Shhh! I’m a Secret!

I could not have been more surprised today when the 2008 Bloggie finalists were announced and I was actually among them. And really, really honored. And screaming. Don’t forget the screaming.

And then I looked at the others in my category and realized I am never going to win.

But that’s OK.

While I REALLY appreciate the accolades and the attention (Jesus, I think I done-broked Twitter tonight with all the congratulatory tweets), I never want to seem like that’s what it’s about for me. (But seriously, you can still go vote for me, I won’t mind).

Last weekend, we were at dinner with our best friends Jeff and Danielle and we started talking about the psychology of blogging – one of my most favorite topics to pontificate on and on about, of course. I continue to be fascinated with the ins and outs, the whys. But mainly – it’s an outlet for me. A place to document and remember.

But then we started talking about the Blogger’s Choice awards, and Danielle said something that got the hamster in my brain running overtime in his little wheel.

“I’m glad you are doing well but I didn’t vote because I don’t believe in that stuff. But it seems like you need it.”

Now, please don’t go flaming Danielle. She said it with the utmost love and respect and we are always honest with each other. Ever since, I have been thinking about what she said.

First, I wholeheartedly support her decision not to vote. As much as I like what I’ve got going on ’round here, I also know there are trillions of other blogs out there just as worthy. And that’s neither here nor there. Neil talked recently about how the beauty of blogging was the level playing field, the lack of cliques, and how many interesting people say interesting things every day. It’s so. fucking. true.

So, while I’m indebted for your votes, I also understand if it’s not your thing.

Mainly, I just like talking with you all.

And as for “needing” it? I am not sure if that’s how I would say it.

“Appreciating” it is probably much better.

This article has 37 comments

  1. Sizzle

    it’s well deserved. sure there are lots of great blogs that are out there, but yours is one of them!

    i’m glad i “know” one of the nominees…can i be proud by proxy?

  2. Mr Lady

    Aimee, you are inspiring. Danielle, mad props to you, too. I haven’t met you, but I know that when I do, I will be amazed. Though Aimee may or may not need the nod, Aimee truly deserves it.

    Aimee, who I am proud to call and old friend, too, is kind and inviting to those of us new on the scence. Though I have blogged for over 3 years, I am new to the mother-side of blogging and without knowing me, without knowing that she knew me, Aimee found me and took interest in me.

    Writing amazing content like she does is the biggest part of this, of course. It is, for most of us, a personal chronicle of our lives. But doing it in such a public forum brings people to you, and a true test of one’s character is one’s ability to embrace others.

    Aimee welcomes us into her living room every day through this space. I am so proud of you! You have my vote, old friend. I hope you win, but you already did as far as I am concerned.

    (In case you are wondering, I am not stalking Aims. I do NOT have posters of her. I do NOT sift through her trash. I just really like her blog. 🙂

  3. Aimee Greeblemonkey

    HA! Lady, Come on, you know you at least have an 8×10 glossy around there somewhere. 😉

    And Sizzle, I’ll *always* be your Garfunkel.

    Seriously, sniff sniff, and big thanks to both of you. SMOOCHES.

  4. Jenn

    congrats!! and you so deserve it – here’s to lots of votes for all the great blogs out there, but more for yours 🙂

  5. villanovababy

    Congrats! I’m jealous… I’m pretty sure the only people reading my blog are stalker ex-boyfriends and my mom.

    🙂

  6. Neil

    I’m not much for blogging awards myself, but as long as they aren’t taken too seriously — there is something nice about calling out special blogs, like yours, and showing our love for them. Since we don’t get paid for what we do, the only real payment is the respect of others. You seemed to touch people this year with your words and photos, so think of this as a well-deserved thank you.

  7. Nancy

    Shhhh .. I voted for you =)

    Congratulations on the nod, and I’m rooting for your win.

  8. Sleeping Mommy

    Congratulations again Aimee you deserve the recognition. And I really hope you win. I already voted for you!

    But I thought it was interesting what you (or Neil) said about blogging not having cliques. It’s interesting that that is your experience, for me it has been the opposite. Now they aren’t cliques in the exact same way as what I encountered in high school or even at the preschool where I take my kids but I’ve notice there are some groups of bloggers that “run” together and other groups that “run” together and still others. And some of those overlap…mabye I’m wrong in thinking of them as cliques but that is the way I’ve thought of them since I first started over three years ago. Now the ‘groups’ or ‘cliques’ have changed over the years at an amazing rate and never stay the same but I just can’t find any other way to define them. Maybe that’s my problem and I shouldn’t try to define them at all.

    I just thought it was interesting–how your perspective differed from my own.

    Congratulations again Aimee. I’ve not been reading for long but I have really enjoyed your writing.

  9. Mrs. Fussy Fussypants

    Congrats, darlin’. Sorry it has taken me so long to de-lurk!

    I nominated & voted for you!

