Weekday
6:00 AM~6:30 AM
---Take dogs out, make coffee, turn on computer, start load of laundry
6:30~7:00
---Clear reader & emails
7:00~7:30
---dry clothes, start first post, another load of laundry (if necessary)
7:30~8:00
---Make breakfast, finish first post, fold & put away clothes
8:00~9:00
---Post #2, put dishes away, take dogs out
9:00~10:00
---Post #3 & #4, make any phone calls needed
10:00~11:00
---Fold & put away laundry, do tweets, set up ending soon post
11:00~12:00 PM
---Make lunch, do housework
12:00~1:00
---Kitten's time
1:00~2:00
---Enter giveaways & do housework, quiet time for Kitten (1:30)
2:00~3:00
---Still quiet time, enter giveaways
3:00-4:00
---Pick up toys, get ready to go outside/to friends'
4:00~6:00
---Outside time
6:00~7:00
---Make dinner, pick up toys, give Kitten bath
7:00~8:00
---Vacuum, bedtime stories, do dishes
8:00~9:00
---Bedtime, spend some time with The Husband
9:00~10:00
---Personal hygiene & set stuff up for tomorrow
10:00~12:00
---Clear reader, email. Enter giveaways
Things that can be "put off"
~~~laundry
~~~vacuuming
~~~entering giveaways
Things that can NOT be put off
~~~Kitten's time
~~~Time with The Husband
Weekends will be used for catching up whatever I missed during the week. I'm missing a few things in here & will need to adjust & work them in eventually.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Goals For October
1. Lose at least 13 pounds
2. Get a baseline on how much I smoke & cut down by at least 1/4
3. Call the dentist & get teeth cleaned & appointment for filling(s)
4. Remove at least 3 garbage bags worth of stuff from home. Donate it, recycle it, or throw it out.
5. Call Dr & set up appointment for physical.
6. Get Learner's Permit (again)
7. Finish pink crocheted blanket
8. Finish Scrap ripple
9. Do at least 3 rows on Irish Chain Quilt
10. Set up a workable daily schedule that allows for extras & surprises
2. Get a baseline on how much I smoke & cut down by at least 1/4
3. Call the dentist & get teeth cleaned & appointment for filling(s)
4. Remove at least 3 garbage bags worth of stuff from home. Donate it, recycle it, or throw it out.
5. Call Dr & set up appointment for physical.
6. Get Learner's Permit (again)
7. Finish pink crocheted blanket
8. Finish Scrap ripple
9. Do at least 3 rows on Irish Chain Quilt
10. Set up a workable daily schedule that allows for extras & surprises
Setting Up Initial Goals
I am the type of person who likes lists. I like charts & graphs & schedules. My life runs much better when I have a written plan of action.
My life is out of control. Now, I don't mean I'm partying like a rock star or snorting horse tranquilizers; I just mean, well, things aren't anywhere near the way I want them to be. A (huge) part of the reason behind this is I live with people who fly through life by the seat of their pants. This doesn't work for me. Nope, not at all. I need logic, I need order, I need schedules. While it may seem to some this is a rigid way to live life, for me, it works. When I am in control of the day to day details, when I know when things will get done, I'm more capable of dealing with the surprises when they come along.
So, it's time to put my life together. And, gee, wouldn't you know it? Here I have this long neglected blog, just sitting there. Hmm. Maybe I could use this to my advantage?
Goals
~~~~~~
1.Physical/Health
~~~a. I need to lose 48 to 53 pounds. Being overweight makes me tired & cranky. I know how to lose weight, I even know the things I need to do to keep it off. With 22 days left in October, I think I can lose 13 pounds safely this month. Thanksgiving is the 25th of November & I should be able to lose 10-12 additional pounds before then. 10 pounds between Thanksgiving & Christmas, and then 5-7 pounds a month after that. This would take me to either the Beginning of March or April. I think this is reasonable & I can live with this.
~~~b. I need to quit smoking. Yeah, I know. It's so bad for you. I've actually written down every cigarette I've smoked today, because I have no clue how much I actually do smoke. So tomorrow I'll have a baseline to start at, and can work it out from there. Besides the obvious health benefits to quitting, there are two more that need to be taken into consideration: No more wasted time getting up & going out to smoke a cigarette, and the money saved could be better spent on other things. I'd like to be a nonsmoker.
~~~c. My teeth,. I hate going to the dentist, I really do. Unfortunately, my teeth need cleaned AND one of my fillings fell out last night, so it's time to make an appointment. And of course the dentist will undoubtedly find other problems that need fixed. Yeah. Still, it needs done.
2.My House
~~~First & most important thing: Get rid of the excess crap. Honestly, it looks like a WalMart exploded in my house. I live with packrats. Honestly, do you really need a magazine from the early 90's? Why? Seriously. And the thing about this is, it's a bigger battle then most people will realize. And there's no point in trying to get things cleaned, organized & put away until we GET RID OF some of it.
3.Driver's License
~~~Nope, I don't have one. I've had several learner's permits. I am TERRIFIED of driving. I am. There are steps to this, and each of them is a horror to me.
~~~~~a. Physical. Have to make a dr's appointment & go get a physical. Yup, hate this.
