Toot your own horn thread.

[brainshrub]

I don't like to brag, but it's the start of the year... and I want to get it out of my system:

My blog kicks ass.

Yes it does.

I've developed a loyal readership, I have kick-ass guest-bloggers, I have lots of site traffic, I'm on the DU front-page, the content is updated M-F, the layout is clean, I've gotten awesome hate-mail from Freepers and, most importantly, I've had a great time building it!

What about you?

What are you most proud of that you usually keep to yourself?



Toot your own horn!


www.brainshrub.com

[graywarrior]

1. I thrive on other people's successes

Nice blog.

[LynzM]

2. Awesome!

Glad to hear it's going so well for you!!

Mine: In the past 6 months, I have worked a full-time job, been a wife, mother, daughter, grand-daughter, sister, and friend, taken 3 classes, lived 3 places, bought a house, and painted a kitchen.

Oh, and got As in the classes :evilgrin:

[brainshrub]

Congratulations!

Woo Hoo!

:bounce:

Keep up the great work! :yourock:

I'm not surprised at your grades; Liberals are naturally smart.

[LynzM]

14. Thanks, dude!

:bounce: I expect a lot from myself regarding school. Luckily, I usually deliver ;)

[bigwillq]

88. You rock, Lynz!

:bounce: :toast: :party:

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Happy New Year, brainshrub!

:hi:

I have two really neat kids. I complain about them (probably too much) and I worry about them. But if I had to say what I was most proud of, it would have to be my kids.

Neither one is old enough to have made much of a mark in the world yet but I am proud of the people they are. They are both generous, intelligent and charming. And they are committed liberals.

[brainshrub]

6. They have made a mark on you, so they have already made a mark.

By the way, I just got a copy on Sheehan's book. Have you read it yet?

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. No but I am planning on it - are you going back in April?

Cindy will be in Crawford Easter week. It's the same week as my spring break. I am thinking about going.

[brainshrub]

13. I'm not sure.

It was the most amazing month in my life, but I don't know if I should try to re-live it.

I think I would rather just let the memories get sweeter with time.

I am also very, very, very broke.


me <---- no money. :(

We will see what happens, it might be fun to go to for a weekend.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. p.s. your blog is awesome

I am a regular lurker.

[khashka]

5. Damn you would have to go and ask a difficult question.

What am I most proud of that I keep to myself? Since I have one of the biggests mouths around that's hard. If I deserve admiration I make sure evreyone knows it,

My sister died before my nephew's first birthday. While I have certainly failed as replacement for her, I think I've done a good job. I totally gave up my life for him. That's not anything to be proud of though. It was simply necessary. I wouldn't mind getting credit for it once in a while, though.

I'm quite proud of some of the things I've written. Usually I'm my own worst critic, but there are some things I'm proud of.

Khash.

[brainshrub]

8. Caring for a grieving relative is one of the kindest things you can do.

You deserve extra positive-karma.

:hug:

I like your posts on DU.

[khashka]

38. Yeah, I'm so fucking noble

We all do what we have to do and so many people have done so much more than me. Ask any one here - and they'll eventually tell you how they sacrificed themselves for their loved ones. So it's nothing for me to be proud of. It's just about being human.

What I am proud of is my writing. I find it lonely and difficult. And I often write things that horrify me. But when someone tells me my writing meant something to them.....then I feel proud.


Khash.

[Evergreen Emerald]

48. Wow

You are witty, intelligent, caring, talented, and now we find out noble and self-less.

You are quite a guy Mr. khashka. Your nephew is lucky you are in his life.

[NMMNG]

49. I have no doubt you are having a significant impact on your nephew's life

Keep up the good work! :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. I washed my hair today....

and combed out the tangles even. :hi:

[brainshrub]

10. An amazing feat!

I wish I still had hair.

You know you are getting older when you re-arrange your hair in the mornings, rather than comb it.

Good job! Mr. Grumpy probably appreciates it.

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. MrG is still made at me....for being an hour and a half late to the lame

assed celebration last night....:( :hi:

[flvegan]

12. I'm the biggest, strongest mf'ing vegan out there

according to what I've seen.

On top of that, I keep a balaclava and boltcutters in my trunk, yet I've never been arrested. NOT that I've ever used either one...

