My mom likes to say that I’m the luckiest person she knows.
And this week, she is right.
Because not only was last week full of new glasses, Easter crafts, and TLA, it also had an email from the loving Lenore, informing me that I’d won. . .
Not to mention a generous travel stipend.
If that’s not an email that makes you scare your baby with your screams of joy, I don’t know what is. She may be scarred for life.
If you aren’t familiar with BookExpo America (BEA), it’s pretty much the biggest book event of the year. Every publisher you can imagine is there, it’s pretty much an author bonanza, and there are so many events to attend, it makes my head spin.
I have wanted to go for years, but it’s always been too expensive (or last year, when I was close enough to go without huge expense, I couldn’t take off those days of work in the middle of the week three weeks before school ended). In fact, just a week ago, I was telling Bart that I really really wanted to go some year and that maybe 2013 we could make it work. So the fact that I’m going in four weeks, instead of in two years, just thrills me.
Ralphie, wonderful, generous Ralphie, instantly agreed to watch Ella while I’m gone and Bart is at work during the day. (I’d say I owe her my firstborn child, but I’m thinking after that week, she’ll be more than happy to give me back my firstborn child).
Even more happily, two of my good friends from library school are also going (Kelly and Kimberly who write Stacked). I would say there is going to be way too much fun, but Kimberly informed me that “it’s not possible to have too much fun.”
The scholarship is being funded by Lenore in celebration of her recent book (and associated movie) deal. Doesn’t it blow your mind how generous and lovely people are?
Now to alternately count down the days and squeeze my baby tightly because I already miss her.
Holly says
Ooooh, sounds like a blast! And also — Stacked? I love that website! In fact, now that I think about it, maybe it was you who recommended it. So thanks!
Natalie says
You ARE a lucky girl!! How exciting for you! 🙂
Merrick says
Yes, I would say you are probably the luckiest person I know. Combined with the fact that you somehow find the time to enter approximately one bajillion contests and giveaways.
So excited for you!
Bethany says
WOW congrats! And NY in early spring? Sounds amazing.
Carole says
Isn't that a Ben Folds song??
Sheyenne says
Wow! I am so happy for you! I hope you have a wonderful time and find out what it really means to have "too much fun".
Jenny says
Lucky, lucky you!!!
lifeofadoctorswife says
YAY!!! Congrats! How wonderful that this happened for you.
Can't wait to hear all about it!
Angella says
Congrats!!! Have so much fun. 🙂
Emily Kate says
That's basically the coolest blog giveaway I've ever heard of and you definitely deserve it! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Lexilooo says
how exciting, you lucky girl! can't wait to hear all about it!
Abby says
Congratulations!!!! Have fun! 😀
McKinley says
THAT IS FREAKING AWESOME!!!! Can i go with you? I can watch Ella while you go hahahahah! I mean you don't want to be in NYC all by your self. You are going to need a friend! I mean who will eat at all the great restaurants with you hahahaha! Seriously I think you are the luckiest girl I know, because I think you win something every week ahahhah. How about I have you enter all my contests for now on. That way your good luck will rub off on me.
megan says
ditto to Merrick's comment. Hooray!
Jess says
Congratulations, Janssen! I just read your interview on Lenore's blog and wanted to pop over and say hi. I just added your blog to my reader!
Ralphie says
I am so excited for you. And I don't think I would ever get tired of your first born with her goaty little laugh. She kills me.
Megan says
You're coming to NYC? We should go to lunch or something!
Michelle says
I'm so excited you'll be joining us for BBC! Kelly is right, the whole week is a whirlwind of activity but so much fun to be had.
The Girl from the Ghetto says
Congratulations on winning this scholarship. I'm so excited (and slighty jealous, but not in a mean way) for you! I attended BBC/BEA last year & I'm going again this year. I loved going last year and I know you'll have a great time in New York this year.
You are lucky, darn you!