~~~~~b. Take the learner's permit test. This wouldn't be so bad; iyt's not as if it's all that difficult. But I have to actually make an appointment & get a ride & pay the fee. Fun.
~~~~~c. Um, learn to parallel park. Yup, failed the test more than once because of this. Like I'm ever going to go anywhere ever where I'm required to parallel park. Uh-huh.
I could make all sorts of excuses here, but the truth is, I'm just terrified. But I'll call the dr on Monday, after I call the dentist, & set up my physical.
4.Works in Progress & Things I Want to Make
~~~a. Pink Shell crocheted blanket. It's almost done. Really, I could have this done before Monday. This is first
~~~b. Scrap Ripple Crocheted blanket. Just need the ends worked in, it too is almost done.
~~~c. Green & crem Irish Chain Quilt. Sigh. I really want to finish this. After all, I only started it a year ago. It would be really helpful if the cats would quit knocking the piles over & mixing them all up. I have 3 rows done. This will take a while.
~~~d. Scrap knitted scarf. Eh, it's a third done.
~~~e. Teddy Quilt & Angel quilt. I need to make a decision on these two. Most likely, because I hate they way they are turning out, I won't finish them & will throw them out.
~~~f. Flannel Teddy. Not started yet, but the yellow flannel would work great. Want to enter this in the Fair next year.
~~~g. Pink Quilt. Not started. Bargello or maybe 6 inch mini patchwork squares. Want this for the fair.
~~~h. Crazy quilt. Not started yet, but they are so EASY to make & they use up the scraps very well. Plus, people like them.
~~~i. Knit baby sweater & cap. Not started yet. Want this for the fair.
That's it & all for now, I think. Mostly, this will just be me talking to myself. I'll set up a workable schedule, daily weekly & monthly goals & write up "progress reports" on myself. As I get rid of the excess, set up & organize my life, & accomplish individual goals I'll add more & start tackling the really difficult things.
My life is out of control. Now, I don't mean I'm partying like a rock star or snorting horse tranquilizers; I just mean, well, things aren't anywhere near the way I want them to be. A (huge) part of the reason behind this is I live with people who fly through life by the seat of their pants. This doesn't work for me. Nope, not at all. I need logic, I need order, I need schedules. While it may seem to some this is a rigid way to live life, for me, it works. When I am in control of the day to day details, when I know when things will get done, I'm more capable of dealing with the surprises when they come along.
So, it's time to put my life together. And, gee, wouldn't you know it? Here I have this long neglected blog, just sitting there. Hmm. Maybe I could use this to my advantage?
Goals
~~~~~~
1.Physical/Health
~~~a. I need to lose 48 to 53 pounds. Being overweight makes me tired & cranky. I know how to lose weight, I even know the things I need to do to keep it off. With 22 days left in October, I think I can lose 13 pounds safely this month. Thanksgiving is the 25th of November & I should be able to lose 10-12 additional pounds before then. 10 pounds between Thanksgiving & Christmas, and then 5-7 pounds a month after that. This would take me to either the Beginning of March or April. I think this is reasonable & I can live with this.
~~~b. I need to quit smoking. Yeah, I know. It's so bad for you. I've actually written down every cigarette I've smoked today, because I have no clue how much I actually do smoke. So tomorrow I'll have a baseline to start at, and can work it out from there. Besides the obvious health benefits to quitting, there are two more that need to be taken into consideration: No more wasted time getting up & going out to smoke a cigarette, and the money saved could be better spent on other things. I'd like to be a nonsmoker.
~~~c. My teeth,. I hate going to the dentist, I really do. Unfortunately, my teeth need cleaned AND one of my fillings fell out last night, so it's time to make an appointment. And of course the dentist will undoubtedly find other problems that need fixed. Yeah. Still, it needs done.
2.My House
~~~First & most important thing: Get rid of the excess crap. Honestly, it looks like a WalMart exploded in my house. I live with packrats. Honestly, do you really need a magazine from the early 90's? Why? Seriously. And the thing about this is, it's a bigger battle then most people will realize. And there's no point in trying to get things cleaned, organized & put away until we GET RID OF some of it.
3.Driver's License
~~~Nope, I don't have one. I've had several learner's permits. I am TERRIFIED of driving. I am. There are steps to this, and each of them is a horror to me.
~~~~~a. Physical. Have to make a dr's appointment & go get a physical. Yup, hate this.
~~~~~b. Take the learner's permit test. This wouldn't be so bad; iyt's not as if it's all that difficult. But I have to actually make an appointment & get a ride & pay the fee. Fun.
~~~~~c. Um, learn to parallel park. Yup, failed the test more than once because of this. Like I'm ever going to go anywhere ever where I'm required to parallel park. Uh-huh.
I could make all sorts of excuses here, but the truth is, I'm just terrified. But I'll call the dr on Monday, after I call the dentist, & set up my physical.
4.Works in Progress & Things I Want to Make
~~~a. Pink Shell crocheted blanket. It's almost done. Really, I could have this done before Monday. This is first
~~~b. Scrap Ripple Crocheted blanket. Just need the ends worked in, it too is almost done.
~~~c. Green & crem Irish Chain Quilt. Sigh. I really want to finish this. After all, I only started it a year ago. It would be really helpful if the cats would quit knocking the piles over & mixing them all up. I have 3 rows done. This will take a while.
