...in Action
Sorry. It has been hectic. It has been stressful. And to top it off I have only just gotten over a 10-day fibromyalgia headache. Not only did I not feel like moaning about it, but looking at the computer screen only made it worse, so I haven't even been lurking. Reading e-mails was about all I could possibly manage. Replying was often too much. I will soon do so to those of you who sent personal queries about my absence. I am better now. Not 100%, but better.
...all the Fun.
Reading was not much better. And my brain was so fried that I found I could hardly remember what I had just read. The only good side is that I get to catch up on all the lovely book reports about the Day to Read that was the brainstorm of the lovely SMID. I owe her one and feel very jealous that I could not take part. But I am sure there will be a next time.
...the Point.
Blogging is something that had become part of my daily routine. And I had some specific things that are close to my heart that I wanted to write about. But somehow I have gotten sidetracked by, well...Life, that thing that happens while we are busy making other plans. I am hoping that things will settle down a bit soon and I can again address some of my favorite topics like science, astronomy, and various ways to make sense of all the chaos around us!
...Link.
Well actually, many links. Singular Saturday. Soap Opera Sunday. Music Monday. Day to Read. And so many fun memes, awards, interviews, challenges, questions,... (sigh). I need to get back into this, but am afraid I will have to do it slowly. And I have a lot of reading to catch up on!
...all of You.
Thanks for the lovely e-mails. It is nice to be missed but I do feel somewhat guilty for not replying sooner. I feel a bit disconnected and kinda lost, but I am confident that as soon as I start reading and commenting I will also be hearing back from you all.
Showing posts with label Links. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Links. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, December 3, 2007
Who is Coming to Your House? (Part VI)
The songs that are sung to welcome SinterKlaas and Zwarte Piet into our celebrations are a big part of the Dutch tradition. On Jenn's blog you can see a video of one of the songs. There are sometimes different versions of the old standards with some rap versions making the rounds the last couple of years. Whenever you see Sint or if he is coming, or maybe you'll see one of his Piet-bands making the rounds, it doesn't matter, you will always hear singing! And the tunes are kind of catchy so they are not hard to learn! But of course if you don't speak Dutch, then these don't mean a lot. Therefore I give you some of the translations I have found of some of the most popular songs. But please note, these are not literal translations, but rhyming songs that have a similar meaning to the Dutch songs. This makes it easy for the ex-pats to take part in the celebration with their own English versions (Sint of course understands English, unlike many of the Piets).
Click on the titles of the songs to hear a recording of the music only and try to sing along yourself! And with this I make my first entry into:
Wanna hear more tunes? Check out Soccer Mom in Denial. In fact, have a good look around 'cuz Allison's always coming up with cool stuff like this!
Click on the titles of the songs to hear a recording of the music only and try to sing along yourself! And with this I make my first entry into:
Wanna hear more tunes? Check out Soccer Mom in Denial. In fact, have a good look around 'cuz Allison's always coming up with cool stuff like this!Enjoy!! Only 3 more days until SinterKlaas!
Source: "Saint Nicholas in Holland", Het Parool, Theo Ramaker | |
| Sinterklaas Kapoentje Sinterklaas Kapoentje | Nicholas I beg of You Nicholas I beg of you |
| Sinterklaasje kom maar binnen Sinterklaasje kom maar binnen met je knecht. En we zingen en we springen en we zijn zo blij, | Good Saint Nich'las Good Saint Nich'las is in Holland once again And we're singing, voices ringing, and our hearts rejoice. |
| O, kom er eens kijken... Meisjes: Jongens: | O, come have a look at... Girls:
|
| Zie de maan schijnt... Zie de maan schijnt door de bomen, Vol verwachting klopt ons hart, | Bright December moon... Bright December moon is beaming, |
| Zie ginds komt de stoomboot Zie ginds komt de stoomboot Zijn knecht staat te lachen en roept ons reeds toe: | Look here comes the steamer Look, there is the steamer from far a-way lands. Black Peter is laughing and tells ev'ry one, |
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§
I hope you are enjoying this series and learning a bit about Dutch culture. Tomorrow is the last one and I will be sharing my favorite recipe for using leftover "pepernoten" (but don't worry, it also works with ginger snaps, and "Spekulasius". Or if all else fails, I include a simple recipe to make your own Pepernoten!
