Ok - I do most of my blog reading in Google Reader. Its quick and I love it. But sometimes you have to click through to read the whole post or see pictures depending on the bloggers settings. No problem.
But lately about 1/3 of my blogs aren't showing the pictures. I click through to the sites even and still not picture. And other people can see them because there are comments on them.
What is this?
Is anyone else having this problem?
Is there some new setting somewhere I'm not aware of and haven't handled? If so why would be on blogger and reader????
It is totally driving me nuts.
Anybody got a clue???
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
I Hope You......
A love letter to my children on Valentines Day....
Dear Babies.....
Look at you! Aren't you amazing? All three of you amaze and inspire me in such different ways. And all three of you hold my heart in your hands. I give it to you gladly. You are the future and I can't wait to see what your lives bring.
And my heart holds many hopes and wishes for you.
Have you heard the song "I Hope You Dance"?
Well, my hopes are really not the same although it is a catchy and sweet song. I do hope you choose to dance instead of sit on the sidelines, and I hope the majesty of God's creation leaves you awestruck, but my hopes for you are more about what you learn and how you live.
You see, mom has lived a little as she's moved around a lot. And when you spend your whole life erasing the chalk board of your life and starting over -- well, so many things that our society call important just AREN'T.
So, my crazy, funny, beautiful, amazing, sarcastic, pouty, talented, loving, wise babies....I Hope you....
LEARN. Every day is good but at least one new thing a week. Because when we stop learning new things we stagnate. And you can decide to learn something new, give it a try, and then decide you aren't interested. There is no foul in trying and rejecting. That includes people. Just do all rejecting with style and grace and there is no shame.
I hope you READ. To read is to learn. To read is to expand your horizons. To read is to be quiet and still within yourself without needing to be electronically stimulated or entertained by others. To read is to relax. To read is to do something for yourself. And audio books count.
I hope you WRITE. Because writing can get that subject out of your head and onto paper. Sometimes that is the best healing ever. And if you aren't much of a talker or sharer -- it can be therapeutic. Don't write for an audience....write for yourself. If you write down those things that need to be released from your mind, it won't matter what others think of that writing. You aren't doing it for them. Audiences are fickle and over-rated and mostly busy chasing the newest thing. You won't stay the newest thing for long.
I hope you COOK. Just ask big brother....knowing how to cook has lots of perks. Because most kids, including girls, are not being taught to cook anymore. And being able to make cookies, a smoothy and your favorite pie....is not actually cooking. Cooking is being able to put a complete meal on the table....all at the same time. And breaking bread and sharing a meal with someone is one of the most intimate and caring things you can do. Eating is something you do with those you love. Enjoy their presence and their conversation. Give them the attention they deserve.
I hope you learn to value the core of who you are over the approval of others. Friends come and friends go. Most of them go and never return. Literally 99% of the people you know in life are going to walk out of it. And the "in" crowd? You have got to be kidding me. I promise you this....I have seen many of the "in" crowd as adults. They aren't happy. They are still trying to keep up with their image. They are burdened by debt and are still trying to one-up everyone - because their life is all about what other people think. That is their focus in life. And the outside picture very rarely matches the inside picture. Don't live like that babies. Love yourself. Explore what YOU want to do or be. You are the only one living your life. Don't give control to someone else.
I hope you LOVE. One big love that you marry and spend every last day of your life with. Its not important when you meet this love...just that you do have that one big passion in life. My hopes are that you do not have many minor loves before that. Every broken relationship leaves some kind of scar on your heart....and my hope for you is that you give your true love as unblemished a heart as possible. Do you want to hand over a battle scarred and worn heart? To the one grand passion you spend forever with? Do not give your heart away easy my loves. It is a treasure that affects your whole life. Save it for the one that deserves it the most.
I hope you LAUGH. Long, hard and crazy. And mostly, I hope you laugh at yourself and with your loved ones.
I hope you TRAVEL. To another country and hopefully for a period of time, not just a quick visit. Although all of you have lived in another country as children, I hope you do so as adults. Why? Because those that have not lived outside of the USA, have NO CLUE what it is we have here.....or how much more of everything we have in our country. Want something after 5 pm on a weekday....you can get it. Travel somewhere and find you forgot something....you can replace it easily and quickly. I want you to know that being truly "poor" means not have a roof over their heads with running water, heat or even a stove. They sure don't have cars, bling and cell phones. And no one gives them a check. No one cares if they starve. In the US there are at least some measures to help....even if they don't always work. Its much easier to learn true empathy in a foreign country. And when you grasp that empathy, you begin good works.
I hope you HONOR.......
Your father, grandfather and great-grandfather and all those career military that give up all of their youth to serve a country whose congress takes and takes and takes the benefits they promised until they all wonder why congress hates them so much. These men and women think of their fellow countrymen before themselves and their own children. And although that is hard when you are one of those children or spouses, you cannot question your loved ones integrity or honor. They are the real deal.
And I hope you REMEMBER....
The joy of a daddy returning from war......and never forget all those that didn't return, and their families. Our countries privileges are built on their blood.
