This week was just insane. I do have suggestions for topics to post. And I will update about the emu oil in a few days. Definitely good! It's close to a miracle but not exactly (Lily I promise I will post later! I want to give it one week)
Miles got sick this week and I am started to feel exhausted again so I think it's Ambien time tonight. I hate taking Ambien because I feel like a zombie the next day. But I have slept much better this week than usual which is awesome.
My sister and brother-in-law got my car fixed for me THANK YOU! So this weekend the boys and I are going to find something to do. Maybe a little trip to Idaho or something. I'm not sure yet. I'm still deciding.
Well, for now, I am getting off here to go clean my house for MORE THAN 20 MINUTES! WOOHOO!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
I bought Emu Oil for my Injured Back. Let the Experiment Begin!
I read a lot about the wonders of Emu Oil and was looking for some. The only one I found in Libby was so pricey that I don't care how much pain I am in... I can't afford that! I found a bottle of Emu Oil at Mountain Meadow Gifts just about a block and a half from my house. It's a half a fluid ounce for $8.99 which is still pricey. But it says to use 3 drops on the affected area. If it works, I will be back at work in no time (I hoping!) and then I can afford the pricey big bottle.
But, before I start the experiment, I wanted to document how I am doing right now without the emu oil so I can compare later with better clarity. I will do this by using the Pain Management worksheet I got in the mail for my pain specialist appointment that is on Wednesday. Here it goes...
Pain Level Right Now: 6.7 (I have a pain scale app I use)
Describe your pain: It's a burning pain that starts in my lower back and radiates around and down, all the way to the soles of my feet. It ends up turning into a stabbing sensation just in the back and has intermittent "shock" like sensations that start in the middle lower back and radiates outward to my sides (it's not daily). It's a quick shock feeling and then goes away. Every once in a while, I have this "crunchy" feeling in my lower back. It doesn't really hurt though it's just disconcerting and uncomfortable. Every once in a while I also have a "pop" feeling in my lower back (it's not daily either). Not sure what that is. It hurts for a few seconds and then subsides.
Pattern: The pain is constant. I only one or two pain free days since June 26 (and I was so excited! I thought I was better... next day, HELL NO!) It gradually builds up during the day until my legs feel like Jell-O by nighttime. It feels like someone has tied lead weights to my feet and lifting my legs becomes so difficult that I sometimes end up tripping and falling. It's like my legs don't work anymore. The pain is much worse in the evening than in the morning and any movement makes it worse also.
What relieves the pain? 3 celery stalks juiced (makes about 1 cup of celery juice) really helps. Actually it helps more than I thought it would. The problem is that with my rotation diet I can have celery juice once every 3 days. And according to research, I can't take more than 1 cup of vegetable juice daily or I will overdose on the good stuff in it. I tried drinking 1 cup each day, but eventually I was so nauseous from it that I had to stop and wait for a few days to start again.
What Causes or increases the pain? Any movement at all. Walking and sitting are horrendous. But I can't just lay around all day so I make myself walk, even though I am dying inside.
Effects of Pain
Accompanying symptoms: When it's bad enough, I start shaking uncontrollably. I get headaches from lack of sleep. Sometimes it hurts so much that I get nauseous. I haven't actually thrown up though.
Sleep: Sucks. I sleep maybe 4 hours a night. Usually I sleep for an hour at a time and wake up in pain. They gave me ambien to help me sleep. I can sleep 6 hours (sometimes) on ambien but I wake up every couple of hours miserable and then I feel out of it for the rest of the day. My sleep hasn't been solid, restful sleep for awhile now.
Appetite: I noticed I either starving or have no appetite. I'm not sure if I should count that... but before I was almost always wanting to eat something. I had to eat every 2 hours. Now, i make myself eat a few bites every couple hours and have a main meal for the day.
Physical Activity: Uhm, well, I can dress myself and bathe myself. I force myself to walk 2 blocks and back each day (sometimes more) because I am afraid my legs will atrophy and cause more problems. But I have to skip days because the pain is so intense I can barely function. I do manage to do light housework. I am up to 20 minutes about 2 to 3 times a day. I can sometimes stand long enough to cook a meal, other times I can stand long enough to microwave oatmeal.
