Maybe it was way back when…
I was a freshman, sighing with relief to make the high school swim team. Until, that is, initiation began and I had to endure all kinds of odd rites of passage. One of them found me in a smelly old 1960’s sweatsuit, flippers, and snorkeling mask. Each freshman girl, dressed similarly, was to stand up on a starting block while the men’s team waited in the water below. One by one, we were to announce, “I’m a freshman weenie and I love the seniors!” My plan was to fly through the confession and exit invisibly, blending in with the other masked girls.
I stood up on the block, staring out through my foggy mask at the very large senior swimmers. “I’m a freshman weenie,” I started, “and I love the freshman!” For one slow-motion-moment, I didn’t realize that I had just made the worst slip in the universe. Reality struck as the senior men scooped large armfuls of water, splashing loud boo!’s in my direction. I stepped off of the block as quickly as I could, my head swimming with embarrassment. “Do it again, freshman!” I was ordered. While the boo’s still echoed off of the natatorium walls, I sheepishly stepped back to the block and announced – correctly this time – “I’m a freshman weenie and I love the seniors!”
Or perhaps it was this past year when…
My next door neighbor had to give me the old heave-ho through my kitchen window. ‘Remember that story?
Or perhaps it was just the other day when…
I found out that enough of my votes were disqualified to land me in second place in the Homeschool Blog Awards. Yes, the verdict is that we inadvertently cheated… on the HOMESCHOOL BLOG AWARDS of all things. (I know, I know, God sees “all sin as sin” and one sin is not any “worse” than others, but I’m feelin’ like cheating at anything homeschool-blog-award-ish is possibly the worst thing a person can do.) So, next year, we’ll scour the rules with a fine tooth comb and make sure that we understand the letter of the law so that we can participate with squeaky clean records.
My truest apologies to each and every one of you 165+ folks who did cast legitimate votes for me: you really rock. Also to the amazing HSBA women who host the blog awards and had to get to the bottom of over 10,000 votes to uphold the rules and deal with people like me asking, “but why??” all afternoon: your dedication is inspiring. Also to the true winner of the category, Trisch, from Never a Dull Moment: my apologies and admiration (I have to admit, even when we believed all votes were above-board, we felt miserable to disappoint 9 children + one on the way. And wow! What a family!).
Comments
9 responses to “Most Embarrassing Moment?”
Laura, your stories are hilarious, but I am so sad you didn’t win the homeschool award. How on earth did people cheat?
Okay, I am in SHOCK! I didn’t have a clue until you posted a comment on my blog! Hadn’t even had a chance to go see yet!!!
Well, I’m certain that you didn’t mean to do anything wrong! And I’m not sure I had all the rules down solid, either, to begin with! Hey, we can claim it was our first year and we’re still learning!!! ; )
Thank you so much, although I’m a bit sad for you, too! You and your family and friends worked SO hard!
And you’re still in my favorites! ; ) (Actually #1 since numbers come before letters!) So I look forward to “visiting” you lots! 😀
Blessings to you!
Trisch
Laura,
Award or No Award your blog’s the best! I am not a homeschooling mom but I find tons of inspiration from what you write. Keep sharing your passion. I believe motherhood itself is a reward and if we can excel in that role then the awards are sure to find us!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Ryan, Viv and Lia.
How did such a gracious person ever come from me?…God has certainly worked miracles!
Laura, your blog is still #1 at my house! Sorry to hear you were second, but that is STILL an amazing accomplishment!!! Congratulations to a person who inspires me to be a better wife, mommy, and blogger!!!
Love,
Katie
Ok, I admit that it was me. I went around and found all the non-advocates of homeschooling, pink, and daily blogging, and tied their hands together so that only 1 pointer finger stuck out and made them vote again and again for your blog.
And even though their votes were all disqualified, I’m happy to say that after being exposed to your amazing stories of homeschool adventures, they all converted! So it was worth it.
Oh Laura, you are so funny… and gracious. 🙂
We hated to disQ any votes, and when I came to your blog and saw how wonderful it was, I really hated that there were multiple votes that didn’t get counted. I’m sure you will have many nominations next year. This post alone would get you Funniest! 😛
And, good grief, no embarrassment for you. I don’t think there was cheating by any of the bloggers/nominees. They all are the best!
I will be back. I loved what your Grandmother said. And the others. I can’t wait to read more of your encouraging and funny stories.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
blessings, Jacque
Oh, shucks! But, really—how funny is all this? You made me laugh and that is a good thing on a mono kind of day. Oh, girl–I just love you. And you know what I love most about you? I love that you can laugh at yourself. I love that more than anything. It is refreshing. And what is refreshing about that? That you share it with others.
May we all learn from your embarrassing moment….You are a blogger weanie and you love blogging seniors 😉
Love you!
Your blog IS the best …. and EVERYONE knows it. Some things are just facts like that. I am not as gracious at this moment. (sorry) May the Lord deal with me, but I don’t think I am wrong. I guess I have a soul of a fighting Irish sister. I don’t remember the last time i was so hurt…and frustrated. I filled up with tears a couple times today just thinking about you and your heart and everything you put into this blog. It’s MORE then just a blog… it’s a reflection of your soul.
Love you sooo much.
I can’t wait to see you and your amazing family this weekend!
We are gona have a dance party EVERYDAY!