moosh in indy.

December 3, 2012

Hi there.

In case you’re here from that list where I am supposedly the number two mom blogger and you’re looking around wondering “Really? Her?” don’t worry, you’re not alone. While I am honored to be included in the list, I’ve spent the day and most of the night shaking my head thinking “What a strange day.” I mean, number two? Out of a hundred? Out of a hundred thousand (maybe more?) Not to mention I’m sandwiched between a hysterical and famous New York Times Bestseller and one of the most famous moms on the Internet who just happens to live in the French countryside and is listed as one of the best websites of the year on Time.com.

No, really. No pressure!

I’m just here in my cat hair covered yoga pants in suburban Indiana, being equally amazing.

While lists are a nice tidy way to present things, they can also cause a lot of ruckus. Nasty yucky ruckus that involves hurt feelings and the occasional high and mighty. I don’t especially like ruckus, hurt feelings or high and mightys, so while I may throw around my title of “first runner up to the best there ever was” when ordering my children around, I can assure you there’s no awards ceremony or giant million dollar check at my door. It’s just a list.

Speaking of lists, remember that 40 x 40 list I made? Turns out I checked a bunch of things off over the past several years and didn’t even realize it. GO ME. Still on that list? Win a trophy. While I may be a top mom blogger on a list, I am a mom blogger without a trophy. So if you’re feeling left out because of a list? Hopefully you have a trophy you can hold over my head, because man, I really want a trophy.

I’ve had this quote from Conan O’Brien running through my head for the past few weeks, “If you work hard and are kind, amazing things will happen.”

I’ve commissioned Robin to paint it all huge, big and colorful so I can hang it above my stairs, making sure everyone in my family sees it every darn day of their life.

Countless good things are happening in my life right now, I mean, can I say that without jinxing it? My heart feels all bursty and squeezy with gratitude and happiness, it’s almost unbearable on some days. I purposely try to find things to be sad about but my obnoxiously buoyant spirit keeps bobbing me back up to the top where all the happiness and glitter float on the surface. What interest is there in someone who is happy all the time? It sounds tremendously boring if you ask me.

Part of me wants to yell and scream “I used to be so sad! It’s still here! Lurking under the surface somewhere! It’s just properly medicated for the first time ever in my life! I promise I’m not always this lucky/blessed/happy/fortunate/positive! JUST ASK CODY! I can be SO CRANKY SOMETIMES!”

But instead I’ll just stand here, all sheepishly humble and happy, holding my hand out hoping I can somehow help get you here too.

Work hard. Be kind. Amazing things will happen.

Comments off.

You deserve to be on the list for sure.. At an outside glance you may not seem to stand out like some, but there’s a feeling and a beauty that comes from reading your writing and the great way you combine words together. Congrats again. And if there’s no trophy, maybe you can at least have a cookie!

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:55 am

@Andrea, Thank you so much, makes me think of that Maya Angelou quote “People will forget what you said but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I just love you…and your sweet little family so darn much. Congrats Casey! Work hard. Be kind. Amazing things WILL happen.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:55 am

@Angi, Thank you so much Angi. Thanks for sticking with me through all of it. (And I mean ALL of it.)

Couldn’t happen to a more lovely person. You rock. Well done. I’m glad you got to your amazing.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:56 am

@Jen, Thank you so much. I’m glad I got it too, and I’m even more glad I can enjoy it while it lasts.

Couldn’t be to a more deserved person! For sure.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:56 am

@ClassyFabSarah, Aww, shucks. Send cookies. Please.

I’m willing to give you my trophy from when I played softball as a kid.
Congrats on being listed! That is fantastic and I’m awfully glad I know you. I’d say that even if you were number 100,000 on the list. Xoxo.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:57 am

@Mary, Cody tried to give me his piano recital trophy, didn’t quite have the same feeling of accomplishment.
I’m glad I know you too.

you were always meant to be this happy.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:57 am

@Bethany, *sigh* You make me all weepy little Bethany.

