How to properly say #ThankYou

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JenSquard

While I am quick to adjust my life to the ever changing digital world, there are a few things that I just refuse to update.  I don't call people, I only use emails if I have to, and I never print my own pictures.  But I do handwrite and mail thank you notes. 

Here's the thing.  I like giving presents, but I really REALLY like having those gifts appreciated.  So I do my best to always make sure everyone knows I appreciate the things they do for me.  While I am good with brevity, a thank you is not the time or place for it.  A quick' thanks' on someone's wall is better than nothing, yes.  But I thought out and sincere note is a big deal, and is sure to guarantee that the person you are thanking will extend their generosity again. 

So this Christmas, take some time to really thank people.  You don't have to go all midevil like I do and handwrite and mail something (but that really is a nice and simple thing that will make someone's day).  Email, FB message, DM or text out a full thank you.  A good thank-you note includes 1)what you got, 2)what you are going to do with it and 3)how much you appreciate/love it.  Generic, short notes are sad, and will make the person you are thanking feel like you don't actually like it, but you are saying thanks because you have to.  Here is a good example:

Jen2,

Thank you so much for showing me how to properly say thank you.  I know it will really make people feel special this holiday season, and instead of being a doucher that expects nice things, I will be seen as appreciative and deserving.  You are the best, and I appreciate you taking time to help me out.

See?  Easy Peezy!  And you are welcome! 

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#Randombling: @JenSquard

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JenSquard

Randombling: A 5 minute long unedited random stream of consciousness produced by a nerd for nerds.

#nowplaying: Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston

Man, as I was typing that line, the #TalkNerdyToMeLover's part, it really hit me that I am a part of this community.  It feels so great, too!  I have always had a lot of friends and been an active participant in school and stuff, but I would never really consider myself part of many communities.  I've always tended to distance myself a bit, mostly because my dad told me that everything I did and said was stupid.  So even when I had great friends and people thought I was really funny, I was still terrified of saying something stupid.  I was constantly humiliated at home, and I just didn't want that to happen in front of my peers.  I remember hanging out with the popular senior guys when I was a freshman and just not saying anything, even though I knew every song reference they were making, and got every joke.  They must have thought I was retarded, or just hot enough to get away with it.

It feels nice to finally own my awesomeness.  I am awesome in so many ways.  I don't need validation from anyone anymore, and I am finally allowing myself to be part of communities.  I share my thoughts and ideas with fellow photographers, and other moms even ask me for advice.  ME.  I never thought the day would come that people would ask for my advice because they think I'm awesome, and not because I'm their manager or something. 

I try hard at everything I do - I don't think you should do anything if you aren't going to do it right, so I put everything I can give into everything I do.  So it feels so great to finally be recognized as having something to offer.  I'm so proud to be a lifecaster on this site, and thank you all for you input and support.  I really do appreciate it more than I can express, and I feel that it's making me a better person in all aspects of my life.  I'm sure my children thank you as well.  

Okay, off to homeschool some crazy pre-schoolers.  And buh-bye.

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