“It’s an honor just to be nominated.”
We all hear this on the days and weeks that lead up the the Oscars. And every time I hear it I say, “Bullshit! You want to win!” Then network television made the whole process worse by putting up live images of the nominees as the winner is announced. Good thing they’re all good actors because I couldn’t hide my disappointment behind a smile. Are you kidding? I’d be the only one among the losers flipping the bird to the camera.
Then my Twitter feed lit up one day. WEGO Health, a social network that connects health care activists, leaders in the field, bloggers, and tweeters, had informed me that I had been nominated for an award. The Rookie of the Year Award. Wow, that was pretty cool. I was so honored that one of my peers nominated me. I could understand that old “It’s an honor just to be nominated” line after all. I put up a link on my blog and hoped that readers would endorse me.
Then I saw another notification. One of my peers had nominated me for the Best in Show Twitter Award. After all of my goofy tweets, I kind of feel that my readers should be getting an award for tolerance. And then the title of the award concerned me. Would I have to run around a ring with a handler? I have been told that, no, I don’t need a handler (though no one mentioned the ring, so I’m still a little nervous).
And then yesterday I was floored yet again when I learned that my peers had nominated me for the Hilarious Health Activist Award. I’m not sure all of this has sunk in entirely. After all, I’m taking a lot of meds right now and the celebratory fist pump takes a little longer to execute.
When I started this blog it really was planned as an environment for me to chronicle my cancer adventure. I naively expected it to last 18 months; I’d post a bunch of pink ribbon stuff, then I would be cured, lose interest, and then say goodbye to the blog. But since that isn’t happening, it’s really evolved into a vehicle through which I don’t solely document the experience, but explore the physical, emotional, social, economic, and ethics of this experience.
Sharing this with you has helped me to make connections with health advocates, fellow breast friends, and channel my rage during my first Pinktober. All the rage I felt about this disease and hurting was channeled square into the pink madness. To say that it was cathartic almost dismisses its importance in retaining my sanity. So many private and public messages have been sent sharing how I’ve helped them by expressing what they could not put into words. My colleagues, who wish to, can keep tabs and better understand my absence from the workplace. Physicians read it and tell me that the work I do here helps to inform them of the holistic impact of this disease. And my friends keep up on the latest news or the latest bee buzzing in my bonnet. A lot of folks have told me that they read the blog first thing in the morning with their coffee. One person said they read it on their Kindle while they’re still in bed. I kind of feel like the New York Times (without the cache, money, reputation, name recognition . . . ).
This blog is both necessary and enjoyable for me. That you read and follow what I write is enough to be honest. But that my peers and readers feel that it rises to the height of recognizing me publicly is truly unbelievable and I am quite grateful. Yeah, actually being nominated is enough.
Congrats to you! You deserve it! xo
You know I love your blog and I have happily endorsed you. You deserve all of the praise in the world. Hugs! XoXoXo-Susan
Thanks Susan
Scorchy, I love your blog. You are an excellent writer with important things to say. The fact that you are funny is an extra added and much appreciated bonus. Congratulations on your well earned accolades!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Yip Yip YIPPPEEEEE! I don’t think you realize the impact you’ve had on so many since you burst on the scene… Maybe you are starting to realize it now… but yes, my friend, You Are LOVED and admired by many. Promise I won’t turn all Kathy Bates on you (and we are TRYING to arrange a drinking party with HER, long story….. and it will involve slamming back shots ha!) ..
But, I think there are many who are saying, “I’m your number one fan.” or whatever that line was…. just steer clear of anyone wielding a sledge hammer.
xoxoxox
AnneMarie
🙂
I already did my dear! 😉 Well deserved too.
I love your blog. Thanks for writing so candidly. Otherwise what’s the point, right? Congrats on the nominations. YOU rock, my dear rookie friend!
Thanks Nancy!
Sorry, this one wasn’t over coffee, 3:30am insomnia and hot flashes but, I’ll take what I can get, this is always a great read!
I think I might have endorsed myself – which wasn’t the plan at all! Anyway I pressed the big button and did what I was told (for a change). Good luck – I hope you win – your blog always makes me chuckle, or pokes me in the ribs – and says “pay attention this is important”
Ellen, you’re so sweet. Thanks so much for your kind words!
Woo Hoo,!