My Blog’s Been Recognized

I am very happy to share that recently I received two awards for my blog.  I am both honored and delighted.  It’s not really a nomination because there is no vote between bloggers to see who wins.  The fact that I was recognized is an award in itself.  Even though I’ve had my blog for more than 3 years, I am still trying to figure out how people get their blogs featured on different websites and in news articles.  And 3 years may seem like a long time but if you have been with me from the beginning you will know that I took around 2 years off after my first ‘crash and burn’ try at teaching overseas.  I picked it back up once I reapplied and started the journey over.  Well receiving these awards makes me feel like my blog is being read and ‘Hey’, it must be pretty good. So I guess I will stick with it.  But really, here are the requirements for receiving these awards.

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This is my second Liebster Award! Keep ’em coming!

I was nominated by Expat Panda. <-Click here to visit her blog) THANK YOU!  She is a beautiful young lady from South Africa, who like me, is teaching overseas.  She is teaching in Kuwait and I love the little memes she post in her blog.  It is her signature and I’m so jeolous that I did not think of using those first.

My blog was originally started to document my steps to teaching overseas.  I used to write when I was a little girl.  I loved to write poetry and books.  I even had a poem published in a book years ago.  One day I will write some children’s books when life slows down for me.  I already have my characters and storylines in my mind. Anyway, back to the brief history of my blog.  The first time I tried to teach overseas I did not get the job(s).   You know the rest.  Now I am here in Qatar teaching first grade.  And my blog is all about learning and growing over here.  I discuss the steps to teaching in Qatar, life in Qatar, traveling and eating.  Some might say, my blog is a little personal, but it is.  I like it like that.

My advice to anyone considering blogging or just beginning, make a list, so you don’t forget. And…

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Don’t ask me what this has to do with blogging.  I just like it.  But on a more serious note, have fun with it, but keep in mind that Big Brother is always watching.  I go by this saying “When in doubt, do without”.

11 random facts about me

    1. I call myself a Pesca-Vegan because I mostly follow a vegan diet but I do eat seafood. SMH (I love it so much)
    2. I am afraid of flying but I love to travel
    3. I have a facebook group called “For Women Living with Alopecia”
    4. I write reviews
    5. My birthday is a big deal to me and I act like a spoiled brat in the month of August
    6. I hate wearing clothes, but I love clothes shopping
    7. I like my food piping hot and if it’s not, I’m not a happy camper.  In fact, I will send it back in a heartbeat.
    8. Trey Songz could get it
    9. I want to serve more, maybe volunteer in a hospital to help kids or feed the homeless
    10. I will live forever, at least I tell people that, because I wish I could.  I really do love life!
    11. My favorite movies are…

So Expat Panda has created these 10 questions for me to answer.  Here goes..

  • What is your favorite thing to photograph?

I love to photograph sunsets, sunrises and scenery.

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  • Which magical power do you wish you had while you were traveling?

It is difficult to choose just one, but I think I would love the power to teleport then I wouldn’t have to worry about the plane ride.  But, I’m cheating now, I could make a whole list of other powers I wish I had.  A second one would be to clone myself, so that I wouldn’t have to go back to work but remain on vacation while my clone worked for me.  Or maybe the power to expand and deflate my stomach so that I could eat all I wanted and not worry about getting fat. But then that would be unhealthy, so I don’t know.  How about you my readers, what power would you choose while traveling?

  • If we had a day to spend together in your hometown, what would we do?

That’s easy, we would eat cheesesteaks and visit historical sites.  Philadelphia has a lot of history.

  • Which TV show would you like to live in?

Sex and the City!  I crack me up! Thank God, she didn’t ask, which character I would be.

  • What is your “take all my money!” store?

Homecenter, TJMax, Target, Macys, Oh, I’m sorry did you say store or stores?

  • What food do you crave when you need comfort?

Sushi

  • What has been your most valuable failure?

Being told no by previous employers, it brought me here

  • What’s your favorite Disney movie?

BAM! Answered that already, see ^

  • What would you have told your 16 or 18-year-old self?

Go to college right after high school, it will save you time and earn you money faster

  • Tell the world the story of how and why you started your blog.