Friday, August 31, 2007
15 Links to Help Change the World
One of my favorite bloggers is a bit frustrated with the world she is currently dealing with and complained about the lack of sites where she can read about people who are trying to improve the world. I have a number of sites that I visit that do talk about efforts to help the world that I will be writing about in a future blog. But for this week's Friday Fifteen, I thought I would share with you some sites where YOU can make a difference.
For my last "round" birthday, I requested and received a number of donation gifts that made me feel I was "giving back" to the world. And at my girls' school they also have various donation drives where they give to charities, but in a specific, visible fashion. I include these sites here, along with others that have similar aims. Almost all of these sites also include a gift card (some via email) or a newsletter, poster or some other small token that you can send to the gift recipient.
So here is my list of links that allow you to help make the world a better place, one gift at a time...
1. Trees for the Future This is a great gift for a class or school, or for anyone concerned about the environment. As part of the funds that the PTA gets from the recycling of old paper, we go the next step and actually purchase trees. The last time we raised over $100 we were able to purchase a forest! Along with the certificate, the recipient gets regular newsletters and materials that can be used in class for a lesson on reforestation projects. This is also a great site to use as a resource for school reports.
2. Care for the Wild International I have not yet found an equivalent site in the US, but this UK site also will send materials and gift certificates to the US for a slight charge. What I love about this site is that you can choose the animals that you want to "adopt". DD1 is really into dolphins and fierce animals, while DD2 is more into the cuddly -looking favorites. And don't forget rhinos and elephants!. Don't forget to figure that you must convert from British pounds to US Dollars, or you may end up spending more than you planned.
3. Oxfam International Located in a large number of countries in the world, this is a fantastic site for families. Not only do they have donation gifts at every level for almost any occasion, but their sites are full of information about various projects all over the world. Great resource for school projects as well as a fantastic gift site. I received a number of presents from here for my last birthday (chickens, a can a worms, a goat, ...)! Check out their "Unwrapped" section!
4. Project Concern International Focused on prevention of disease, famine and clean water, this site has a number of different projects that might speak to a family's special interests. Check out their "Gifts of Life" Catalogue.
5. Changing the Present Especially for those interested in agriculture and education projects with values from $10 to $150. This site also has information about the tax deductions you can get with your donation.
6. International Child Care As the name implies, this site is focused on projects for children. It even shows how $0.25 can help to feed a child. Great use of children's allowances where they want to make their own contributions.
7. Educate the Children Focused on the women and children of Nepal, this is a great choice for a family that wants to put its focus on a specific country.
8. Heifer International You might have heard about this site on the Oprah show. It involves the gift of a calf or goat (or other livestock) that allows a family to feed itself.
9. Universal Giving Focused on education, you can donate a school, computers, education for one child etc. gifts start at $10.00.
10. Carbonfund Want to offset the carbon impact of a party, wedding or event? Or even just ease your conscience and offset your own carbon footprint? This site allows you to calculate your impact and to contribute to a fund used to plant trees and other activities to compensate for carbon output. Great was to educte kids about our environmental impact.
11. Humane Society Want something closer to home? This site is for the Franklin Humane Society in Michigan. It has a number of different gifts that allow for the care and feeding of animals at the shelter. But I'm sure your local shelter has some similar kind of set-up, even if it isn't online. Even if you can't care for a pet in your home, you can still show your love of animals in this kind of donation.
12. Global Giving This site has a number of different projects and allows for selection by region, topic, project, or donation level. Great variety of projects and levels to choose from.
13. Alternative Gifts International Want to see what you can get for the price of a take-out meal or a pedicure? A great variety of projects with cost comparisons that bring the message to heart.
