True Love Means Getting Up Off Your Ass
by littlesarahbigworld
~OR~
Now That I’ve Got Your Attention
Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants, and I’ve had nearly nothing but, of late. My ass is sore as hell. Life is kicking me in the pants, so is my job search, so is my husband, so is Japan.
Meaning: there will be no resting on my laurels, no getting comfortable, no easy way out. If you want to be a writer, littlesarah (the world seems to say), then you’d better dig in and make it happen. (But be prepared to go through hell for it, first).
So just as I’m getting back into my writing–prioritizing it (for once)–Cousin Misty nominates me for a Versatile Blogger award. “Put your money where your mouth is, Cuz” (she seems to say).
And who better to give me the push that I need, than someone who takes writing seriously, who makes it her business. Her blog, Surviving in Italy, is a no-holds-barred, honest look at what it really means to be an expat, to be in love, to make art, to get bruised…with cynicism and humor, in equal parts. She also dedicates herself to beautiful, brutal memoirs and essays (plus the occasional work of fiction) at Dirty Filthy Things. And she makes high-end clothing. And she’s a model/spokeswoman. Probably she has laser eyes, too.
What I’m saying is: it’s a lot to live up to, but I’ll try. Also, thank you for this nomination.
Without further ado, Friends, here we go!
The Versatile Blogger Rules
- Add The Versatile Blogger award photo on a blog post
- Thank the person (or animal) who presented you with the award and link back to him or her in your post
- Share seven things about yourself
- Pass the award along to 15 favorite bloggers (I only did 5). Contact the chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
Seven Things Most People Don’t Know About Me
1 – I am fluent in Spanish.
2 – I am the middle of 5 children, the youngest of whom is about to turn 6.
3 – I have had 3 major surgeries, leaving me with 6 ugly scars, 12 titanium screws, and a metal plate as part of my body. (Basically, I am bionic).
4 – I did a fair amount of drugs in high school and college.
5 – I graduated high school with a 2.2 GPA (but college with a 3.7).
6 – I am incredibly, incredibly sensitive. More than you will ever know. I cry almost every day, about things big and small, and I get overwhelmed really, really easily. Also sometimes violent tv shows or movies give me panic attacks.
7 – I am allergic to walnuts, but I didn’t know this until I was 19-years-old. I just thought they tasted awful. Bitter. Like, really bitter. “You know, like, so bitter they make your mouth itch? And burn?” I said to someone, and they said, “I think you’re allergic.”
This is how we learn, Friends.
My Nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award:
little sarah Big World 
Sarah,
Your blog is fantastic! My boyfriend and I are contemplating moving to Japan and I enjoy your open and honest viewpoint. A lot of people fall in love with the expat life but I feel that you’re showing me the pleasantries and the harsh realities which I sincerely appreciate.
I too am a 27 year old serial monogamist who likes to pretend that she doesn’t get easily overwhelmed but, ultimately, I know that I’m lying to myself.
Thank you for your words and your photos. I look forward to more.
-Tiffany
Thank you so much. I do try, very hard, to portray the reality of life abroad (even just traveling, as opposed to living). It is not all amazingness all the time! But it does open up so many possibilities, and I’m grateful for that. Thank you for reading!