my year as a blogger was to win an award at the Irish Blogger Awards for Best Specialist Blog. Even had I not won, that was a fantastic experience and was the first time I got to meet some very friendly, funny, welcoming and supportive people and later, it was lovely to join some of these people in contributing a chapter to the Homepages book.
As always I have loved the energy, vision, honesty and power in the efforts of those in the disability/autism blogging communities (you know what section of this I mean) to tackle discrimination, delusion and to improve the lives of people like Duncan.
I hope that in some small way my words will seep out and possibly influence someone somewhere to think differently about autism.
6 Jan 2009
Nominate now for 2009 Irish Blog Awards
I've just done it. How about you?
It's time to nominate your favourites for the Irish Blog Awards, 2009. So go on then, shoo!
It's time to nominate your favourites for the Irish Blog Awards, 2009. So go on then, shoo!
3 Mar 2008
I'd just like to thank...
What follows is my acceptance speech, the director's cut.
I would like to thank;
That's it. It's more coherent than the actual speech. The other attendees can be glad I didn't bore the bogies out of them with all this at the time though.
And just for fun, there are some photos here and here.
I would like to thank;
- My children, who are the most wonderful 3 juvenile human beings on earth and without whom I might still be a physicist (gulp) instead of spending my days with them and loving it.
- The Blog Awards organiser, Damien Mulley and all his minions, for their splendid work.
- The judges; man they must have waded through some rough material.
- The sponsor of my award, iQ Content (I'm hoping that's the right link), and the sponsors of the other prizes, Hosting365 and Bubble Brothers for the champagne and Moviestar.ie for the DVD player.
- All my bog buddies, the people who read this and the special, delightful people who comment.
- The cranks, quacks and the credulous media who report them, for giving me lots of material for ranty posts. I'd happily forgo this aspect of blogging though for more of the scarce positive stories.
- The wonderful autistic writers from whom I've learned so much. They're on my sidebar.
- Debby for getting me started with this blogginess.
- Gordon for putting up with my laptop time.
- Gordon's mum for babysitting on Saturday night, and Miche for being the best possible company at the bloggies.
- Alan for making the lovely award pic taking pride of place on my sidebar.
That's it. It's more coherent than the actual speech. The other attendees can be glad I didn't bore the bogies out of them with all this at the time though.
And just for fun, there are some photos here and here.
2 Mar 2008
I WON!
I won at the Irish Blog Awards! Yes!
This thing you're now reading, is officially the Best Specialist Blog in the Irish blogosphere. Don't ask me what I'm a specialist in...
I'm guessing it's something to do with the autism stuff. But anyway, I'm a winner.
I'm just going to take a minute to gloat.
That's better.
SO last night, the Irish Blog Awards were held in a Dublin hotel. I went down from Belfast on the train with my cousin Miche. Though I really didn't expect to win, I was sure it'd be a good night out and a chance to meet a few cyber buddies.
It was very well organised, and we were pleased to see that proceeds from the entrance charge went to an epilepsy charity. We took our seats feeling a bit out of place at first. It seemed that many other people there already knew one another. I wondered how I'd ever know who was who, not knowing what anyone looks like. The only way to tell was to gawk closely at the name badges perched on chests and since the place was packed with close to 400 people, that wasn't going to be easy.
It was all hosted by a proper radio DJ and blogger, Rick O'Shea, and each category was introduced by George W. Bush in a series of witty video things. Each winner received a really nice cut glass trophy, champagne and a DVD player. Not a bad haul of booty! Eventually I got chatting to a few people sitting near me, 73Man and the Dublin Community bloggers, and got them to promise to cheer for my blog when it was called out, as I was a bit worried that no-one there would know it, leaving only me and Miche clapping. I'm shallow enough to worry about such things. But when my time came, they did me proud, and amazingly and fantastically, this actually won.
I gave a very garbled speech, thanking my children for providing me with lots of material together with the media for writing so much rubbish about autism. I don't think it came out the way I meant it to... I forgot to pose for my photo with the sponsor of my category, iQ Content, and had to go back up. Ah well.