14. Network for Good Similar to many of the other sites, but with "gift baskets" associated with specific projects including familiar charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, etc.
15. One World is Enough And if you really want to give a gift that someone can hold in their hands, these fair trade gifts ensure that a good portion of the sales price goes to the craftsperson. Some great ethnic clothing gifts!
Happy Weekend!!
If you want to visit other Friday Fifteen entries, check out this site!
For my last "round" birthday, I requested and received a number of donation gifts that made me feel I was "giving back" to the world. And at my girls' school they also have various donation drives where they give to charities, but in a specific, visible fashion. I include these sites here, along with others that have similar aims. Almost all of these sites also include a gift card (some via email) or a newsletter, poster or some other small token that you can send to the gift recipient.
So here is my list of links that allow you to help make the world a better place, one gift at a time...
1. Trees for the Future This is a great gift for a class or school, or for anyone concerned about the environment. As part of the funds that the PTA gets from the recycling of old paper, we go the next step and actually purchase trees. The last time we raised over $100 we were able to purchase a forest! Along with the certificate, the recipient gets regular newsletters and materials that can be used in class for a lesson on reforestation projects. This is also a great site to use as a resource for school reports.
2. Care for the Wild International I have not yet found an equivalent site in the US, but this UK site also will send materials and gift certificates to the US for a slight charge. What I love about this site is that you can choose the animals that you want to "adopt". DD1 is really into dolphins and fierce animals, while DD2 is more into the cuddly -looking favorites. And don't forget rhinos and elephants!. Don't forget to figure that you must convert from British pounds to US Dollars, or you may end up spending more than you planned.
3. Oxfam International Located in a large number of countries in the world, this is a fantastic site for families. Not only do they have donation gifts at every level for almost any occasion, but their sites are full of information about various projects all over the world. Great resource for school projects as well as a fantastic gift site. I received a number of presents from here for my last birthday (chickens, a can a worms, a goat, ...)! Check out their "Unwrapped" section!
4. Project Concern International Focused on prevention of disease, famine and clean water, this site has a number of different projects that might speak to a family's special interests. Check out their "Gifts of Life" Catalogue.
5. Changing the Present Especially for those interested in agriculture and education projects with values from $10 to $150. This site also has information about the tax deductions you can get with your donation.
6. International Child Care As the name implies, this site is focused on projects for children. It even shows how $0.25 can help to feed a child. Great use of children's allowances where they want to make their own contributions.
7. Educate the Children Focused on the women and children of Nepal, this is a great choice for a family that wants to put its focus on a specific country.
8. Heifer International You might have heard about this site on the Oprah show. It involves the gift of a calf or goat (or other livestock) that allows a family to feed itself.
9. Universal Giving Focused on education, you can donate a school, computers, education for one child etc. gifts start at $10.00.
10. Carbonfund Want to offset the carbon impact of a party, wedding or event? Or even just ease your conscience and offset your own carbon footprint? This site allows you to calculate your impact and to contribute to a fund used to plant trees and other activities to compensate for carbon output. Great was to educte kids about our environmental impact.
11. Humane Society Want something closer to home? This site is for the Franklin Humane Society in Michigan. It has a number of different gifts that allow for the care and feeding of animals at the shelter. But I'm sure your local shelter has some similar kind of set-up, even if it isn't online. Even if you can't care for a pet in your home, you can still show your love of animals in this kind of donation.
12. Global Giving This site has a number of different projects and allows for selection by region, topic, project, or donation level. Great variety of projects and levels to choose from.
13. Alternative Gifts International Want to see what you can get for the price of a take-out meal or a pedicure? A great variety of projects with cost comparisons that bring the message to heart.
14. Network for Good Similar to many of the other sites, but with "gift baskets" associated with specific projects including familiar charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, etc.
15. One World is Enough And if you really want to give a gift that someone can hold in their hands, these fair trade gifts ensure that a good portion of the sales price goes to the craftsperson. Some great ethnic clothing gifts!
