A little of this, a little of that
My Thursday randomness was sidetracked by all that mush known as Valentine’s Day. And for the record, can I just say that your generous comments made my day even more than my dinner at IHOP? (Don’t even ask.)
So while I’m mentioning comments, I should also mention that I have officially dropped all the Statcounter, Sitemeter, Blogflux madness that I had on my old site. I’m finished with it. I had a nice long email chat about blogging and traffic and comments and the like last week with my friend The Queen B. She offered me some great advice that a wise blogger had given to her. And I took it. And you wouldn’t believe how it has helped to lift the stress I was having over blogging. I am now focused on writing because I enjoy it, instead of because I feel like I have to post. Writing about things I want to remember, as well as the crazy that is my brain. And you know what? It is so much easier this way. Thanks B, for the words that set me straight.
Also, despite my new, easy going blog attitude, I am obsessing about how this new site is looking. Because I’m just not happy if I don’t have something to dwell on. My husband pulled the blog up at his office yesterday and I believe his exact words were “It looks terrible.” Just the words I wanted to hear. I started pacing. And biting my nails. Because “terrible” is not what you should be seeing. So can you let me know how it is looking on your end? It would help to put my mind at ease. You should beseeing the swirly back ground on both sides of the white middle column. You should not be seeing a long vertical grey line running the length of the white column on the right side. And you definitely should not be seeing bright swirly colors only on one side of the screen, as my husband did. This is causing me a mild amount of chest pain and I almost ran to the library to see what it looked like on their browsers. Because K told me under no circumstances could I go and ring my neighbors doorbells and ask to look at my blog on their computers. Apparently, that is being obsessive. Can put my mind at ease and tell me what you see?
Ahem.
It has come to my realization that my house is being taken over by animals. I have always been a one pet kinda girl. And now with our newest addition, who I will introduce you too next week, I realize that our dog/reptile/fish count now exceeds the number of people we have in this house. I’m like Dr. Doolittle walking around here during the day, just talking away to any animal that will listen. I’ll let you know if they start talking back.
Scary.
My blog has gone public. And by that, I mean people I know read it. Which is fine, but a little nerve wracking. I was extremely comfortable with my anonymity in the blogosphere. Now, my friends and neighbors and some family are out there reading. I don’t know how it happened, because believe me, I guarded this whole I’m-blogging thing like I guard what the scale says every morning. But somehow, it just came out. Actually, that’s not true. I know how it all came out. My husband can’t keep his mouth shut. I won’t let it stress me out though. I’m over all that, remember?
Lastly, and most importantly, have y’all followed the news at all last night? Because there was a shooting yesterday at Northern Illinois University where a gunman, for whatever reason, opened fire on a lecture hall full of college students. I only mention this because this university is just a hop, skip and a jump from my town. And it kind of scared the crap out of me. I’m just feeling a little bit like I should lock my kids in the basement and never let them out. My friends and brother in law attended this school, and this hit a little too close to home. When will this ever stop? And what is the point? What Is The Point?
Sorry to end on a downer, Interpeeps, but it’s all I got.
Well, except for this.
Today she told me I was her “best buddy.”
There’s nothing else I’d rather be.
Posted: February 15th, 2008 under Embarrassing Myself with my Ramblings.
Comments: 30
Comments
Comment from Queen B
Time: February 15, 2008, 1:12 am
Oooh. Good idea. Maybe I should ditch the stat stuff, too. Walk my talk and all…
Your blog looks perfectly symmetrical and all is in its place. It couldn’t be better.
We passed the animal over people ratio about 6 months ago. I can’t wait to see your new pet!!
Your people know about your blog? Wow. I’m not there yet. (aka my husband hasn’t blabbed yet.)
I’m so sad for all affected by the shooting. Tragic. And senseless.
And the picture? Cutest thing I’ve seen in a while.
Comment from Heidi
Time: February 15, 2008, 4:07 am
Your blog looks FABULOUS on my computer. Swirly and puhrty.
I know what you mean about stressing about the whole blogging stuff…I have been pretty good about not stressing, but sometimes I get caught up in it all - I feel like I HAVE TO post. I mean, how ridiculous is that? It’s not as if the blogosphere won’t do JUST FINE without a post from yours truly…and do I really need to add another CHORE to my life? This is supposed to be something we do for fun. Like having coffee with a girlfriend.
Sorry for all the SHOUTING. I guess your post hit home.
The shooting is awful. What scares me most of all is that we seem to be getting used to it now. Do you remember Colombine? And how it took months before it was off the front page of the papers the world over? Now…a week or two, and the world has moved on. That frightens me to no end.
That and lack of gun control (boy, I’m all controversial today, don’t know what’s gotten into me…you can take my post down now).
And on that note, Lisa, I hope you have a good weekend. That picture you ended your post with - a highlight. Absolutely!
