You may notice that I have changed the look of my background again. That is because Blogger has added a new feature called Blogger in Draft that makes it easier to customize the look of your page. For those not fluent in .html this is an easy way to create a look right down to the color, font, and letter size. You can also instantly see what the page would look like before making it live as you are making changes.
This is much easier then finding a template, then copying the lengthy coding and embedding it properly into the existing blog setting. There are still some limitations, but I suspect that more options will come available in the future. Still what is available now is enough for a great start.
Making the changes to my blogs look took only a few minutes. Now granted I didn't change a whole lot, but I had the opportunity to do a whole lot more then pick one of three color options before copy/pasting the code and hoping I put it in the right place, then having to open a new page to preview my changes. If you are looking to tweak the look of your blog page, or just give the look a whole new overhaul, I recommend trying Blogger in Draft.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thinking politically again
This year is an election year and it is likely to be a wild one. However election day isn't until November. So why am I talking politics in March? Because it is now that we need to begin the process of deciding whom we'd like to see in the offices up for grabs.
I am an unusual voter, because I research the heck out of candidates, and use that research to decide whom best would hold a particular seat. I also don't use the usual "hot topic" issues of the day, such as abortion, gay rights or the candidates religion or church of choice as a deciding factor. I don't care so much about party affiliation, but more so about their stands on things. Instead I look at how they stand on issues such as fiscal ideas, how they stand on innovation for technology and the environment, support of our national defense (if it is a federal candidate), and what they think about earmarks, certain legislative reforms and the business of doing business with politicia
If they are an incumbent, I look at their voting record. Does their record line up to what they say they support or believe in, is it consistent? Do they show up to vote on a regular basis? Does campaigning for upcoming elections take away from the job they are hired to do today? I passed on two presidential candidates who held seats in Congress for the simple fact that their voting record was greatly lacking in content. If a candidate cannot even be bothered to show up for votes at least 80% of the time, then they are wasting the over-sized paychecks we get taxed to pay them with.
So now I am beginning the weeding out process for the upcoming primaries which will be held later this year. I am somewhat surprised at the lack of overt campaigning out there so far. Or maybe the lack of my desire to turn on a television has spared me those annoying political ads. I see few if any signs on the road side, and other then a bit of twitter feed and my friends over at The Spark, it almost seems that there is no election this year. But there is.
I need to figure out...once again what my specific districts are. Ok that is a bone of contention. Depending on what I am thinking about, State Senate, State house or Federal House, I live in three districts, all labeled with different numbers, and I can never remember which number represents what kind of district I am wondering about. It is frustrating and very confusing. Someone please simplify that...or at least give me a voting district for dummies lesson.
So boys and girls, the word for today is research. Research the candidates in your districts (once you've figured out which ones you reside in). Are they a good representation of your idea on important issues? Are they touting the same tried and true hot button issues which are still going to be around for the next couple of decades or are they promoting some good workable ideas for our state and our nation? Are they willing to vote on what is best for the state or the nation, not just their particular district? Are they going to try to look long term at the pros and cons of a bill and vote for the best option, or are they going to allow themselves to be swayed by those who have personal or political thoughts in mind?
Tough questions, so research well, so you can choose well come November.
I am an unusual voter, because I research the heck out of candidates, and use that research to decide whom best would hold a particular seat. I also don't use the usual "hot topic" issues of the day, such as abortion, gay rights or the candidates religion or church of choice as a deciding factor. I don't care so much about party affiliation, but more so about their stands on things. Instead I look at how they stand on issues such as fiscal ideas, how they stand on innovation for technology and the environment, support of our national defense (if it is a federal candidate), and what they think about earmarks, certain legislative reforms and the business of doing business with politicia
If they are an incumbent, I look at their voting record. Does their record line up to what they say they support or believe in, is it consistent? Do they show up to vote on a regular basis? Does campaigning for upcoming elections take away from the job they are hired to do today? I passed on two presidential candidates who held seats in Congress for the simple fact that their voting record was greatly lacking in content. If a candidate cannot even be bothered to show up for votes at least 80% of the time, then they are wasting the over-sized paychecks we get taxed to pay them with.