~~~d. Scrap knitted scarf. Eh, it's a third done.
~~~e. Teddy Quilt & Angel quilt. I need to make a decision on these two. Most likely, because I hate they way they are turning out, I won't finish them & will throw them out.
~~~f. Flannel Teddy. Not started yet, but the yellow flannel would work great. Want to enter this in the Fair next year.
~~~g. Pink Quilt. Not started. Bargello or maybe 6 inch mini patchwork squares. Want this for the fair.
~~~h. Crazy quilt. Not started yet, but they are so EASY to make & they use up the scraps very well. Plus, people like them.
~~~i. Knit baby sweater & cap. Not started yet. Want this for the fair.
That's it & all for now, I think. Mostly, this will just be me talking to myself. I'll set up a workable schedule, daily weekly & monthly goals & write up "progress reports" on myself. As I get rid of the excess, set up & organize my life, & accomplish individual goals I'll add more & start tackling the really difficult things.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday Follow #10
Woo Hoo! Another Friday Follow!
Hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!
You know the way to play. Grab the buttons, add your blog to the MckLinky, & follow back if you get a new follower.
It's a great way to find new blogs, meet really nice people, and maybe gain a few followers!
This week's wonderful sponsor is Bea’s Gift Baskets.com
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Bummer!
While doing some Googling, I found that my home town of Mufreesboro NC changed the library from here:
{Historic Roberts-Vaughan House}
To here:
{Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library}
While I acknowledge that The Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library looks larger, especially as the Roberts-Vaughan House was only half-used as a library, but still. Bummer. I checked out my first Stephen King book from that library. My mother signed a paper stating I could check out any book I wanted. I was 11. I must have checked out thousands of books from the Roberts-Vaughan House. It was literally the best organized library I've ever been in. They had the fiction organized by genre. Cool. Libraries I have been in up North do not do that. :(
It's just kind of a bummer.
(I type House slightly sarcastically, as that is another aspect of it that has changed. It used to be the Roberts-Vaughan Center. )
{Historic Roberts-Vaughan House}
To here:
{Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library}
While I acknowledge that The Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library looks larger, especially as the Roberts-Vaughan House was only half-used as a library, but still. Bummer. I checked out my first Stephen King book from that library. My mother signed a paper stating I could check out any book I wanted. I was 11. I must have checked out thousands of books from the Roberts-Vaughan House. It was literally the best organized library I've ever been in. They had the fiction organized by genre. Cool. Libraries I have been in up North do not do that. :(
It's just kind of a bummer.
(I type House slightly sarcastically, as that is another aspect of it that has changed. It used to be the Roberts-Vaughan Center. )
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Question of Ethics
Jennifer from J. Leigh Designz received this email:
"I really don't think its fair that you enter contests when you can easily blog things. you should step aside and let regular people win these contests. I would hope that other bloggers wouldn't chose you if you were to win."
You can read her post here.
Now, personally, I have no problem with review/giveaway bloggers entering contests. Seriously, the entries would go way down if they didn't.
In my comment I flat out stated that some bloggers (very, very few) cheat.
Her response was:
"Oh I wasn't implying they cheat. I've seen many of my readers win on the sites in mind. I just wondered if maybe they didn't pick fellow review bloggers."
Here's my opinion on that subject. If you state that you will choose a number at random, then that is exactly what you should do. Your first number stands & IS the winner. (Except in the case of the original winner not following the rules; that's a different thing entirely) You don't get pick again because you don't like that entrant or because that person has won on your site recently or because that person is a fellow review blogger. The ONLY reason to push that button (or draw another name out of the hat or count the number of licks to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop, however you randomly choose) is if the first winner didn't follow the rules. Otherwise, it isn't random. It's picking & choosing.
And if you're going to do it that way, be honest. Say, I'm just going to choose whomever I feel like letting win today.
What do you think? Is it cheating to choose again?
"I really don't think its fair that you enter contests when you can easily blog things. you should step aside and let regular people win these contests. I would hope that other bloggers wouldn't chose you if you were to win."
You can read her post here.
Now, personally, I have no problem with review/giveaway bloggers entering contests. Seriously, the entries would go way down if they didn't.
In my comment I flat out stated that some bloggers (very, very few) cheat.
Her response was:
"Oh I wasn't implying they cheat. I've seen many of my readers win on the sites in mind. I just wondered if maybe they didn't pick fellow review bloggers."
Here's my opinion on that subject. If you state that you will choose a number at random, then that is exactly what you should do. Your first number stands & IS the winner. (Except in the case of the original winner not following the rules; that's a different thing entirely) You don't get pick again because you don't like that entrant or because that person has won on your site recently or because that person is a fellow review blogger. The ONLY reason to push that button (or draw another name out of the hat or count the number of licks to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop, however you randomly choose) is if the first winner didn't follow the rules. Otherwise, it isn't random. It's picking & choosing.
And if you're going to do it that way, be honest. Say, I'm just going to choose whomever I feel like letting win today.
What do you think? Is it cheating to choose again?
So Not Cool & Friday Follow
It was time to take the little rat, er, I mean dog out to do his nightly business when I see one of the feral cats that live in my neighborhood walking along the side of my house. I thought to myself, gee that's an ugly cat. Big, too.
