Nurtz. I’ve been using that word a lot lately. My phone’s autocorrect has accepted it as if it were one of my son’s sight words- but, her, for, to, she, him, nurtz. But I think its an appropriate word to describe the last few days. “Crazy” or “insane” just won’t cut it. Nurtz. The last few days have been totally nurtz. (Which is just another way to say nuts. I guess I should have cleared that up earlier.)
Last week, I made the Kindergarten video. This came after several of my friends (shout out to my friend, Lauren, who may have cried over chocolate ganache) were completely losing their minds about sending their babies to big school. Tears, sobs, gnashing of teeth. It was all around me. But it wasn’t me.
When I dropped my precious baby boy off at Kindergarten last year, I boo-hooed like a baby. I ran down the hallway, completely mortified that so many people saw me with snot dripping from my nose. I came home and cried and wailed and ate frosting out of a can and wrote an article for Huffington Post to document the heartache.
But then I got over it.
On the first day of this school year, I went to my friend’s house and had a mojito and breakfast casserole and sat by the pool, thankful for the quiet. I ran errands, uninterrupted, and sang with the radio and did a podcast and some writing. But I still managed to eat frosting out of a can, too. Go figure.
So that’s what inspired the video. You’ve seen the video. 35 million people have. That’s insane, right?
NO! THAT”S NURTZ.
I’ve been making videos for a while now. I’ve had several go semi-viral at 5-10 million views, and that completely blew my mind. But that whole 35 million thing is insane. I’m sorry. I mean, it is nurtz.
Within a few hours, Viral Thread, Unilad and Daily Mail contacted me and asked for permission to share it. Little did I know, the nurtz-ness was just beginning.
While I was sitting at a softball game, I received a message from my hilarious friend, Rach at RachRiot. She said a friend of hers from the TODAY Show was looking for me.
“What Today show? Like Albuquerque Today? Des Moines Today? Podunk, Arkansas Today?” I inquired.
No. The legit Today Show.
So, I sat in the parking lot at our local ballpark and replied to an email from someone at NBC . (I won’t mention her name because you may stalk her and ask her to put your uncle who plays the ukulele with his toes on the Today Show.) And yes, I did mention that any personal phone calls from Fallon would be greatly appreciated and encouraged.
The next day, Kathie Lee and Hoda shared the article and video. Kathie Lee and Hoda. Not Kathie Lee Jenkins and Hoda Watson from Little Rock. I’m talking about the real Kathie Lee and Hoda. What’s the word I’m looking for? Nurtz.
The emails kept pouring in- asking my permission to share the video. I did a phone interview with Fox 10 Phoenix. People were sending me photos of my face on Fox stations across the country. One of my best friends sent me a clip of the video that they heard on XM radio. Us Weekly asked for an interview. Yes, I said frigging Us Weekly! I also know the video will be shared by other outlets as well, and I can’t divulge those yet, but we’re talking national television. Say it with me now- nurtz. Totally nurtz.
And in the midst of all of this, I’m at home- here in my little southern town, promoting my books (find them on Amazon!) and speaking at local events and libraries and book clubs. I thoroughly enjoy that. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my writing. That’s the point of all of this, you see? I don’t want to just be another funny viral woman. Don’t we have plenty of those?
Don’t get me wrong! I love all of the coverage that I’ve received. I love that people are flocking to my social media pages. I love to see my platform and fan base grow. It’s a blessing. But it’s all part of such a bigger plan.
Writing. That’s what I do. Yes, I sit in my car and rant about girls who look ridiculous taking selfies. I’ll post a humorous status update about dog crap. That’s all fine and good. But writing- the written word- stories- tales- a body of work that makes someone feel something whether it be laughter or tears- writing. That’s what I was meant to do.
I can’t just be a funny video woman, because, let’s face it– no one is going to watch me when I’m 75 and riding in the passenger seat of my husband’s Lincoln Towncar and I’m fussing about a spaceship taking up all the parking spaces down at the SAS shoe store. No one will want to watch that- but maybe they’ll want to read it in my book.