Relationship with others: When I hurt, I am a complete bitch. I don't know how anyone can stand me sometimes. :( But I do pretty well most of the time. Although I am pretty irritable from pain a lot. I try to cope with it when people are around, especially hang out night! I usually end up going and laying down in bed so I don't start getting cranky when everyone is here. I just lay there by myself.
Emotions: When I first wake up, I am in a pretty good mood. I try to be positive as much as possible. When I really start hurting bad, I am not as chipper. I end up crying from the pain a lot. Mostly it's when I just can't take being in pain anymore. I have days where I am pretty angry about the whole thing. I have days where I just don't really want to do anything. Partly because I am exhausted and partly because I just don't want to move. If I move it hurts worse. I just want a day without intense pain.
Current Pain Medication: None.
Other Meds: Benadryl PRN for allergies, Chew Vitamins (2 daily), Ambien (not taking it though), Albuterol inhaler PRN
But, before I start the experiment, I wanted to document how I am doing right now without the emu oil so I can compare later with better clarity. I will do this by using the Pain Management worksheet I got in the mail for my pain specialist appointment that is on Wednesday. Here it goes...
Pain Level Right Now: 6.7 (I have a pain scale app I use)
Describe your pain: It's a burning pain that starts in my lower back and radiates around and down, all the way to the soles of my feet. It ends up turning into a stabbing sensation just in the back and has intermittent "shock" like sensations that start in the middle lower back and radiates outward to my sides (it's not daily). It's a quick shock feeling and then goes away. Every once in a while, I have this "crunchy" feeling in my lower back. It doesn't really hurt though it's just disconcerting and uncomfortable. Every once in a while I also have a "pop" feeling in my lower back (it's not daily either). Not sure what that is. It hurts for a few seconds and then subsides.
Pattern: The pain is constant. I only one or two pain free days since June 26 (and I was so excited! I thought I was better... next day, HELL NO!) It gradually builds up during the day until my legs feel like Jell-O by nighttime. It feels like someone has tied lead weights to my feet and lifting my legs becomes so difficult that I sometimes end up tripping and falling. It's like my legs don't work anymore. The pain is much worse in the evening than in the morning and any movement makes it worse also.
What relieves the pain? 3 celery stalks juiced (makes about 1 cup of celery juice) really helps. Actually it helps more than I thought it would. The problem is that with my rotation diet I can have celery juice once every 3 days. And according to research, I can't take more than 1 cup of vegetable juice daily or I will overdose on the good stuff in it. I tried drinking 1 cup each day, but eventually I was so nauseous from it that I had to stop and wait for a few days to start again.
What Causes or increases the pain? Any movement at all. Walking and sitting are horrendous. But I can't just lay around all day so I make myself walk, even though I am dying inside.
Effects of Pain
Accompanying symptoms: When it's bad enough, I start shaking uncontrollably. I get headaches from lack of sleep. Sometimes it hurts so much that I get nauseous. I haven't actually thrown up though.
Sleep: Sucks. I sleep maybe 4 hours a night. Usually I sleep for an hour at a time and wake up in pain. They gave me ambien to help me sleep. I can sleep 6 hours (sometimes) on ambien but I wake up every couple of hours miserable and then I feel out of it for the rest of the day. My sleep hasn't been solid, restful sleep for awhile now.
Appetite: I noticed I either starving or have no appetite. I'm not sure if I should count that... but before I was almost always wanting to eat something. I had to eat every 2 hours. Now, i make myself eat a few bites every couple hours and have a main meal for the day.
Physical Activity: Uhm, well, I can dress myself and bathe myself. I force myself to walk 2 blocks and back each day (sometimes more) because I am afraid my legs will atrophy and cause more problems. But I have to skip days because the pain is so intense I can barely function. I do manage to do light housework. I am up to 20 minutes about 2 to 3 times a day. I can sometimes stand long enough to cook a meal, other times I can stand long enough to microwave oatmeal.
Relationship with others: When I hurt, I am a complete bitch. I don't know how anyone can stand me sometimes. :( But I do pretty well most of the time. Although I am pretty irritable from pain a lot. I try to cope with it when people are around, especially hang out night! I usually end up going and laying down in bed so I don't start getting cranky when everyone is here. I just lay there by myself.