I hope you surround yourself with FAMILY. And realize that family is not about DNA. You can walk away from a poisonous relationship even if you share DNA. You can develop a family relationship without it. Although the DNA will always be a part of your life, the relationship can be a choice. A hurtful DNA relationship can be left behind. And I think the three of you know that we have plenty of family that we are not related to. We make them part of our family because of the love and bonds we have. You too can make that choice. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
But mostly, my babies I hope you KNOW that no matter what your path in life, no matter if you do none of these things.......I love you. I love the people you are becoming. And even if I don't agree with your choices, I honor your individuality and ability to make those choices.
Because I love you guys.
Always.
Love,
Mom
Dear Babies.....
Look at you! Aren't you amazing? All three of you amaze and inspire me in such different ways. And all three of you hold my heart in your hands. I give it to you gladly. You are the future and I can't wait to see what your lives bring.
And my heart holds many hopes and wishes for you.
Have you heard the song "I Hope You Dance"?
Well, my hopes are really not the same although it is a catchy and sweet song. I do hope you choose to dance instead of sit on the sidelines, and I hope the majesty of God's creation leaves you awestruck, but my hopes for you are more about what you learn and how you live.
You see, mom has lived a little as she's moved around a lot. And when you spend your whole life erasing the chalk board of your life and starting over -- well, so many things that our society call important just AREN'T.
So, my crazy, funny, beautiful, amazing, sarcastic, pouty, talented, loving, wise babies....I Hope you....
LEARN. Every day is good but at least one new thing a week. Because when we stop learning new things we stagnate. And you can decide to learn something new, give it a try, and then decide you aren't interested. There is no foul in trying and rejecting. That includes people. Just do all rejecting with style and grace and there is no shame.
I hope you READ. To read is to learn. To read is to expand your horizons. To read is to be quiet and still within yourself without needing to be electronically stimulated or entertained by others. To read is to relax. To read is to do something for yourself. And audio books count.
I hope you WRITE. Because writing can get that subject out of your head and onto paper. Sometimes that is the best healing ever. And if you aren't much of a talker or sharer -- it can be therapeutic. Don't write for an audience....write for yourself. If you write down those things that need to be released from your mind, it won't matter what others think of that writing. You aren't doing it for them. Audiences are fickle and over-rated and mostly busy chasing the newest thing. You won't stay the newest thing for long.
I hope you COOK. Just ask big brother....knowing how to cook has lots of perks. Because most kids, including girls, are not being taught to cook anymore. And being able to make cookies, a smoothy and your favorite pie....is not actually cooking. Cooking is being able to put a complete meal on the table....all at the same time. And breaking bread and sharing a meal with someone is one of the most intimate and caring things you can do. Eating is something you do with those you love. Enjoy their presence and their conversation. Give them the attention they deserve.
I hope you learn to value the core of who you are over the approval of others. Friends come and friends go. Most of them go and never return. Literally 99% of the people you know in life are going to walk out of it. And the "in" crowd? You have got to be kidding me. I promise you this....I have seen many of the "in" crowd as adults. They aren't happy. They are still trying to keep up with their image. They are burdened by debt and are still trying to one-up everyone - because their life is all about what other people think. That is their focus in life. And the outside picture very rarely matches the inside picture. Don't live like that babies. Love yourself. Explore what YOU want to do or be. You are the only one living your life. Don't give control to someone else.
I hope you LOVE. One big love that you marry and spend every last day of your life with. Its not important when you meet this love...just that you do have that one big passion in life. My hopes are that you do not have many minor loves before that. Every broken relationship leaves some kind of scar on your heart....and my hope for you is that you give your true love as unblemished a heart as possible. Do you want to hand over a battle scarred and worn heart? To the one grand passion you spend forever with? Do not give your heart away easy my loves. It is a treasure that affects your whole life. Save it for the one that deserves it the most.
I hope you LAUGH. Long, hard and crazy. And mostly, I hope you laugh at yourself and with your loved ones.
I hope you TRAVEL. To another country and hopefully for a period of time, not just a quick visit. Although all of you have lived in another country as children, I hope you do so as adults. Why? Because those that have not lived outside of the USA, have NO CLUE what it is we have here.....or how much more of everything we have in our country. Want something after 5 pm on a weekday....you can get it. Travel somewhere and find you forgot something....you can replace it easily and quickly. I want you to know that being truly "poor" means not have a roof over their heads with running water, heat or even a stove. They sure don't have cars, bling and cell phones. And no one gives them a check. No one cares if they starve. In the US there are at least some measures to help....even if they don't always work. Its much easier to learn true empathy in a foreign country. And when you grasp that empathy, you begin good works.
I hope you HONOR.......
Your father, grandfather and great-grandfather and all those career military that give up all of their youth to serve a country whose congress takes and takes and takes the benefits they promised until they all wonder why congress hates them so much. These men and women think of their fellow countrymen before themselves and their own children. And although that is hard when you are one of those children or spouses, you cannot question your loved ones integrity or honor. They are the real deal.And I hope you REMEMBER....