    De-lurking love to ya,
    Mrs. fussypants

  10. Aimee Greeblemonkey

    Sleeping Mommy… First thanks 🙂 and I do see what you mean about blog friends running together. That’s a good point. I guess I look at it as, everyone has a finite amount of time, they can only read so many blogs a day, and yes, they are going to develop groups that see each other. But, to me at least, blogging has felt much more inclusive and less cliquey. Lady was very kind when she commented about me taking interest in her, but I took my queues from may other bloggers who took interest in me… ANYWAY. Maybe there are cliguey bloggers out there, LOL. And I have just been lucky enough not to encounter them 😉

    And thanks Jenn, Fussypants, Villanova, Nancy and Neil for the congrats!

  11. VDog

    It’s always exciting to possibly win something!

    You know I’ll be voting for you!

  12. Tree

    Woo hoo! I have seen your blog evolve over the past few years and it is really quite interesting.

    I am fascinated by the psychology of blogging as well. I find it interesting how we connect electronically and can learn from people who we would never have met in ordinary time because our paths may never have crossed. Yet, a well placed comment can spark a real friendship or rekindle a friendship once thought lost.

  13. Ali

    awesome!

    (and, by the way, i’m totally the voting kind 😉 )

  14. chloebear

    I read Aimee’s blog everyday and sometimes check twice just in case she added a second post for the day. Why do I read it? Not just because she’s my friend but because she is an amazing writer and has interesting perspectives on a wide variety of topics. Additionally, anything she writes has been thoroughly researched and looked at from both ends. I read her comments because I have noticed she attracts similar personalities to her blog and they also provide great feedback.

  15. Mr Lady

    *ahem*

    I had not one, but TWO, margaritas in me. *hides*

  16. zipper

    Great post. I still voted for you. You can’t stop me.

  17. Anonymous

    I like it when bloggers get along!

  18. Sarcastic Mom (aka Lotus)

    Don’t sell yourself short! You can win.

    As for all the rest, I respect everyone’s opinion, really. I blog for so many different reasons at once that I’d have to write my own post about it. A big one is to remember these days of my life one day long from now, and to leave my children with something that will tell them who I was and who they were, with me.

    But I have to admit that being recognized in this way really helps motivate me to continue. Tells me that I’m doing a good job, and dangit, people like me!

    I’ve noticed how kind and sincere you are from the very beginning at NaBloPoMo. There should be more people like you out there.

    And have I ever mentioned that I Love the name you chose for your boy? Declan is such a cool name!

    Rootin’ for ya!

  19. nonobadkitty

    I voted for you just because I thought the name of your blog was awesome. 🙂

  20. Stacey

    Congratulations on your nomination! (And, yes, I did go vote for you!)

    So…you’re the reason Twitter kept bugging out on me last night, huh? *grin*

  21. lauren

    HUGE CONGRATS!

  22. MB

    Recognition is ALWAYS nice. You are a good jobber! (that’s one of my bug’s favorite phrases). I love to discuss the psychology of blogging, but also the way that folks FIND each other. I love the random connections and the “reasons” people are intrigued by individual blogs…

  23. Patti

    your secret is safe with us….

  24. Sue at nobaddays

    I love the variety of your content, your outspoken ballsiness (even when you “lose it”) and your gorgeous photos. Most of all, I love that community is important to you. Got my vote.

  25. Stacey

    So, what do you get if you win???

  26. Katja of skimbaco.com

    Congrats, that’s awesome!! I’m so happy for you, and I did vote 🙂

  27. Aimee Greeblemonkey

    Seriously… you guys are the bestest. Thanks againa and again.

    Stacey – I don’t think there are any actual prices for the lesser categories… but get this… the awards are being presented at the SXSW Interactive conference in March… *which I am already registered for and going to for work!* Airline was purchased like 3 weeks ago.

    Holy weirdness.

  28. Liz

    I read somewhere that Mommy blogs, in particular, are like one giant primal scream: I’m still here! I still matter! So — yes, I think that we both need and appreciate knowing someone has heard us.

  29. Rachel

    Congratulations to you!

    I’m honored to be in the same category! 🙂

  30. Mama Drama Jenny, the Bloggess

    This post = why I’m voting for you.

  31. imaginary binky

    I’ve been enjoying your writing from this blog and on Mile High Mamas. Your Twittery Tweets have made me laugh. Laughter is a biggie for me, therefore, I luvs ya.

  32. Aimee Greeblemonkey

    CDG – I know, huh? Rock on Colorado!

    And thanks Rachel, same to you!

  33. Crunchy Domestic Goddess

    Congratulations!! That’s a rockin’ honor. I saw your blog over there and I said “Hey – She’s on Mile High Mamas!” 🙂
    Best of luck!

  34. Lisa

    woohoo! & congrats!!

  35. Sarah

    New reader here, found you through the bloggies. You got my vote 🙂

  36. Catherine

    Yay for Greeblemonkey!!

    Off to vote…

  37. Amy

    I voted for you!! Good luck!

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