SearchWarp, Winning, and Family
Posted: Sunday, August 31, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
With so many articles being written about why one should write for Searchwarp, I didn't think I needed to write another--everyone else has done such a fantastic job! So good, in fact, if I wasn't already a junkie, or rather, a warpie, as the politically correct term goes, I would sign up in a heartbeat! By the way, let's all do our part to encourage Olof. He sounds a bit hysterical about his popularity rating. If you haven't read his article, head over to the "most recent" section, click on "My Popularity Rating", and give him a great big welcome and a word of encouragement. Or search "Olof Ericksen". No, not now, finish reading mine first--Duh.
Anyway, now that I have appeared selfless, caring and loving, I am going to tell you why I am writing this article. It's about me, plain and simple--no apologies.
I received an email this afternoon from one of the head warpies, or at least one acting on behalf of The Head Warpie, telling me that I won the latest contest. Woo-hoo! This alone is worth writing for SW, TWENTY FIVE reasons, to be exact. I was so excited, I even stood a bit taller as I strutted to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner--the microwave buzzed as I was opening my email.
"Dinner is ready," I yell to the family.
As the four of us sat at the dinner table--a rare treat these days, I began to tell them how I won the contest with the stories about the shower and the mail box.
You would have thought I won the "lotto" or something…
"Where's my half," my son says, with his hand stretched out. Without skipping a beat, my daughter says the same.
According to my son, he and Britt should be able to split the winnings 50/50 because the way he sees it, I would not have had a story to tell if it were not for them--such great kids, who raised them anyway?
My husband has been so busy finishing the floors and putting his shop together, he hasn't had a chance to read the article. Still, he had the nerve to expect his share as well. A three way split on the loot, they agree! Ha! I am the one who slaved over the buzz of the microwave, I am the one who takes the time to read the directions on the Betty Crocker box to make desert! I am the one who sits at the computer punching away until my little fingers can't bare another click, and I am the one who made it all happen. So there, I don't think they deserve a penny.
I was planning on treating them to another trip to taco bell and let them order whatever their hearts desired, but n-o-o! They had to go and be selfish and take all the credit, so forget it!
So here you have it--I have released the beast within. Thanks for listening. I can rest easy now. I no longer feel the need to be selfish.
By the way, I was joking about the microwave dinner. I baked barbequed chicken breasts, along with noodles-Parmesan and steamed white corn for the veggies. I was sincere about encouraging Olof--all of our fellow writers, actually…The rest, well; you'll just have to wonder…or do you?
This is one of the reasons I love all of you warpies. You listen to me. You get me. You encourage me and pray for me. You bring me to my senses by all your individual perspectives and experience. I have found a place where good things happen and I am blessed.
© Teresa Ortiz
Teresa where is mine? Haven't I been been encouraging? Ok, ok its your work that rates. I'll accept that. Hey us boys will do anything for a share. Good job.Hi Robert, You boys are all the same :-)Thanks, God bless you--I hope those you don't know me didn't take me too seriously.
It's nice to have family that is so supportive that they are willing to share teh "burden" of the prize, right? (smile)Hi CeeCee, nice to meet you. Thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment. I know what you mean. Share and share alike as they say :-)God Bless you! I will go read your articles. Glad you stopped by, otherwise I might have missed you.
Hi Teresa! I really wish you would get your camcorder out of our house and telling our story. (just kidding) But can I relate! Mark went to the bank with his prize money while I was at work. To bad he just lost my car key. ;-)Hi Michelle, I don't need a camcorder, the little birdies tell me everything. hee, hee ....lost the keys to your car? hmm, I think that entitles you to something extra special. Have a great evening!
Oh yeah! Thank you for writing something besides political or Labor Day. Same people, same subjects almost everyday. It has become a bit boring to me lately. No offense intended. This way I can also rate you again. I am going to Olof's now. I have already purchased his book and am waiting patiently.Thanks! I haven't had a chance to get his book. Soon. I am several books behind! I've got to be ready for my conference and meeting in October and I am doing a week-long on-line bible study the week of Sept 22nd. that I need to prepare for, so I am not doing much reading right now.When fly over Lodi, I will wave to you!!! Love you, TeresaBack at ya Teresa! Hey I will keep praying for you and just in case I am at work, wave at me in Sacramento.I also am working on and am recording a song(duet) with someone so my writing here is becoming more limited.Hugs, love and blessings.I will remember that :-)I will be praying about your music project!! You should post it on conversant when its all done :-)
Hi Teresa,Great article! It made my evening a lot more enjoyable. Congrats on the contest. Thanks.JDHi JD, thanks for reading and for the congrats! Glad it added to your evening in a positive way.God Bless you bunches!
I enjoyed her humor about the kids at the dinner table.Hello Arlene! Thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment. I am glad you enjoyed the humor. I just love my family :-) God bless you bunches!
hi t,this was such a cool article. a) congratulations on the contest b) your family is a riot, and c) this was a very well written article.my best to you,sueHi Sue, thanks! I do have a pretty cool family :-) I have a new tale to write about. I am trying to figure out how I can work it into a little story.Take good care. Hugs, t
WOW. Sad. I am sure they didn't really want the money. I am sure they appreciate your hard work. I know you were joking but still a little sad.Hi Anon, this was never about money. I don't think anyone here took me serious. I know they appreciate me. I have an awesome relationship with my family. I suppose my sense of humor can offend some people. I am sorry if I offended you.God bless you!
Great article, Teresa and congratulations on the win. Better luck next time for the rest of us. We'll all keep plugging.Thanks for sharing.SandraHi Sandra, thanks a bunch. I look forward to reading your next little diddy :-)
Hi Teresa,Congratulations on winning the contest. I smiled at your description of the kids wanting their share. That is so like kids... LOL. It's ok to be selfish once in a while... :) Have a good evening.Thanks Angie, I'm glad you enjoyed it. My kids have been so supportive. I just love them to pieces :-)
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