So, yes, this is nurtz. But in such a beautiful, positive way. The coverage and attention and seeing my sleepy, puffy morning face plastered all over the television is nurtz. But it’s getting my name out there. People know who I am. Those are the people who I hope will read what I write. Those are the people I write for. I write for myself, yes, but I also write for you.
In closing, I must add that this entire week has also been incredibly bittersweet. I just keep thinking about my mama and how over-the-moon she would be about all of this. Any time I was featured in the newspaper or on the internet, she boasted about it for days. I’m certain she’d be flipping out right now. She’d probably say, “Susannah, this is nurtz.”
No, she wouldn’t.
I miss and love you, Mama. Part of me thinks you might just be witnessing this nurtzness after all.
God bless.
-Romans 3-
Susannah~ I found you by chance today before all of this hype~ congratulations ~ I’ve read your blog ~ your Moms happy with you, you should be also!! Be blessed
Yes,Nurtz! Lol’😂 Congratulations! I know you love writing, as you will keep doing,but Hope you keep posting your videos,they’re hilarious, ,,you are so funny,,,,,,I know your momma would be (is) so proud of her daughter(you)! 💖 God Bless!
Happy for you and all your nurtzness. Dont ever apologize for it. PS- whats nurtz is me watching all 12:39 of you dermaneedling your face and crying out for kelly clarkson.😃😃😃
So happy for you!!! I’m not sure when I started following you, but I’ve been slapping my knee laughing ever since! Thanks for that! Interestingly, the same person who makes me laugh so hard, has also taught me compassion for something I once didn’t understand- my mother’s grief over the loss of my grandma. Thank-you for sharing your stories. I feel like I’m a better person now than I was before! I wish you many blessings and continued success…. Or, ugh, nurtzness. 🙂
Love this Sara. Thanks so much!
Ironically, sending your baby off to college produces much the same feelings as kindergarten. Next to the loss of my dad, my son going away to school was the hardest thing I’ve had to go through. But low and behold the sophomore year rolls around.. and after a long summer of staying up till midnight or later for them to come home, the extra loads of laundry, eating all your food and your home being overrun by 19 year olds.. Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out. Ha. Que- George Michael
I love reading what you write and watching your videos. I am currently risking some serious car sickness just to find out how you are reacting to all this attention. Can’t wait for more and might just have to look into getting my hands on some of your stories/books.
Hey I JUST found you on this nurtzy day over here on rocky top in E TN because my friend Loretta shared your video on fb! Cool. I love the written word too & can’t wait read yours 🙂
I love you! Your awesome! I’m going to look on amazon for one of your books. I love reading also.
So glad to find a humorous Christian mama that I can laugh till I pee my pants while reading her books! Your mama is certainly proud!!!
So happy for you and I am sure your Mamma is looking down on you “proud as punch”! I enjoy your blog, writing, and your videos make my day when I’m having a terrible one. Keep on sister!!!! God Bless You. BTW… I had to forward that Kindergarten video too (before or maybe while it was going viral) because I can totally relate!
Stumbled down a twisted rabbit hole and came across your rant about selfies at TJ MAXX. Made my day, I laughed so hard my own kids thought I had gone nurtz. You have an amazing way with words and I look forwrd to finding more of your gems. Blessing all around.
Follow you on face book and love every post! I too am a blogger . Love writing. I would love to envoys you to the FB writing group. It’s called… Story’s written.
Also to my own blog…
Justthoughtsonablog.blogspot.com
Thank you for every smile and laugh you have given both me and my hubby. Have a blessed evening!
Dang spell change and fat fingers on tiny keyboards… Lol
That was invite you to Story’s Written on FB.
