I realized today that we’re lightening close to midyear. When the realization hit me, I started thinking about my highs and lows for the first half of 2010.
Since I try not to focus on low points, even though they have their purpose in life, I decided to highlight some of my highs for 2010 thus far here at Jane Be Nimble (in no particular order). I invite you to check out the folks I’ve linked when you have time. You won’t be disappointed.
ONE: Being named one of 52 bloggers to watch in 2010 over at Steven Aitchison’s blog. Thank you, Steven! Check out this page to find some amazing bloggers. I’m humbled to be amongst these gifted people. (Namaste)
TWO: Visiting The World’s Strongest Librarian one morning to see he named one of his original songs after me (I’m still recovering from the shock)—somehow, I still don’t feel worthy of this one. Huge hugs and thank you to you, Josh–never take off that cape! Josh is an amazing musician and I highly suggest listening to his performances at his blog.
Click to View!
THREE: Super awesome to have Lance, Zeenat, and Gayze by my side supporting the RAOKA crusade (Random Acts of Kick Arse). To post about a theme the first Wednesday of the month about all things wonderful, the idea originally birthed by Sami May has been kept alive with the help of these raokin’ bloggers.
FOUR: Participants in the RAOKA crusade have chipped in by linking their posts to spread the spirit. Some of these rock stars include: The Exception, Eric Watermolen at Eden Journal, Mama Llama at All (Green) Thumbs, and Ted Hessing at Cubicle Warrior. Thanks, choir of greatness! If you’re a blogger and you want to join the fun, link your post to my RAOKA post (via the form at the bottom) and send me an email if you’d like to be sent a reminder email one-week prior to posting day.
FIVE: If you’re reading this, thank you! You’ve given me much enjoyment, encouragement, inspiration, and healing energy since this blog was born. I thank you from the deepest places of my heart.
SIX: Earlier I had decided I wouldn’t say anything about this, but, well, I’m proud of it and it happened to fit my mood today. This is my 100th post at JBN. 
SEVEN: Visiting George Angus’ blog and finding he anointed me with the Beautiful Blogger award. 
What? Little ol’ me? George, you’re an amazing writer and friend and I appreciate you sharing this with me. One of the terms of acceptance is to disclose seven things you may not know about me. So, here it goes:
1: Sometimes, I have a harsh type-A personality that gets in my (and other people’s) way. I’m working on softening my grip.
2: While attending a week-long, intense scientific conference/workshop, I once projectile puked on my white shoes after finishing a morning run with a professor whose work I admired . (Not a pretty site—and yes, the spew made it to his shoes, too.) I had been running marathons for six months—no worries, right?—I didn’t take into account he was a speedy dude.
3: I love pistachios.
4: I can play multiple musical instruments (not at the same time).
5: I once squeezed out a whole tube of toothpaste because I’ve always wanted to do that—’twas good fun.
6: I’m a nail biter (I can’t believe I told you that).
7: I used to love orchestrating elaborate practical jokes.
The second acceptance criterion includes me passing this award to 15 bloggers.
Like George said, I’m not normally into this kind of thing, but I’d love to support the sites I frequent. To those I’ve linked, feel free to pass it on or to not participate, it’s up to you. While there are many more sites that I’d love to tap, here are 15 sites I regularly visit (of course, George, you’re here, but against the rules to list you, right?) 
Again, no particular order:
1: Suzannah at Write It Sideways
2: Jonah at The Frontal Cortex
3: Gayze at Gayzehound
4: M at The Exception
5: Tess at The Bold Life
6: Lance at The Jungle of Life and The Feel Good Jungle
7: Zeenat at Positive Provacations
8: Tim at 360 Degree Self
9: Jay at Porsidan
10: Debbie at The Best Brain Possible
11: Larry at Story Fix
12: SuZen at Erasing the Bored
13: Hilary at Positive Letters
14: Patty at Why Not Start Now?
15: Sara at A Sharing Connection
Your turn! I’d love to hear about a midyear highlight or two of yours. Lay ‘em on me! 
Want to keep reading?
♦ Nine for 2009
♦ My Friday Shout Out
Like this post at Jane Be Nimble? More are on the way! Get them emailed to your inbox or via RSS. I promise not to spam you or to sell your information. Ever.