Heidi
Comment from Rebecca
Time: February 15, 2008, 6:28 am
Your blog looks faboo from where I sit.
I’m wondering if Queen B would share her wisdom with all of us about blogging and comments and visitors, etc. I’m feeling a bit stressed by the whole thing myself.
(Why?)
It’s ironic. My family/friends were the first to know about my blog. What was strange was knowing that strangers had started reading it. Wonderful, though, too. Why write if no one’s there to read it? (Not that family/friends are “no one,” but you know what I mean. I hope.)
Comment from Becky
Time: February 15, 2008, 6:40 am
Looks great. The swirls and color are great.
Shooting - very scary. I’m originally from your neck of the woods but now live in the thriving metropolis of Kansas City. Many of my old friends graduated from NIU. Seems too close to home when you see stuff like that on the news. I just don’t get it and keep asking why.
Comment from Jan
Time: February 15, 2008, 7:53 am
Hi, I’ve been enjoying your blog. Sounds like you received and are passing on good advice. This is my visual report. I have a grey bar on the right side. Everything else looks good.
Comment from Sarah (Real Life)
Time: February 15, 2008, 8:03 am
It looks great here! No gray line, plenty of swirls! I love our conversational style! And since I’ve started ads on my blog, I am obsessing WAY too much. Maybe I should take your advice, even if I did a “stat-fast” for a week.
Comment from Sarah (Real Life)
Time: February 15, 2008, 8:05 am
Oh, yeah, your daughter is ADORABLE!!!!
Comment from Leslie (snaphappyinkymomma)
Time: February 15, 2008, 8:35 am
Another cute picture! My camera has been taking a break lately. I took some photos yesterday at the V-day parties at the kids’ school, but they aren’t inspired. Or maybe I’m not inspired! Hmmm.
Your blog looks nice and swirly to me, but I will let you know that I see a grey vertical line at the edge of the white on the right side. (I use Firefox, if that makes any difference)
Enjoy the day.
Comment from Jul
Time: February 15, 2008, 8:47 am
Yesteday the site looked fine but today it is swirly just on the left side….
Comment from jennifer
Time: February 15, 2008, 8:58 am
i dont see any swirlys at all. there is a blanck white page with a column in the middle that has your posts in it. i always have to scroll down a little bit to actually see your most recent post. sorry if im giving you heart palpitations. i just wanted to let you know. but you should definitely blog for the stress relief, NOT to add more stress!!!!
Comment from Sister Honey Bunch
Time: February 15, 2008, 8:59 am
I see a grey panel on my left side. I wonder if it’s my browser though. Hmmm.
Comment from Chrissy
Time: February 15, 2008, 10:04 am
Sorry to say I see gray on the right. I’m using Firefox, if that’s any help.
Still pretty, though.
Comment from Autumn Dahlia
Time: February 15, 2008, 10:45 am
I gots no swirlies…. just a flash of one when the page refreshes? Don’t know if that helps.
I ALMOST told John about my blog the other day because I was setting one up for his photo biz. But I chickened out. It’s been a good outlet for…. well, venting about him! It helps me not choke him somedays, so should I tell him and spoil it?
That pic is SO super cute. And the “best buddy” is the icing on the cake. Makes it all good, doesn’t it?
Comment from Christie
Time: February 15, 2008, 11:41 am
Interpeeps - can I steal that one?
I am seeing a gray stripe on the right side, left is lovely, colorful swirls. Hadn’t noticed the unbalanced, but I’m not necessarily the brightest tool in the shed.
And you SHOULD let others read your blog. You bring a bright spot to the interweb and I think you should share.
And lastly, I am HORRIFIED, I tell you, with the shooting. I don’t understand the senselessness of it. It’s such a waste. Glad you’re safe.
There. That’s all now.
Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: February 15, 2008, 11:48 am
I also see the gray line on the right side. Reading through the comments above, I think Firefox may be the common thread here, because that’s my preferred browser too.
GOOD FOR YOU on heeding the wise Queen’s advice. I didn’t talk to y’all, but I must have absorbed your zen through the Internet, because I have recently reminded myself of this as well. We write for FUN. This is FUN. If it’s causing tons of stress, that’s not FUN.
Ahem. Sorry for the rant.
Oh, and my blog is still very much NOT public. My family knows and a few friends know, but otherwise? It’s a big fat secret. And I like it that way. It’s what makes it FUN for me. Otherwise, I’d feel pressure to censor all the time. And that’s not FUN.
And I like FUN! Especially when it’s in all caps. Like you.
Comment from sheila
Time: February 15, 2008, 12:00 pm
good points - i do have a sitemeter and some other little widget thingy on mine - that i thought i’d try out. i was curious, i’ll admit, but i think my questions were answered and now i hardly check the stats. i agree, keep the stress away, this should be fun. i like your blog look, looks fine from my end. i personaly like to change my color like monthly so the little simple color change template works fine for me. heard about the shooting - all i can say, is yes keep your fam close - and prepare for even worse times ahead.I don’t get it, and i know when it’s that close to home, it’s even more scary!