So now I am beginning the weeding out process for the upcoming primaries which will be held later this year. I am somewhat surprised at the lack of overt campaigning out there so far. Or maybe the lack of my desire to turn on a television has spared me those annoying political ads. I see few if any signs on the road side, and other then a bit of twitter feed and my friends over at The Spark, it almost seems that there is no election this year. But there is.
I need to figure out...once again what my specific districts are. Ok that is a bone of contention. Depending on what I am thinking about, State Senate, State house or Federal House, I live in three districts, all labeled with different numbers, and I can never remember which number represents what kind of district I am wondering about. It is frustrating and very confusing. Someone please simplify that...or at least give me a voting district for dummies lesson.
So boys and girls, the word for today is research. Research the candidates in your districts (once you've figured out which ones you reside in). Are they a good representation of your idea on important issues? Are they touting the same tried and true hot button issues which are still going to be around for the next couple of decades or are they promoting some good workable ideas for our state and our nation? Are they willing to vote on what is best for the state or the nation, not just their particular district? Are they going to try to look long term at the pros and cons of a bill and vote for the best option, or are they going to allow themselves to be swayed by those who have personal or political thoughts in mind?
Tough questions, so research well, so you can choose well come November.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Its one of THOSE days
Yes its one of those days where it would have been better to stay hidden under the covers because it would have greatly reduced the chances of mayhem and the ensuing embarrassment on your part? Well today was one of those days.
It was my turn to work a Sunday. Now granted I don't like working Sundays. I usually already had a busy morning helping out with something at church, and working a Sunday means I lose a day off that week. But it's part of the job, so I go, and sometimes end up quite busy. Today wasn't one of those busy days. The reason was likely because it was GORGEOUS outside, yes one of the prettiest, warmest Sundays we've had in months. sigh...I'm stuck inside all day.
Being that it wasn't busy another co-worker and I decided to spruce up a display table for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday. We like to do something decorative, on a small scale for holidays and have boxes of things we rotate out throughout the year. We opened the St. Paddy's day box. The first thing I saw was a big felt hat with green and white stripes. "OO perfect for the table" I turned it over. That is when 50 million pieces of shiny shamrock shaped confetti came tumbling out of the hat. Who the heck decided to store confetti in that hat?? After she stopped laughing my co-worker got out the broom and I began unraveling green and white shamrock themed garland to wrap around our table. At least I tried to unravel it. The more I tried, the more it tangled. Jasmine took it out my hand and I swear it fell into one single untangled strand!!
I did a kid's haircut and as soon as I started to dry her hair, the brush I was holding revolted and leaped right out of my hand and onto the floor. That stuff happens a lot as I suspect that my brushes and combs hold "let's frustrate Sylvie meetings on a weekly basis"
Soon after wards a color touch up came in. Right behind her a roller set. I took the color client first, sat her down and ran back to mix my color. I brought the bowl of color and my supplies, and set it on the counter. Then I went to put on my client's cape. A corner of the cape just happened to hit the tip of the brush handle that was in the bowl of color. The brush somersaulted out of the bowl and did a perfect dive right onto the floor. Meanwhile the bowl was skittering across the counter in the opposite direction where it slid off the edge and landed color side down. Oh crap.
Ok, Surely it can't get any worse....yeah right.
So now I am doing the roller set. Things are moving along nicely, except for the occasional interruptions by the phone or other customers. I am halfway through the set when the comb in my hand decides to try a brand new tactic to really "make" my day. I am using what is called a rat tailed comb, meaning it has teeth on one end and a skinny handle on the other. They are great for parting and sectioning. I have that cursed comb in my hand as I reach into the wicker basket I use to hold the rollers I am using. The skinny end of that comb slides effortlessly between sections of wicker and as my hand now holding a roller and the comb moves away, the basket comes with it. Milliseconds later rollers are flying across the room, as everyone erupts into laughter and I barely restrain using words I should never say in public.
Right about then I wonder, because it is nearing St. Patric's Day, if I am being Punked by a sadistic leprechaun. I am not even Irish! At least I provided the day's entertainment.