Emotions: When I first wake up, I am in a pretty good mood. I try to be positive as much as possible. When I really start hurting bad, I am not as chipper. I end up crying from the pain a lot. Mostly it's when I just can't take being in pain anymore. I have days where I am pretty angry about the whole thing. I have days where I just don't really want to do anything. Partly because I am exhausted and partly because I just don't want to move. If I move it hurts worse. I just want a day without intense pain.
Current Pain Medication: None.
Other Meds: Benadryl PRN for allergies, Chew Vitamins (2 daily), Ambien (not taking it though), Albuterol inhaler PRN
Google+ and Facebook...
I was pretty upset about the new Facebook layout last week. I actually thought about going off Facebook for about a week but then changed my mind as I played around with the new features. When I learned that Google+ went live, I was stoked since I love everything Google. I went and signed up right away.
The first thing I noticed is that the Google+ interface is pretty sweet. It's clean and organized. It lacks the enormous amount of clutter that litters my Facebook page. The very next thing I noticed was the "circles". Google+ circles are similar to Facebook's Lists in that you can group friends, family and other people into specific groups. For example, I have a list and a circle for writers, blogging, work and more.
That's about where the difference ends though. On Google+ you can post a new update like on Facebook but instead of posting to "public", "friends", etc... you can actually post to specific circles. Let's say I want to tell my family and close friends that I am traveling again, I am at a rest area in Boonies, Tx and the kids and I are fine. On Google+ I can pick to share it with my circle of Family and Close friends and no one can see it but them.
I am seeing a lot of potential for this! Sure, Facebook has something like that, but Google+ just made it easier. In fact, I just sent a private message to my friend Sara today as a test. (Yes Sara, you need to go get the android app!) I didn't have to leave the main screen at all. I love it.
While I have been oogling over Google+, it has really helped me understand the Facebook lists better. I did make one list called "Most recent" and added all my friends to it so I could have recent updates in chronological order, but I wasn't quite getting it and I am not in love with the layout of the lists. But the circles seem to be easier to get and use with the smooth Google+ layout.
I am not leaving Facebook. I still like it... but I LOVE Google+. Look me up, I am +Dotchi Latham over there. It's another cool social network toy for me to play with!
The first thing I noticed is that the Google+ interface is pretty sweet. It's clean and organized. It lacks the enormous amount of clutter that litters my Facebook page. The very next thing I noticed was the "circles". Google+ circles are similar to Facebook's Lists in that you can group friends, family and other people into specific groups. For example, I have a list and a circle for writers, blogging, work and more.
That's about where the difference ends though. On Google+ you can post a new update like on Facebook but instead of posting to "public", "friends", etc... you can actually post to specific circles. Let's say I want to tell my family and close friends that I am traveling again, I am at a rest area in Boonies, Tx and the kids and I are fine. On Google+ I can pick to share it with my circle of Family and Close friends and no one can see it but them.
I am seeing a lot of potential for this! Sure, Facebook has something like that, but Google+ just made it easier. In fact, I just sent a private message to my friend Sara today as a test. (Yes Sara, you need to go get the android app!) I didn't have to leave the main screen at all. I love it.
While I have been oogling over Google+, it has really helped me understand the Facebook lists better. I did make one list called "Most recent" and added all my friends to it so I could have recent updates in chronological order, but I wasn't quite getting it and I am not in love with the layout of the lists. But the circles seem to be easier to get and use with the smooth Google+ layout.
I am not leaving Facebook. I still like it... but I LOVE Google+. Look me up, I am +Dotchi Latham over there. It's another cool social network toy for me to play with!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Turn Off the Facebook Ticker! I hate Facebook's New Layout...
Facebook has really screwed up this time. The first thing I noticed, since I have ADD, is how ridiculous it is to have a ticker running your friends every move on Facebook right there in Facebook. That's like building a Wal*Mart inside a Wal*Mart. Now while I am IN Facebook, I see everything that is happening every second scrolling down the right hand side of my screen. My ADD and that ticker are mortal enemies. I can't freaking focus with it running all the updates. Before I could continue to analyze the Facebook layout, I HAD to figure out how to get rid of that feed!
Get Rid of the Facebook Ticker Sidebar! (one way)
- Download Google Chrome.
- Open chrome and click on the + for a new tab (at the top)
- On the new tab will be an icon for "web store", Click it.
- On the top right corner is a search box. Type in "Get rid of facebook ticker" and hit enter.