Oh Jane good on you to write such a great gratitude list and I agree that there are some awesome friends on your side, some are on mine too. Songs, awards, you must be doing something right with some people
.
We do not grow pistachios but macademia nuts. They are good for you, because they are a real workout to open. Their shell is sooooo hard, but once open they taste double so good. Happy half way and 100th post celebration, live it up, xox Wilma
Wilma Ham´s last [type] ..Wilma on Paying Attention.
Hi Wilma,
All we can do is keep the oars in the water to get to the other side, right?
First off, this is why I don’t usually like to participate in list posts — I should’ve had you there, too!
Well, as far as doing something right with some people, not sure about that. Remember, I chose to focus on the *highs* — the *lows* were just as many and I’m sure I’ve ticked off an equal number of people some how.
Oh, and YES about macadamia nuts. I love them, too. I can’t say that I’ve ever had to break them from their shell, though. I knew the shells were tough, but how interesting, didn’t know they were so hard.
Keep up the great work over at your blog and thanks for the wishes!
Lori,
First off, I’m touched by your generous and caring heart. And…you make me SMILE!! Thank you, for this, for your wonderful friendship, and for just being YOU!!
Happy One Hundred!!!!! Yay!!! Woo-Hoo!!! Confetti time!!!
Loved reading all of these wonderful pieces about your year so far!!
Me? A highlight: Starting down the road of training for a marathon!! (did you know about that one, Lori!?!?!?!?!?!?) And having a great coaching guiding me through that process!!! (Lori…YOU are one RAOKA ROCKIN’ coach!!!)
Lance´s last [type] ..A Vacation Of A Lifetime
Hi Lance,
Thank you thank you thank you, Lighthouse Man. It’s pretty funny, I think, that I’ve always said to myself that I’ll never publicize when I hit 100. It just didn’t feel right. But, well, it just kind of came out of me when I sat down to write the post. It seemed to fit somehow. I digress…
YES!! YES!!! I *DO* know about “that one”!!! You’ll crush it, Lance. I’m honored to be at your side during your year (or so) journey to the marathon. Plus, it’s kind of fun to boss you around. (LOL)
~xo
Lori, Lori, Lori.
You little cutie! Thanks for the big words and thanks for telling us those little things about yourself. When I worked for the fire department, practical jokes were all the rage. I can’t wait to visit and compare joke notes whilst sipping a cold beer on your back deck, watching the sun go down. Whooo-Weee! Can ya feel it?
Cheers
George
Hi George,
Thanks so much for sharing the Blogging award with me. I think it’s one of the coolest things to happen to JBN — thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
Ah yes, the practical joke arena. We created some really good ones while I was in the Army, too. Nothing like having an M16 with a little time on your hands. (LOL) And, hells yeah, come on over and have a seat. I’ve got the cool ones ready to go! I can feel the warmth of greys and russets glowing in the sky.
Happy 100 Lori! And Happy First half of 2010! May the 2nd half be even better. Onward and upward!
And thank you for nominating me. You rock!
Jay´s last [type] ..Hero
Hi Jay,
It’s wonderful to have you here, Jay. Thank you! This post started out as a simple realization that the year was almost 1/2 way over, and I was thinking, what did I accomplish? Anything??? So, thanks for reading what should have been a journal entry. I think I was looking for something to pick me up — and I think it worked(?).
And, yes, bequeathing the award to you was dimple dimple — with not even a second thought.
Yipee!!! Happy 100!!!
As I was reading this observation, that half the year is nearly over, I couldn’t help remembering your countdown to the Winter Solstice. I was struggling through my first very dark Vermont winter, and you SAVED me by pointing out we only had a few more days to go until Dec.21 and, after that, we’d have increasingly more daylight hours.
Sure ’nuff, the countdown made those days go faster, and then we’d made it to the other side, and just the tiny drops of extra daylight made all the difference in the world. Now as we approach the Summer Solstice, the opposite will happen; but this time, I’m prepared. I know how to handle the winter that is headed my way, thanks to you.
Hi Lisis,
This post wouldn’t be complete without my muse, dahling. The woman who started it all for me — YOU!