It was my turn to work a Sunday. Now granted I don't like working Sundays. I usually already had a busy morning helping out with something at church, and working a Sunday means I lose a day off that week. But it's part of the job, so I go, and sometimes end up quite busy. Today wasn't one of those busy days. The reason was likely because it was GORGEOUS outside, yes one of the prettiest, warmest Sundays we've had in months. sigh...I'm stuck inside all day.
Being that it wasn't busy another co-worker and I decided to spruce up a display table for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday. We like to do something decorative, on a small scale for holidays and have boxes of things we rotate out throughout the year. We opened the St. Paddy's day box. The first thing I saw was a big felt hat with green and white stripes. "OO perfect for the table" I turned it over. That is when 50 million pieces of shiny shamrock shaped confetti came tumbling out of the hat. Who the heck decided to store confetti in that hat?? After she stopped laughing my co-worker got out the broom and I began unraveling green and white shamrock themed garland to wrap around our table. At least I tried to unravel it. The more I tried, the more it tangled. Jasmine took it out my hand and I swear it fell into one single untangled strand!!
I did a kid's haircut and as soon as I started to dry her hair, the brush I was holding revolted and leaped right out of my hand and onto the floor. That stuff happens a lot as I suspect that my brushes and combs hold "let's frustrate Sylvie meetings on a weekly basis"
Soon after wards a color touch up came in. Right behind her a roller set. I took the color client first, sat her down and ran back to mix my color. I brought the bowl of color and my supplies, and set it on the counter. Then I went to put on my client's cape. A corner of the cape just happened to hit the tip of the brush handle that was in the bowl of color. The brush somersaulted out of the bowl and did a perfect dive right onto the floor. Meanwhile the bowl was skittering across the counter in the opposite direction where it slid off the edge and landed color side down. Oh crap.
Ok, Surely it can't get any worse....yeah right.
So now I am doing the roller set. Things are moving along nicely, except for the occasional interruptions by the phone or other customers. I am halfway through the set when the comb in my hand decides to try a brand new tactic to really "make" my day. I am using what is called a rat tailed comb, meaning it has teeth on one end and a skinny handle on the other. They are great for parting and sectioning. I have that cursed comb in my hand as I reach into the wicker basket I use to hold the rollers I am using. The skinny end of that comb slides effortlessly between sections of wicker and as my hand now holding a roller and the comb moves away, the basket comes with it. Milliseconds later rollers are flying across the room, as everyone erupts into laughter and I barely restrain using words I should never say in public.
Right about then I wonder, because it is nearing St. Patric's Day, if I am being Punked by a sadistic leprechaun. I am not even Irish! At least I provided the day's entertainment.
Friday, February 26, 2010
March Madness
No, sorry to disappoint you, this isn't about basketball. I don't even watch television, much less sports. I even passed on the Olymipics. What this March Madness is about is the things on my agenda. They are, in no particular order.
1. Write five Miss Mom columns, striving for freshness in topics, creativity and a dose of humor each time.
2. Get one step closer to returning to school, yeah I am heading towards a career change, my body and my circumstances determine that.
3. Have a baby shower for Ashley, who is due just after Easter with Toy Strewing Toddler part 2.
4. Attend the wedding of a friend, and try to come up with a fab gift, that doesn't cost much...shhh, Ted ignore that part.
5. Get my house on the market for sale, as per the separation agreement I just signed with my soon to be former spouse.
6. Arrange to have the kitchen cabinets painted, and carpet installed while keeping a certain toddler and a very pregnant person out of that loop (plus moving furniture and stuff around to make it possible)
7. Do as much hair as possible to pay the bills for the month, ignoring the fact that bending over a sink really hurts these days...and no I can't afford a chiro's visit now.
8. Begin packing up my house in preparation for a move and for people traipsing through my place peering into cabinets and closets.
9. Helping Ashley get ready for the arrival of baby #2 and for her pending move which will happen soon after the little guy arrives.
