It’s Steemit official: I’ve reached 1,003 followers!!!
I think this is the part where I use this as an excuse to buy myself cake to celebrate, and then post a picture of it so that you feel like I'm sharing it with you...
...when I'm really just using you as an excuse to engorge my slob kebab of a self like I'm trying to win the "world's biggest glutton award."
I'm not sure if all of my followers are real. I think the breakdown might look something like this:
Or maybe it's just ALL my mom, secretly hoarding tons of steemit accounts...
But either way, I still want cake.
So, in order to celebrate properly...
I went on the hunt for a cake today in Vietnam. Not just any cake.
I specifically went on a hunt for GOLD cake, because this is a golden opportunity to show you guys how much I appreciate you!!
I wanted one like this awesome cake made by 
Hive account@alphasteem who made it for 
Hive account@goldmatters!
If you want to know why Mene gold is an awesome investment opportunity that you don't want to miss out on, just check out Hive account@goldmatters page, you'll find lots of wisdom and laughs.
Anyway, because I'm too scared to drive a motorcycle here...
I had to do the search on foot.
I walked.
And walked some more. Then, I got distracted by my new Vietnamese friend again who insisted on walking with me:
We found some golden-color sugarcane drinks, but no cake :(
So, I guess I’ll give some of you SBD that I would’ve spent on the cake instead.
I'll admit. I've kind of been nervous about hitting the 1k-ish mark... because I knew I wanted to host a contest.
But that also feels like a lot of responsibility that I don't know how to handle yet haha.
Hopefully, by the end of this, I'll know more how hosting a contest works!
If I end up doing it wrong, you can feel free to yell at me, haha.
1k Followers Give Away - Compliment Tag
Almost every day, there's something about steemit that makes me smile. Whether it's a nice comment I receive, or a fun conversation I have with someone, or seeing the way that the community comes together to help those in need...
...there's always something to smile about.
I'd like to spread more smiles. The world can always use more positivity, right?
I'm going to tag a few people that I've "met" on steemit and just let you guys know how awesome you are. Or that I appreciate you.
If I leave anyone out, I'm sorry. My list is LONG and I appreciate all ~~ 1,003~~ 1,006 of you who support and follow me. I wish I could clone myself...
...so I could get to know every one of you.
"Okay, but how is this a contest?"- You
"I'm getting to it!!" - Me
In the comments section, just tag at least 2 people on steemit (you can do more if you want), and just give them a genuine compliment! It can be someone you know, or someone you admire or someone who you think is underappreciated
I'll upvote every comment. But I'll also be giving away 10 SBD total.
I would love to do more, but my goal is to keep growing my account as big as possible so that in the long-run, I can help even MORE people.
That's all I want to do. Is just give back to people who deserve it.
I will pick 5 people at random to give 2 SBD each. You have to be my follower already
I'll send it to you after 7 days when the post is dead or whatever.
So, here it goes:
Hive account@custone - I remember about a month ago, I saw a post by 
Hive account@philippinessteem about her bone cancer. You re-steemed and made your own article and really were an advocate to try to help. You inspired me to try to help as well. But I will always remember you for having a good heart... it's lovely to see people like you that exist in the world and truly care about others.
Hive account@philippinessteem - You're so SO brave. I haven't met you in person, but you are so strong! You're so inspirational. You're such a fighter. I think some people would have given up on steemit, if they felt as bad as you do. But not you. You keep going. You aren't afraid to tell your story and be vulnerable. I really admire you a lot and I want you to know I'm praying for you.
Hive account@jumartphoto - Thanks SO much for spending some time with me and showing me around Vietnam. That was super nice of you, and you're so awesome for teaching me some photography tips. Thanks for the coconut coffee, also! I appreciate that so much and won't forget your kindness! You already know I think you're a photo genius.
Hive account@emjoe - Your comments are so witty and fun. You're so smart, genuine, kind and have such a wonderful, giving heart. I'm so happy to know you through steemit!
Hive account@karensuestudios - You radiate sunshine. You probably poop sunshine, too, haha. You've got such a good heart. I remember seeing you delegate SP just because. That was so awesome. I admire your talent. You're a total hustler. My kind of people. I love your artwork and am proud of you for getting your awesome hedgehog book on amazon! You figured out how to self-publish and everything! I also love your videos and your sense of humor.