It means a lot to me to read what you had to say. I sometimes wonder if I ever do anything to really make a difference for anyone else, so you made me feel pretty good just now. I remember the entire countdown, girlie, and I was doing it for my benefit, too! ha ha
Glad you’re getting a handle on how to deal with the dark winters — it definitely takes some time getting used to those.
Thanks for coming here, Lisis. You’re awesome!
Thats cool. Glad you achieved all this by mid year and hope that there will be more to come by the end of this year.
Hi Abubakar,
Thanks for contributing your thoughts, it really means a lot to me. And, well, I’m not sure I’d call them achievements — I appreciate the thought, but I started this blog simply to help me (and my brain) heal, and all the rest just kind of happened. It makes me wonder what’s yet in store for 2010 — I’m keeping an open mind about it. Great to see your modified blog, too. I like the sketch of you in your header.
Awesome century post. I posted our 100th post in April. I remember when Josh posted about your song on WSL. That was how I found my way to Jane Be Nimble.
Todd´s last [type] ..World naked bike ride
Hi Todd,
Like I’ve mentioned in other replies here, it just kind of worked out that way to add this as my 100th post. I’m glad I did, though. Congrats to you, too, for your April 100th post. Keep up the great work. I enjoy your humor over at PhitZone, Todd. You’re funny!
Also, thanks for coming over here after seeing Josh’s post. I was shocked but also think Josh is such a generous and kind soul. It really did make my day.
Enjoy your weekend, Todd!
Woohoo! Thanks so much for listing my blog! I am honored and thrilled to be in such good company.
I love the terms of acceptance you got. You should have done something like that. Since you did not, I will disclose something even more shocking than your nail biting: (gasp!) I have bee known to drink pickle juice right out of the jar!
The puking on the shoes story is priceless. By sharing such intimate, embarrassing tid bits, I feel it connects us all a little more and makes us more compassionate with each other and ourselves. Thank you for leading the way.
Hi Debbie,
It’s so great to see you here today! Well, I should go back and modify my post, I intended to imply the same as George did to the awardees (to list 7 things and nominate another 15). At any rate — I laughed out loud when I read that you drink pickle juice from the jar — I DO THAT, TOO! It totally grosses out my husband, but I am a sucker for “brine”. ha ha This is really funny. I *knew* you were my soul sister!
Oh my, I’ll never forget spewing all over my shoes, my colleague’s shoes, the pavement, etc. I had just drank two huge cups of coffee early that morning and I can’t even tell you what an enormous mess I made! The funny thing is that he was so shocked he said, “Holy sh**, are you OK??” I said, “Yup, I am now!”
Thanks for being here, Debbie. Glad you could make it over.
Happy 100 Posts! Congratulations and best wishes for the next 100! I’m happy to be along for the ride.
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last [type] ..10 Things You Should Know About Yourself (aka: “So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish!”)
Hi Ali-Bee,
Thank you! You and Lisis were the push behind this whole endeavor — and what a ride it’s been. Thanks for all the support you’ve shown me as I’ve traveled down this road.
Thanks for popping by!
It is nice to see some of the high points thus far! One of my fun points is participating in RAOKA – and the fact that my favorite Llama (and round the corner neighbor) participates too. It is wonderful to share and to have the chance to learn about new people – especially people like you Lori. You keep me on my toes and inspire wonderful journeys of thought.
Thank you!
The Exception´s last [type] ..Shared Wisdom
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I’ve found, especially lately, that if I look hard enough, there are lovely things all around me. I just have to know where to look and have faith that I will find the gems.
Thanks for your kind words, it’s been great getting to know you better, too. What a lovely thing to say — a friend of mine told me once that one of the things he likes about JBN is that it often makes him think of things in a new way. I like that thought and is actually, if only subtly, what I aspire to create.
Thanks again for your support and also for creating your wonderful blog, too.
~xo
Hi Lori! Congrats on the 100 and your first awesome half year! Great things happen to great people! Thanks for the mention of my blog! The first half of 10 has been a 10!
hugs
suZen
Hi SuZen,
How are you?
Thanks for your kindness this year, I really appreciate it and you kind messages, too. I admire you.
Thanks for everything you said here, your words mean a lot to me. Who knows what’s in store for 2010 Jul-Dec, but I’m not setting any expectations so I’m sure I’ll be happy with whatever unfolds.
