November 16, 2008
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I know that I can be profane at times, but it’s mostly because I think swear words are so funny when used properly. I didn’t think, however, that my blog would score high on the Cuss-O-Meter.
What do you all think? Are you offended by my language? Does it put you off, or do you find cuss words as funny as I do (in the appropriate venue, of course)?
October 30, 2008
This morning, I was 80% finished with the second 20 year reunion blog when I inexplicably received the Blank Screen of Death. My home computer died. This is being posted as quickly as possible because my laptop also has serious issues and needs to go to the doctor. Yeah, it’s new. But it’s sick. And I love it anyway.
I want to sincerely, deeply, from the bottom of my shriveled little black heart thank all of you who have checked in every day to be faced with nothing new, to you who have written me a note of encouragement or sent me an email or a text. Under the bell jar, not much sound gets through, but from time to time the noise made is just raucous enough to break the seal. I think I’m back. I think I’m on my way back. I’m sleeping, anyway.
While I was underwater, this blog quietly slipped over 100,000 hits. Amazing, that. So I thought it might be thoughtful for me to put together a page of what might be considered my “greatest hits to date.” So that anyone stumbling across my blog wouldn’t have to wade through as much crap as you have all had to.
I have a few particular blogs of mine that I think might be “winners” in that they generated the most comments. I also have one or maybe two that I think are actually decent writing. But ultimately I believe that you are the judges. You tell me your favorites of the blogs I’ve subjected you to over this past year. I’ll put them together on a little page, it will be like Heather in Paradise Cliff Notes for the lazy student.
As soon as my computer is saved, the new blog will be posted. Thank you for bearing with me. I will try not to leave you again, I promise. Because when you’re gone, I miss you.
October 23, 2008
This blog is experiencing technical difficulties. Our blog author has been suffering from insomnia, latenight anxiety, and writer’s block. We have enrolled her in a new gym in the hopes that she will kick the sleepless cycle and she can return to her blogly duties.
Please stay tuned, we shall return to our regularly scheduled silliness as soon as possible.
October 13, 2008
Michele has brought to my attention that October 15, 2008 is Blog Action Day, which is a day in which bloggers around the world will turn to their keyboards to open a dialogue on their blogs about an issue that affects each of us in some way: Poverty.
Each of us has a voice; why not use it to try to raise awareness and offer meaningful discussions about a global ill? We are all in this together, even if we think we’re not.
I know it’s short notice, but I’d love to hear what you’ve got to say.
October 7, 2008
Today marks one year since I’ve started this wordpress blog. I want to write a really meaningful post that will illustrate all the important things I’ve learned about blogging and life this past year, but I barely slept last night and am not yet functioning properly. So for now, just enjoy that pirate cake of my dreams and I’ll speak to you later today.
I do sincerely want to thank all of you for reading along, boosting me up, leaving me comments that make me laugh, and being a friend. I loves you.
October 4, 2008
Finding great blogs to read is my favorite pastime. A while back, I found through a mutual friend’s myspace page a blog written by a woman from Chicago who works at the music venue where I also used to work. Her writing is funny and pointed and biting, often cutting to the very heart of an issue with a lack of bullshit that is breathtaking. Her attention to detail and social commentary is astounding. Putting it as simply as I can, this woman does not suffer fools.
She is a volunteer for Obama’s campaign and has been writing frequent election updates/stats. Her most recent two posts killed me and I think they should be seen by as many eyes as possible.
Warning: She’s profane at times, but not as profane as I am watching the Cubs
Check her out here and here. And then read her blog regularly. It does a body good.
August 4, 2008
Hello there, strangers! I’ve been having a busy life the last week or so. I’ll get back on the regular posting soon, but in the meantime, here are a few things:
1. I joined a gym with my friend Sara and actually WENT every weekday morning last week. Not one to enjoy exercise, I’m surprised at how much more tolerable (and-gasp-FUN) it is to go with a friend. I feel much better about myself than I have in a while.
2. I’ve been working my tail off trying to get ready for a big trip home to Chicago in September. I have a lot more to do so might be even more spotty with the blog posts. Being the boss isn’t always easy.
