Shocked and stunned

I was shocked and stunned to win best newcomer at the Irish blog Awards last night… for this frivolous little thing. Really. I personally thought K8 the Great or Roy were going to win. Or any of the other great new blogs on the list.

I also had a personal triumph in saying a few words in front of 400 or so people. I’m delighted to see my absolute dread of public speaking diminishing with age! This deed would have been impossible for me a few years ago. The thought of it had my heart pounding so hard I thought it was about to explode but I was assuring myself with the fact that they’d call someone else’s name out. Which they didn’t!

Like I managed to blurt out on the night, the blog awards is such a good-natured event and with such a friendly atmosphere that last year’s event got me blogging in the first place. Well, it was the icing on the cake anyway. This year’s event was great fun too. And it was great to meet lots more of you lovely people again. Special shout out to the girl who ran up to me and asked what blog I was from, then before I had a chance to answer said “look I’ve got a black tongue” before skipping off to someone else. And when I say girl I mean woman.

Thanks to whatever judges seemed to find the same stuff wotsits and thingies as interesting as I do. Fair play to Moviestar for giving out free DVD players to every winner too! I’m happy to give them a shout out, as I experienced some great customer service off them just last week. And also to Edelman for sponsoring best newcomer. And to Damien and all the organisers of course. Booyakasha!

Irish KC has links to all the blog awards posts here.

http://irishkc.com/index.php/review-irish-blog-awards-2008.htm

11 Comments
  • Reply K8 the Gr8

    March 2, 2008, 9:56 pm

    Dude, your blog is the cat’s pyjamas, fair play on the award! You’d better watch your ass next year though… while you are distracted with tiny nappies, I will be on steroids and broadband. *evil laughter*

  • Reply Katherine

    March 2, 2008, 10:15 pm

    Congrats – well deserved! And to the missus to on the book.

  • Reply Lone Wolf

    March 3, 2008, 12:15 pm

    Many congrats John – was there on Saturday night and am now mad keen to scribble away meself! How did you get people to visit your blog at the start though – have the feeling it could get lonely after a while, typing away on my own. Also, did you get help with the techie bits of your blog, for comments etc? Any help or suggestions appreciated.

    My blog is callthiswork.blogspot.com

    Cheers, LW

  • Reply Roy, Dublin Taxi Driver

    March 3, 2008, 4:22 pm

    Well done John and welcome to the Blogroll

  • Reply John Braine

    March 3, 2008, 10:04 pm

    K8 – Ha! Your right I’ll be knee deep in nappy rash. And probably won’t get near a computer. Thanks!

    Thanks Katherine. The Missus is just about finished the book now bit of a race to the end like every deadline.

    Lone Wolf. Looks like you’re off to a fine start. Just interacting with other blogs will get you a little bit of interest I suppose. And register with http://www.irishblogs.ie. Apart from that I have my url in my email sig and take part in other online groups, just small things like that. I don’t really publicize it in any other way. I was happy enough waffling away to myself for a while! You’ll be surprised how many people Doctor Google sends your way after a while too.

    Thanks Piaras! – and Roy rightbackatcha!

    Cheers!
    J.

  • Reply Brianf

    March 4, 2008, 4:05 am

    Hey! Congrats on the award. I’ll come back some more now and check it.
    Again, congratulations!

  • Reply Claire

    March 4, 2008, 7:31 pm

    Congratulations again to you John, I’m glad your excellent blog will be getting the attention it deserves!

  • Reply John Braine

    March 4, 2008, 8:19 pm

    Hi Brian. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll have to have a good look through your Diverse rantings too!

    And Claire Thanks very much and for that extra photo we got off you too! very generous… you didn’t have to etc! Mucho congratulations to you too Missus! Very well deserved.

  • Reply Annie Rhiannon

    March 26, 2008, 11:40 pm

    Hey, congrats! How did I miss this?! Oh man, I was so drunk that night. I didn’t even realise you’d won. Oh dear.

    Anyway, you totally deserve it. Love the blog, especially the pics.

  • Reply John Braine

    March 27, 2008, 11:30 am

    Hah! Thanks Annie. Pity we had to nip off earlyish again just after we met you. I had plans of getting langered myself!

    Cheers!!
    J.

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