Cheers!
Hi Lori .. that’s so kind of you to include me in your list – very grateful ..and it’s always nice to have a pat on the back.
It’s good to put the positive out there and share and enjoy others’ blogs and lives ..
I’ve had a terrible year .. but have had the strength to get through it & now am ready to downsize, declutter and start again – or as near as & it’s certainly lightening the load. Another two months or so, then it’ll be easier .. not over ..
However through this bloggers have been so kind & I’ve had a few successes/requests recently – that I’m chuffed about .. and yours is another – thank you – more will be revealed at the end of July ..
It keeps me going & I’ve had a lot of dark days this year – I know the light at the end of the tunnel is there .. so I’m lucky in that respect – just need to keep going with love in my heart ..
and on this wonderful sunny day – bright light shining in .. I’ll send you a big big hug and loaded with a warming glow .. enjoy your weekend .. and have lots more fun .. with thoughts & more hugs – Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Flora and fauna of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – a simple sample ..
Hi Hilary,
I know this is a pretty “uneventful” pat on the back, but it truly comes with love and adoration. I have a feeling this year wasn’t the best for you (and honestly, me neither). But I chose to focus on JBN and not me, so there were more positive things of which to make note. Know what I mean?
I’m glad to hear the light at the end of the tunnel is drawing closer. I’m sending lots of love and light your way, Hilary.
~xo
Hi Lori:
Thank you for including me in your list…wow, 2010 has been very good for you and your blog. Congrats on 100 posts and for being included in all of the accolades! You deserve it. I love your projectile vomiting admission…I had something almost the opposite. When I was rehearsing for my graduation improv show several years ago…I remember I was walking and eating something right outside the studio and something briefly got lodged in my throat. I tried to drink something to push it down, but things got messy. A couple members in my troupe looked at me with concern and tried to help and eventually everything was fine. I know much of this was caused by my nervousness. But it was pretty embarrassing. I hope the rest of 2010 is filled with as much good stuff as the first 6 months!
Tim´s last [type] ..Blackhawks Win The Stanley Cup!!
Hey Bro,
Thanks for the nice things you said here, I appreciate it. And, of course, I’d never leave you out of a “top 15″ list, you’re right up there at the top!
Thanks for sharing your story — I could see that happening to me, too. Also, thanks for not being too grossed out about my vomiting session. Looking back, it was actually really funny. Even the guys who worked in his lab asked me about it later on — I have a feeling the dude I was running with shared that story as “The Weirdest Thing That Happened During The Science Workshop”. (LOL)
Thanks for visiting, Tim, and I hope your weekend rocked!
Lori,
100! Big accomplishment;) Congratulations. I bow down to you!
I love your sense of humor! no. 5. LOL
The puke story…yuk!
6 month of success…
I’ve traveled a great deal and my Alexa stats have taken a downward spiral by 33,000.
My mantra when my ego wants to say loser…My life is so much more than the Internet!
Hi Tess,
“Big accomplishment?” Well, it would be *big* if all 100 posts harbored amazing content!!! That would be better!
Get out, no way, Tess, you are the QUEEN-BEE BLOGGER! Seriously, I really enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for the work you do for us.
And, puh-lease, I used to have an Alexa rank of <160,000 and when I changed some of my "blogger habits" now I'm over 300,000! And, exactly, similar to what you said, my health is way more important than the internet. Now, when I think “Alexa” I think of a former colleague and not a ranking system. ha ha
Thanks for visiting, Tess, it’s great to see you.
Lori,
I loved all your accomplishments and the positive attitude about them. They are really amazing!!! Congratulations on all of them:~)
I was jealous about you having a song written for you, I’ve always sort of wanted that to happen for me!!
You should share some of your practical jokes on your site. That would fun!!!
I love reading these award disclosures:~) I think I thank you for including me in the “passing on” of the award. I’ll have to do some thinking of the ten things:~)
Sara´s last [type] ..Political Change: Do It Yourself!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for such a positive and delightful comment! Thank you, Sara.
Well, just for the record, Josh wrote in the post about the “Lori” song that it was a song he played for his wife at their wedding reception, but it never had a name. So, it was just named after me. Maybe that can be my next goal, to get him to write a whole song for me.