The joy of a daddy returning from war......and never forget all those that didn't return, and their families. Our countries privileges are built on their blood.I hope you surround yourself with FAMILY. And realize that family is not about DNA. You can walk away from a poisonous relationship even if you share DNA. You can develop a family relationship without it. Although the DNA will always be a part of your life, the relationship can be a choice. A hurtful DNA relationship can be left behind. And I think the three of you know that we have plenty of family that we are not related to. We make them part of our family because of the love and bonds we have. You too can make that choice. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
But mostly, my babies I hope you KNOW that no matter what your path in life, no matter if you do none of these things.......I love you. I love the people you are becoming. And even if I don't agree with your choices, I honor your individuality and ability to make those choices.
Because I love you guys.
Always.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Snow Madness
My friend Wendy over at Born in Our Hearts had a random thoughts day forced on her by old man winter. I found myself reading through her list and giggling because I feel every bit as random right now. No complete or compelling thoughts on anything in life....just a bunch of strung together craziness all brought on by being house bound and forced to see yet MORE snow...again.
And I'm not even in the part of the country that has been hit so hard. This is just the regular stuff.
But therein lies the reason for so few posts. It's my own version of snow madness. Loosing my mind slowly. And the whiter it is out the windows.....the stupider I feel. Seriously...I think I lose IQ points every time it snows.
So here goes the incomplete madness of my random thoughts lately:
*There is never anything on tv. Thank goodness for Netflix. I could easily give up cable as long as we have said Netflix.
*The thought of getting rid of cable is sorta funny. Both my girls would go into withdraw. Like true drug addicts. To unplug the teen from Glee would have far reaching consequences.
*I swore, over twenty years ago when I got married, that if I stayed home at any point I would NOT watch daytime tv. And I still don't. Is that anti-American?
*I also swore I'd never get fat.....and I'm fairly certain I have crossed over into the "obese" category this winter. Oy!
*Dogs that don't like snow can do some really cool chasing up on back feet, hopping like a kangaroo when they really want something. And its very funny.
*The first time you hear a tree crack, shatter and fall and wait for the thump on the roof (because life is iced over in a special kind of hell)....is memorable. And the relief you feel when its your neighbors tree and not yours.....
*If you live in snow country....keep all camping gear very accessibly stored for winter storm time. If you have it and are prepared.....you might get it out and ready several times, but Murphy's Law dictates that you don't need it and will just have to put it away again. And this is a good thing.
*Water standing on the kitchen floor every day from a bad washer drain is preferable to having workmen coming in and out and snaking said drain over and over and over again. And after snaking a drain 3 times you should be able to deduce that it isn't working.
*Old houses fall apart in cold weather. And I'm so very glad I don't own a house here and just have to pick up a phone and call when something goes wrong. On the list today: washer drain and garage door that wont close.
*Husbands should not be able to go to TDY to such places as Texas and Arizona when we are snowed in and cold here. Its just not right. And the next 10 days will be very, very longgggggg.
*Hot tea is my friend.
*Of all the signs of aging that I see daily now, why is it that the old looking hands upset me the most?
*If I had known a new washer and dryer would cut my laundry time literally in half....I'd have put those suckers on credit instead of saving up!!!
*Where DID the romance go?
*Just how tired are you when you put both contacts in one eye? And take the top one out and reinsert over and over again.....and not understand why you can't see?
*Having a 15 year old and a 6 year old snowbound in the same house together....is no different than having two three year olds going at it. It defies logic.
*Gray hair. Its a permanent fixture in my life.
*The timing of the sale of Girl Scout cookies is retarded. People want to diet after Christmas season....not buy cookies.
*Watching a teenager with every advantage self destruct feels like the biggest tragedy and waste ever. Because it is. And it doesn't matter if its your child, a relative or the kid across the street....it is all a huge tragedy.
*I always miss the good parties.
*I should have be born in an Asian country. You know, where they eat real food for breakfast? Normal food. Breakfast foods just don't work for me.
*Soup is good food.
*We've used up all our snow days. Wonder how far into summer the kids will be playing make-up when all is said and done.
*I'm ready for summer vacation.
But now, now it is time for a nap. My sleep schedule is all messed up and my husband snores. Not a good combination.
And I'm not even in the part of the country that has been hit so hard. This is just the regular stuff.
But therein lies the reason for so few posts. It's my own version of snow madness. Loosing my mind slowly. And the whiter it is out the windows.....the stupider I feel. Seriously...I think I lose IQ points every time it snows.
So here goes the incomplete madness of my random thoughts lately:
*There is never anything on tv. Thank goodness for Netflix. I could easily give up cable as long as we have said Netflix.
*The thought of getting rid of cable is sorta funny. Both my girls would go into withdraw. Like true drug addicts. To unplug the teen from Glee would have far reaching consequences.
*I swore, over twenty years ago when I got married, that if I stayed home at any point I would NOT watch daytime tv. And I still don't. Is that anti-American?
*I also swore I'd never get fat.....and I'm fairly certain I have crossed over into the "obese" category this winter. Oy!
*Dogs that don't like snow can do some really cool chasing up on back feet, hopping like a kangaroo when they really want something. And its very funny.