This is what he looked like:
Yeah, I know. It's an opossum. I'm a genius sometimes. Luckily the wee dog was on his leash & we hadn't gone off the porch before I realized, not a cat.
So now I have an opossum under my house.
In case you're curious, opossums are not that afraid of people.
They do not have cuddly personalities.
Their diets are kinda gross.
He is going to have to go. Go back to whatever woodland Utopia he waddled away from to take up residence under my house. He can not stay.
Did I mention he was huge?
Yeah.
He has to go.
And now on to Friday Follow!
Welcome to Friday Follow, hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!
You know how this works. Grab the button, link your blog, and follow back when you get a new follower. This week there's a sponsor, so grab that button too & help keep Friday Follow rolling. It's a great way to meet new people, find interesting blogs to follow, & maybe even gain a few followers yourself!
Have fun!
Oh, and do not fear for the incredibly large marsupial that has taken up residence under my residence. I don't believe in slaughtering animals merely because of their uncomfortable proximity to human habitation. If he doesn't mosey on down the road on his own, he'll be live-trapped & relocated to a place where he is less likely to be damaged or do damage.
This is what he looked like:
Yeah, I know. It's an opossum. I'm a genius sometimes. Luckily the wee dog was on his leash & we hadn't gone off the porch before I realized, not a cat.
So now I have an opossum under my house.
In case you're curious, opossums are not that afraid of people.
They do not have cuddly personalities.
Their diets are kinda gross.
He is going to have to go. Go back to whatever woodland Utopia he waddled away from to take up residence under my house. He can not stay.
Did I mention he was huge?
Yeah.
He has to go.
And now on to Friday Follow!
Welcome to Friday Follow, hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!
You know how this works. Grab the button, link your blog, and follow back when you get a new follower. This week there's a sponsor, so grab that button too & help keep Friday Follow rolling. It's a great way to meet new people, find interesting blogs to follow, & maybe even gain a few followers yourself!
Have fun!
Oh, and do not fear for the incredibly large marsupial that has taken up residence under my residence. I don't believe in slaughtering animals merely because of their uncomfortable proximity to human habitation. If he doesn't mosey on down the road on his own, he'll be live-trapped & relocated to a place where he is less likely to be damaged or do damage.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
CSNStore.com Children's Bookshelf
I have a giveaway up for a children's bookshelf here.
Take a chance & enter. Someone has to win & it could be you!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Moo!!!!
I'm not very happy with myself right now. In May of 2009, after 8 months of keeping off the 37 pounds I had spent 6 months loosing, I was 13 pounds away from my optimum weight. I put on & zipped up a pair of jeans I bought when I was 13. OK, to be fair I couldn't sit down in them. Or, you know, breath, but the fact is, they were on & zipped! I gave away all of my fat clothes. I didn't need them anymore. I went clothes shopping. For myself.
Fast forward to now. I've regained all but 7 of the pounds I lost. So now I'm back to needing to loose 43 pounds. 43 POUNDS!!!
The really pathetic part is, I know how to loose weight. I know how to keep it off. But I got lazy. It really is just that simple. I step on the scale & think, oh, it's only a pound. Oh, It's only five pounds. It creeps up on you. I stopped walking 15,000 steps a day & settled for 10,000. Then it was 7500. Some days I'm only getting 5000.
This sucks. Really.
But fortunately, I know how to do this. I need to watch what I eat. I need to take 15,000 steps a day. And I need to drink more water.
At 1500 Calories + 15,000 steps + 150 ounces of water a day, I lost 30 pounds in eight weeks in 2 years ago. My weight loss slowed down after that, but I still lost pretty consistently. I can do that again. I will loose this weight.
Fast forward to now. I've regained all but 7 of the pounds I lost. So now I'm back to needing to loose 43 pounds. 43 POUNDS!!!
The really pathetic part is, I know how to loose weight. I know how to keep it off. But I got lazy. It really is just that simple. I step on the scale & think, oh, it's only a pound. Oh, It's only five pounds. It creeps up on you. I stopped walking 15,000 steps a day & settled for 10,000. Then it was 7500. Some days I'm only getting 5000.
This sucks. Really.
But fortunately, I know how to do this. I need to watch what I eat. I need to take 15,000 steps a day. And I need to drink more water.
At 1500 Calories + 15,000 steps + 150 ounces of water a day, I lost 30 pounds in eight weeks in 2 years ago. My weight loss slowed down after that, but I still lost pretty consistently. I can do that again. I will loose this weight.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Friday Follow Week #8
Welcome to the Eighth Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
- * Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
- * Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
- * Follow as many blogs as you like
- * Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
- * Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
Welcome Friday Followers!
Just A Few Things
1. If your computer was acting wonky today, it may not have been your computer. Google/Blogger has been having issues all day. After some research, they may have done some kind of "upgrade" last night/this morning. Slow loads, timing out, and site not found (not to mention missing widgets) are all problems I encountered today. I'm not the only one, as I read plenty of posts complaining of these same troubles. Seems to be working better now.
2. I am amazed at the number of bloggers who do not have a button. Not even "new" bloggers, but well-established, been around a while bloggers. If you would like a button, email me (gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com) & we'll see if we can work together to make you one.
