I JUST EARNED MY STAR!!!

[Buddyblazon]

I joined DU a year and half ago. Was directed over here by someone on the Randi Rhodes message board. I immediately enjoyed reading, but didn't post as I was a bit intimidated.

I still don't post a whole lot. Just a bit here and there.

But I was rather ashamed that I hadn't donated. I mean...I am literally here everyday reading all the posts. It's the first place I go when I hop on the "internets". But as money has been tight, it was either donate here, or donate to the DNC.

Now, I'm happy to say that me and my girl are finally starting to get ahead. And we discussed the idea the other night, that to be successful, you must give...and it will come back to you. Especially to what is important to you.

And DU is one of the most important things to me. I re-upped my membership with the DNC yesterday...and today...I got my star.

I've wanted it for so long. I'm just so darn happy.


Thank you DU for being here everyday and making me realize that I am not alone.

[wryter2000]

1. You roook mahhhhvelous

Gorgeous star. I'm happy you and your lady are having better financial times.

[xultar]

Congratulations! I love DU and DUers too.

[NMDemDist2]

2. and it looks mighty fine on you too!

[Rose Siding]

3. You wear it well, Buddyblazon

Good for you

[Buddyblazon]

4. My emotions in emoticons....

[TahitiNut]

5. We're all "star stuff,", Buddyblazon!

Blaze on, bro'!

[EvolveOrConvolve]

6. Congrats!

BTW, I love the Ralph Wiggum pic - it's almost perfect.

[Buddyblazon]

9. Almost?

Sheesh...tough crowd!

[jarab]

7. Congratulations!

...O...

[Buddyblazon]

8. I'm a relatively tough guy....

but I'm literally all misty right now.

Me and my girl have had a rough couple of years. Because not only does this mean that I get to give to an organization I'm wanted to since the first day I came here....it means that there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for us.

It was really hard for me to post...and to see my post count getting up there...and know I hadn't given back. In fact, it was somewhat embarrassing.

I gotta go get some kleenex.

[joanski0]

10. Oh, what a great feel-good story.

I'm smiling and have tears in my eyes at the same time. Congratulations!!! I'm so glad you're here. You and your girl must be working very hard. Special people.

[Buddyblazon]

12. Yes....

working very hard.

We set a goal three years ago and everything we do is because of that goal. Our budget. Our daily habits. And we've been flat broke for that entire time.

Couldn't go out with my friends. Couldn't eat out. Campaigning for more work. Generating more sales for my job so I could make better pay.

After a year and a half, DU became the place that kept my mind off of the fact that I couldn't go out and party (and I'm an Irishman...cut out my booze and my party...and I tend to get a bit melancholy).

I feel like I've finally earned a priviledge. To be able to give back to the causes I believe in.

Hot damn it feels good!

[joanski0]

13. I wish I could buy you a beer for St. Patty's Day.

Why don't you celebrate and get you and your girl a beer next Friday????

[Buddyblazon]

14. We quit drinking...

it's too expensive. Haven't had liquor in the house for over two years.

But we may have to make an exception.

[wryter2000]

19. Here's something you can do to treat yourself

DU has all kinds of great forums for contributors only. Cooking and Baking is my favorite. If you need good ideas for cheap but good food, that's the place to go.

[Oceansaway]

11. Touche !!..n/t

[Sydnie]

15. You look marvelous!

Really darlin' ... is it something new with your hair? Why no ... I think it's the star there. That's new isn't it? It makes you look marvelous, really it does!

Congratulations! Here's hoping that more success is coming your way soon!

[cally]

16. I'm glad that finances are in better shape

for you but slightly chagrined that you never posted in one of the many threads asking if anyone needs a star. During fundraising week, there is usually several of those threads in the lounge. I'm posting this in the hopes that others will. Many of us have been in need of funds and feel fortunate if we're able to help a friend out. :cheers:

[Buddyblazon]

17. It's just the type of person I am...

I saw those threads everytime the quarterly fundraiser would come around. But as much as I wanted to, I just couldn't ask.

I have also never claimed unemployment. Never asked for any free meal. Never asked for money.

Instead...

I immediately hit the streets to find a job. I went hungry. I asked for a job.


I don't find anything wrong with people asking for those things when they're down and out.

I just feel much better when I'm doing something to receive something. Ya know? Work for it.

I felt guilty if I didn't somehow do something to deserve receiving something.


So as much as I wanted to ask for someone to donate for me, I couldn't bring myself to.

Hope that doesn't sound weird.

[democrank]

18. This really made my day.

Star or no star, I`m sure glad you`re a member of DU. Hope you can get past feeling intimidated. Just jump right in, you`re among friends.

[demgurl]

20. I think it is great you finally got a star.

You are not alone in feeling intimidated here. I actually lurked here for quite a while before posting. I just knew that all these "edumacated" people would make fun of me and find fault with my postings.

I have now had a star for a couple of years and bought other people stars as well. This is such a great place to be and I am thankful we are all a part of this community.

[seabeyond]

21. congrats starguy,.... and it looks so good on you

i figure this is jsut like paying for cable, or a magazine, or any other entertainment. i dont do movies or magazines, so i am not bothered my money going here.

it is an excellent place for info

[Adelante]

22. Good for you!

And thank you

[Booster]

23. And a mighty fine star it is. Congrats on earning it and keep it up.