Israellycool is hosting the first-ever Jewish Israel Blog Awards. And I've been nominated in two categories.

Best New Blog 2004
and
Best "Life in Israel" Blog

I haven't been nominated for anything since someone thought I'd make a good grade nine class president. Which is when I learned that I am sadly lacking in leadership skills. (I've since decided that I'm neither a leader nor a follower).

As for writing skills, well, I did take a couple of creative writing courses when I was a callow university undergraduate. My instructors - one a New York Times culture critic and novelist, the other a fairly well-known playwright - were not terribly impressed by my efforts. Perhaps I've improved over the years?

The competition is stiff and I expect to get creamed, but still I'm really, really touched that some kind people nominated me. Thank you Annonymous, Mike (do you have a URL?) and Jonathan.

And a big thanks to Dave for all his time and effort.

Let the voting begin.