So I’ve been nominated for a Liebster Award! Twice! I feel very honoured and grateful. Thank you to Mummy Bisson and Silly Mummy. I recently wrote about how supportive and generous the blogging community is in BLOGGING WITH GRATITUDE, and this award just goes to prove that as well.
For those of you who don’t know what a Liebster Award is, it’s a lovely way of recognising new and upcoming bloggers and getting to know them better through a set of 11 facts (the blogger decides what to disclose) and then answering 11 questions given by the blogger who nominated you. The blogger then nominates between 4 and 11 other bloggers and give them a new set of 11 questions to answer.
Okay, so here we go. Starting with 11 fascinating facts about yours truly. Despite being nominated twice I have only given 11 facts, because as you can see I struggled to keep it brief, so 22 facts would have made this the longest blog post in history. If it’s not already… Enjoy!
11 facts about me
1. I love most food. Except for Brussels Sprouts! Whoever decided this was a delicacy must have lost the plot… Sorry, Brussels sprouts lovers, but seriously? And to spoil a perfectly yummy Christmas dinner by adding these? Luckily Daddy Long Legs feels the same. So as much as he’ll get to try avocado, liver, strong cheese and marinated herring (Who’s she calling crazy?! you might be thinking now) Caspian will have to go elsewhere if he wants to munch on those little green smelly buggers.
2. When I was a child I wanted to become a dentist. Possibly because my auntie was one, so I thought it was the coolest thing ever. As she is very cool. And however much I love and respect her and her profession, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to handle it, as I really struggle if a person has bad breath! Let alone with the thought of blood and sharp instruments.
3. I used to travel the world as a semi-professional bridge player. At the bridge table is also where I met Daddy Long Legs and we continue to play once a week at our local club, bringing us both a huge amount of joy! Especially when we win, which since Caspian’s arrival hasn’t been much, but hopefully we’ll be able to battle our way out of the baby brain fog soon and once again conquer the game.
4. I’m a visual person and have a photographic memory. Which sometimes it brilliant and helpful – like when Daddy Long Legs has misplaced something, I can usually recall where I last saw it within seconds. At other times it can be a right pain, there are simply some images I really wish I could erase from my memory. I used to draw scenes from plays when I was younger – I would only have to see a show once to remember accurate details of costumes. I must admit it has suffered a bit in recent months. Though I think that goes for my memory in general. What was I about to do…?! seems to be a common phase in my vocabulary these days.
5. When I was 11 I had an eye operation. I suffered an allergic reaction to the general anesthetics which meant I threw up during the procedure, punched a nurse (in my sleep! I’m not a violent person) and didn’t wake up at the time the doctors had predicted giving my parents a right old fright. I’ve never had to have an operation since *touch wood* so I’m not sure how I would react today.
6. Before I met Daddy Long Legs I had only ever had one pet (we have a cat, I don’t consider Daddy Long Legs my pet, well not openly at least). A beautiful black cat named Nino. He was like my best friend growing up and would sleep curled up on a pillow next to me most nights. He was incredibly clever and could use the loo. Yes, you read that correctly. He would jump on the seat, lift his tale and pee into the toilet. If you disturbed him while attending to his business he would (naturally) look very indignant. This was in the days before smart phones and quick photos, but I do believe we have a (printed) picture of him on his throne somewhere. He disappeared one day when he was 16 years old and we never saw him again. They say cats go away to die, and he was old, but in good spirits. I no longer lived at home at the time, but it was still heartbreaking and to this day I have dreams involving us finding him or him returning. Since it’s been more than 12 years I think it very unlikely! Luckily I now have a gorgeous replacement in our current cat and first baby. He’s still to decide what to make of the newest and loudest occupant (read: Caspian) of the house, but we’re hoping they’ll be great friends in years to come.
7. I don’t play a musical instrument – unfortunately!
8. I’m not a very good swimmer. Basically I look like a duck desperately trying to keep my head above water. And I have a fear of sharks – even in swimming pools I have been known to check for any lurkers before jumping in. Shh… don’t tell anyone, or they’ll think I’m mad!
9. I have a slight hand fetish! Since I was a child I have always noticed people’s hands before any other part of their body.
10. I love salty liquorice.
11. I’m an only child. But I do have three super step-siblings. I hope Daddy Long Legs and I will have another child in the coming years, so Caspian experiences the joy of a brother or sister.
As I was nominated twice – thank you again you lovely ladies! – I have, however, answered both sets of questions starting with those from the gorgeous Mummy Bisson.
1. Why did you decide to start a blog?
Firstly, I felt the dreaded baby brain was taking over, so I needed to challenge myself and keep exercising that great big muscle in my skull. Secondly, and more importantly, I wanted to create a memory box of all the experiences I have with Caspian. My camera and phone were full of pictures from the first few months of his life and I knew that this would be a way for me to start organising and putting forward the best ones. Lastly I was searching for something that would potentially turn into a business, so I’m excited to see where this takes me.
2. Who is your celebrity crush? (Does not have to be male, could be a girl crush or Mummy crush!)
Einstein – for his inner beauty!
3. Would you rather be invisible or read minds?
Uh, this is an interesting one. I think read minds – it would be a great help at the bridge table. Though I’m very much against cheating, so might defer from using it there. But I’m also a curious soul, so would love to know what some people have going on in their heads at times. As certain ones truly are bewildering to me.