Hive account@polebird - You're so inspiring! I look at your posts and think "I need to be more active/bendier/not a sloth." haha. I love your view on laughter- I think the same as well! Laughter and joy are so important.
Hive account@waybeyondpadthai - You're so creative and smart! I don't know how to make a QR t-shirt, but I think you're super smart and awesome for figuring it out! Thanks for helping me
Hive account@hanggggbeeee - I've always really liked you, from the first post I read from you (that was in English, haha). I don't know how you have time to cook amazing food and host/ organize meetups and basically grow the Vietnamese community, but you're doing an amazing job. You care that your community posts good quality because you care about what's best for steemit- and I think that's awesome. I love that you care so much and are so giving with your time. You're amazing.
Hive account@olawalium - You're my witty, funny new friend! You have such a kind heart- I love that you used steem to give back to your community. Seeing that kind of kind of kindness gives me hope for the world!
Hive account@goldmatters - You're one of steemit's best! Your writing style is more than just hella entertaining- it's educational! But it's SO good that I didn't even realize I was learning... it's like you tricked me into knowing things like "how to buy gold beneath spot price." Yeah...I'm the type of girl who says "spot price" now. I didn't even know what that was a week ago. How did you do it?? You've also basically got me to write "buy Mene" on my goals list this year. Again...how did you do it? I was only trying to invest in crypto... haha but you're that good! Plus, you get a gold star for being so generous.
Hive account@whynotdoit - It was great meeting you the other day! Thanks for making me laugh! I think you also have a good head on your shoulders...you have some smart strategies! Be proud of your smart brain haha.
Hive account@dang007 - I think it's awesome that you support the Vietnamese community. I admire you a lot for that. It's great because some of them don't speak English enough to be able to get votes from the English-speaking community on steemit, so I love that you're giving them a chance to grow their own local community to something big. You're another kind and generous soul that I've seen here on steemit.
Hive account@surpassinggoogle --> The Philippines is a place that is close to my heart for several reasons that I won't get into now, but I think it's amazing that you do so much to support Filipinos. They're some of the kindest, friendliest people and they deserve your support!
Hive account@world-travel-pro --> I'm impressed with the amount of stuff you know about budget travel! You share some super useful travel advice and I love seeing you just living an unconventional lifestyle in SA!
Hive account@travelfeed ---> You 4 are so awesome for taking the time to do all of that curation!! A LOT of people benefit from what you do! Thanks for giving so selflessly of your time! (
Hive account@wanderlass, 
Hive account@rimicane 
Hive account@jpphotography 
Hive account@for91days
Hive account@whatsup --> I just found your page the other day, but I want to say thank you for making me laugh! I admire your writing ability, and it seems you have a good head on your shoulders! So, I guess "whatsup" is you're witty, funny, and intelligent!
Hive account@fronttowardenemy --> You're super brave. I wish I could get up the courage to drive a motorcycle through Vietnam like you did, but I don't know if I will, and I know I'll be majorly missing out as a result. You inspire me to stretch my limits and go even further out of my comfort zone!
Hive account@hanshotfirst --> Your writing is very memorable, which is saying a lot because I have the memory of a squirrel that smokes pot every day.
Hive account@fullofhope --> I'm glad you've been traveling South America again, and that you're a free spirit who creates the kind of life you want to live! It takes guts to go after your dreams and live an unconventional lifestyle. I think you're so awesome for doing that!
Hive account@hardikv --> Your photography skills are amazing and I love the importance that you put on your family!! I can just tell from your pictures that you guys all have such fun-loving wonderful personalities. You're adding so much joy to the blockchain.
Hive account@shenoy --> Your vids make me laugh, and I love seeing you connecting with strangers and laughing with everyone on the street. That's a really good talent to have- the ability to connect with anyone and everyone and never meet a stranger!
Hive account@stackin - I think you're one of the smartest people on this platform and I totally admire your self-discipline, your hustle, and your determination. You're the kind of person who just makes a positive impact wherever you are.
Hive account@itsben - You are amazing at finding cheap yet great places to stay (please share your tricks) and you are so cool for living an unconventional travel lifestyle!