Happy Weekend!!
If you want to visit other Friday Fifteen entries, check out this site!
Friday, August 24, 2007
15 "DaddyBlogs" worth a visit
When I was organizing my bookmark folders, I realized that among all the "Mommy- blogs" that I read almost daily, I also have a number of "Daddy-blogs" that I also check out regularly. While I times the "testosterone levels" are a bit overwhelming, I still enjoy occasionally getting a view into their different perspectives. What is funny is that very few of these guys have "blogrolls" so it seems that they aren't interested in linking, etc.( I don't believe it as every good blogger wants to share their thoughts!) As I have recently come across a number that caused me to giggle or gasp in admiration, thought I would share them for this week's list:
1. & 2. The View From Here and Real Dads, both by the (in)famous Gunfighter, as macho as they come with his crime-fightin' self, he's a real softie at heart and a conscious and concerned father. The first blog he addresses many other topics than fatherhood, but his family still makes it into this blog on a regular basis. The second is an unabashed celebration of fatherhood.
3. Dad Gone Mad I sympathize with this guy's wife in a lot of his blogs. I read his male perspective and know that she is just shaking her head in frustration. But it does make for a good laugh, especially his solo-Daddy adventures.
4. My Grimm Reality The flip side to Leslie's My Mommy's Place , Dave's blog often tells the same story but from his perspective. You just know that if they don't manage to drive each other crazy, they have a fun marriage! He also does some great takes on fatherhood.
5. Greg's Random Bits Often more about his personal views than family issues, but still he demonstrates a middle-aged father's perspective on a number of issues.
6. View From the Cloud Another Dad's perspective on life, this time refreshingly G-rated, with the effects of the defective X-chromosome that make it so funny for Mom's to read.
7. Riley Central Not only a Dad, but also an elementary school teacher, Damien's better half also has a great MommyBlog Party of Five.
8. Chocolate Makes It Better You gotta love a guy who uses this as his blog tittle! It let's you overlook the swearing!
9. Dadcentric Not just one, but a group of Dad's. Makes for a real wide range of topics especially as they seem to try and one-up one another (as men do...)!
10. MetroDad A serious NYC-er, which means his world is several dimensions away from anything I've ever known. But his angst and frustrations are still things I can relate to and he is funny!
11. Where boys Fear to Tread A stay-at-home Dad's perspective. Most of his comments are from other Dad's, many of them only 1 or 2 words! Viva la difference!
12. Pirate Papa A true anarchist with some interesting views. At times the "pirate style" can be a bit over the top, but it's still a good read!
13. An Open Letter writes an open letter to his son Michael. Touching, funny, slice-of-life moments. (I started journals to my daughters years ago along the same lines, but didn't get past age 4 with either of them.)
14.Dad Daily is a social network where a number of Dads submit blogs. It is generally pretty G-rated and has different member groups. What I like best is the variety of topics that are written about.
15.DadLabs This site has various videos by Dads. Some are really hilarious and a level above YouTube as there seems to be little men like better than playing with their high-tech toys. It's nice to know that even SuperDad has his troubles!
As I often just lurk and don't comment, a few of these fellas may be surprised at their inclusion here. If they check Technorati then I have just outed myself (Hi guys!). Or if you visit and leave a comment, tell them I said "Hello"!
For other Friday Fifteen lists, please visit links available from this site:
1. & 2. The View From Here and Real Dads, both by the (in)famous Gunfighter, as macho as they come with his crime-fightin' self, he's a real softie at heart and a conscious and concerned father. The first blog he addresses many other topics than fatherhood, but his family still makes it into this blog on a regular basis. The second is an unabashed celebration of fatherhood.
3. Dad Gone Mad I sympathize with this guy's wife in a lot of his blogs. I read his male perspective and know that she is just shaking her head in frustration. But it does make for a good laugh, especially his solo-Daddy adventures.
4. My Grimm Reality The flip side to Leslie's My Mommy's Place , Dave's blog often tells the same story but from his perspective. You just know that if they don't manage to drive each other crazy, they have a fun marriage! He also does some great takes on fatherhood.