I think you should be #1 on the list because your words make me laugh. And, well, you have cute kids….and husband. That scores major points in my book.

I get the sad thing lurking under the surface. It’s medicated. And like you, am finally at a happy, content place. Who knew!.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:58 am

@Athanasia, Thank you Athanasia, and yes, who knew that one could feel THIS! GOOD! It’s pretty amazing.

So happy for you. You deserve only good things.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:59 am

@aly, Thank you. And I’ve told you before that your last name is pretty much my most favorite last name ever? I could never pull it off though, so I just mutter it to myself, pretending I’m exotic enough.

I saw the list this morning and was all hell yeah, that’s right!
I took my kiddo to Rise of the Guardians this weekend and the bit about Santa having eyes that always see the wonder reminded me of you. You’re the grown up who not only keeps the magic alive, but shares it with everyone you come into contact with.
Happy or sad, I love you. And I’m damn happy you’re so damn happy.
xoxo

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:59 am

@Joules, OH YOU. Cody and Addie went and saw that movie this weekend, Cody said the Santa was legit with tattoos and a Russian accent, now I’m starting to believe there may be even more to like him for!
xoxo

“Word Hard” “Be Kind” – love you. xoxoxo

P.S. You deserved to be #1.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 12:00 pm

@tracy@sellabitmum, But have you read Jenny’s book? I did the laugh so hard you go silent and cry laugh in a public place while reading her book.

Oh that photo, steals the show! I can’t believe you don’t have a trophy for your photography yet. Surely there is a contest you can enter! PS Love Robin!!!

Steph

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 12:01 pm

@Stephanie Precourt, Ribbons! I have ribbons for photography! But a trophy, I mean, those things look cool. I’d even take a medal.

That photo is an “amazing thing.” Happiness is interesting, too, and it’s the best trophy of all. Congrats!

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 12:01 pm

@Shannon, Now I kind of want a happiness trophy, it would be super glittery and have rainbows shooting out of it. Preferably accented with fiber optics.

First: I adore that pic of Vivi! SO cute! My daughter goes “AWWW!” every time she sees Vivi (oh, and recognizes Wink from his non-Wink side :O haha)

Second: I ♥ your blog. I love how honest and real you are.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 12:02 pm

@Sarah @ TM2TS, Thank you. Wink is a dapper cat, he’s pleased to be of visual enjoyment.
Thanks for all your support, it really means a lot to me.

You completely deserve it! Any time I’ve reached out to you, I always get a response and you don’t know me from Eve! Your kindness still amazes me Congrats lady!

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 10:11 pm

@Amber, Of course I know you from Eve, your Amber, she’s Eve!

I haven’t ever heard that quote, but I love it, I now want to hang it up in my house!!

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 10:11 pm

@Jamie M., Isn’t it fantastic? That it came from Conan makes it even better.

You deserve it, friend. And I’m so glad you are happy.

Casey Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 10:12 pm

@Barb @ getupandplay, Thank you darling!

You. Are. Awesome!! Huge congratulations. You deserve it all.

You’ve always been #1 in my book. We had dinner with our favorite contractor while home for Thanksgiving. I thought midway through the meal “Damn! He’s met Casey and I haven’t! No fair!”
Thanks for sharing your life with us. xo

Congratulations! Those Babbly people know what they are talking about, you totally deserve it!

KaraB Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:45 pm

@KaraB, Oops, that would be Babble people but babbly is kind of cute, no?

[...] and surly-redneck-with-the-heart-of-gold thang. Like a tree covered in mismatched memories or a friend I’ve never met getting some well deserved [...]

[...] Go out into the world realizing you are just as important as everyone else, if not more so. You could be the one person to say one thing to someone else that could change their entire life. I love that saying “While you may only be one person in the world, you may be the entire world to one person” or something like that. You make a difference, and when you cultivate kindness and an attitude of love and giving your ability to change the world magnifies exponentially. “If you work hard and are kind, amazing things will happen.” [...]

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