*The first time you hear a tree crack, shatter and fall and wait for the thump on the roof (because life is iced over in a special kind of hell)....is memorable. And the relief you feel when its your neighbors tree and not yours.....
*If you live in snow country....keep all camping gear very accessibly stored for winter storm time. If you have it and are prepared.....you might get it out and ready several times, but Murphy's Law dictates that you don't need it and will just have to put it away again. And this is a good thing.
*Water standing on the kitchen floor every day from a bad washer drain is preferable to having workmen coming in and out and snaking said drain over and over and over again. And after snaking a drain 3 times you should be able to deduce that it isn't working.
*Old houses fall apart in cold weather. And I'm so very glad I don't own a house here and just have to pick up a phone and call when something goes wrong. On the list today: washer drain and garage door that wont close.
*Husbands should not be able to go to TDY to such places as Texas and Arizona when we are snowed in and cold here. Its just not right. And the next 10 days will be very, very longgggggg.
*Hot tea is my friend.
*Of all the signs of aging that I see daily now, why is it that the old looking hands upset me the most?
*If I had known a new washer and dryer would cut my laundry time literally in half....I'd have put those suckers on credit instead of saving up!!!
*Where DID the romance go?
*Just how tired are you when you put both contacts in one eye? And take the top one out and reinsert over and over again.....and not understand why you can't see?
*Having a 15 year old and a 6 year old snowbound in the same house together....is no different than having two three year olds going at it. It defies logic.
*Gray hair. Its a permanent fixture in my life.
*The timing of the sale of Girl Scout cookies is retarded. People want to diet after Christmas season....not buy cookies.
*Watching a teenager with every advantage self destruct feels like the biggest tragedy and waste ever. Because it is. And it doesn't matter if its your child, a relative or the kid across the street....it is all a huge tragedy.
*I always miss the good parties.
*I should have be born in an Asian country. You know, where they eat real food for breakfast? Normal food. Breakfast foods just don't work for me.
*Soup is good food.
*We've used up all our snow days. Wonder how far into summer the kids will be playing make-up when all is said and done.
*I'm ready for summer vacation.
But now, now it is time for a nap. My sleep schedule is all messed up and my husband snores. Not a good combination.
Monday, February 7, 2011
FCC Chinese New Year
Another year of celebrating with Families With Children From China.
We don't have the same involvement and connection with the FCC here as we have had at the last two places we have lived. It is sad. Moving around and starting all over again and again is wearing me down.
And I always get hit up to take on an office as soon as I open my mouth. Just too busy with a teen to go there.....so I'm keeping a very low profile.
But this is the one thing Alia wants to do every year. So we honor that. To the tune of about $100 for sub-par Chinese food. At least in the other states they actually held the celebrations in real Chinese restaurants instead of a hotel conference center. But I'm not saying a word....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Autumn Asks: Do You Have A Sweet Tooth?
I was awarded a sweet little award today. Danie over at Looking for My Punk Rock Girl awarded it to me. And I'm so glad she did. Not because I feel especially sweet or anything...but because I went to her blog and read through it as I didn't recognize her name.
LOVE the way this young woman writes and expresses herself. Love that she loves old movies and books and music I love. I am looking forward to reading her posts and seeing where she ends up in life. And Danie.....I'd love to see some of your paintings. Really. I would.
I also checked out the other blogs she awarded and loved them also. Some really good writers in the bunch.
Now...a quick side trip:
Mighty Mouse: "Mom, which one is my sweet tooth? Is it this one?"
Kid slays me.
Refocus:
So, as a winner of this award I am supposed to list 5 of my guilty pleasures:
1. Coca-Cola. Yep. You knew that one. Cancer in a can and I can't kick the habit.
2. Chai Latte from the coffee shop. Way too expensive, plus I'm not supposed to have milk. Don't do it often but I love them.
3. Books. I have book cases of them. Considering how often we move and how much they weight this is not a smart practice. But I'll just say it......the military libraries are not impressive.
4. Netflix. The three at a time and streaming leveling. I have my queue, hubs has his, teen has hers. Plus I have that sucker playing on the computer the whole time I'm in the quilting cave. Do you know how many cheesy B rate movies you can find on streaming???? Ahhhhh. Nerd heaven. Love it.
5. Lake house trips to see my favorite group of friends. Expensive. And worth so much more than I could ever spend.
Now its time for me to award the Sweet Blog award to 5 others:
Debbie at Suburb Sanity - because I didn't see it on Danie's blog list and I think she would love Debbie's writing.
Jane at Sew Create It - someone that I am just getting to know and really enjoy. She donates to Project Linus on a regular basis.
Wendy at Born In Our Hearts - another adoptive parent, sarcastic, mature (hah) parent who I totally get and hope to meet some day.
Quilting Ranny - because she truly is sweet. She is raising her grandkids, helps her grown kids and donates quilts all the time. I consider her an inspiration.
Krista at Spotted Stone - a new blog for me. Mom of three, living in Alaska and lots of outdoor family fun and quilting/sewing. I hate snow but she makes it look so good!