5. Greg's Random Bits Often more about his personal views than family issues, but still he demonstrates a middle-aged father's perspective on a number of issues.
6. View From the Cloud Another Dad's perspective on life, this time refreshingly G-rated, with the effects of the defective X-chromosome that make it so funny for Mom's to read.
7. Riley Central Not only a Dad, but also an elementary school teacher, Damien's better half also has a great MommyBlog Party of Five.
8. Chocolate Makes It Better You gotta love a guy who uses this as his blog tittle! It let's you overlook the swearing!
9. Dadcentric Not just one, but a group of Dad's. Makes for a real wide range of topics especially as they seem to try and one-up one another (as men do...)!
10. MetroDad A serious NYC-er, which means his world is several dimensions away from anything I've ever known. But his angst and frustrations are still things I can relate to and he is funny!
11. Where boys Fear to Tread A stay-at-home Dad's perspective. Most of his comments are from other Dad's, many of them only 1 or 2 words! Viva la difference!
12. Pirate Papa A true anarchist with some interesting views. At times the "pirate style" can be a bit over the top, but it's still a good read!
13. An Open Letter writes an open letter to his son Michael. Touching, funny, slice-of-life moments. (I started journals to my daughters years ago along the same lines, but didn't get past age 4 with either of them.)
14.Dad Daily is a social network where a number of Dads submit blogs. It is generally pretty G-rated and has different member groups. What I like best is the variety of topics that are written about.
15.DadLabs This site has various videos by Dads. Some are really hilarious and a level above YouTube as there seems to be little men like better than playing with their high-tech toys. It's nice to know that even SuperDad has his troubles!
As I often just lurk and don't comment, a few of these fellas may be surprised at their inclusion here. If they check Technorati then I have just outed myself (Hi guys!). Or if you visit and leave a comment, tell them I said "Hello"!
For other Friday Fifteen lists, please visit links available from this site:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Placing the Blame!!
You know the ones we're talking about. Those bloggers with their memes, interviews, contests. You can't stop thinking about it. You keep on entering, or modifying your entry. You think about something else you want to say. You add to what you've written or submit another entry or find yourself tagged yet again for another meme. Or maybe it's a quiz that you can't stop taking. Or a post where the comments are fast and furious and you can't stop checking on what else someone else has said. Suddenly, you find that this whole theme has taken over your thoughts while riding or driving, your quiet time when you should be working, your dreams at night, your blog! We (a self-appointed committee of like-minded bloggers) decided it was time to give credit where it's due and have developed this very special "Blame It On THIS Blog!" Award.
The rules are simple.
1. Sometimes we all want to blame someone. If you know of a deserving blogger, please submit your nomination and reasons for placing the "Blame" to the Award committee: Jenn-in Holland, Soccer Mom In Denial, Jami and myself. No one wants to be "Blamed" for everything, so please limit your reasons for nominating to specific and deserving instances where "Blame" should be given. Recipients of the "Blame" will receive this cool button
they can display on their blog along with their "Mea Culpa" at their own convenience. The Award committee wants to remind all bloggers that they should not be discouraged if their nominee does not get an award the first time as there is plenty of "Blame" to go around and at any future time it may be deservedly placed!.
2. Anyone who has received the "Blame" is also free to pass it on to another blogger, once!
We hope all recipients of the "Blame" award will accept it in the humorous spirit in which is has been conceived!
And now to announce the recipient of this first award, jointly and unanimously determined by the committee:
Yes, Leslie had the brainstorm of "Haiku Buckaroo..." which took over our blogs and comments and literally drove us all crazy (along with many in our vicinity) over the last few weeks. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this "Blame" and am proud to pass it on to her. (Hope she learns her lesson, but it doesn't look promising...)
Congratulatios Leslie, show your button with pride.
Got anyone else you think deserves the "Blame"? Let us know!!
The rules are simple.
