Okay, so there are times when we say that we are grateful or humbled and we really don’t mean it. Just watch any awards show and you’ll see what I am talking about; some movie star saying they are grateful for this or that, when you can see right into their eyes that they are thinking, “Now, I never have to kiss up to the director to get the part.”
Occasionally, however, genuine gratitude and humility can be found. Maybe not in a movie star, but certainly in we lesser mortals who are recognized for our work in our particular field. The soccer dad recognized as “Coach of the Year”…the dedicated volunteer lauded for their unending commitment…the teacher gifted by a class of thankful students.
It’s with that sentiment that I write how grateful I am to have won 4 Netroots Awards at this year’s Florida Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. This blog was named Best Local Blog, while I was recognized for Best Use of Twitter, Best Use of Social Media and writing the Best Ongoing Series for my coverage of the Florida Senate race.
I am grateful for so many reasons, not least among them, to the people I begged and cajoled to vote for my silly little blog and who did so with enthusiasm.
I am humbled because it really was cool just to be nominated alongside some of the giants of the Florida Democratic Party, titans like Steve Schale and Eric Jotkoff and so on. In fact, I get to say something my friend Dave Aronberg is praying he gets to say, ‘I beat Dan Gelber!’
I know, I know, winning the Netroots Awards is like being named King of the Dorks, right? If that’s true, then so be it. I’ve worked very, very, very hard to build and nurture my blog, investing blood, sweat and tears into its development. So to be recognized for that effort, all I can say is, at least I won’t have to kiss up to the director anymore.
P.S. Huge, huge congratulations to the other winners, particularly my drinkin’ buddy Mark Ferrulo for being named Netroots Activist of the Year and to Joy Reid, whom I consider an inspiration, for having her blog named the Best National Blog.