Enjoy!
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Complaint Letter To The Crappiest Electric/Gas Company Billing Service Out There
...posted on my blog because, gasp(!), they do not provide residential customers with an email address or written address for complaints. What, allow a PAPER TRAIL of how much they suck???? No way. Instead they will list a phone number for you to call. Bet its farmed out to India or something. Not bothering. After all, what is that poor person on the other end of the phone going to do?? Nothing. And they aren't responsible for or able to fix anything anyways. Beautiful set up for a crappy company.
So - we live in military housing, right? Well, civilian run military housing. And non-military can live in it also if they meet certain criteria.
And one of the selling points of trying to get the military to move into old, crusty, poorly insulated, totally over priced for what you get and uglier than sin housing is the "government rate" utility bills.
Except the newest utility company that won this government contract got the wrong memo. Apparently they thought this was one of those charge the government $600 for a $6 wrench kind of deals. No dude. Its not the government paying this bill. It's little Joe Airman. You know, the one that doesn't make anywhere near as much as his civilian counterpart .... which is WHY they have to give health care, housing allowances and deals on utilities....to bring them UP TO somewhere close to what a civilian makes.
So overcharging all winter last year -- to the tune of OVER $300 a month on electric/gas for a 1400 sq foot house...... Well, there was a whole lot of freezing and using the kids milk money to pay those bills by all the poor military saps unlucky enough to rent these houses.
Now, eventually that did get fixed in lowered bills over time for all the overcharges. But seriously? Are you proud of that? Shame on you.
And then what do we get the first month of this year? What? You couldn't go that long without trying to screw us again? Seriously?
So we pay our electric bills at the first of the month like we've all been doing this last year. And its higher than normal due to heating costs. So we are already tightening our belts all across the board. And the 15th of the month comes...along with another FULL MONTHS bill. So, we are being charged for two full months in one month or we must pay a late fee. Oh - and there is no grace period with this company.
What military family can do that???????? (Okay so we were covered but thats because we are Dave Ramsey fans and have an incredible budgeting system worked out that would sustain the strain until the next payday.)
You see, this company just decided that they were going to print the bills a little early this month, which in turn changes the due date.
You can imagine the panic. And the calls to housing. So housing works out to give us until Feb 5th to pay the bill. A ONE TIME exception for us.
WHAT???? Why are we being treated like people that don't pay our bills? And what company is so awful that they print bills whenever they feel like it instead of on a routine schedule? I'll tell you what company. One that was looking forward to a massive amount of $15 late fees to start the year with. I was very lucky I caught the change...it was by accident.
And you know what else they said? To not forget we could have this bill on allotment and pulled directly out of our paychecks.
Aaaauuuummmmm....that definitely means you would have recieved a late fee as the allotment is paid on a certain date each month. (And this situation is exactly why I will not allow allotments or auto pays on bills.)
So, if you are a friend in this area...do me a favor. Make sure and call housing and complain so we can get this company kicked to the curb. Women and children that are dealing with their husbands TDY, deployments and hazardous duty pay do NOT need this kind of crappy business practices shoved down our throats also.
These guys gotta go.
Friday, January 21, 2011
So What's Up.......
Car wreck two.
Kitchen flooded multiple times by washer. Drains snakes multiple times. Still not fixed.
Sparking sockets in the living room.
A broken garage door.
Snow. Snow. Snow.
Dryer not working. Lovely high pitched scream.
Strange puddle creeping out from under the fridge. Looks like Coke. Smells like rust.
Its been a week.
And 5 of these are currently occurring today.
And the hubs took leave to complete/catch up on some college work.
Heh. That ain't happen.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
On My Mind.....
Over at Down To Earth, Friday's are On My Mind days. You post a photo of something that is one your mind TODAY and link back. So today is my first time joining in....because at least that way you guys will still know I'm alive and kicking. Even if I am buried in snow. (Rigghhhttttt say my friends who have been seriously dumped on this year.)
Spending lots of time in the grown up play room. Hubs put shelves up and finally moved into his space for real. I had to change all my stuff around because my extra table was on the wrong side to help with the actual quilting.
This is where you can find me the next couple of months as I work on a couple of big projects. Great place to be in snowy weather.
Spending lots of time in the grown up play room. Hubs put shelves up and finally moved into his space for real. I had to change all my stuff around because my extra table was on the wrong side to help with the actual quilting. This is where you can find me the next couple of months as I work on a couple of big projects. Great place to be in snowy weather.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Autumn asks: What Did You....
....Do In 2010
...that you have never done before?
Just curious. As we should all learn and grow every year, I'm curious what you did.
I was trying to think of the new things I did last year. I don't have all that many. Or at least I didn't think I did.
Here's what I've got....
1. Went to DC for a college graduation. With hubs only. Now, we were in DC once before when we were moving to Iceland and that is where we flew out of. But that was in the middle of a move with the whole family so this one was better. LOL
2. Went canoeing. I rode in a canoe once before in my life but the things intimidate me. This time I actually used a paddle and had a great time. Even if it did pour down rain on us. Twice.
