I am Josh - A Christmas Craft Contest for You!

***Pre-blog disclaimer*** First let me preface this by saying that I've never suffered any real issues with self-esteem. I definitely experienced some awkwardness in my early pre-teen and teenage years but nothing that has left any permanent damage. That being said I now present you with an opportunity to make fun of me, if you like. In fact, if you do a really good job - I might reward you for it. Read on... ***End Pre-blog disclaimer*** I am Josh. It's a simple little sentence that not only informs you who I am, but also offers you the opportunity to see a glimpse of a growing image of self-confidence and a healthy bit of ego as well. I am Josh. I've always been "creative" though I hate calling myself that because I think too many people call themselves creative when the term would define them best is "glue-gun owner". You know how when you are little and you're helping your mom hang Christmas ornaments on the tree and she pulls one out of the box and says, "Look honey, this is your ornament from your very first Christmas!" You smile and nod, take the ornament in your hands to get a better look - after a few brief seconds you hang it on the tree. But when you really think about it you weren't very impressed. It's not that the ornament lacks any charming qualities, it's just that you know, deep down inside that it's not really your ornament - it's your parents. I am Josh. I decided to do something about this problem and the solution struck me when I was about 7 years old. I made my own ornament. I am Josh. Why would one create an ornament and use this phrase and my picture? The answer is simple - I am Josh. Every Christmas I get to see MY ORNAMENT on my parents tree and know that it is really MINE. Not some store-bought, mass produced "Baby's First Christmas" tripe. This is me baby! Nothing but the finest manilla paper that Chapel Hill elementary had to offer and the lasting quality of a no.2 pencil. I AM JOSH. Here is your opportunity to own YOUR Very own "I am Josh" ornament. After being picked on by my Uncle for more years than I can remember about my ornament - I'm giving him, and the rest of you, ample opportunity to make as much fun of me as possible. Download the "I am Josh" Christmas Craft. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - if you don't have it yet, it might be time to change out of your Z. Cavaricci pants, put down your hair crimper and download it from Adobe. Follow the simple instructions on the craft sheet and have fun. I will be giving a prize to the best entry and will post some of the best right here. Get "creative". Heck - take out my picture and add the word "not" to make your own "I am not Josh" ornament. Even if you don't customize your "I am Josh" ornament send me a picture of you it hanging on your tree and you might get something special. Merry Christmas!