10. Begin outlines for a future writing project that will need to be ready for use in early June.
11. Stay sane.
March should be a breeze.
1. Write five Miss Mom columns, striving for freshness in topics, creativity and a dose of humor each time.
2. Get one step closer to returning to school, yeah I am heading towards a career change, my body and my circumstances determine that.
3. Have a baby shower for Ashley, who is due just after Easter with Toy Strewing Toddler part 2.
4. Attend the wedding of a friend, and try to come up with a fab gift, that doesn't cost much...shhh, Ted ignore that part.
5. Get my house on the market for sale, as per the separation agreement I just signed with my soon to be former spouse.
6. Arrange to have the kitchen cabinets painted, and carpet installed while keeping a certain toddler and a very pregnant person out of that loop (plus moving furniture and stuff around to make it possible)
7. Do as much hair as possible to pay the bills for the month, ignoring the fact that bending over a sink really hurts these days...and no I can't afford a chiro's visit now.
8. Begin packing up my house in preparation for a move and for people traipsing through my place peering into cabinets and closets.
9. Helping Ashley get ready for the arrival of baby #2 and for her pending move which will happen soon after the little guy arrives.
10. Begin outlines for a future writing project that will need to be ready for use in early June.
11. Stay sane.
March should be a breeze.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
picker upper, quicker
So Sylvie goes back into product review mode.
This time it is Bounty paper towels.
I have tried several varieties of paper towels over the years. I tend to be of the mind of using them sparingly, because my little inner environmentalist, knows that once used, they are destined for a landfill. For most of my cleaning needs I use washrags. However paper towels have their purpose, and a good quality one sure makes a difference. I tend to use them for cleaning glass, to wrap something for cooking in the microwave, or as an "instant plate" for things like muffins, and of course they make great grease absorbers for browned meats with a higher grease content.
So does the the extra few cents spent on a Bounty brand make a difference in quality? The following test demonstrates the answer.
I got one square of the Bounty towels. My purpose was to see how long it would hold together to do the job. With that one square, I cleaned my glass top desk, using glass cleaner, the mirror over my dresser, and the triple mirror in my bathroom. I then used that same paper towel to dry the surface of the bathroom counter and to give the faucet a polished look. I like no water spots on a clean faucet.
I then set the square aside for a day.
Then I took that same square and wiped finger prints off my solid glass storm door and the little television my granddaughter uses to watch DVD's with along with the surface in front of that television that had toddler snack remains rubbed in. Finally I took that square and cleaned off a portion of my dining table, also glass, removing fingerprint marks there. Yeah, I have a fair amount of glass. I like the clean look it can give a room..that is when the surfaces are actually clean.
At the end the square looked tired, it felt much thinner then when I had started and there was a small hole in one corner. Considering all I had put that single paper square through, however, I do believe it held up very well. So for all those thrifty minded, save trees, reduce landfill types, if you want to buy paper towels, I heartedly recommend the Bounty brand.
On a side note, along with the paper towel I had received I also got several copies of a recipe booklet. Bounty is a sponsor of Gospel Superfest. Last year the festival had a soul food cook-off. Different gospel choirs submitted entries. The winning recipes are in this little booklet. They are dishes designed for crowds or events like potlucks or family picnics. All the recipes are simple easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any food related gathering. If you are interested in a copy (each booklet has five recipes), send me an email with your address and I'll pop one in the mail for you.
This time it is Bounty paper towels.
I have tried several varieties of paper towels over the years. I tend to be of the mind of using them sparingly, because my little inner environmentalist, knows that once used, they are destined for a landfill. For most of my cleaning needs I use washrags. However paper towels have their purpose, and a good quality one sure makes a difference. I tend to use them for cleaning glass, to wrap something for cooking in the microwave, or as an "instant plate" for things like muffins, and of course they make great grease absorbers for browned meats with a higher grease content.
So does the the extra few cents spent on a Bounty brand make a difference in quality? The following test demonstrates the answer.