3. Read a bunch of new books listed in the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
4. Tried free motion quilting.
5. Took a quilting class.
6. Took a plane to several different places, several different times, by myself for recreational purposes only. Totally unheard of due to the fact that we usually can't afford plane tickets, and I never take off by myself just to do something for myself. It doesn't suck.
7. Let my teen leave the house multiple times in clothing I don't approve of.
8. Turned a teen loose with a cell phone on my plan instead of a pay-as-you-go. And found out that my teen averages almost 8000 text messages a month. How many is that a day?
9. Bought clothes in a size I swore I would never wear.
10. Watched a tv series religiously and counted the days to the next episode. Ok - so it was The Walking Dead and there were only 6 episodes. Still - I've never followed a show before.
So now I'm thinking ahead and wondering what new thing to get into this year.
Can't really think of much that I'd like to do. I was going to go on my first cruise....but finances killed that one. Same with a birthday trip with my sister to Savannah (my birth place actually) for the St. Pat's celebration. Don't see trips this year.
I think most of my new stuff will be surprises instead of planned.
So what about you? What new things did you do this last year....and what new things do you WANT to do this year???
...that you have never done before?
Just curious. As we should all learn and grow every year, I'm curious what you did.
I was trying to think of the new things I did last year. I don't have all that many. Or at least I didn't think I did.
Here's what I've got....
1. Went to DC for a college graduation. With hubs only. Now, we were in DC once before when we were moving to Iceland and that is where we flew out of. But that was in the middle of a move with the whole family so this one was better. LOL
2. Went canoeing. I rode in a canoe once before in my life but the things intimidate me. This time I actually used a paddle and had a great time. Even if it did pour down rain on us. Twice.
3. Read a bunch of new books listed in the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
4. Tried free motion quilting.
5. Took a quilting class.
6. Took a plane to several different places, several different times, by myself for recreational purposes only. Totally unheard of due to the fact that we usually can't afford plane tickets, and I never take off by myself just to do something for myself. It doesn't suck.
7. Let my teen leave the house multiple times in clothing I don't approve of.
8. Turned a teen loose with a cell phone on my plan instead of a pay-as-you-go. And found out that my teen averages almost 8000 text messages a month. How many is that a day?
9. Bought clothes in a size I swore I would never wear.
10. Watched a tv series religiously and counted the days to the next episode. Ok - so it was The Walking Dead and there were only 6 episodes. Still - I've never followed a show before.
So now I'm thinking ahead and wondering what new thing to get into this year.
Can't really think of much that I'd like to do. I was going to go on my first cruise....but finances killed that one. Same with a birthday trip with my sister to Savannah (my birth place actually) for the St. Pat's celebration. Don't see trips this year.
I think most of my new stuff will be surprises instead of planned.
So what about you? What new things did you do this last year....and what new things do you WANT to do this year???
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I'm So NOT A Follower
So what's up with everyone wanting followers on their blogs???
Not that there is anything wrong with following someone or anything. But have you noticed how frantic and obsessive some bloggers are about followers? Flashbacks of Jr. High and High School. Is it a self worth/popularity thing? Is it all about the audience?
I'd go nuts if I was writing for an audience. Maybe that's why I don't pay much attention to the amount of followers I have. I'm just writing because we live so far away from our families that it keeps them in touch with what is going on in our world. Cause its not like they are calling or visiting or anything. Just saying. Plus, I just want to get the words out of my head -- because one day they might turn into voices....
I guess another reason for followers is to make money by attracting corporate attention and gaining advertising and sponsoring.
I was contacted by someone wanting to be my sponsor once. It was the nicest email and very personal and touching. They obviously had been through my whole blog and commented on many things.
But, umm....as wonderful as all that was.
The sponsorship and ad....
A Drug Rehab Facility.
Oh yes it was. Which I got the biggest laugh over. I still have the email because its just so nice and I like to read it occasionally for a giggle. Cause really, what DOES that say about my blog?
The rantings of a drug crazed 80's metal head all old and crusty now. I should have used that for the title of my blog. Its got a catchy kind of ring to it.
Anyways - back to the point. I just want to give the bloggers that want the followers so badly a couple of tips on how NOT to get followers:
#1. Music.
If you have music on your site, there is NO WAY I will follow you. Ever. (unless you are one of my bestest friends) You see, some of us have older computers. And a Magic Jack that runs our phone. And itunes. And a million other things going on at any given time. So when I click on your site and the music tries to load. Crashes my computer or locks it up or makes it so slow I yell unkind words at it.
Now, this is America and you can have whatever you want on your blog. After all, its YOUR blog. And music is soul touching. It affects us greatly. And we just want to share. Right?
Well, chances are I don't even like your style of music. So, if you are begging for followers, drop the music. There's no way I'm the only person that gets frustrated by what it does to my computer. Just trying to help.
(And this is not aimed at a couple of my friends who are right now wondering if I'm talking about them. I'm not. I'm talking about the follower collectors.)