1. Sometimes we all want to blame someone. If you know of a deserving blogger, please submit your nomination and reasons for placing the "Blame" to the Award committee: Jenn-in Holland, Soccer Mom In Denial, Jami and myself. No one wants to be "Blamed" for everything, so please limit your reasons for nominating to specific and deserving instances where "Blame" should be given. Recipients of the "Blame" will receive this cool button
they can display on their blog along with their "Mea Culpa" at their own convenience. The Award committee wants to remind all bloggers that they should not be discouraged if their nominee does not get an award the first time as there is plenty of "Blame" to go around and at any future time it may be deservedly placed!.
2. Anyone who has received the "Blame" is also free to pass it on to another blogger, once!
We hope all recipients of the "Blame" award will accept it in the humorous spirit in which is has been conceived!
And now to announce the recipient of this first award, jointly and unanimously determined by the committee:
Leslie of My Mommy's Place: Mommy's Blog
Yes, Leslie had the brainstorm of "Haiku Buckaroo..." which took over our blogs and comments and literally drove us all crazy (along with many in our vicinity) over the last few weeks. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this "Blame" and am proud to pass it on to her. (Hope she learns her lesson, but it doesn't look promising...)
Congratulatios Leslie, show your button with pride.
Got anyone else you think deserves the "Blame"? Let us know!!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Back and Blogging!!
Yes, we got back Thursday and I have spent some of my computer time just reading and commenting on the blogs I have missed. Gosh some of you have been quite busy. There are all these contests I could have entered, and a couple I will consider entering, and of course I have encountered an old addiction to the haiku that I have to battle to keep it from taking over my life, conversation, commenting, etc. What has been so nice is to find that I have been missed! And also mentioned a couple of times as well as given this award: 
by Jenn-in-Holland and Jen ! Thanks to all for the linky love!!
Vacation was definitely a time to think about what I want to write in this blog. And I realize I have a confession to make...this year marked the half-century anniversary of my birth. The party I threw for myself is worth its own blog entry which will come at a later date. But I confess this only as part of the realization that it is time to start dealing with some things that have been buried for 30-odd years. Yes it is time to grow up and do some "soul-cleaning". So while I am also busy sorting out the detritus of everyday life, I also am composing in my mind various entries that will be put up for examination in the harsh light of public display, and then emotionally discarded for good. It's time to let go of the pain that some of these things still are enshrouded in, sweep away the cobwebs of denial and emotional dust that has gathered upon them, allow what useful lessons that can be learned to be recycled by others, and let go. Easier said than done I'm afraid, but that is my plan.
And so it is time to announce a "Programming Change". Very conveniently, one of my good blogfriends and her best bud have started "Soap Opera Sunday". As much of what I have to "dispose" of fits very well into this dramatic category, I will be moving the "Sunday Funnies" to "Saturday Silliness" and introducing this new program. While Sunday will then deal with the past dramas, I am keeping "Monday Memories" to chronicle events leading to my current "lifestyle". And of course because I like the challenge there will still be "Friday Fifteen". The remainder of my blog entries will include regular astronomy and science features as well as rants and chronicles of the daily chaos that is my life. So if you don't want drama, heartbreak, and true confessions, skip this blog on Sundays!
What I have enjoyed about blogging is that this style of writing seems to organize the fractal chaos of my consciousness, putting it into patterns that even strangers can identify and admire. While, dear readers, I don't expect any of you to enjoy this experience as much as I have, I do hope you find something worth your time in reading this blog and I value all your comments and feedback.
by Jenn-in-Holland and Jen ! Thanks to all for the linky love!!
Vacation was definitely a time to think about what I want to write in this blog. And I realize I have a confession to make...this year marked the half-century anniversary of my birth. The party I threw for myself is worth its own blog entry which will come at a later date. But I confess this only as part of the realization that it is time to start dealing with some things that have been buried for 30-odd years. Yes it is time to grow up and do some "soul-cleaning". So while I am also busy sorting out the detritus of everyday life, I also am composing in my mind various entries that will be put up for examination in the harsh light of public display, and then emotionally discarded for good. It's time to let go of the pain that some of these things still are enshrouded in, sweep away the cobwebs of denial and emotional dust that has gathered upon them, allow what useful lessons that can be learned to be recycled by others, and let go. Easier said than done I'm afraid, but that is my plan.