Hive account@minatubo --> Your entrepreneurial journey is inspiring!
Hive account@anomadsoul - I think you have great taste in usernames!! haha. Also, he notado como ayudes a la comunidad hispana, y he decidido que tienes un lindo y generoso corazon! Es importante ayudar a las personas en paises donde luchan mas que podemos imaginar. Como en Venezuela, por ejemplo (sorry about my gringa spanish. I don't practice enough).
Hive account@vovidi -You were very kind and helpful when I asked your advice for something unrelated to steemit a long time ago. I really appreciate your willingness to give and be transparent!
Hive account@abh12345 - I'm beyond impressed by your charts that you put out all the time. I can't even add 2 + 2. Keeping track of data is basically my nightmare, but I love that you're smart enough to do it and that you share it with the world! You write a lot of valuable things and really care about making steemit a better place for the future! If you make a mistake, you're not afraid to admit it and fix it. Thanks for all of the hard work you do!
Hive account@indiegoocean - The steemit community is better because you're in it! You've hosted contests, and I've seen you leave lots of really intelligent and thoughtful comments for people. You're definitely a light and you spread joy to others.
Hive account@apasia.tech - Thank you for working so hard to push the bitshares project forward!!
Hive account@littlenewthings - You have such a kind, thoughtful heart. You're always thinking of others and giving support to others in need on the platform. You don't do it for recognition, but you're very genuine in that you're giving for the right reasons.
Hive account@zord189 - Not trying to repeat myself, but you're also very kind and thoughtful and giving! And fun. And not afraid to say what you believe in which is pretty amazing. That takes guts. I also don't know how you find the time to do everything you do...several steem projects/ killer animation! You're just all around impressive.
Hive account@kpine - Thank you for being such an amazing member of the steemit community. This platform wouldn't be what is without supportive people like you. You are very invested in steem's success which is obvious by the contest you ran about steem spirit. Truly grateful.
Hive account@macchiata - Your smile is contagious! You're very easy to get to know and have a way of making people feel immediately comfortable and welcome around you! You make a bigger impact than you realize on people around you. Plus you're so young and so smart! You have all of these really creative ideas on ways to make money and you go for it! You're not too afraid to try! Some people are too afraid of failing to even take the first step. You're ahead of the game. I was just having fun when I was your age, not investing in crypto!
Hive account@persevero - You have the craziest storiest of anyone I know. You've done the craziest things of anyone I know!! You're literally braver than probably anyone I know! And you're so fun, random, free-spirited, and I love how you just go with the flow where the wind blows you! Never a dull moment with you.
Hive account@k-a-s-i-a --> I admire how brave you are! You travel to places that other people say are dangerous. And you do it by yourself, like a boss. I love your adventurous spirit, and you're down to eat cuy! haha.
Hive account@flamingirl --> I don't really interact with you that much, BUT I saw your page because of Hive account@k-a-s-i-a and I admire that you're able to host meetups like you do! I hope I can get my stuff together enough someday to also do something like that, and be a leader in my local steemit community (wherever local ends up being...I need to stay in one place first haha). I wish steemit existed when I lived in Barcelona for 3 months. Hubiera sido muy guay a conocerla!! It just seems like you do a lot for the community over there, so you deserve a shoutout in my compliment tag!
Hive account@connecteconomy - You're so energetic and lively and intelligent! You have so much going for you and you're easy to connect with. Haha maybe that's why the word connect is in your steemit username. I love your positivity and how you just go around educating people that you meet!
Hive account@aarongleang and 
Hive account@joannewong I'll never forget the amazing times I've had because of you guys!! You are so kind, friendly, fun, generous...all of the good things. I could go on and on about how amazing you two are!
Hive account@cryptosharon - I think I've given you several shoutouts because you may be one of the smartest, most helpful people on steemit! I'll leave it at that, 'cause my fingers are starting to hurt lol.
Hive account@dawnesheree - You are so much fun to talk to! I also remember some posts where you weren't afraid to say what you believe in and stand up for the right thing. I think it's brave of you to do that. You're someone who makes a positive change/ impact on the world!
Hive account@travelshots - I admire that you recently had the courage to start your journey of living life the way you want to live it, and not how others tell you! That takes a lot of courage to push through your fears like that.