You are beyond hilarious and to be that funny, ya gotta be smart. You’re an inspiration to amateur writers and wanna be funny gals like myself, and it makes me admire you even more that you have vision beyond the “viralness” and stay true to your calling. I can’t wait to read your books and see what other amazing things you do. All the best!
Bravo!!!!
Hey there. It’s your KY derby/ dr scholls pal. I wrote an email at 5:30 this am and cannot find where to send it on your blog bc I’m tech challenged 😩😩 I’ve been trying every possible address 😜 I could paste it here but didn’t want to give personal contact info. Unless of course you think it’s safe to do so here. Sorry to be a pest 😔
Hi Cara! Try whoasusannah@hotmail.com !
Hey lady. I did find that email address and sent yesterday. I know you are super busy and we have plenty of time to see if this works out, so now rush on response. I just want to make sure you get the email.
But if it’s something you’re interested in, the sooner the better to just line up lots of extra ky fun!
Once you do read that email plz note the whole “2300 sq foot” comment was just to make sure you know this is an average joe setting but I do have some amazing hook ups 😏 on the whole ky horse farm experience and you will get to partake my friend.
I’ll keep checking back to make sure you know
that I’m pursuing you sister! My husband says “stalking” I’d like to think pursuing is a better, more positive label.
❤️
Geez this is getting weird. I thought I erased reply and tried to remember what it said. Now I’ve replied twice 🙈
#embarrassed
I did find that email yesterday and sent it. I know you’re a busy woman so no rush on reply. I just want topknot you get it. If it’s something your interested in the soon we confirm to better plans we can make for that weekend. We have plenty of time. There are some pretty neat things locally in Louisville to do that weekend, and people come from all over the world!
FYI. When you do get that email, that weird
“2300 sq ft” comment was so you know our little family is just Average Joe…but, I do have some pretty amazing ky horse farm hookups and you would definitely get that whole experience.😉
So until you get back with me I’ll be patiently waiting…well maybe not fully “patiently” but waiting nonetheless, and I don’t plan to make the offer to any other person in the whole world so it’s yours for the takin’. My husband may or may not describe this little process as stalker-like. I on the other hand think an eager pursuit fits the bill 😏
Just found you on Facebook yesterday via the kindergarten mom video and I can’t stop reading your blog & watching your videos!! THANK YOU for the laughter & inspiration!! It couldn’t have come at a better time! I pray you’ll continue your hilarious videos into your children’s teen years!! That will prove to be excellent material, no doubt!! We have three teens living under our roof! Lord, help us!! Did I mention your humor couldn’t have come at a better time?! Haha!! Finally, thank you for sharing the blog about if it weren’t for Jesus, you’d be in a straight jacket. Loved it!! Such a powerful reminder that God is near the brokenhearted & grants us peace that surpasses all understanding when we cast all our cares on Him. Praise God! He has given you such a beautiful gift to share with the world. I’m gonna buy your books girl!! You don’t have to ask me twice! Please keep doing what you’re doing!! You rock!!
What ever you do, don’t stop making videos. I found your Facebook page and laughed with my husband for a good hour. We are talking about a man that doesn’t laugh a lot. Your charm and humor are over the top.
I really believe if we lived in the same town, we would just sit and laugh all day.
God bless !
Lisa
It was your witty fb videos that first got my attention, but your blog is what truly captures me. Your voice reaches far and deep. Keep on communicating! Greetings from Croatia!
Didn’t want to post on fb incase someone I know saw it (hello mom and mother in law) but you posted about infertility the day I talked to a nurse about my first round of testing after almost a year of trying. I’m sure you were speaking to many… But
For me it felt real. Thank you.
Mam- my wife showed me your YouTube comments and antics. I think you are related to my wife by way of your humor and observations of life. We live in Madson County TN close to Law Road I-40. Thank you for helping me keep my sanity with humor and introspection during my last daughter’s wedding. Ed Harsson, Jackson TN. Ed.Harsson@tn.gov My best to you and your family