Paying-It-Forward

Did you ever notice how you can be with 100 nice people, have lovely times, share 200 laughs, and it can all disappear with one jerk? Why is it that one idiot can stifle all the happy inside? Em has this teacher and he is a jerk. I had a run in with him as she was leaving for her trip, so I'm working hard to remember he is one (big) jerk and there are millions of nice peeps to outnumber him. Ugh.

As I wrote yesterday, I will be celebrating one year of bloghood on Monday. I'm happy with how far I have come--posting nearly every day, writing as I post (no more over-thinking a post and copying in onto the blog), and enjoying every part of this crazy world known as blogging. I had absolutely no idea this whole world existed before April 13, 2008. I have made some really incredible friends and have learned so much. I cannot imagine my life without the blog now--it would be downright boring.

A couple of weeks ago, Jo over a Life's Perfect Pictures took on a pay-it-forward challenge. The idea is to spring some happiness and good cheer upon 3 people and they must agree to pay-it-forward--to bring some of their own happiness and good cheer to 3 others. It goes on and on until everyone gets a little pick-me-up, a little happiness into their lives. Except of course, Jerky Teacher--he will just receive the stink-eye from me from now on. That is my special gift to him.

Jo sent me the loveliest basket of treats--a floral notepad, some floral post-its to match, some very soothing Calgon shower gel, candles, and New Toenail's favorite--a pedicure set!! I would show a picture of the basket except I dismantled that sucker immediately and used everything--I was very excited, you see. There was this adorable card with such nice things written inside stuffed in the basket, and it just filled me with warmth. How lucky I am to have such a nice new friend! I sailed for the rest of the day with a stupid silly grin on my face.

So, in honor of my anniversary and of my friendship with Jo, I would like to carry on the Pay-It-Forward challenge. I thought long and hard about the best way to do this, so here it is.

I'm going to pay-it-forward in two ways:

1) I'm looking for those pallies who are interested in participating in paying-it-forward to 3 other bloggers. Leave a comment here saying that you're in, and I will select 3 lucky peeps to receive my gift. Please only comment if you want to share the love--no sending dead flowers to Jerky Teacher on my behalf, please. And also--I'm trying to keep costs down somewhat, so if you live in Antartica or Siberia (you know--outside the U.S.), you'll have to find the love in your local area--postage here is a killer! There is a highly secret, very complicated method in which I will choose the winners and they will be announced on Monday.

2) I bought my special gifts from my favorite Etsy sellers to kinda support their efforts as well. Inside your box, you will receive some special surprises, but also expect something from Pricilla and her goat gang at http://www.gethappygoatsoap.com/. Be sure to click on her name and see the adorable goats who make the milk for the soap, as well as the adorable new little guy, Kevin. Included in the package is another fav--Jasmine at Mea Culpa's Body and Bath Creations. Her lotions look so good, you may want to eat it--but I wouldn't because it would be nicer for your body on it, not in it.

I hope that tempts you a bit to join in! And while you are blog-hopping, be sure to stop in and congratulate my pally, Sherri, who celebrates her First Anniversary with me. Isn't that weird that we both started blogging on the very same day?!! Ooooohhhhweeeeeooooooh. (That's my scary ghost music)

So, comment away, pallies. I'm shutting this bad-boy down on Saturday night because I'm sure you will all be at Grandma's on Easter Sunday eating Lamb Cake and will be too stuffed to visit blogs. And besides, Jesus would not appreciate you fighting for prizes on a Holy Day of obligation.