#2 Over abundance of ads
I don't care how much I like your writing...if you have a million "commercials" on your blog chances are I'm not coming back. A few I get. It's nice to get a little money. But I actually don't come to peoples blogs to line their pockets or provide them with corporate kick-backs....so an over abundance is a huge turn-off. See ya.
And sorry - but all those ads just look cluttered and junky. Have yet to see a site full of ads that looked "tastefully done". An ad is designed to take your money. That's its only point. You can't pretty that up.
#3 Give-aways that require you become a followers to participate.
Not coming back. Now, I'm not talking about the ones where they have 3 different ways to enter and that is one of them......I'm talking about the ones that the only way to have an entry is to become a follower. That is an obvious money grubbing motive. Total turn-off. Its like saying you are giving something away....but only to people with purple hair. (But lucky for you there are all kinds of people that will go out and dye their hair purple -- but again, you are limiting yourself because there are plenty of people that won't.)
So there you have it. A small list of reasons why this one person won't follow your blog. If you are a follower junkie and have slowed lately, you might want to try dropping the music, cutting back on ads or requiring your guests be followers and see if things pick up. You can always go back to it if there is no improvement.
And for all of my friends and blogs I read that don't require me to be a follower......I heart you.
I really do.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Top 10 Photos of 2010
My friend TonnguMomma did a post on her top 10 photos of last year...and then asked us to share also.
One thing I found about last year is that I took almost NO photos. This did surprise me as I used to take millions of photos. It was something I loved to do. Crazy.
But I did manage to scrap up some photos that were fun. So here goes...
February saw us snowed under. And Mouse helped shovel....with a mop?
and
Creative use of chop sticks at Chinese New Year.
March brought Midsummer's Night Dream......
And crippling growing pains (which have returned after six months without problems).
May brought my first camping trip with my girls -- both as Girl Scouts
June brought a trip to the lake house
And a big chair in our hotel lobby
July was celebrated with a hotdog at the ball field......a first for the Mouse!
And August brought a week of fun with one of my favorite teens!
Songbird went to Homecoming...
And the Mouse made me a birthday hat and made me wear it.
And another trip to the lake house in November...
And finally.... a Cookie Camp-Out in November...
I did manage to come up with more than ten....but nothing for December. I stink.
So how about you? What are your top 10 photos for last year?
One thing I found about last year is that I took almost NO photos. This did surprise me as I used to take millions of photos. It was something I loved to do. Crazy.
But I did manage to scrap up some photos that were fun. So here goes...
February saw us snowed under. And Mouse helped shovel....with a mop?and
Creative use of chop sticks at Chinese New Year.March brought Midsummer's Night Dream......
And crippling growing pains (which have returned after six months without problems).
May brought my first camping trip with my girls -- both as Girl Scouts
June brought a trip to the lake house
And a big chair in our hotel lobby
July was celebrated with a hotdog at the ball field......a first for the Mouse!
And August brought a week of fun with one of my favorite teens!
Songbird went to Homecoming...
And the Mouse made me a birthday hat and made me wear it.
And another trip to the lake house in November...
And finally.... a Cookie Camp-Out in November...
I did manage to come up with more than ten....but nothing for December. I stink.So how about you? What are your top 10 photos for last year?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Embrace
So I have chosen my word for 2011.
The last two years I have held on to "love".....love more, love often, etc.
This year I have chosen "Embrace"
We have lots of changes in the wind at our house and I want to handle all of them well. I want to embrace new realities and challenges. I want to roll with the punches with style and grace.
Embrace is defined as:
1. to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
So I see hugging my kids and hubs much more this year. Maybe not so much on others....its a thing with me. So not touchy, feely. But I'll work on it.
2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.
I've got one old enough to get her license this year. Not ready. But I do need to embrace this idea.
I've got one old enough to get her license this year. Not ready. But I do need to embrace this idea.
3. to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity.
I will try to recognize opportunities that come my way. It would be lovely if the right job would fall in my lap. (Can I get an Amen to that one????)
I will try to recognize opportunities that come my way. It would be lovely if the right job would fall in my lap. (Can I get an Amen to that one????)
4. to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.): to embrace Buddhism.
Or how about even a new way of seeing things?
Or how about even a new way of seeing things?
5. to take in with the eye or the mind.
With grace please.
With grace please.
6. to encircle; surround; enclose.
Especially my friends and family and those just in need.
Especially my friends and family and those just in need.
7. to include or contain: An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects.
The more you learn....
So how about you? If you haven't already, think about a single word that sums up your goal for the coming year. I'd love to hear what your word is.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Autumn's Top 20 Things Learned in 2010
Most years we get to this point and are looking forward and making our resolutions for the new year. I thought I might like to take a look back and think about the things I learned this last year instead.
(Doesn't that sound so much easier than making resolutions you know you are never going to carry all the way through on anyways????)
So...here goes....
1. Cars with liability only insurance should not be run into fire hydrants.
2. It's called an estimate for a reason. That reason is because they always call back and need more money after you agree to the estimate price. Just stop answering the phone.
3. High school teachers are not above finding a way onto your child's private Facebook page and then bullying them.
4. High school students don't always want you to do the right thing and shake things up at the school.
5. Children that don't speak or make much noise for 5 years can find the on switch and turn the volume all the way up. At home or in a store check-out line being the most likely spots.