And so it is time to announce a "Programming Change". Very conveniently, one of my good blogfriends and her best bud have started "Soap Opera Sunday". As much of what I have to "dispose" of fits very well into this dramatic category, I will be moving the "Sunday Funnies" to "Saturday Silliness" and introducing this new program. While Sunday will then deal with the past dramas, I am keeping "Monday Memories" to chronicle events leading to my current "lifestyle". And of course because I like the challenge there will still be "Friday Fifteen". The remainder of my blog entries will include regular astronomy and science features as well as rants and chronicles of the daily chaos that is my life. So if you don't want drama, heartbreak, and true confessions, skip this blog on Sundays!
What I have enjoyed about blogging is that this style of writing seems to organize the fractal chaos of my consciousness, putting it into patterns that even strangers can identify and admire. While, dear readers, I don't expect any of you to enjoy this experience as much as I have, I do hope you find something worth your time in reading this blog and I value all your comments and feedback.
Speaking of feedback, did anyone see the meteor shower I told you about? The weather conditions at our vacation location were too cloudy and rainy to allow for any star-gazing, leading of course to DD1's complaints that she didn't get to use her telescope and DH's complaints about having to drag the damn thing to Germany and back without it being used. As if the weather was my fault. But of course, I am the Mommy...
Otherwise, I did get through most of my vacation goals, including increasing my exercise. Actually I had no choice as the house we were in was at the top of a steep hill (18 degree grade at one point) and the pool, market, parking lot, etc. were all at the bottom. I went up and down at least twice a day. By the end of the week it was easier, but still worth some complaint.
But it is good to be back. Now 4 more weeks of kids at home and the back to school. I think I need to lay down now.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Lurkers Anonymous
Hi, I'm FA and I'm a Lurker. I first got started doing this when I visited a friend, Jenn in Holland and I was hooked. From there it escalated and I found "myself" in various blogs all over the net. While Jenn reminded me of myself in my early thirties with my initial confusion and wonderment at life in the Netherlands, Soccer Mom in Denial lives the life I might if I had done some things differently. In fact, her handle could be mine as with two girls I was not supposed to be a "Soccer Mom". Life seems to laugh at her just as it does at me and I have spent many an afternoon entertained by her blog entries and thought, "There but for the grace of God...". And then I stumbled onto 'Twas Brillig and got caught up in her Soap Opera Sunday and Flashback Friday entries and I just couldn't stop lurking. I didn't feel that I could comment. Me, who discusses with strangers on the bus or in the shops in any of 3 languages. But I felt odd, just dropping in and giving my opinion. I didn't really belong to this world. But I couldn't stop lurking...
It got really bad one day when I saw all the links Jenn had posted and I couldn't resist finding out who these people were...Gunfighter has such a wonderful male point of view and I share so much of his political orientation that I would love meeting him in person. Next I followed Jenn's links read what Anno had been blogging. Again I read so much that resonated that she could be my sister. Especially her blogs on her ex-pat experiences are things I can relate to. Maybe in the future I can join with her and update how things have changed since her visits. But in any case her writing captivated me. Then there was the fellow Texan Shelly who has such a similar childhood that I almost passed out from deja-vu overload when she blogged about her piggy bank. I had that piggy bank! Reading Worker Mommy makes me almost jealous at the calmness and creativity she has in her approach to life. Well, okay, I am jealous, but it doesn't stop me from reading and I hope to get up the courage to comment soon. She seems to have a really neat bunch of blog-friends that I also been lurking at.