*walks away whistling*

[brainshrub]

15. Yay!

We'd probably get along very well.

If you are ever in Ashville, NC please IM me.

[flvegan]

30. I promise.

[LeftyMom]

16. Nuh uh.

Leftykid says he can kick your ass. :D

[flvegan]

29. Considering

that I'd not hit back, he's right.

Hey...vegan 4 year old, I could start there...build...we have the technology...

Bionic leftykid. I'm down with that. Not really...

[LeftyMom]

39. 40 inches of vegan studliness

I wouldn't fight either. Just play dead, it's easier that way. ;)

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

17. I'm the nicest person in the world .

I would never hurt a soul .

[brainshrub]

22. Which is more than what many people can say.

You are great!

[Ptah]

18. 1968:

[brainshrub]

26. Wow that's horny!

I am, of course, talking about the horn-trimmed glasses.

:D

[Ptah]

36. But, I mean ,. I .. .. OK, oops!

Yes.

[MrScorpio]

19. My Show Kicks AZZZZ

listen to it now

[brainshrub]

21. You got a link?

I'll bet it does.

It's hosted on RadioEnigma right?

[MrScorpio]

24. Yep

Click on my picture

[auntAgonist]

20. In March of 2005

I had weightloss surgery. BPD w/DS = biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch. http://www.duodenalswitch.com/procedure/procedure.html

I feel very good about myself and my weighloss. it's been a rough journey but I did it! I'm almost half the size I was when I started. I've lost 140lbs! It took a LOT of heart searching and research to go through with the surgery, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I'm religious about my supplements and blood work. I have an excellent surgeon and a good primary care doc too. My husband is my biggest support, without him, NONE of this would be possible. so yeah, I guess I'm bragging, or maybe just proud of finally being able to take control of my life and health.

aA.

[brainshrub]

23. WOW! That is f*king incredible!

You have every right to be proud of yourself! It must feel great to be able to overcome such a challenge.

[radwriter0555]

46. SHOUT out to Aunty, good work! That's major props, well done.

Now get in the gym and work out! Yay!

[auntAgonist]

82. aww thanks!

I'm trying to build up strength, walking a bit, climbing the stairs .. exercising my fingers here on DU hehe

:hug:

aA

[RevCheesehead]

25. I am a damned good listener.

I also think I have a lot of empathy and compassion to share with others.

[brainshrub]

27. And, your a member of KOEB!

A good listener is what everyone is looking for, you are a valuable soul.

[RevCheesehead]

33. If we're born with two ears and only one mouth,

doesn't that sort of imply that we should listen twice as much as we talk? O8)

I confess: I am an estrogen-driven vixen of the KOEB!
For Keith: :loveya:

[LynzM]

68. And, you have an amazing way with words....

I've read lots of things you're written here that just make a person reflect, and often, feel good or motivated to do good things. Props to you, Rev.

I like the line about two ears and one mouth. That's a good one, I will remember it :)

[William Bloode]

28. Hmmm, i guess that i was good enough,

That i was actually invited to compete in the Ultimate fight #4&5.

[brainshrub]

31. A stoner that kicks ass!

Wow!

[William Bloode]

34. I ain't yer typical stoner lol!

I'm not the laid back hippie kind. I am more of a raging, furious, needs a joint to calm the fuck down once and awhile head lol!

Seriously though, i have worked on a lot of those anger issues, but i can still kick ass.........once and awhile ;)

[ForrestGump]

32. I need a little more spinal flexibility

to accomplish that...

[brainshrub]

50. I have no idea what you're talking about.... but congrats!!!

:thumbsup:

[ForrestGump]

66. Thank you

:D

[Deja Q]

53. D'oh! You got there before I did!

:P

[ForrestGump]

67. That's what all the girls tell me

But I'm working on that. :D

:hi:

[qnr]

35. Well, I've managed to

live in (at least for a short while) all fifty states, and have visited 63 countries and seven continents. Always amazes me, since I spent most of my early years in foster homes (I was quite the monster - longest I was ever in one was for four months) or in the ghettos of NYC.

[brainshrub]

60. Wow, you have been been everywhere.

You must be a fan of the late Johnny Cash.

[tjdee]

37. I'm extremely loyal. And also, I sure do love Shah Rukh Khan.

I'm trying to think of something that I do keep to myself, and it's how loyal I am. Not even those I care deeply about, but even people like my boss, brands I buy...