3. I went to a lovely wedding. I will tell you about that soon.
4. I’ve watched two Cubs games at Pinche Gringos this past week, and both times I spent too much money, but the Cubs won, so who cares? We’re still in first place, and it’s August. Who is this ball club and what have they done with my team? On August 30 and 31 I will be actually sitting within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, watching live, late-summer baseball, eating hot dogs, and drinking beer with my good friends Adam and Martina. I feel dizzy with happiness just thinking about it.
5. I’m brewing a tourist rant blog, a “how to live here” blog, a blog about my street dogs, and a new feature I’m unveiling for a weekly post. Stay with me and I’ll do my best to reward your loyalty.
6. I’ve received more postcards. Victoria, Hollito, Liane (2 cards), Katie and Becky. Still working on the scanner.
7. This is the longest stretch I’ve gone without depression in years. I think you all are very good for me. Thank you.
July 12, 2008
Although I’ve been a nomad for much of my life, I’m not one who likes too much change. I get used to things being a certain way, or doing things a certain way, and I’m perfectly content to leave them as they are. It’s not that I’m afraid of change–I think maybe I’m just lazy.
I’ve been growing increasingly disenchanted with the way my blog looks, but am pretty computer illiterate and well, I’m just lazy and didn’t feel like doing anything. I keep the theme I have because it’s the only one I like the look of with my custom header and tagline, even though I HATE that I can only write in Times New Roman. God I HATE Times New Roman . Yes, Times New Roman, I was talking to you. Wanna fight?
Today I was reading Ask and Ye Shall Receive, a site that mercilessly tears other blogs new assholes (apparently at the blogger’s request) and some of their posts on “blogging no-nos” scared me into action.
Here are the changes I’ve made:
I think the blog looks nice and clean now. Just in time for me to clutter it all up with ads. Kidding, I kid. Unless they come knocking, in which case, bring on the sellout.
Huzzahs and/or Boos welcome.
July 4, 2008
My stat tracker doesn’t give me much information. Many people use google reader or show up as “unknown,” but often it does tell me the city a reader is “visiting” my site from, as well as the length of time they’re on the site. Sometimes, I can surmise from the various search terms people use to find the blog, how long they read, and their city whether or not I know this person (and I can often figure out who they are).
But it’s just killing me, so I’m throwing out a public appeal to the repeat readers from Omaha, NE and Gurnee, IL…is that you, Helen-Louise? Is that you, Chad or Derek? If so, give me a holla. I’d love to HEAR from you all.
I hope this hasn’t thoroughly freaked out all of you other people. Especially you in Houston, TX, I see you. And you over there in Alberta, I see you, too. I see all. Muah-ah-ah-ah….
June 5, 2008
The Great Comment Debate of Ought-Eight
Posted by heatherinparadise under blogging | Tags: blogging, Blogs, Comments |[12] Comments
I’ve read a couple of the follow up blogs (and the reader comments) regarding The Great Comment Debate and it seems at this point that most of us are pretty much on the same page, whether we know it or not.
Cancun Canuck made a very convincing argument for comments cementing the blogger/reader relationship. La Gringa in Honduras pointed out the fact that she never said that EVERY comment should be answered. Theresa in Merida said something similar. Isla Gringo Wayne started freaking out and frantically trying to answer every comment. I apparently irked some people with my “keeping score” remark, and I suppose maybe it was a little overly dramatic, but it is what I thought of when I read that some people stop reading blogs when the blogger doesn’t answer their comments.
I didn’t debate this to defend myself against anything; I DO answer most of my comments and get, in my biased-as-hell opinion, some of the best readers around. Since it seemed to me the subject was brought up to open a dialogue about comments/blogging, I thought it was ok to participate and throw in my take on it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading ALL the differing points of view, as well as the interesting feedback from the various blogs’ readers (from both bloggers and non-bloggers!). Special shout-out to Nancy in Mazatlan!
The thing is, we are ALL right. And we’re alright, too. No man is an island. Blogging obviously isn’t just about the blogger or else it would just be a locked diary. I know you, you know me, one thing I can tell you is you got to be free.
And all that.