6. An abnormal child finding their feet and becoming a normal child can be frustrating. Until you remind yourself that this is NORMAL and it is GOOD. Just roll with it.
7. Six year olds are the most fun at Christmas.
8. Teenagers get cars so young cause mom's just can't be that many places at once. Not because they are old enough or mature enough at 16 to handle the responsibility of trying not to kill themselves or someone else.
9. Camping in a state without fire ants and over 100 degree weather is actually loads of fun. And scaring little girls at "haunted" cabins in the woods at night is a blast.
10. I like canoeing.
11. Braces cost more than the car you are going to put that teen in. And catching that teen chewing gum is a punishable offense.
12. My children, my sisters children and one other friends children are the only ones left on the face of the earth that send thank-you cards/notes. I have no idea if well over half the gifts I send are ever even received.
13. Making quilts for others is very satisfying. Creating something from a pile of fabric appeals to the artistic side...even if its only beginner stuff.
14. After being married a million years, a non-jewelry buying husband can surprise you with jewelry. And then tell you it went nothing like the commercials!! LOL! (Probably should be rated as #1.)
15. No matter how old I get I still HATE fundraisers. Including Girl Scout Cookies.
16. There actually is a past place we've lived that I want to go back to and stay forever.
17. No matter how I try to prepare myself....I still loath snow. Hate cold. And want to go back to Texas. (Although this would be my 2nd choice of places to retire.)
18. Be careful what you wish for. I have wanted to adopt again since bringing Mouse home. Hubs has not. He's done. So I've honored that but my heart was not settled on it by any means. Then, we were in a situation where I had to consider we might be expanding our household by two. It sort of felt like God was asking me if I was sure. And I am sure now that I DON'T need to adopt again. Or at least not look to adopt - if that makes sense.
19. Having another person close to your age talk about a young actor close to your son's age and how hot he is.....is so far beyond gross its not funny. Being appreciative of the good looks is fine...drooling is not.
20. There is nobody MORE blessed than myself and my family. They might be blessed different...but not MORE.
Looking forward to 2011 and all the things we are facing at this point in life. I predict a year of quick changes and big changes and lots of rolling with the punches. But hey, I've got the best rolling partner around!
(Doesn't that sound so much easier than making resolutions you know you are never going to carry all the way through on anyways????)
So...here goes....
1. Cars with liability only insurance should not be run into fire hydrants.
2. It's called an estimate for a reason. That reason is because they always call back and need more money after you agree to the estimate price. Just stop answering the phone.
3. High school teachers are not above finding a way onto your child's private Facebook page and then bullying them.
4. High school students don't always want you to do the right thing and shake things up at the school.
5. Children that don't speak or make much noise for 5 years can find the on switch and turn the volume all the way up. At home or in a store check-out line being the most likely spots.
6. An abnormal child finding their feet and becoming a normal child can be frustrating. Until you remind yourself that this is NORMAL and it is GOOD. Just roll with it.
7. Six year olds are the most fun at Christmas.
8. Teenagers get cars so young cause mom's just can't be that many places at once. Not because they are old enough or mature enough at 16 to handle the responsibility of trying not to kill themselves or someone else.
9. Camping in a state without fire ants and over 100 degree weather is actually loads of fun. And scaring little girls at "haunted" cabins in the woods at night is a blast.
10. I like canoeing.
11. Braces cost more than the car you are going to put that teen in. And catching that teen chewing gum is a punishable offense.
12. My children, my sisters children and one other friends children are the only ones left on the face of the earth that send thank-you cards/notes. I have no idea if well over half the gifts I send are ever even received.
13. Making quilts for others is very satisfying. Creating something from a pile of fabric appeals to the artistic side...even if its only beginner stuff.
14. After being married a million years, a non-jewelry buying husband can surprise you with jewelry. And then tell you it went nothing like the commercials!! LOL! (Probably should be rated as #1.)
15. No matter how old I get I still HATE fundraisers. Including Girl Scout Cookies.
16. There actually is a past place we've lived that I want to go back to and stay forever.
17. No matter how I try to prepare myself....I still loath snow. Hate cold. And want to go back to Texas. (Although this would be my 2nd choice of places to retire.)
18. Be careful what you wish for. I have wanted to adopt again since bringing Mouse home. Hubs has not. He's done. So I've honored that but my heart was not settled on it by any means. Then, we were in a situation where I had to consider we might be expanding our household by two. It sort of felt like God was asking me if I was sure. And I am sure now that I DON'T need to adopt again. Or at least not look to adopt - if that makes sense.
19. Having another person close to your age talk about a young actor close to your son's age and how hot he is.....is so far beyond gross its not funny. Being appreciative of the good looks is fine...drooling is not.
20. There is nobody MORE blessed than myself and my family. They might be blessed different...but not MORE.
Looking forward to 2011 and all the things we are facing at this point in life. I predict a year of quick changes and big changes and lots of rolling with the punches. But hey, I've got the best rolling partner around!
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