3. If you do have a button & it isn't on my sidebar yet, I will get around to it. I have been sick this past week & still am, so haven't been getting as much done as I would like. I will catch up this weekend, I hope.
2. I am amazed at the number of bloggers who do not have a button. Not even "new" bloggers, but well-established, been around a while bloggers. If you would like a button, email me (gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com) & we'll see if we can work together to make you one.
3. If you do have a button & it isn't on my sidebar yet, I will get around to it. I have been sick this past week & still am, so haven't been getting as much done as I would like. I will catch up this weekend, I hope.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful
My Dad sent me these pictures. He lives about 6 miles down the road from me. Isn't Northwestern PA weather lovely? Friday was a snow day & Mohawk Man got to stay home & irritate his little sister all day long. The snow was so high on Saturday, we literally could not push open the back door. Things are starting to melt off, thankfully. Still, it's only March, so another month of random snow (at the least) and another 2 months of fairly chilly nights (and days).
My nephew gave me a cold. I've been sleeping away most of my weekend & have every intention of sleeping away as much of Monday as I can get away with. I was actually awake for a few hours last night. Sneezing, coughing, sinuses feel like they're filled with 15 pounds of cement, and Hubby says, "Here, read this."
It's an article in the newspaper about how people are going to the emergency room with flu-like symptoms. Only it's not the flu, it's a cold. A really bad, mega, virus-on-steroids cold. You know, sorta like I have? This particular cold is worse than & will last longer than a regular cold. Gee, thanks honey. I really needed to read that right now.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday Follow:
Another Friday Follow, Folks. Last week I didn't get to through as much of the list as I would have liked, but I will try to better this week :)
Welcome to the seventh Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here’s how YOU can join the celebration:
* Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below – Only need to on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
* Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots
* Follow as many blogs as you’d like
* Comment on the blogs telling them you’re from Friday Follow
* Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
*If you are interested in entering blog giveaways, please see Just Contest Stuff. I put up a list of 30 or more New Blog giveaways 5-7 days a week.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
How to Make a Button
Believe it or not, it's not that difficult. Henrietta, from A Hen's Nest, made the button for Just Contest Stuff, but I wanted to see if I could make one for this blog. And I can. So, if I Can do it, you can do it, too.
Start by finding ~OR~ designing your image. I found a free image on the web, but you can upload, scan or design your image however you feel comfortable.
Now, load that image to whatever photo editing software you know how to use. I used good old Paint. Stretch it, shrink it, add text. Play around, have fun with it. Get it how you want it. Easy peasy so far, right?
OK. So, you've got your image how you want it to look. The size is good, the colors fit your blog. Upload it to a photo hosting site {like Photobucket}.
This is my code:
Where I have http://pixie13-justrandomstuff.blogspot.com/, you need to cut that out & paste in your blog URL.
Where I have Just Random Stuff, you ned to cut that out & paste in the name of your blog.
Where I have http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad168/pixie13sweeps/fractal_sirograph_blue.jpg, you need to cut that out & paste in the direct link to your image in Photobucket (or where ever)
And it looks like this:
Button made. Yay!
I really tried to put up the code for the code box but can't get it to show. I can email it to you if you want it.
Start by finding ~OR~ designing your image. I found a free image on the web, but you can upload, scan or design your image however you feel comfortable.
Now, load that image to whatever photo editing software you know how to use. I used good old Paint. Stretch it, shrink it, add text. Play around, have fun with it. Get it how you want it. Easy peasy so far, right?
OK. So, you've got your image how you want it to look. The size is good, the colors fit your blog. Upload it to a photo hosting site {like Photobucket}.
This is my code:
Where I have http://pixie13-justrandomstuff.blogspot.com/, you need to cut that out & paste in your blog URL.
Where I have Just Random Stuff, you ned to cut that out & paste in the name of your blog.
Where I have http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad168/pixie13sweeps/fractal_sirograph_blue.jpg, you need to cut that out & paste in the direct link to your image in Photobucket (or where ever)
And it looks like this:
Button made. Yay!
I really tried to put up the code for the code box but can't get it to show. I can email it to you if you want it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My Last Straw
This past week has been just a bit too much for my tight schedule. Kitten had grandma & grandpa over for lunch on Thusrday, and it took most of the morning to make lunch, cupcakes, and visit. Friday's "sleepover" lasted well into Saturday. Sunday my husband had a bad headache & took the whole day to recover, AND my one of my cats got out. He's decided that living outside with the feral colony is so much more fun than being safe inside a nice warm house. Can't catch him no matter what I do.
It was my turn for a headache yesterday. A 3 hour nap in the afternoon & went to bed at 10:00pm.
I got up this morning, ready to go! I'm going to catch up with it all! Nope. During the night, my internet provider "upgraded" the system. Fun. Every time they do that, I end up on the phone for an hour, trying to fix my connection. This morning was even better. 3 1/2 hours after I turned on my computer I can finally clear my reader, answer emails, and put up at least a few things. I am, at this point, so far behind that I can't possibly catch up with the giveaways sitting starred in my reader.
So I'm not going to try. I am turning off my computer. I'm going to have a late lunch, then play with my daughter. Do a little cleaning, maybe a bit of knitting, maybe read a bit.
At some point today I may get back online. Later. Much, much later.
It was my turn for a headache yesterday. A 3 hour nap in the afternoon & went to bed at 10:00pm.