4. If you could time travel what era would you visit and why?
The 1920’s – for the speakeasies!
5. What is your all time favorite song?
I think the theme from the film, Schindler’s List. It is such a beautiful piece of music by John Williams. I know it is not a song, but I love it.
6. What is your favorite sport to play or watch?
I must admit I’m not the biggest sports fan when it comes to watching. I’m sure I will make a good soccer mum though if and when Caspian gets involved in sports. And I am actually fiercely competitive – and would love to get better at tennis!
7. What do you choose to do when you get a bit of “me” time?
With a four month old there really isn’t much “me” time, but I love a long, hot bath if I get 20 minutes to myself. With Caspian weighing close to 9 kilos already I’m getting a good daily workout carrying him around so a chance to soak my aching muscles is always welcomed.
8. What is your favorite time of day?
I think mornings now that Caspian is here. He’s generally a happy boy most of the time, but is especially giggly in the mornings, which is great fun. But I feel my most creative at evening time.
9. What is the best book you have ever read?
The fairy tales of H.C. Andersen – if you can call that a book. They are just brilliant and has something both children and adults can relate to. The man was a genius. And I can’t wait to read them to Caspian.
10. What do you love most about being a parent?
Everything – it is a bit of a cliché, but it is true. I have wanted children for as long as I can remember, and must say that even though it is hard work at times it is so worth it and being a mum to Caspian already exceeds my wildest expectations.
11. One thing you would change about yourself?
This might sound big-headed, it is not intended that way at all, but I don’t think I would really want to change anything. I have always loved makeup and I have fun dressing up, but I think too much pressure it put on us, as women especially, to look a certain way and if we don’t we are deemed a failure. I would love for more people to simply feel more comfortable in their own skin.
And now the ones from the wonderful Silly Mummy, who’s brilliant and funny posts are an endless source of entertainment to me. Thank you for starting your blog!
1. What are your favourite and least favourite things about blogging?
My favourite things are the opportunity to be creative and make my own decisions. Except for Daddy Long Legs’ sharp eye for grammatical errors no one gets a say in what I post on the blog but me. Then I love how supportive the community is – I haven’t experienced this in any other industry, and it really touches me. I’m generally a positive person, and I like to support and help others if I can.
I think my least favourite thing is that I can’t always type fast enough to keep up with my brain – so I miss that perfectly formed sentence that was just in my head moments earlier. And it also takes longer to finish a post than I’d like, but possibly this is because I’m still fairly new to it all, so I have to check and double-check I’ve done it all before I hit publish being a bit of a perfectionist.
2. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
I’ve really struggled to answer this, so I think I have to leave it…
3. What is your favourite word, and why?
Floccinaucinihilipilification! Mostly because Daddy Long Legs is determent to make it Caspian’s first word.
4. What animal are you most scared of? And why?
Sharks! I blame watching Jaws when I was a child.
5. What amazes you?
Some people’s kindness. And other people’s stupidity!
6. If you had to change your name, what would you change it too?
Charlie.
7. What book have you never read but always meant to?
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
8. What was your favourite game as a child?
I liked Jenga!
9. Would you rather always have to say everything on your mind? Or never speak again? Why?
If I was allowed to blog, probably the latter. I’m not very good with confrontations – they make me feel sad to the point of almost feeling sick, so I would probably get into too much trouble if I was to say everything on my mind all the time.
10. If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be? Why?
William Shakespeare. I’m such a huge fan of his plays and would love to know more. I think he’d make for interesting company.
11. Describe your perfect meal?
A lobster cocktail to start with. A whole lobster, cold, served with iceberg lettuce, a rose marie sauce, freshly ground pepper and toast with butter. And champagne to drink. Followed by Chateaubriand shared with Daddy Long Legs – and Caspian when he’s old enough to eat it – with French Fries, Bearnaise sauce and lamb lettuce salad. Served with a delicious red wine. And for dessert a light, fluffy chocolate mousse with juicy raspberries.
So there you have it… a little… or more like a lot of information about me. If you made it all the way through I’m impressed and thankful. So now onto my nominations.
The Questions
1. If you had to go and live permanently in another country where would you go?
2. If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be and why?
3. What’s the greatest lesson your child/children have taught you so far?
4. What do enjoy most about blogging?
5. If you were a superhero what would your super powers be?
6. If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why?
7. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?
8. What is your favourite film?
9. Who do you admire most in this world?
10. If you could only celebrate one – would you pick your birthday or Christmas?
11. When you’re really old and someone asks you to describe your life’s best moments which would you ideally like to high light?
I hope you’ll accept this award, ladies. And I’ll look forward to reading your answers.
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Thank you so much for nominating me for a liesbster! I’m about third of the way through writing it now. It’s amazing how children just bring light and fun to our lives. I’ve always wanted children too. I love what you have to say and feel honoured u dropped by to my blog. Keep up the good work. I can’t believe your baby is just 4 months old and you’re full of wit and humour. I felt a little like I was drowning when Pumpkinella was that age, no sleep, no food, didn’t go out much. Very impressed by any mum who’s managed to get it together at that stage.
Thank you so much! I’ll look forward to reading it when you’ve finished. And I definitely have days where I don’t get to eat, haven’t slept enough, Caspian gets upset, but all the fun and good moments as you say make it all worth it 🙂
Nadia – ScandiMummy x