Hive account@teamsteem - I think you might be superhuman. You host steemit meetups, you're a witness, and you manage to somehow find to contribute so much to the steemit community. I admire you for staying humble but also for staying grateful. I remember reading a long time ago that most of your SP is delegated and that you're using it to make a positive impact. Well, you're making a bigger impact than you can imagine...so you're achieving your goal. And you're doing an amazing job at it. Thank you for always giving.
Hive account@silenteyes - You are so talented! You are good at so many things it doesn't seem possible for just one person. Art and engineering? How can just one brain do both?
Hive account@daveonarrival - Your videos are fantastic and I think you're so awesome for freely giving me video editing advice!! (You are not to blame for the fact that my videos still lack serious professionalism/ quality haha). You come across really laid-back and like so much fun! You're the type of person I'd want to meet in person! You're just so obviously good people.
Hive account@for91days - You're awesome for being a part of travelfeed and for being so giving of your time to help mod! Your travel stories and photos are pretty amazing, too. I'm always impressed with how you do that lil' moving pic thingy.
Hive account@suitcasemama and 
Hive account@startthere who offered their help when I got a concussion in Thailand a little over a month ago
Hive account@itchyfeetdonica - You've said some of the nicest things and I really appreciate your comments! I love your zest for life and your adventurous spirit! Hope I can catch up with you someday!
Hive account@angelinafx you're awesome for hosting daily contests!!! That's super generous and a lot of work to keep track of!
Hive account@engchitchat thanks for all of your support! You have some cool travel stories on your page.
Hive account@coruscate - You make being on video look so freaking easy, but I know it's not. Kudos to you for getting in front of the camera and just killin' it. From unboxing to creating content to singing... you're good at all of it. I only discovered you more recently but I'm glad you're here making steemit a better place!
Hive account@pinstory- I don't think you've logged on in a long time, but I saw your artwork through zord and I just want to say you're SO creative! I was so in love with your cute drawings.
Hive account@sergiomendes who just recently tried to help me gain self-confidence and didn't realize I was just trying to make a joke that failed. I love that he cared enough to try to boost my self-esteem and make me feel better about my "lack of talent" haha
Hive account@travelling-two - You guys are awesome for connecting travelers together! You both are such kind, welcoming people. I admire your commitment to a healthy lifestyle!
Hive account@nanastraybutt - Thanks for all of your support!
Hive account@aaarif - I always appreciate your kind comments!
Hive account@abuyeti - You always leave such thoughtful comments and I appreciate the effort that you put into them!
Hive account@kirena - Thanks for all of your support! You go on some cool adventures. You're obviously a fun person!
Hive account@timmylace - Thanks for all of your support! I appreciate it!
Hive account@pangoli - I appreciate your support and the kind comments! You are an amazing person who shares the love around the steemit community!
Hive account@oneminja - You probably won't see this because you're hardly ever on steemit, but I love how you're down to just make a crazy video on a whim, hang out with strangers, go have adventures. Your writing is amazeballs, your design skills are over-the-top, and so are your negotiating skills lol. Plus you're witty and funny on top of that. I feel like one person shouldn't have that many talents lol.
Hive account@hector90 - You're a smart cookie! And your level of English is beyond impressive!
Hive account@kenistyles thank you for your support that you give me! You also support a lot of steemian's work and I think that's super awesome of you.
Hive account@emmakkayluv - You're a true giver who genuinely cares about the well-being of others!
Hive account@osm0sis - You are such a sweet soul with a kind heart. I notice how you support the work of other steemians and are always down to support a good cause as well. You're there for others in need and that's so beautiful!
Hive account@jkimura who makes me laugh with funny comments! You're a witty one, which is pretty rare to come by.
Anyway… I really could go on for awhile, but I'm out of time.
Just know that I appreciate every single one of you, even if I didn't get to mention your name.
I'm SO thankful for Steemit. It has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people I've ever met, whether in person or just via the internet.
I used to wake up and browse ig or fb. Now the first thing I reach for is steemit.
P.S. I tried to put several of you in my auto-voter... but apparently, that hasn't been actually voting. So... if you haven't been getting votes from me, I'm sorry.
Love, 
Hive account@nomadicsoul (Looking like Squidward. 'Cause it's Friday night squid life.)