I got up this morning, ready to go! I'm going to catch up with it all! Nope. During the night, my internet provider "upgraded" the system. Fun. Every time they do that, I end up on the phone for an hour, trying to fix my connection. This morning was even better. 3 1/2 hours after I turned on my computer I can finally clear my reader, answer emails, and put up at least a few things. I am, at this point, so far behind that I can't possibly catch up with the giveaways sitting starred in my reader.
So I'm not going to try. I am turning off my computer. I'm going to have a late lunch, then play with my daughter. Do a little cleaning, maybe a bit of knitting, maybe read a bit.
At some point today I may get back online. Later. Much, much later.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Ahh, Family
Sooo.....My brother calls me last night.
Brother: Can I ask you for a favor?
Me (rather warily): Um, what?
Brother: Can you watch the kids tomorrow? Please?
Me: For how long?
Brother: Overnight? I'll pay you $30.
Me: {after conversation with husband} OKaaaaay.
Brother gives proper thanks, tells me time of drop off/pick up. Says good-bye & I hang up the phone.
Fast forward to this evening. I am now in charge of 4 children under the age of ten & 1 surly teenager. 5 hours of settling disputes, distributing food & drink & making sure all sanitary procedures are followed after using the restroom, and I finally get to sit down. Are they asleep? No, only the teenager. But, hey, 10:00 PM is quiet time, guys.
By 10:30, the first 4 year old is finally asleep. An hour later Kitten finally gives up the fight & conks out. Now if I could just get the other 2 to accept reality. C'mon guys, it's almost midnight & auntie is tired!
Brother: Can I ask you for a favor?
Me (rather warily): Um, what?
Brother: Can you watch the kids tomorrow? Please?
Me: For how long?
Brother: Overnight? I'll pay you $30.
Me: {after conversation with husband} OKaaaaay.
Brother gives proper thanks, tells me time of drop off/pick up. Says good-bye & I hang up the phone.
Fast forward to this evening. I am now in charge of 4 children under the age of ten & 1 surly teenager. 5 hours of settling disputes, distributing food & drink & making sure all sanitary procedures are followed after using the restroom, and I finally get to sit down. Are they asleep? No, only the teenager. But, hey, 10:00 PM is quiet time, guys.
By 10:30, the first 4 year old is finally asleep. An hour later Kitten finally gives up the fight & conks out. Now if I could just get the other 2 to accept reality. C'mon guys, it's almost midnight & auntie is tired!
Friday Follow
Hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades
Here's how YOU can join the celebration: {From Midday Escapades}
- * Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky here.
- * Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
- * Follow as many blogs as you like
- * Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
- * Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
*If you are interested in entering blog giveaways, please see Just Contest Stuff. I put up a list of 30 or more New Blog giveaways 5-7 days a week.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Swagbucks
What is Swagbucks? Swagbucks is basically a search engine. You get rewarded with swagbucks for searching the web. You also get rewarded for other things, like shopping, completing offers, viewing vidoes, signing up for sites, etc. You can trade your swagbucks in for all sorts of different rewards. A $5 Amazon GC takes 45 Swagbucks.
If you haven't signed up yet, you may want to do so before February 25, as there is supposed to be a huge birthday celebration.
You can sign up using the widget.
If you haven't signed up yet, you may want to do so before February 25, as there is supposed to be a huge birthday celebration.
You can sign up using the widget.
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Lunch Punch®
For those who haven't seen them, The Lunch Punch® is a food cutter specifically designed for cutting the crusts off of your sandwiches with minimal waste. The Lunch Punch® is taller than a cookie cutter, so it easily cuts through two pieces of bread without "squishing" them.
I won a set of The Lunch Punch® from Sugar Pop Ribbons & couldn't wait to get them in the mail. I opted for the Match & Munch™ set. I LOVE companies that go above & beyond what they promise! Not only did I receive the Match & Munch™ set, they also sent the Critter Cutters™ set!
Kitten loves them. But of course, it isn't that dificult to impress a four year old. Mohawk Man loves them, too. (Psst! Don't tell him I told you) It is much more difficult to impress an "I'm-too-cool-for-everything" Teenager. He was actually all like, "Cool!" and "I have to make myself a sandwich!" (A miracle in & of itself)
And The Lunch Punch® sets actually work. I really hate it when you get something & it only sorta-kinda works like it's supposed to. I didn't have that disappointment with The Lunch Punch®. They actually cut right through the bread & filling with no problems.
The Lunch Punch® can be bought in the US at Sweet Madys for $14.00 a set.
FTC: I won these on another blog. No one asked me to write about them; no one asked me to link to anyone. I just think this is a neat product that actually does what it claims to do, & wanted to let people know. I received no compensation for this post.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What Do You Do If You Don't Like a Book? (or product or whatever?)
Today I read a review of a book that was just plain ugly.
The blogger obviously did not like the book. OK. Check. Got it. Not sayin' lie about it.
But goodness.
I have not read the book in question. I have read a lot of reviews about the book, though, and while none of them were a gushing recommendation, most were fairly positive.
I'll be the first to acknowledge tact is not a native characteristic for me, and I have been known to offend people with my opinions. I get being honest. But even I cringed for this poor author. The review was that brutal.