Since you mentioned it, I’ll have to gather my thoughts about some of the doozies I played (practical jokes) for JBN. And, no, there wasn’t anything practical about them! ha ha
Feel free to participate or not, if you think it sounds fun, please, run with it. I very much enjoy your site, so I’d like to thank you for the time you spend writing for (and designing) your blog.
Hi Lori,
Lots of good energy in your post and comments!!
So…Yay!! For your gratitude list, your 100th post, the way you’ve allowed your blog to impact your life with new friendships and creative endeavors, and for your awards!!! Yay You!!!Chocolate cake– or some Divinely special treat–is definitely in order:)
And what a list of bloggers! Lots of awesome talent and inspiration on that list!
I am excited to see what the second half brings to you!!
Joy´s last [type] ..Fearless Fun Friday: Celebrate!
Hi Joy,
Great to see you here. How are you?
Thanks for noticing the energy here, I was feeling pretty good when I wrote it and I guess it seeped through.
Thanks for your positivity (I can use all I can get) and for infusing your sweetness, here, too, Joy. It means a lot to me.
Onward ho!
Hi Lori,
It’s my first visit here and I see I landed on a happy day! Your site has lovely, warm energy and your joyfulness jumps off the page.
Congrats on your achievements. I hope the latter part of 2010 serves you well.
Lisa@Practically Intuitive´s last [type] ..Just 1%
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for visiting! I saw your comment over at Blogging without a Blog and thought, WOW, eight years of blogging? I’m sure you have a interesting and fascinating blogging perspective. I’d love to hear about your blogging journey if you care to share.
I very much appreciate your warm thoughts and kind words. This blog is very much a labor of love — I enjoy writing, design, and working with the technical aspects, too. So, your words really do mean a lot. Thank you!
~xo
Hi Lori,
Yep, 8 years of doing a personal blog (still going strong) and it’s been a really interesting journey. I’ve blogged through some major life transitions (jobs, moving, depression) and some major losses (my 19 year old goddaughter and my mom within 6 months of each other). As I go back and re-read, it’s a wonderful way to see where I’ve been, how I worked through stuff and where I’ve come out the other end (which is my burgeoing business – Practically Intuitive).
I have always kept a journal (since I was 10 and yes, I still do write there as well) and it’s very humbling to look inside your 21 year old head from the vantage point of 49. (Who was that person?? heh)
I write because it’s who I am. Who I always will be. Even if no one reads it, I will still write. (It is fun to have readers, though!) My beloved Goddaughter Lauren got me into it in 2002 and she kept her blog going until 5 days before she passed away from bone cancer. Hers is a remarkable journey and I’m so glad she kept writing through it.
I’m not a professional blogger by any definition of the word; rather, I’m someone who likes to write for the sheer joy of it.
Your site is bookmarked with my regular check-ins.
I look forward to reading your insights!
Lisa@Practically Intuitive´s last [type] ..Just 1%
Wow, Lisa, how fascinating. Thanks so much for your thoughts. I have kept a journal since a young age, too. My 4th grade teacher had us start one for a semester as a part of our grade, and I never stopped! It’s really entertaining to go back and read those really early volumes. Then later (teens/early twenties) I think, Girl, what the heck are you thinking?? (LOL)
I write for the joy, too, and it’s partly why I don’t monetize this blog, either. I don’t want this to turn into a job!
Maybe someday I’d like to earn money writing again, but I’m not there at this point of my life.
Thanks again, Lisa, and I hope to see you around when you have the time to visit.
~xo
Hi Lori – I’m just catching up on my blog reading, and I love knowing that you squeezed out an entire tube of toothpaste just because. That made my day. Thanks so much for including me among so many fine bloggers, and many congratulations on your 100th post. It’s a fun one!
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last [type] ..Meaning Mondays: The Four Healing Salves
Hi Patty,
Thanks for taking the time to check out this post. Don’t spend too much time catching up, though (balance, balance, balance).
Yeah, that toothpaste incident was funny. I felt guilty for wasting resources, but it felt sooo goood! ha ha
Thanks for taking the time to blog when it feels good, Patty. I’m loving your blog — know I’m there reading with a huge smile on my face. Have a GREAT week.
~xo