- It will show several extensions that will kill that dang blasted Facebook sidebar that I hate so much!
- Once you find the one you like, click on "Add to Chrome"... wait for it to load and then go back to facebook.
- Refresh facebook and enjoy!
I am working on another blogger post about how to get your regular feed back. That'll be later today. I am testing the instructions to make sure they are understandable.
In the meantime, Google Plus went live. Check it out! I am on there too and I like it pretty well.
P.S. No I am not giving up on Facebook... I am just waiting out the whole ARGH-ness of the new layout. I heard they are adding music... it better be optional or I am out of there.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Better Blogging: This Blog's Basics
Darren at 31 Days to Building a Better Blog made a really good point in one of the assignments. Not everyone is going to know what my blog is about. I even asked in a forum for a little help on my niche. Even the people who looked at my blog got lost after a few posts and didn't know what the blog was about. So here it is...
The Baker's Acres started out of sheer boredom... why do I feel like I already posted this???... after a hysterectomy. I used this blog to share stories of my life, my kids, our allergies, recipes I try to make, homeschool and all that good stuff.
I also use it for when I am traveling to Washington or California to update friends and family of how the trip is going. It's my baby when it comes to blogs and will always be my favorite of all my blogs.
So, hey, how did you find Baker's Acres? And how long have you been reading?
The Baker's Acres started out of sheer boredom... why do I feel like I already posted this???... after a hysterectomy. I used this blog to share stories of my life, my kids, our allergies, recipes I try to make, homeschool and all that good stuff.
I also use it for when I am traveling to Washington or California to update friends and family of how the trip is going. It's my baby when it comes to blogs and will always be my favorite of all my blogs.
So, hey, how did you find Baker's Acres? And how long have you been reading?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wow. So much response to the last post, it's overwhelming!
So I checked for comments and saw that I had a few. I was so excited thinking someone actually read the last post and replied. NOPE! Now, don't get me wrong, I did have two responses in email (Thank you!) but the comments today were, um, less that exciting.
One was "Cool post" with a link to a place selling bread machines signed by Anonymous. Obviously this was spam with two words to try to throw me. You did not succeed! Even if I was totally cool with random links to merchandise, I would not post yours. I can't even eat bread! Why would I want a bread machine?
The next was a comment that was pure spam. "Buy this medicine... blablabla"... I was like, really? DELETE! They didn't even try to woo me with "nice post", they just dumped their crap on my blog. Bastards.
The next one was about Viagra. I don't think I need to announce this as it should be obvious to all my readers BUT, I don't have a dangling man part. And to the other comment, no, it doesn't need to be enlarged and I don't think my woman really cares about my "size". Just saying...
OH COME ON! Seriously? Dang! I guess that is what I get for turning off the word verification. I mean, really people, if you are going to spam me, at least try to woo me over like Anonymous. I'm actually thinking of buying a bread machine as a thanks... (not really)
One was "Cool post" with a link to a place selling bread machines signed by Anonymous. Obviously this was spam with two words to try to throw me. You did not succeed! Even if I was totally cool with random links to merchandise, I would not post yours. I can't even eat bread! Why would I want a bread machine?
The next was a comment that was pure spam. "Buy this medicine... blablabla"... I was like, really? DELETE! They didn't even try to woo me with "nice post", they just dumped their crap on my blog. Bastards.
The next one was about Viagra. I don't think I need to announce this as it should be obvious to all my readers BUT, I don't have a dangling man part. And to the other comment, no, it doesn't need to be enlarged and I don't think my woman really cares about my "size". Just saying...
OH COME ON! Seriously? Dang! I guess that is what I get for turning off the word verification. I mean, really people, if you are going to spam me, at least try to woo me over like Anonymous. I'm actually thinking of buying a bread machine as a thanks... (not really)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Better Blogging: Run a Reader Survey
On 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, my next task to tackle is to run a reader survey. Because I do care what my readers think, I thought this would be perfect! SO, here is the first reader survey:
Rules of the survey
Rules of the survey
- Any comment or suggestion (positive or negative) is more than welcome!
- Be polite though.
- Don't flame others for their suggestions or comments or I'll delete your comment. I want everyone to feel welcome in leaving a suggestion or comment.
- If you are just too nervous to leave one, email me the comment or suggestion instead.
Reader survey
- What do like most about this blog?