So what do you do? Do you try to find something positive to say? Do you say it wasn't for me, but if you like XYZ maybe it would be for you? Do you return it to the author/company & tell them you can't write a positive review for them? Or do you open up with both barrels & blast away?
The blogger obviously did not like the book. OK. Check. Got it. Not sayin' lie about it.
But goodness.
I have not read the book in question. I have read a lot of reviews about the book, though, and while none of them were a gushing recommendation, most were fairly positive.
I'll be the first to acknowledge tact is not a native characteristic for me, and I have been known to offend people with my opinions. I get being honest. But even I cringed for this poor author. The review was that brutal.
So what do you do? Do you try to find something positive to say? Do you say it wasn't for me, but if you like XYZ maybe it would be for you? Do you return it to the author/company & tell them you can't write a positive review for them? Or do you open up with both barrels & blast away?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Update
Uh-huh. I have been accused of unnatural searches. (Sounds rah-ther perverse, doesn't it?) My Swagbucks account has been re-instated. The irony here being is that I can't actually use the Swagbucks search engine as I naturally would, else I am accused of unnatural searches. Ah, well. Back to Google I go.
Huh?
Swagbucks deactivated my account! What? WHY? According to the rules, there are 3 possible reasons:
1. I have more than 1 account. ~~~Nope
2. There is more than one account registered to this household.~~~Again, nope.
3. I am using it wrong (IE "unnatural" searches.)~~~Huh?
Yup, I do a LOT of searches. Yup, I click on the same websites many times a day. But, the rules also state that if Swagbucks thinks you are "cheating" they will give you a warning. Did I get a warning? Nope.
Ah, but there may be a clue in the "Search Engine Sweepstakes" official rules.
"The browser through which you access Sponsor's website to enter must accept cookies or any similar, successor, known, or hereinafter devised technology which Sponsor does or may use to track Sweepstakes entries. Sponsor will not disclose any cookie results to third parties except as required under statute, court order, warrant, subpoena, or any other legal process"
So...I wonder...does the fact that my cookies clear EVERY time I close my browser have something to do with it? If leaving cookies on my computer is the price to pay for Swagbucks, no, uh-uh.
I have emailed Swagbucks & am waiting to see if I get a response.
Having been doing this for a grand total of 3 weeks, I'm sure I've made mistakes.
Still, if I am doing something wrong, a warning (which they clearly say they will give you) would have been nice.
So not happy right now }:-(
1. I have more than 1 account. ~~~Nope
2. There is more than one account registered to this household.~~~Again, nope.
3. I am using it wrong (IE "unnatural" searches.)~~~Huh?
Yup, I do a LOT of searches. Yup, I click on the same websites many times a day. But, the rules also state that if Swagbucks thinks you are "cheating" they will give you a warning. Did I get a warning? Nope.
Ah, but there may be a clue in the "Search Engine Sweepstakes" official rules.
"The browser through which you access Sponsor's website to enter must accept cookies or any similar, successor, known, or hereinafter devised technology which Sponsor does or may use to track Sweepstakes entries. Sponsor will not disclose any cookie results to third parties except as required under statute, court order, warrant, subpoena, or any other legal process"
So...I wonder...does the fact that my cookies clear EVERY time I close my browser have something to do with it? If leaving cookies on my computer is the price to pay for Swagbucks, no, uh-uh.
I have emailed Swagbucks & am waiting to see if I get a response.
Having been doing this for a grand total of 3 weeks, I'm sure I've made mistakes.
Still, if I am doing something wrong, a warning (which they clearly say they will give you) would have been nice.
So not happy right now }:-(
Book Review: King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls
A disaster of tremendous proportions destroys our world. An asteroid crashes into the moon, causing global upheaval & changing the human race forever. A million years into the future, Prince Harris O'Aidyn must learn to be a King & draw his land back together. His allies are shapeshifters, psychics, and magic. But so are his enemies.
I liked this book. In fact, I loved this book. I've been wanting to read it since September, when I first saw it on another blog. The story is one of the past set in the future. The writing is fantastic, with nothing to skip over or skim through.
What is even more amazing is the fact that the book is self-published. I LOVE that the author was willing to take such a chance on herself. If you like fantasy, I really think you should give this book a try.
To buy on Amazon
To buy on Barnes & Noble
Authors websites
Anna's Obsession
Anna's Passion
{psst! FTC Geniuses: I bought this book myself. I received no monetary compensation for this review. I just like the book. kthanxbai}
I liked this book. In fact, I loved this book. I've been wanting to read it since September, when I first saw it on another blog. The story is one of the past set in the future. The writing is fantastic, with nothing to skip over or skim through.
What is even more amazing is the fact that the book is self-published. I LOVE that the author was willing to take such a chance on herself. If you like fantasy, I really think you should give this book a try.
