I was pleased to hear that Charissa from Cook With A Shoe had nominated me for the Liebster Award for new bloggers this week. It was a very pleasant diversion. I had been working for hours; trying to figure out some problems with the subscriber form on my website, yet again. So, this was definitely the silver lining for a pretty soggy cloud of a morning. Actually, this is an awesome opportunity to introduce myself and The FABulous Journey to you.

The Liebster Award is an award given to new bloggers upon recommendation of other new bloggers to welcome them into the big wide world of blogging. This makes complete and total sense to me, because only a new blogger can really appreciate just how wide this world is when you’re only a few months in! Here is a thorough explanation of the award if you are interested in deeper explanations.

Each recipient is asked to answer a series of questions to let readers know a little more about them. So, here goes:

1. How did you decide on the name of your blog?

My first venture into the world of blogging was my weight loss blog, which I titled Weight Journey. I started that blog to share some of my insights on developing a weight loss mindset. But, I soon realized that I wanted to talk about more than just weight.

I see life as a journey of discovery, challenges and transitions. Ultimately, we choose how we will live our lives and frankly, I believe, that life is a Fabulous Journey. So, I chose this as my blog title and my new life motto!

2. Where does your blogging inspiration come from?

I am inspired largely by my own life and experiences as an over-40 woman. This season of life is full of life-changing transitions. We see our kids grow up and our parents age. On top of that, we deal with a host of new physical realities that range from weight to wrinkles. But, most importantly, these experiences are ones that most of us share. I believe we can gain immense encouragement by hearing about how someone else is navigating a very familiar path.

The Fabulous Journey is a website that encourages women over 40 to learn, live and love their lives. So, I share about things I’m learning, living and loving.

3. What is it that you love most about blogging?

Most of the time, I really love the challenge of it. Although, there are a few elements that have made me want to pull my hair out! Still, I have been stretched to grow past my comfort zone and learn new things. This is a season in my life where I am ready to explore and I have the freedom to. That’s an exciting proposition!

I also love speaking into the lives of other women. If I can say one thing that lifts someone else up or gives them hope for a better future, then my time has been very well spent.

4. What is your favorite food?

Hmm, for me, chocolate chip cookies and pizza run a close race. Do I eat them everyday? No. Could I? Well….

5. What is your favorite thing to drink (alchoholic or not)?

Well, I’m not an alcohol drinker, but I can put down some iced tea. I am a southern girl and that’s one thing we ALL have in common. Unfortunately, I think I may have failed my two kids. I raised them both in Asia and neither of them drink iced tea. Yes, it’s sad, but true.

6. What is an item you cannot live without?

I must have a hair dryer at all times. I live in the tropics. Sometimes it’s 90 degrees in my bathroom, but this hair of mine must be blow dried…vanity, oh vanity.

7. What are eleven random facts about yourself?

• I love the smell of wet concrete or dirt.
• I cut my big toe off with a lawnmower when I was a teenager (it was reattached).
• I have written several articles for academic journals.
• I have spent a whole international flight throwing up in the bathroom, twice!
• I don’t like to go a day without having at least a bite of chocolate.
• I speak 3 languages fluently and have a grasp on 2 more.
• I love to play “Words With Friends.”
• I had never edited my own picture before I started blogging…haha, my how life has changed.
• My foot grew a half-size with each pregnancy; I started at size seven.
• I used to love roller coasters, but I have become progressively more prone to motion sickness as I have aged.
• I was raised in the deep south, but I have lived in Asia for over 20 years.

8. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

This is a funny question for me. I have often said my dream is to live on a quiet street in a suburb somewhere with my own garage.

9. If you could meet anyone from history, alive or dead, who would it be?

I am fascinated by survival stories. I recently read the book “Unbroken” and I was so inspired by it. I would love to meet Louis Zamperini. I mean, lost at sea for 47 days and then immediately captured by the Japanese? His story really helps put my “struggles” in perspective!

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity?

You can ask my family. I am crazy about parades and fireworks! There’s just something about the sense of excitement and community. I think my tendency is amplified by living overseas for so many years. If we’re in the U.S. when there’s a parade or fireworks display; we’re there!

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I expect to be the mother of two college graduates. I hope time will open up further opportunities for me to influence women. Finally, I see myself still loving my man and supporting him in every way I can.

 

Lastly, I have been asked to nominate at least 5 bloggers to receive this award.

• Life On The Sunny Side
• My Life In Progress
• Jodie’s Touch Of Style
• Surroundings By Debi
• Weight Journey (Haha, yes I am nominating myself, but then, that blog is as good as this one ;))

Follow my blog by clicking the little red follow button at the bottom of the screen or Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW NOMINEES OF THE LIEBSTER AWARD:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to do the following:
Write a post about the fact that you’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award.
In this post, link back to and show some love to the person who nominated you, also nominate 5 to 11 other new blogs that would not have more than 1000 followers.  Let these nominated bloggers know that you have nominated them and provide a link back to your page to ensure that they are familiar with the Award.
Display the Award in your post and in your side bar.
Answer the questions about yourself.
Put your post with your nominated 11 blogs for the Liebster Award, on social media. Spread the love!

Here are your questions:

How did you decide on the name of your blog?
Where does your blogging inspiration come from?
What is it that you love most about blogging?
What is your favorite food?
What is your favorite thing to drink (alcoholic or not)?
What is an item you cannot live without?
What are eleven random facts about yourself?
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
If you could meet anyone from history, alive or dead, who would it be?
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?