- What would you change if it were your blog?
- If you are a repeat visitor, what brings you back?
- What is your favorite food?
- Where are you from? I am curious where all my readers are... I know the stats will tell me, but it's rather vague like "USA" or "Russia"... I am wondering like "Southern California, USA" or "Moscow, Russia" or "Eastern Australia" or something along those lines. I don't need your info down to your address... unless you want me to send you a letter... then email me your address and I'll get some pretty paper and mail you some snail mail!
- What's the craziest thing you ever did?
Okay, I better stop there. I don't want the page to get too long. Have fun answering the questions :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Mailbag: "You Commit an Error"
Someone posted a comment to the blog that got dumped in the spam folder. It says:
Thanks everyone! And if you see a typo or missing word, feel free to email me and let me know. Please put in your email 1) the title of the post and 2) the original sentence and 3) what's wrong with it. Sometimes when I am proof reading, I scan right over the missing word. After all, I know what it's supposed to say! So my brain just fills it in for me.
You commit an error. I can defend the position. Write to me in PM. we will discuss.There was no name or email though. So, if your the one that left the message, I got it. But I can't PM you because I don't know who you are. You can email me at blogwriter@gmail.com and let me know what error I made.
Thanks everyone! And if you see a typo or missing word, feel free to email me and let me know. Please put in your email 1) the title of the post and 2) the original sentence and 3) what's wrong with it. Sometimes when I am proof reading, I scan right over the missing word. After all, I know what it's supposed to say! So my brain just fills it in for me.
Better Blogging: Reply to comments on your blog
WOOHOO! I am doing another one right! In the 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, I skipped a few b/c of lack of money and another one I printed out to work on later since it's more in depth and will take some time (creating a sneeze page). I went on to check out the article on Commenting on your blogs comments.
Back when I started using blogger, there wasn't really any good way of checking for new comments. But now they have a comments tab where I can check for new comments on my posts. I have been replying to them and if the person is new, I hop over to their blog too and check it out! I have found a couple of really fun blogs to read from this and I really feel like I am connecting with my readers.
Frankly, seeing new comments makes my day! I get all excited and I can't help but smile. I love comments! And I will reply if you leave one. I've been checking them twice a day, sometimes only once if I am really busy. I do check them daily though, so feel free to leave a message.
Back when I started using blogger, there wasn't really any good way of checking for new comments. But now they have a comments tab where I can check for new comments on my posts. I have been replying to them and if the person is new, I hop over to their blog too and check it out! I have found a couple of really fun blogs to read from this and I really feel like I am connecting with my readers.
Frankly, seeing new comments makes my day! I get all excited and I can't help but smile. I love comments! And I will reply if you leave one. I've been checking them twice a day, sometimes only once if I am really busy. I do check them daily though, so feel free to leave a message.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Better Blogging: Halfway there! Two assignments I can't do...
Well, I found two assignments I can't do on 31 Days to Building a Better Blog. The first is to create a heatmap of where readers click on your blog. The other is to run a StumbleUpon Advertising campaign. Both of these cost money to do. Despite the rumors that are going around, I don't have money to pay for ads and heatmaps. I just don't have money to pay for anything like that, even if the lowest price is $5, I still can't afford it.
So, instead, I am going to trust all my readers to keep clicking where ever you click and you can post a comment and tell me :) How's that? As for ads... uh... hmmmm... here's a few for you to click...
This book is HILARIOUS! All the stories are made up... uh-huh! No really!
Here is one in case you have no idea how to start a blog (hint: blogger.com... sign in... click "start a blog" or whatever the button is). But if you're more of a book person, well then cool! Here ya go!
Here is a link for ProBlogger's book 31 Days to Building a Better Blog which I completely intend on buying one day! This link is for a reader who asked about the book. Apparently it's not on Amazon.com.
I love this book! It's funny and teaches grammar in an easy to understand way. Excellent for homeschoolers, writers, book worms and paperweight.
Well, now I am off to go make biscuits and chocolate coffee. Enjoy!
So, instead, I am going to trust all my readers to keep clicking where ever you click and you can post a comment and tell me :) How's that? As for ads... uh... hmmmm... here's a few for you to click...
This book is HILARIOUS! All the stories are made up... uh-huh! No really!
