My Centenary Post

I wanted it to be meaningful. I wanted it to be deep. I planned to answer Wende's question, or to do a fun meme. I wanted it to be about me and you and the wonderful sense of community that I've found here in this little pocket of the internet universe.

Instead it's about Apartment Therapy, the DC edition. You see, Maxwell put up my third post today, and I'm here to shill for votes. I thought about waiting to mention it in my 101st post. I thought about pretending that I didn't realize this was my 100th post and talking about missing that milestone in post #101. I thought about lots of silly things that I could do to downplay how I really feel about this whole ATDC thing- and then I thought "don't be an idiot!"

The bottom line is that this blogger search is important to me. I am thrilled to be a finalist, and I know I'll be upset if I am not chosen, and I'm beginning to believe that both of those realities are OK. Truthfully, this whole design community has been a boon to me, has given some focus to my nebulous belief that someday I'd like to do something housey with my days.

Don't get me wrong- I love my career. There are many days when I know that I have made a significant difference in the lives of real people. I get to satisfy my wanderlust, often on the government dime. I have a house full of neat artifacts of my travels. I have friends around the world. I am good at what I do, and more times than not, I enjoy it too. These things are all good, since keeping my career is what has lead to a long distance marriage, to time spent far from family and friends, and to a high and ongoing level of personal angst about living the life I lead.

AT has given me something very different, something very personal. You women, your houses, your wardrobes, your makeup issues, your knitting, your basements, your families- you have given me a connection that I didn't even realize I was looking for until I found it. To one extent or another, you provide support, guidance, humor, criticism based on nothing more than a shared interest in furniture, paint, clothes, shoes, purses, etc. You make me feel like it is OK to focus on me, on my home, on my stuff, on my needs/wants/desires. You make me feel like it is OK to be more concerned about curtains than about the price of rice in China. You make me feel better about being me.

So here I am, owning my thoughts, proud of my accomplishments, and asking for your vote. And whether you give me three cupcakes or none, know that I am grateful for your friendship, for your support, and for making it possible for me to open up a bit by opening up yourselves. Ladies- we are truly fabulous!

ATDC #3: The State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms