Here`s what`s not explained clearly when permanently leaving the work place. Never again will you hear the words, “That was a great job.” Most likely no one will call a neighborhood coffee in your honor to say, “In recognition of your outstanding achievement in Laundry Facilitation, I am awarding you this ‘Domestic Goddess of Whom the Heavens Have Seen None Other’  Award Worth $500 at Neiman Marcus.” More likely, a daily barrage of:

“We`re having that for dinner? Can`t you make me something else- something you know I like?” (Not a restaurant. Eat it or wear it.)

” SO and SO is hogging the bathroom.” We have others- is there a reason why only that one will do?

“Why can`t I come home at 12 instead of 11? All the fun stuff happens then.” (Exactly)

“None of the other parents call to make sure an adult will be at the party! You`re so embarrassing.” (Whew- they haven”t spotted me peaking in the basement windows camouflaged in a mulch covered suit)

“You just want to control my life!” (God Willing)

So imagine my elation when I was offered a well manicured hand to pull me from the domestic fringe where I hung by my dish pan hands, cuticles frayed, rubber gloves worn through at the tips.

Hallelujah and thanks to Kate Allison for rescuing me with a little, ” I find your blog entertaining and worthy of the Versatile Blogger Award.”

Now when people ask me what I do in Japan, instead of my customary answer of “Nothing,” I can (honestly) answer, ” Well, I write an award-winning blog,” or “I”m an award-winning author.” I’ll be working on more equally nauseating responses now that I’m in the winner’s circle.

Thank you Kate Allison over at the Displaced Nation! When Kate gave me the award she was writing her own blog but disaster struck and she pulled up stakes. She is a regular contributor of feature articles at Displaced Nation and writes an ongoing story called “Libby`s Life” about a British ExPat relocating to a New England town which forces all the monsters from the family`s past out of the closet. Here Kate highlights her faves- which is the benefit of the blogging awards. Finding new fodder.

In keeping with tradition, I must list 7 facts about myself. They may or may not be true. Then on to highlighting 7 other blogs that routinely make my “Must Read” list.

7 Facts about Ouisar-san

1) I really am that mean to my Offspring. It’s character building. Spouse is nicer.

2) I am currently on a family tour of duty in the US where I am busy evaluating guest bath room amenities. Awards and Demerits will be distributed later.

3) Howard Stern is my celebrity look-alike.

4) Offspring #1 had a broken arm for two weeks before I took him to the doctor. That was several years ago before I had several broken bones under my belt.

5) One of my aunts is a famous psychic.

6) I had 6 toes on one foot until I finally had one surgically removed. Offspring #2 says that even without the 6th digit, I`m still a witch.

7) I was once pictured as a “Fashion Don’t” in a magazine wearing leggings and turquoise cowboy boots.

So, now that you are all busy trying to figure out fact from fiction, on to some of my favorites.

1) Author Piper Bayard– Piper writes a weekly mash-up where she adds content from all over the internet. I always find two or three new folks to follow. Her writing partner, Holmes, has caused my brain to grow as he has explained the mysteries of history.

2) Kristen Lamb’s Blog– An expert in social media and past literary editor- Kristen will teach you how to write, and blog, and twitter, and FB, and unFB, and lots of other things. And entertain you while learning you.

3) I Heart Mondegreens– Michi is a Californian living in Spain. She was just Freshly Pressed for the second time. Great stuff.

4) Reinventing the Event Horizon– Ever wondered what it was like to be the daughter of a mob boss? Well, Kathy is and she’s writing about it. Fascinating.

5) Taste of Japan I have just found this blog and must admit I have mixed emotions. Mostly a mix of  jealousy, envy, there must be a green-eyed monster on my back, and covetous- of my readers flocking to Taste of Japan. Stunning pictures along with great explanations. I feel that by recommending this blog I can cleanse myself of these issues.

6) Childhood Relived Angie is one of the funniest folks on WordPress. The comments are usually as funny as the post. Angie roots around her childhood finding all sorts of things to skewer.

7) Unbrave Girl The Chinese get a bad wrap but Sally is changing that one hilarious post at a time. Traveling Asia and blogging about it while keeping readers entertained is her forte. Kudos to Sally- I`m hooked.

Normally, I would spend a lot of time re-reading and proofing this post. Right now, I`m in a Starbucks with Grandmama since the internet at our eco-condo on the banks of a mosquito breeding pond was just a rumor. I`m in a hurry. She`s closed her Kindle and is now staring at me. Now she`s putting on her lipstick. Better go. Stink eye and thin lips. See you soon.