I don't know that people understand how much I've "got their back". I will defend those I'm loyal to in ways that they might not ever know, and that's cool. But people who've got me, got me, and they got a good thing there.

Also, I sure do love SRK. He should be so lucky, the way I proselytize for him all the time. He's so dreamy. Have I mentioned he dances? What a doll baby!

[brainshrub]

93. Is SRK the guy in the pic?

Forgive my ignorance... but I don't own a TV.

[ghostsofgiants]

40. I make kickass lemonade

[GirlinContempt]

56. delish

[ghostsofgiants]

57. Damn straight!

[LeftyMom]

41. I am an amazing cook

I love making food from scratch, I love feeding other people and I just plain love food.

I make the best baked goods anywhere. Not just the best vegan baked goods (which would be a hell of an acomplishment) but quite possibly the best cakes, pies and cookies that you'll ever have. I make great dinners and awesome home-made bread, and I can some of the best preserves ever in the summer.

If I didn't hate doing the dishes so much, I'd be nearly ideal in the kitchen.

[Maine Mary]

44. not only that,, but your post's don't disappear !!!

:bounce:

[blitzen]

42. okay, i'll toot: my book is coming out in may

http://www.palgrave-usa.com/catalog/product.aspx?isbn=1403971307


this is my third book


here's a link to my previous one from the same press:

http://www.palgrave-usa.com/catalog/product.aspx?isbn=0312213530




thanks for the occassion to toot...like you, i normally don't like to do it

[LynzM]

69. Wow, dude.

That's awesome! I think a lot of it would go over my head, but could be fascinating, as well. Ah, languages. A man after my own heart. I miss Uni for speaking other languages, a lot! Best of luck with your book runs :)

[datasuspect]

43. i fucking rule

and i am totally awesome

[radwriter0555]

45. My gym franchise is doing really well. Our membership is 250, and we've

just sold our first 2 franchises, one to open in Paris by the end of January and another to open in Morocco in a couple more months. We just got a great article in the local Nice-Matin paper, and the phone is ringing off the hook.

All I need is another 9 to break even! (We opened in September)

http://www.o-sport-fitness.com

[Evergreen Emerald]

47. Good for you!

Congratulations. I am certain you work very hard for your success.

[Porcupine]

51. I fixed an old lady's roof in the middle of a storm, New Years Day.

In order to honor my word. I do stuff like that all the time. I'm tough that way.

Funny, I can't keep house worth a damn.

[brainshrub]

65. You are building up tons of positive karma.

Good job! You're a saint.

[Porcupine]

81. Thanks but my dogma's only got three legs

I guess that makes me a trinitarian.

[Deja Q]

52. Sorry, but I'm not that limber.

:woohoo:

:yoiks:

[ghostsofgiants]

55. And if any of us were...

I get the feeling that this would be a much more female-dominated board.

[supernova]

54. I'm a kick-ass editor!

:woohoo: who publishes IT books people actually read!! :D

I'm also a great hostess and cook, who gave a great Halloween party. :D And I'm a great and loyal friend, sister, and aunt. :D

Plus I'm just too cute for words. :D ;-)

[brainshrub]

61. What a co-incidence! I'm the worst editor on the Liberal blogoshere.

I'm serious. I spend one hour writing, and 3 hours editing... yet I always miss something.

I'll give you one extra "kudos" for every typo you find in this post:

http://www.brainshrub.com/aldrich-ames-case

[supernova]

63. I'll have to look later

I'm trying to meet a deadline right now. Yes, I am working on my day off. :9

[RetroLounge]

58. I am proud yet humbly grateful

that I have not had a drink or drug in over 15 years.

Not that big of a deal overall, but to me it was...

Oh, and I like my poetry and fiction writing and hope to once again publish something. It's been 10 years since I bothered to try, and now that I have begun again, it feels like an old friend has returned.

RL

[LeftyMom]

59. 15 years clean and sober is definitely something to be proud of!

:woohoo:

[NNadir]

62. I am the father of two ethical, intelligent, and polite boys.

It's more their mother's doing, but I was peripheral to them turning out so nice.

[brainshrub]

84. Their mother coulnd't have done it without you.

Good job.

[HEyHEY]

64. I have an extraordinary gift for being a dick

[brainshrub]

85. I think your fine the way you are.

I've been reading your posts for a while now. I don't think you're a dick.

[skygazer]

70. Well, I got a nice compliment at work that made me feel good

I run the wine and liquor department in a large chain grocery store. I work alone which is something to be proud of in and of itself because I live in a wealthy area and people here buy their wine and booze by the case. My store is small so keeping it stocked well while not filling up the back room with overflow is a job.

Anyway, last week, in the midst of my busiest time of year our district manager paid us a surprise visit. He was happy with the store overall but he told my manager that my department was incredible - he said that in light of the time of year and the demand, it was beautifully stocked, clean and neat, well organized and really the highlight of his day. He told the manager to model the rest of the store on my aisles and to use it as an example for the rest of the crew. :blush:

I take a lot of pride in what I do - it's not brain surgery or anything that anyone is going to remember after I'm gone but it's my job and I'm going to do it well. It made me feel pretty darn good.

[brainshrub]

86. Wow!

I hope they give you a big, fat raise. Good job!

[sakabatou]

71. I made a DVD cover!

[brainshrub]

87. Darn, the link is broken.

I'll bet it's great 'tho.

[sakabatou]

98. Let me fix that...

[Left Is Write]

72. Umm...my house is clean.

I make good soup.

I'm pretty nice.

[brainshrub]

89. My house is a wreck and I burn soup.

You are 1/3 better than me.

:thumbsup:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

73. this pic of me is hot

[ForrestGump]

75. They all are

Though this one could also be published with the caption

"what men see when they are talking to a woman"

:-)

:loveya:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

76. thanks...i love this pic

there is a frat boy deep inside me :evilgrin:

on edit: I MEAN I AM SOMETIMES FRATBOYISH :P

[ForrestGump]

77. Um....Ms lioness...um...

:blush:

...I appreciate your candor, but....really...

:blush:

Let me just say that I hope that you and your frat boy have a wonderful evening...

:-)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

78. HA! that is so NOT what i meant!

[ForrestGump]

79. YOU say

:P

:D

[crispini]

74. I am 80% done with our state thread in Campaign Underground.

http://www.texasgop.org/site/DocServer/Candidates_by_Office.pdf?docID=1003

I kick ass in a big way. :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[brainshrub]

90. Yup, you sure do.

Thanks for all your hard work.

[LaraMN]

80. I dropped the hems in two pairs of pants I bought, so they actually fit me

and I have those whitestrip things on my teeth (ok- maybe not exactly an "accomplishment," but I'm fishing in the shallow end tonight.)

[brainshrub]

91. I'll bet you look hot to trot.

[CarpeDiebold]

95. 'tsalright lara

i'll toot your horn for you

toot! :evilgrin:

[NMMNG]

83. I work with the developmentally disabled

I have done this for more than 18 years now. While it is quite intrinsically rewarding it is not particularly financially rewarding. I make little more than people who stock shelves at Wal-Mart.

I change adult diapers, give showers, dress and groom the clients, give medications, prepare and serve meals, wash dishes, do laundry, change linens, clean the house and engage the clients in activities. I am responsible for the clients' very lives as they have no self-preservation skills nor self-care skills. On a routine basis I get hit, kicked, head-butted, pinched and/or scratched. I also have to clean up vomit every single shift, sometimes in large amounts. On occasion I encounter vast amounts of #2 in liquid form, which the adult diaper does not hold. Not at all pleasant.

I can't say I take this all with a smile on my face but I never lose my temper. Compassion is essential, as is a sense of humor and lots of patience. Without them the job would be impossible for me, and I would be useless to the clients.

[brainshrub]

92. Wow! You are an angel!

You should join a Union, that might help you out a bit.

:yourock:

[flvegan]

94. This is a horn deserving of tooting at decibels not found outside of

a Guns 'n Roses concert, circa 1993.

Big love, bigger respect to ya.

:loveya:

[Maestro]

96. I've dedicated myself to serving in public education.

We get a lot of crap from politicians and parents and little money compared to the time we put into teaching, preparation and professional development.

And now I am pushing 40 but I am still a hard-core metalhead. I will never grow up!

[ChaoticSilly]

97. I like to think I'm good at raytracing

here's a couple of old ones I've done that I don't think I've shown before