December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I found a community right in my own backyard. Twice-over.

First was literally in my own yard. My neighborhood spent another summer outside. Nearly every night, definitely every weekend we could be found in each others yards. Chatting, (more than) sometimes drinking, laughing. Our kids played together. Our community deepened.

Then there’s the Indy Blogging community. I always knew there were a few, and all that I had met were nice…but I never felt enmeshed in the community.  In the past few months I’ve gotten more involved, and have grown to absolutely love the blogging community here in Indy.  I mean, with people like Cherie, Casey, Emily and Shireen (just to mention a few, believe me, there are a LOT more)…what’s NOT to love?

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

This question has taunted and teased me since I first read it yesterday. Any attribute I thought of as ‘different’ suddenly didn’t seem so different when I thought about it.

I’m creative – but so are many others.

I burn my creativity on everyone else, rarely making things for myself – but really, don’t we all know generous people?

Archie calls me the nurturer.  I never dye my hair (I don’t even pluck my gray/whites). I never pluck my brows (my one feature I love as it is). I never take a compliment (i.e. I have a hard time believing them). I take on too much and then panic and rush to get it all done. I’ve been through things I never talk about…painful things that only 1 or 2 people know about (something I’m trying to change. Some things need to be addressed). I hate making phone calls (not sure why, just makes me uncomfortable), I prefer online communication – I’m better at writing words than speaking them aloud. I’m the first to admit that somewhere along the way I lost the ability to communicate and associate with my own family – and I have NO idea why (another thing I’m attempting to correct). I have a compulsion to lie, when there is no reason to, that I have to force myself to curb on a regular basis (and fear my son is adopting the same bad habit). I always have to get the mail, if I don’t, or I’m going to be late and have to think about someone else getting it, I get the shakes (weird, I know). I don’t have enough patience. I cling to the past (good times and bad) tighter than I should. My mind never stops running, to the point of annoying my husband with my apparent lack of focus (multi-taskers unite….no less than 3 things going at once – ever).

Not one of these things make me different.

But that makes me no less beautiful.  I often forget how to feel beautiful…but my husband always reminds me.

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

(Video via the marvelous Emily.)

What isn’t amazing about that?! Casey had a Just Dance 2 Party last month, and it was SO much fun! I’m telling you, the Indy Bloggers are a hoot & a half! (That’s Hoosier-talk for, they are SO AWESOME)

Of course, there was also the Verizon Wireless party hosted by Cherie. That was another great party…great food, great company (hey, I figured out where I’d be getting my first ever tattoo…once I do another bucket list item crossed of!)…AND we all got Droid’s to try out for the holidays!! I do plan on telling you all about mine soon – I’m still trying to come to terms with how I’m going to let it go in a couple of weeks 🙁

After the past couple of months…I’m looking forward to more parties with these great women…2011 should be great!