At least then, the few people there who do read my ramblings knew what I look like, and Heidi and Bock were both nice enough to come say hello and be ever so lovely about my win.
I have to say, as a person who has never won anything, never been singled out for particular praise, winning an award for writing this, is such a wonderful, delightful thing. I love blogging, especially so today!
As the night went on, I got chatting to more bloggers and everyone was so lovely and enthusiastic. I got to meet Hangar Queen, and Maman Poulet, and I was able to question Twenty Major about his naughty language and thank the organiser Damien Mulley, for going to so much effort to make us northerners feel at home, (the stage was decked in red, white and blue bunting, and looked like parts of Belfast in July, though the intended effect was a USA presidential rally).
Miche and me sat with the Dublin blogger crowd, a smart move as it turned out, as they were great company. It was especially nice to hang out with Red Mum who, it turns out, is herself a Belfast woman. We even had a bit of a dance since it all ended with a disco.
In the end, I staggered both proudly and a wee bit woozily to bed.
(The full list of Blog Award winners can be seen here.)
This thing you're now reading, is officially the Best Specialist Blog in the Irish blogosphere. Don't ask me what I'm a specialist in...
I'm guessing it's something to do with the autism stuff. But anyway, I'm a winner.
I'm just going to take a minute to gloat.
That's better.
SO last night, the Irish Blog Awards were held in a Dublin hotel. I went down from Belfast on the train with my cousin Miche. Though I really didn't expect to win, I was sure it'd be a good night out and a chance to meet a few cyber buddies.
It was very well organised, and we were pleased to see that proceeds from the entrance charge went to an epilepsy charity. We took our seats feeling a bit out of place at first. It seemed that many other people there already knew one another. I wondered how I'd ever know who was who, not knowing what anyone looks like. The only way to tell was to gawk closely at the name badges perched on chests and since the place was packed with close to 400 people, that wasn't going to be easy.
It was all hosted by a proper radio DJ and blogger, Rick O'Shea, and each category was introduced by George W. Bush in a series of witty video things. Each winner received a really nice cut glass trophy, champagne and a DVD player. Not a bad haul of booty! Eventually I got chatting to a few people sitting near me, 73Man and the Dublin Community bloggers, and got them to promise to cheer for my blog when it was called out, as I was a bit worried that no-one there would know it, leaving only me and Miche clapping. I'm shallow enough to worry about such things. But when my time came, they did me proud, and amazingly and fantastically, this actually won.
I gave a very garbled speech, thanking my children for providing me with lots of material together with the media for writing so much rubbish about autism. I don't think it came out the way I meant it to... I forgot to pose for my photo with the sponsor of my category, iQ Content, and had to go back up. Ah well.
At least then, the few people there who do read my ramblings knew what I look like, and Heidi and Bock were both nice enough to come say hello and be ever so lovely about my win.
I have to say, as a person who has never won anything, never been singled out for particular praise, winning an award for writing this, is such a wonderful, delightful thing. I love blogging, especially so today!
As the night went on, I got chatting to more bloggers and everyone was so lovely and enthusiastic. I got to meet Hangar Queen, and Maman Poulet, and I was able to question Twenty Major about his naughty language and thank the organiser Damien Mulley, for going to so much effort to make us northerners feel at home, (the stage was decked in red, white and blue bunting, and looked like parts of Belfast in July, though the intended effect was a USA presidential rally).
Miche and me sat with the Dublin blogger crowd, a smart move as it turned out, as they were great company. It was especially nice to hang out with Red Mum who, it turns out, is herself a Belfast woman. We even had a bit of a dance since it all ended with a disco.
In the end, I staggered both proudly and a wee bit woozily to bed.
(The full list of Blog Award winners can be seen here.)
29 Feb 2008
Awards
Gordon's awards ceremony took place last night. The place was packed, and it was only when we were there that I realised how prestigious it all was. Our < sarcasm> beloved leader < /sarcasm> the First Minister and the Health Minister were in the audience. Gordon was one of only 3 people nominated in his category and I think there were 8 categories. So he was in among the elite in a crowd of about 300. He didn't get the award, not that he was much fussed. But we enjoyed the night out, more so since we're tight and it was free. The awards part wasn't too painful, only those introducing the categories gave a speech and these were succinct and informative, well apart from the woman who droned on about pain and the other who blethered about the danger of BMIs higher than 29, to an audience where at least half fit the bill. I mean, they're important topics but make your point and get off the stage.
Anyway, I was totally proud of Gordon for this local recognition after moving here only 3 years ago and starting his research efforts from scratch.
Somehow I think the Irish Bloggers bash will be a bit less stuffy and a bit more fun. There will hardly be any undercover armed bodyguards there, but you never know who any blogger really is and for all I know, there might be someone there who's a really important person. I'm heading down to Dublin tomorrow with my cousin Miche (hello woman!) and if I don't win, she's liable to tear a few strips of whoever beats me! We're staying in the hotel where the award ceremony is taking place, making it much easier to proudly stride/slink in embarrassment/stagger woozily away at the end of the night. We won't know a being there, well not at the start of the night anyway. So anyone reading this who'll be going, if you see 2 northern women looking a bit lost, ask us to join your gang.
Anyway, I was totally proud of Gordon for this local recognition after moving here only 3 years ago and starting his research efforts from scratch.
Somehow I think the Irish Bloggers bash will be a bit less stuffy and a bit more fun. There will hardly be any undercover armed bodyguards there, but you never know who any blogger really is and for all I know, there might be someone there who's a really important person. I'm heading down to Dublin tomorrow with my cousin Miche (hello woman!) and if I don't win, she's liable to tear a few strips of whoever beats me! We're staying in the hotel where the award ceremony is taking place, making it much easier to proudly stride/slink in embarrassment/stagger woozily away at the end of the night. We won't know a being there, well not at the start of the night anyway. So anyone reading this who'll be going, if you see 2 northern women looking a bit lost, ask us to join your gang.
18 Feb 2008
In which we drive and enjoy a party
For much of Saturday, we were all in the car traversing the country in a south westerly direction. It was a beautiful, crisp day and somehow, amazingly, everybody was on great form despite the long journey. The clan was gathering to attend my nephew's christening. We arrived at the church about 10 minutes late, but after having travelled for over 150 miles, much of it on windy, narrow roads, that wasn't too bad...for us.
Duncan expressed his desire to go directly to my aunt P's house (she has a nice cuckoo clock and his favourite little dog) about 100 times as we drove. I'd told him that we would go there another day (she lives about 100 miles from our destination), or later, or soon, though he tried hard to pin me down to giving him a more accurate and desirable response.
As I'd expected, he wasn't best pleased when we stopped the car beside a big old church. I went in with Lady and Thomas, leaving Duncan with Gordon in the car. Duncan wanted to come inside to see me shortly after. He came in with his Gameboy, its volume set slightly too loud. He objected when I told him to turn it down, saying loudly 'I'm a bad Hopper' (Bugs Life reference) and 'I'm Cruella de Vil'. I'd expected that the service would only last for about 10 or 15 minutes longer. The priest had other ideas, and was treating the ceremony as a re-education opportunity for all (though it's doubtful how successful this was). He informed the congregation that we'd be there for 40 minutes yet. Yikes! Gordon wisely opted to take our noisy and uninterested boy out again and they went off for a walk. The other two enjoyed waving at their cousins, and eventually we were released to the comfort of the small hotel across the street, for a buffet meal, drinks, chat and for the children, loads of play.
It was a great afternoon. Duncan couldn't stop thinking and asking about the cuckoo clock he had on his mind and looked all over the hotel for one. But he was still out with everyone else, getting more familiar with and to his extended family. He played with Lady for a while, and my sister took him out for a walk, and my dad as always, played with him often. I was holding the baby for a while with Duncan sitting next to me, kissing and and stroking him so gently. I asked if he wanted to sing to baby D. and suggested a possible song. Duncan however opted to sing You'll be in my heart, from Disney's Tarzan. It is, after all, sung to a baby.
Gordon and I really enjoyed the crack (or craic...just for you Miche) of hanging out with the family. They teased me about my blog award nomination; a nomination for 'scowling' (meaning scolding), they called it. Trust your siblings not to let you get conceited!