I got one square of the Bounty towels. My purpose was to see how long it would hold together to do the job. With that one square, I cleaned my glass top desk, using glass cleaner, the mirror over my dresser, and the triple mirror in my bathroom. I then used that same paper towel to dry the surface of the bathroom counter and to give the faucet a polished look. I like no water spots on a clean faucet.
I then set the square aside for a day.
Then I took that same square and wiped finger prints off my solid glass storm door and the little television my granddaughter uses to watch DVD's with along with the surface in front of that television that had toddler snack remains rubbed in. Finally I took that square and cleaned off a portion of my dining table, also glass, removing fingerprint marks there. Yeah, I have a fair amount of glass. I like the clean look it can give a room..that is when the surfaces are actually clean.
At the end the square looked tired, it felt much thinner then when I had started and there was a small hole in one corner. Considering all I had put that single paper square through, however, I do believe it held up very well. So for all those thrifty minded, save trees, reduce landfill types, if you want to buy paper towels, I heartedly recommend the Bounty brand.
On a side note, along with the paper towel I had received I also got several copies of a recipe booklet. Bounty is a sponsor of Gospel Superfest. Last year the festival had a soul food cook-off. Different gospel choirs submitted entries. The winning recipes are in this little booklet. They are dishes designed for crowds or events like potlucks or family picnics. All the recipes are simple easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any food related gathering. If you are interested in a copy (each booklet has five recipes), send me an email with your address and I'll pop one in the mail for you.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Please don't bother
I love getting feedback for my blog. I also love getting feedback for my Miss Mom column over at the Spartanburg Spark. Those comments help me know if I am being relevant or just spouting off nonsense. Of course they do help my ego just a bit. We creative types can be a bit under confident about the quality of our work, so reassurance that we don't suck does help, a lot.
One of the things that I do on this blog is discuss products that I've been given to try, websites I've visited and would think it worthy sharing, and my thoughts on occasion on news and politics. I also go back to the blog roots now and then, and share some things about my life, but that is found more at Miss Mom then anywhere these days I am always happy to tell my thoughts on a product, welcome any who would like to send me something to try...hint hint. In fact I have one that I will be writing about in the next few days, with a little bonus.
I learned early on to moderate comments. Why? Because spammers abound on the world wide web. I have received more then one comment that is nothing but a flagrant attempt to get me to advertise someone's product by posting nothing more then a link to a site that advertises the usual spam type selling gimmicks. You will not be seeing those comments as I will not be approving them. Yes I do have advertising on my blog, which is google based, and I may get a few dollars in income from that ad space. A girl does have to pay her internet bill you know. But I will not let my blog be used so that others can just do hit and run style marketing. I consider such tactics lazy, and rude. If you want me to talk about a product, then ask. Even better send me a sample to try out and then share. Just a warning, if I don't like it, I will be completely honest as to my assessment. Check out my WooNo blog entry for proof.
So spam minded advertisers, if you think you can sneak in a spam ad themed comment hawking viagra or some other junk, please don't bother.
One of the things that I do on this blog is discuss products that I've been given to try, websites I've visited and would think it worthy sharing, and my thoughts on occasion on news and politics. I also go back to the blog roots now and then, and share some things about my life, but that is found more at Miss Mom then anywhere these days I am always happy to tell my thoughts on a product, welcome any who would like to send me something to try...hint hint. In fact I have one that I will be writing about in the next few days, with a little bonus.
I learned early on to moderate comments. Why? Because spammers abound on the world wide web. I have received more then one comment that is nothing but a flagrant attempt to get me to advertise someone's product by posting nothing more then a link to a site that advertises the usual spam type selling gimmicks. You will not be seeing those comments as I will not be approving them. Yes I do have advertising on my blog, which is google based, and I may get a few dollars in income from that ad space. A girl does have to pay her internet bill you know. But I will not let my blog be used so that others can just do hit and run style marketing. I consider such tactics lazy, and rude. If you want me to talk about a product, then ask. Even better send me a sample to try out and then share. Just a warning, if I don't like it, I will be completely honest as to my assessment. Check out my WooNo blog entry for proof.
