Honest Scrap (Tagged)

Once again I've gotten very far behind on some tags and awards. I love reading things about my fellow blog friends, and I always appreciate getting tagged by you!

In the last month or so, I've received the "Honest Scrap Award" from three of you. Thanks Teresa, Tammy, and Sharon! I adore all 3 of your blogs and can always count on them for complete honesty, friendship, support, and laughter.

Here are the rules:

1) Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.
2) Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Scrap.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.
3) List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Here are 10 honest things about me:

1. I thought about starting a blog for a couple of months before I actually did it. My husband and I went back and forth about all the possible pros and cons. I was very afraid of putting myself out there and I had no idea whether anyone would ever read it. I share so much here that I don't often say in real life, and it's very humbling to me that anybody would read and comment. So, thank you!

2. It bothers me that I'm not very independent. I rely on my husband way more than I probably should. For me it's usually a struggle to get out there and try something new.

3. I've already confessed this on the blog once, but I hate to drive. I'm fine with running my errands around here where I live, but driving to someplace new totally freaks me out. If I'm not sure how to get somewhere, many times I'll have Chuck drive by the place with me so I can scope it out before I have to go there alone (see #2). I know, it's sad. Thank God that I have a patient husband!

4. My middle name is Rae. My dad chose both my first and middle names, and the "Rae" part is the feminine spelling of his own name. I have always liked it and I think it has helped me feel a little more connected to a father who has been mostly absent in my life. If I ever have a daughter, I'd like to give her the middle name Rae.

5. Before I told you my middle name, I googled "Stacey Rae" to make sure that it wouldn't be an obvious thing to put on a public blog where I try to keep some anonymity. I scrolled through the first 10 pages and none of the references were about me. Who knew there were so many Stacey Raes in the world? Turns out I'm really not that unique! :)

6. I've never considered myself a very emotional person, but I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve these days. It usually makes me cry when I see other people crying.

7. I spend an awful lot of time proofreading stuff that I write. Most of the time I even proofread e-mails before I send them. Misspelled words get under my skin. Just yesterday I "suggested" that my husband change a misspelled word in his status update on Facebook! (Have I mentioned how patient he is?)

8. I made the decision to follow Christ when I was a young girl, but I got much more serious about it when I was an early teenager. He is my Lord, my Savior, my comfort, and my strength. I want my life to bring Him glory!

9. I very rarely wear shorts. I'm most comfortable in jeans, and around the house I usually relax in pajama pants. I have never liked the way my legs look in shorts and I'm usually cold, so I love wearing jeans.

10. I am a very loyal friend. Most of my closest friends are people I have known since grade school. Old friends are special, but I love making new friends as well!

Okay, that took me much longer than I expected! Now for the tags. I honestly love and appreciate every single blog I read. This time I'll try to tag friends that I'd like to get to know better or haven't tagged before:

1. Stacy@ In Its Time

2. Becky@ Redeemed Child of God

3. Erin @ Raindrops on Roses (or Ranunculus)

4. Kirke @ Maybe I Will Have a Glass

5. prayerfuljourney @ Accepting God's Will 2009

6. Amy @ An Infertility Odyssey

7. Abby @ LIFE As I Know It

Each of you ladies inspires me by sharing your thoughts and experiences through blogging. I hope you'll participate!