Lady did her usual Pied Piper thing with all the younger cousins. She had them all playing schools at one stage, (cause she's such an expert on those!) which evolved into a 'Harry Potter' game. They hung out in a small lounge (the Gryffindor common room) drinking lemonade out of bottles, like I used to as a child, on the rare occasion we went to a hotel.
Oh and I need to brag on Gordon's behalf too. He's been nominated for a Northern Ireland Healthcare Award, which is, let's face it, just a bit more prestigious than an Irish Blog Award nomination.
Duncan expressed his desire to go directly to my aunt P's house (she has a nice cuckoo clock and his favourite little dog) about 100 times as we drove. I'd told him that we would go there another day (she lives about 100 miles from our destination), or later, or soon, though he tried hard to pin me down to giving him a more accurate and desirable response.
As I'd expected, he wasn't best pleased when we stopped the car beside a big old church. I went in with Lady and Thomas, leaving Duncan with Gordon in the car. Duncan wanted to come inside to see me shortly after. He came in with his Gameboy, its volume set slightly too loud. He objected when I told him to turn it down, saying loudly 'I'm a bad Hopper' (Bugs Life reference) and 'I'm Cruella de Vil'. I'd expected that the service would only last for about 10 or 15 minutes longer. The priest had other ideas, and was treating the ceremony as a re-education opportunity for all (though it's doubtful how successful this was). He informed the congregation that we'd be there for 40 minutes yet. Yikes! Gordon wisely opted to take our noisy and uninterested boy out again and they went off for a walk. The other two enjoyed waving at their cousins, and eventually we were released to the comfort of the small hotel across the street, for a buffet meal, drinks, chat and for the children, loads of play.
It was a great afternoon. Duncan couldn't stop thinking and asking about the cuckoo clock he had on his mind and looked all over the hotel for one. But he was still out with everyone else, getting more familiar with and to his extended family. He played with Lady for a while, and my sister took him out for a walk, and my dad as always, played with him often. I was holding the baby for a while with Duncan sitting next to me, kissing and and stroking him so gently. I asked if he wanted to sing to baby D. and suggested a possible song. Duncan however opted to sing You'll be in my heart, from Disney's Tarzan. It is, after all, sung to a baby.
Gordon and I really enjoyed the crack (or craic...just for you Miche) of hanging out with the family. They teased me about my blog award nomination; a nomination for 'scowling' (meaning scolding), they called it. Trust your siblings not to let you get conceited!
Lady did her usual Pied Piper thing with all the younger cousins. She had them all playing schools at one stage, (cause she's such an expert on those!) which evolved into a 'Harry Potter' game. They hung out in a small lounge (the Gryffindor common room) drinking lemonade out of bottles, like I used to as a child, on the rare occasion we went to a hotel.
Oh and I need to brag on Gordon's behalf too. He's been nominated for a Northern Ireland Healthcare Award, which is, let's face it, just a bit more prestigious than an Irish Blog Award nomination.
11 Feb 2008
Short listed for Irish Blog Award!
Well fancy that, this blog is in the short list for the Best Specialist Blog in the 2008 Irish Blog Awards. There's going to be an award ceremony in a Dublin hotel and everything.
This is very cool, and I'm amazed to have been nominated and then included in the short list. The other blogs in this category are;
It's a mixed bunch of blogs and they're mostly more, you know, serious and respectable than this thing. I'm flamin delighted to be considered among them, with my rambling, rants and reminiscing. It's not bad for the puny blog of an Irish housewife!
This is very cool, and I'm amazed to have been nominated and then included in the short list. The other blogs in this category are;
- Green Ink
- The Usual Suspect
- Eoin Purcell’s Blog
- Piaras Kelly PR
- Wood Pellet Ireland
- Cearta
- Crime Always Pays
- Paddy Anglican
- Oliver Moore
- Lex Ferenda
- Public Enquiry
- Red Cardinal
It's a mixed bunch of blogs and they're mostly more, you know, serious and respectable than this thing. I'm flamin delighted to be considered among them, with my rambling, rants and reminiscing. It's not bad for the puny blog of an Irish housewife!
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