So spam minded advertisers, if you think you can sneak in a spam ad themed comment hawking viagra or some other junk, please don't bother.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Politics...Meh
I try to stay away from the fray that is national politics, honestly I do, but it is like watching an episode of Springer. You know its a train wreck, you know people are acting like fools on national TV, and you are just waiting for someone to throw a punch, or a chair. Sometimes I believe that following national politics is better then any quasi-reality TV ever conceived. No one can make that stuff up.
Why is it so entertaining? Because common sense, taking care to be up front and honest, and respectful dialogue has flown right out of the window. We have republicans refusing to vote for something democrats propose, without bothering to read the proposal to see if it has any merit. We have democrats calling republicans names,and not even trying to work with republicans, we have both trying to second guess the voters, so they can get another term. In fact election campaigns start earlier and earlier every season. And no one is addressing the problems we face.
Then we have voters,who for some really bizarre reason I can't quite pin down, who have decided to be angry, and would prefer to let other people sway their mindsets on all things political. These are people who got cushy jobs doing nothing but talk about how right their opinion is, and downright make stuff up on the spot, or in other words, the facts are how that person views them. That is what they do, and people take what they say as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Blows my mind. It is almost like these guys are the televangelists of the political spectrum.
In all this, one doesn't see much in the way of getting down to the whys, and hows. The whys are how do we fix our health care system, including Medicare which is the biggest money sucking vortex we have right now? How do we fix our financial house, including our banks,large and small? How do we encourage jobs in our own borders and stop the exit of job opportunities to places far off our shores? How do we actually rework our energy needs that are long term, renewable, safe, affordable and green? There are some wonderful solutions out there. Sadly many of them are not popular, because it passes some of the responsibility back on to us, the voter. Apparently the American voter doesn't want that responsibility, because it may mean higher taxes, higher prices on commodities like gasoline, and getting used to a different health care format. Those may be only short term fixes until things get straightened out, but no one, not even our government wants to propose these things. While cutting costs on certain programs can help, it still isn't addressing the core issues. I don't know why people aren't saying that, or doing something about it.
It also means that we need to get our facts straight on issues, which is easy. Just go to any congressional website and one can read pending bills from the comfort of your own home. Don't like what you read? Email your congress person and let them know. Don't like how they vote, then vote yourselves come election day, or run for their seat.
Why is it so entertaining? Because common sense, taking care to be up front and honest, and respectful dialogue has flown right out of the window. We have republicans refusing to vote for something democrats propose, without bothering to read the proposal to see if it has any merit. We have democrats calling republicans names,and not even trying to work with republicans, we have both trying to second guess the voters, so they can get another term. In fact election campaigns start earlier and earlier every season. And no one is addressing the problems we face.
Then we have voters,who for some really bizarre reason I can't quite pin down, who have decided to be angry, and would prefer to let other people sway their mindsets on all things political. These are people who got cushy jobs doing nothing but talk about how right their opinion is, and downright make stuff up on the spot, or in other words, the facts are how that person views them. That is what they do, and people take what they say as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Blows my mind. It is almost like these guys are the televangelists of the political spectrum.
In all this, one doesn't see much in the way of getting down to the whys, and hows. The whys are how do we fix our health care system, including Medicare which is the biggest money sucking vortex we have right now? How do we fix our financial house, including our banks,large and small? How do we encourage jobs in our own borders and stop the exit of job opportunities to places far off our shores? How do we actually rework our energy needs that are long term, renewable, safe, affordable and green? There are some wonderful solutions out there. Sadly many of them are not popular, because it passes some of the responsibility back on to us, the voter. Apparently the American voter doesn't want that responsibility, because it may mean higher taxes, higher prices on commodities like gasoline, and getting used to a different health care format. Those may be only short term fixes until things get straightened out, but no one, not even our government wants to propose these things. While cutting costs on certain programs can help, it still isn't addressing the core issues. I don't know why people aren't saying that, or doing something about it.
It also means that we need to get our facts straight on issues, which is easy. Just go to any congressional website and one can read pending bills from the comfort of your own home. Don't like what you read? Email your congress person and let them know. Don't like how they vote, then vote yourselves come election day, or run for their seat.
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