BAM! Answered that already too. See^

Now I have to nominate 11 bloggers that are deserving of this award and pose 11 questions to them.  But, unfortunately I don’t know that many bloggers that have less than 300 followers so I nominated a few that I think are deserving.

I have nominated you…

https://fiancevisauganda.wordpress.com/

https://nycteacherabroad.wordpress.com/

https://travelwithmeeks.wordpress.com/

https://beautyglossips.wordpress.com/

https://elizabeth8199.wordpress.com

…for the Blogger Recognition Award and the Liebster Award.  If you accept, here are your 11 questions:

  1. What is the title of your post that received the most views?
  2. What is your favorite place to visit in the whole world and why?
  3. If you were granted a redo, what would you use it for?
  4. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
  5. Describe your dream job? (You can make one up if you want)
  6. What are your pet peeves?
  7. Apple or Android?
  8. Who is your best friend and why?
  9. If you could spend one more day with someone who has passed, who would it be and what would you do?
  10. What are your hobbies, besides blogging?
  11. What do you love most about your life right now?

Congrats!

 

The LIEBSTER AWARD Challenge

Congratulations! I’ve nominated you for a LIEBSTER AWARD…

So one of my new friends, Nancy, nominated me for an award for which I am honored to receive.  Here is a copy of her message.

“Congratulations! I’ve nominated you for a LIEBSTER AWARD because I think your blog is awesome! This is a blogging challenge and honor, should you choose to accept!”

Since I have accepted the challenge, below are the questions she sent me and my answers.

  • If you could give someone $1,000,000, who would you give it to and why?

This may seem selfish but, If I had $1,000,000.00, I would give it to my husband.  He has so many great ideas but without the funding it is very difficult to bring these ideas into fruition.  I know he would use the money to start his business for single fathers.  One of the ideas he has is that he would open a facility where fathers could have a place to visit with their children during their parenting time.  They could cook for their kids, and stay overnight in a safe, fun environment.  They could also receive legal assistance by giving back.

  • If you won an exotic, all expense paid trip, who would you bring with you?

I would take my husband, of course.  I know we would have a great time because we like to do the same things.  

  • What are the top 3 most beautiful places you have ever visited?

The 3 most beautiful places I have visited were Maui, specifically Haleakala, St. Maarten and Massanutten VA.

  • What tip would you give someone who is just starting their blog?

If you are starting a blog and you want people to believe you, be honest and keep it real.  It doesn’t all have to be so serious; have fun with it and be yourself.  It’s your blog so write whatever you want, but know that if it’s public, people will read it, so be selective in what business you choose to share.

  • If travel were something everyone did as a rite of passage growing up, where would you recommend they go? (one country only please)

I believe that it is important to study history so that mistakes are not repeated and to appreciate the beginnings. With that in mind, if travel was a rite of passage, everyone should have to track their roots and go to the beginning of their ancestry.  Wherever it started, that is where they should go.

  • What is your favorite dish?

I love seafood.  Anything with Lobster is my favorite.

  • Have you ever hesitated posting something on your blog, but did it anyway?  What was it? Link it here:

Recently I hesitated posting a response to my husband’s ex-wife on my blog but did it anyway.  At first, and at times still, I believe it was done in poor choice but I really needed her to know that I am aware that she is reading my blog and trying to use it against him in court.  I may still decide to delete it later but for now- it remains.

https://phillygirl77.wordpress.com/2016/04/19/side-note/

  • If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be? What would you do there?

As much as I love Hawaii and Jamaica, I don’t think I have yet visited the place I would like to settle in for good.  In the meantime, I’m moving to Qatar for the next two years to teach Kindergarten.  I would also like to teach in South Africa and China and visit Australia, Switzerland and Italy, on my quest to find my forever home.

  • What is your favorite non-blog website?  Post a Link!

The website I love and hate all at the same time is Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/

I think facebook has the potential to be very dangerous but it has also brought people closer.  In the past year, I have joined several facebook groups and the members have inspired me and provided me with insightful tips.  One such group is ForBlackWomenTravelGroup.  It is a group where many women share their experiences in traveling.

  • When you’re in trouble, who do you call?

When I am in trouble, I call my husband because I know no matter what he will come.

  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself enjoying home and vacation as one.  I see my husband and I running our own restaurant on an Island.   I see our kids coming to visit.  I see myself living stress-free and happy. 

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