To buy on Amazon
To buy on Barnes & Noble
Authors websites
Anna's Obsession
Anna's Passion
{psst! FTC Geniuses: I bought this book myself. I received no monetary compensation for this review. I just like the book. kthanxbai}
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wins for 2010
1. Progresso Panko prize pack from Mommy's Memorandum 1/1 received 1/12
2. $100 Visa GC from Megan's Rad Reviews 1/3 received 1/28
3. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep & Never Had To from Knopf Doubleday 1/6 received 1/19
4. Rimmel Urban Seductress makeup palette from Martian Delights 1/10 received 1/21
5. Kodak Printer from Natural Mommie 1/12 received 2/4
6. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County from Bookin' with Bingo 1/16 received 2/5
7. The Survivors Club from The Cajun Book Lady 1/16 received 1/28
8. Travel Buddy from Steals & Deals 1/18 received ???
9. Points of Power from You Wanna Know What I Think? 1/20 received ???
10. Girly Stuff from Mama Mirage Reviews & Giveaways 1/21 received 1/28
11. $20 GC Hollywood Cookie Diet Store from 512Kidz 1/22 received 1/22
12. Book from ? 1/23 received 2/2
13. Love in 90 Days from 1/25 received 2/5
14. Seduced by a Rogue at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf 1/30
15. Lunch Punch set from Sugar Pop Ribbons 1/31
16. Sleep No More from My Guilty Pleasures 1/31
17. Swan Thieves from Thoughts from an Evil Overlord 1/31
18. Single Husbands at Roxanne's Realm 2/2
19. Valentine Pack from MiMi's Mini Tales 2/2 received 2/8
20. WondaWedge from Sugar Pop Ribbons 2/3
21. Bamboosa Pajamas from The Penny-Pinching Mama 2/4
22. Gentlemen Prefer Succubi from You Wanna Know What I Think? 2/5
23. Denise's Daily Dozen from My Reading Room 2/5
24. Kitty's House of Horrors from Readaholic 2/6
25. Ecstacy Unveiled at Zesty Nachos 2/7
26. Countess of Scandal from Roxanne Rhoads 2/9
27. Durex from Misadventures in Baby Raising 2/13
28. Organix at One Income Dollar 2/14
29. Wilton Heart Shaped from Cake Mom 2/17
30. Eden Fantasys $25 Gc from Things That Make You Go Yay! 2/20
31. A Black Tie Affair from Starting Fresh 2/24
32. Powerhouse Hit The Deck from Tara's View of the World 2/25
33. Jordan from Freda's Voice 2/26
2. $100 Visa GC from Megan's Rad Reviews 1/3 received 1/28
3. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep & Never Had To from Knopf Doubleday 1/6 received 1/19
4. Rimmel Urban Seductress makeup palette from Martian Delights 1/10 received 1/21
5. Kodak Printer from Natural Mommie 1/12 received 2/4
6. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County from Bookin' with Bingo 1/16 received 2/5
7. The Survivors Club from The Cajun Book Lady 1/16 received 1/28
8. Travel Buddy from Steals & Deals 1/18 received ???
9. Points of Power from You Wanna Know What I Think? 1/20 received ???
10. Girly Stuff from Mama Mirage Reviews & Giveaways 1/21 received 1/28
11. $20 GC Hollywood Cookie Diet Store from 512Kidz 1/22 received 1/22
12. Book from ? 1/23 received 2/2
13. Love in 90 Days from 1/25 received 2/5
14. Seduced by a Rogue at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf 1/30
15. Lunch Punch set from Sugar Pop Ribbons 1/31
16. Sleep No More from My Guilty Pleasures 1/31
17. Swan Thieves from Thoughts from an Evil Overlord 1/31
18. Single Husbands at Roxanne's Realm 2/2
19. Valentine Pack from MiMi's Mini Tales 2/2 received 2/8
20. WondaWedge from Sugar Pop Ribbons 2/3
21. Bamboosa Pajamas from The Penny-Pinching Mama 2/4
22. Gentlemen Prefer Succubi from You Wanna Know What I Think? 2/5
23. Denise's Daily Dozen from My Reading Room 2/5
24. Kitty's House of Horrors from Readaholic 2/6
25. Ecstacy Unveiled at Zesty Nachos 2/7
26. Countess of Scandal from Roxanne Rhoads 2/9
27. Durex from Misadventures in Baby Raising 2/13
28. Organix at One Income Dollar 2/14
29. Wilton Heart Shaped from Cake Mom 2/17
30. Eden Fantasys $25 Gc from Things That Make You Go Yay! 2/20
31. A Black Tie Affair from Starting Fresh 2/24
32. Powerhouse Hit The Deck from Tara's View of the World 2/25
33. Jordan from Freda's Voice 2/26
Sugar Doll Award
CC Chronicles was nice enough to give me this award on Wednesday. I love her book reviews. They are short & honest & well-written. If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you really should.
I'm supposed to tell you ten things about myself & then pass the award along to other bloggers.
1. I can knit, crochet & quilt.
2. I read 20-30 books a month.
3. I was born in North Carolina & spent most of my childhood there.
4. I don't care much for instructions & feel things like "recipes" & "patterns" are merely suggestions.
5. I don't have "favorites". No favorite song, movie, color, book, writer, etc.
6. I will be watching the Superbowl today & will be rooting for the Saints.
7. My nails grow freakishly fast. I find it very difficult to do anything with short nails.
8. I'm a cat person. I currently have 3 indoor cats & feed a feral colony that lives in my neighborhood.
Seriously, I can't think of anything else. So... to pass this along...
1. Henrietta at A Hen's Nest
2. Julee at Mommy's Memorandum
OK. I can't think of anybody else right now.
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