I know, this is really getting out of hand now. Especially when I find myself identifying with a few R-rated blogs such as the ones by Cathouse Teri and Crystal. I consider them my voyeuristic pleasures. Ah to have the freedom of expression these ladies have! Though I'm not sure I would want to live their adventures, I get serious pleasure out of reading about them and regularly ROFLOL times.
And then when I need to be reminded that no matter how frustrated and unhappy I am in my life, I really have it great, I turn to Sweet and Salty Kate. Her heartbreaks and courage facing them have made for riveting reading that I have only been able to take in small doses they have been so moving. She has made me reach out with my mind and prayers and some day I hope to have something profound enough to say in a comment to her.
Yes, I am a Lurker. I should say Recovering Lurker. I have taken the first steps. I have made a few comments. I have started a blog. I have entered a contest and responded to a meme. I have now made a few links. I hope in the future to have a blogroll and pictures an buttons and...
As we say in LA, one blog at a time.
It got really bad one day when I saw all the links Jenn had posted and I couldn't resist finding out who these people were...Gunfighter has such a wonderful male point of view and I share so much of his political orientation that I would love meeting him in person. Next I followed Jenn's links read what Anno had been blogging. Again I read so much that resonated that she could be my sister. Especially her blogs on her ex-pat experiences are things I can relate to. Maybe in the future I can join with her and update how things have changed since her visits. But in any case her writing captivated me. Then there was the fellow Texan Shelly who has such a similar childhood that I almost passed out from deja-vu overload when she blogged about her piggy bank. I had that piggy bank! Reading Worker Mommy makes me almost jealous at the calmness and creativity she has in her approach to life. Well, okay, I am jealous, but it doesn't stop me from reading and I hope to get up the courage to comment soon. She seems to have a really neat bunch of blog-friends that I also been lurking at.
I know, this is really getting out of hand now. Especially when I find myself identifying with a few R-rated blogs such as the ones by Cathouse Teri and Crystal. I consider them my voyeuristic pleasures. Ah to have the freedom of expression these ladies have! Though I'm not sure I would want to live their adventures, I get serious pleasure out of reading about them and regularly ROFLOL times.
And then when I need to be reminded that no matter how frustrated and unhappy I am in my life, I really have it great, I turn to Sweet and Salty Kate. Her heartbreaks and courage facing them have made for riveting reading that I have only been able to take in small doses they have been so moving. She has made me reach out with my mind and prayers and some day I hope to have something profound enough to say in a comment to her.
Yes, I am a Lurker. I should say Recovering Lurker. I have taken the first steps. I have made a few comments. I have started a blog. I have entered a contest and responded to a meme. I have now made a few links. I hope in the future to have a blogroll and pictures an buttons and...
As we say in LA, one blog at a time.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
My First Contest
Fellow Texan Shelly is running a writing contest and as a naive novice I am entering. Especially as it uses one of my favorite Texas expressions:
Check it out and her site "This Eclectic Life". She also is making an effort in her own way to make the world a better place, making her a woman after my own heart!
I am entering with two items out of my first "Meme" . So here are:
Check it out and her site "This Eclectic Life". She also is making an effort in her own way to make the world a better place, making her a woman after my own heart!I am entering with two items out of my first "Meme" . So here are:
2 OUT OF 10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ME...:
I was once mistaken for a "hooker". (Sorry, I've been out of the US for too long and don't know the PC term. "My bad!") I was in hotel in Vegas, waiting beside the entrance to the casino for my date who was playing blackjack. A man walked past me a couple of times. I wasn't really paying much attention, but then he came up to me and asked if I was busy. I smiled and said I was waiting for someone (we Southern girls are brought up to be polite). He said, "Well Honey, I'll double whatever he's paying you." It took me a moment to understand what he was saying, but the gleam in his eyes finally got the message across. I was in turn shocked, angry, momentarily speechless, and then amused. I straightened my spine, cocked my hip, and gave him a long slow look up and down. I then looked him in the eye and in my best Texas drawl said "Darlin', you couldn't afford me." Must've been pretty convincing as he backed away fast. One of the few times I've had the perfect comeback...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