I love the cute sled pic of your darling little girl.
Comment from sta
Time: February 15, 2008, 12:45 pm
I am glad you got your bloggin head on right 
that sounds way dirty!
So sad about the shootings.
I don’t think your blog looks terrible, but the old layout was pretty calming, NOT that this one isn’t well, it is kinda more energetic. BUT who am I to say that? LOL
Love your pictures! They make me smile!
Comment from Annie
Time: February 15, 2008, 1:52 pm
I have the gray bar on the right, too. Sorry to feed your obsession, but you asked!
Sweet picture. Love the pink! I hope you always stay her best buddy.
Comment from Jill
Time: February 15, 2008, 3:28 pm
I love your new blog design, even though I do only see the swirlys on the left side of the screen. I have blog issues, too…for some people. I think many blogs these days look better (or look right) in Netscape and not Explorer? I gave up the stat counter long ago and writing is much more enjoyable now. Take care!
Comment from New Diva on the Blog
Time: February 15, 2008, 4:11 pm
Swirlies all around!
I’m with you on the NIU thing.
Comment from Laura
Time: February 15, 2008, 6:00 pm
I use Firefox and I only see the swirls on the left. Then I looked at it on my hubbie’s computer (he uses IE) and it only shows the swirls on the left too.
Aren’t these things so frustrating. Hope you can get it worked out without too much hassle.
Have a great weekend, such a great picture of your daughter too by the way!
Comment from Elaine
Time: February 15, 2008, 10:30 pm
I really like your new look - very hip and cool!
I know what you mean about obsessing about who and how many people are reading your blog. I am not at the “give it up” stage yet, but maybe someday…
P.S. You have a very cute “best buddy!”
Comment from Suzy
Time: February 15, 2008, 11:31 pm
I’m not sure why, but on my ‘puter there are no swirls or anything. The whole page is white, with a dotted thin red line on either side of the middle section.
Comment from Martha
Time: February 16, 2008, 5:17 am
I love that picture of Gracie and I’m sooo glad you’ve got yourself a little buddy there 
Hey - I didn’t know you felt that way about your stats. I’d love to hear the advice you got and your concerns. I’d also love to hear about the process of changing the blog and the ads and everything. Should we be clicking on the ads for you?
Oh - I have the gray line on the right. I didn’t thing anything of it - I thought your blog looked great!
xoxox,
mvz
Comment from Mary@notbefore7
Time: February 16, 2008, 7:45 am
OK, LOVING the swirls and yes, I see them.
Your best little buddy is so adorable. I mean, how cute cute cute!!!!! Love that shot!
As for bloglines and all that jazz, I am with you…mostly.
I keep technorati on my blog for ONE reason - I check in each week to see who has linked to my blog, not because I want to tally them up, but because I want to make sure no FREAKS are linking to my site. I have found weird things linked to it, usually harmless electronic blogs (from the DVD I made for D) which credited someone else with the work, but I let it slide (cause I am cool like that).
I keep the sitemeter or statcounter so I can check the goog.le searches. I don’t really care about the numbers (it was fun at first) but I do care about what people are typing to find me.
anyway - just a thought.
Have you seen the blogging without obligation button - you seem to be describing it to a tee! Might want to go get yourself one
Have a great weekend girl - I love reading your thoughts whenever you get the urge to post them! I’ll come by whenever I get the chance to kill off a few hours of my night
Comment from Michelle
Time: February 16, 2008, 1:20 pm
I’m a Safari user, and I see swirls on the left and a grey bar on the right. Ditto for Camino, and the BlogHer ad doesn’t show up on Camino, either–just the blue BlogHer Network links.
Comment from JanMary, N Ireland
Time: February 16, 2008, 1:20 pm
I love your new fun looking blog - who said it had to be perfect?!!! And we didn’t KNOW it wasn’t supposed to BE like that, but we do now!
Was sorry to hear of the shootings, and I did wonder how far that was from you, as you are the only person I know in that entire “top bit” of the states.
Finally, another gorgeous pic. You will just have to take the plunge and digi-scrap a bit yourself.
Take care
Comment from jesslev
Time: February 16, 2008, 7:56 pm
I like the new look- I love the pic of the little one too- precious!
Thanks for the bloggin advice- since I am new to this entire deal- I wasn’t sure what to think about checking stats-
Also, I am out and open about having a blog- My friends (non-bloggers) think it is cool for me to talk about them and put their pics on- So, I might as well just keep it REAL!
Comment from Jen on the Edge
Time: February 17, 2008, 11:07 am
I have statcounters on my blogs, but I almost never look at them. I blog to make myself happy and that’s it.
And I like the new look and the swirly colors!
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