Here is one in case you have no idea how to start a blog (hint: blogger.com... sign in... click "start a blog" or whatever the button is). But if you're more of a book person, well then cool! Here ya go!
Here is a link for ProBlogger's book 31 Days to Building a Better Blog which I completely intend on buying one day! This link is for a reader who asked about the book. Apparently it's not on Amazon.com.
I love this book! It's funny and teaches grammar in an easy to understand way. Excellent for homeschoolers, writers, book worms and paperweight.
Well, now I am off to go make biscuits and chocolate coffee. Enjoy!
Fake nails... I feel like Dolly Pardon in 9-5
Ever since I was little and watched Nine to Five 
with Dolly Pardon typing away with her long fingernails, I have wanted to have long nails that I could type with too! Like long, pretty manicured nails that look cool and pretty. Not like my gnarly, phyllo-dough nails.
But this weekend, I saw my friend Lolita and she is so funny and wild and cool and I just love hanging out with her! I tried on her Native American dresses (I look HOT in them) and gave me a picture of herself when he was younger and then she gave me a box of fake nails. They are pink with white tips. I was giddy.
So I came home and decided to try them on and see how they do. First, I can't type with those things on. Hats off to Dolly Pardon! I can't open anything either. Thank goodness Dolly Pardon has assistants! And I am not even going into the whole wiping my arse debacle! Ouch.
Last night I fell asleep and I am now covered in scratches, including one in my left eyeball. I finally just had to rip them off. The problem there is that I super glued them onto my nails. As I ripped them off, I also removed several layers of my nails on every finger (did you know nails have layers?). My fingers are now sore and feeling quite bruised. I cried like a sissy when I ripped them off. But at least now I can type and update the blog again.
Beauty IS pain! Screw that. I'll stick with my stubby, ugly, boy nails. Thankyouverymuch!
with Dolly Pardon typing away with her long fingernails, I have wanted to have long nails that I could type with too! Like long, pretty manicured nails that look cool and pretty. Not like my gnarly, phyllo-dough nails.But this weekend, I saw my friend Lolita and she is so funny and wild and cool and I just love hanging out with her! I tried on her Native American dresses (I look HOT in them) and gave me a picture of herself when he was younger and then she gave me a box of fake nails. They are pink with white tips. I was giddy.
So I came home and decided to try them on and see how they do. First, I can't type with those things on. Hats off to Dolly Pardon! I can't open anything either. Thank goodness Dolly Pardon has assistants! And I am not even going into the whole wiping my arse debacle! Ouch.
Last night I fell asleep and I am now covered in scratches, including one in my left eyeball. I finally just had to rip them off. The problem there is that I super glued them onto my nails. As I ripped them off, I also removed several layers of my nails on every finger (did you know nails have layers?). My fingers are now sore and feeling quite bruised. I cried like a sissy when I ripped them off. But at least now I can type and update the blog again.
Beauty IS pain! Screw that. I'll stick with my stubby, ugly, boy nails. Thankyouverymuch!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Better Blogging: Make your Popular Posts Sticky. I did one right!
In 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, the assignment is making your popular posts sticky. WOOHOO! I already did that! If you scroll down a little, you will see my top 10 popular posts. I am proud of myself! I did one of the assignments before I ever started the project! HA! Go me!
Playing with myself
Hmmm, that didn't sound right. Anyway, I was playing with the editing settings on my camera and I like this picture way better! I look like a seriously hot chic from the 50's or 60's... Now I have to change all my profile pictures!
There! An updated pic of me!
After many people pestering the crap out of me for an updated picture, I finally started snapping photos til I got a good one. I'm nearly blind now! All I can see are blue spots but at least I got a good picture for you. See what I do for my readers!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 11, Where were you?
Today is September 11, 10 years after the Twin towers fell. Ten years after so many people lost their lives. I don't usually post on politics but this affects so many families that I had to post something on it. I promise I will get back to mindless blathering tomorrow.
Where was I?
I lived in Tennessee at the time on the original Baker's Acres. I had just got up and got going. I had the kids finishing breakfast. My husband called me from work and asked if I was watching the news. I am not a news type of soul. I said no and he told me to turn it on. I was like... What? But I turned it on anyway. I was stunned. My children came into the room and asked what happened. I said that a plane had flown into the twin towers. Then we watched as one of the towers collapsed, straight into into it's footprint. I was really confused because I know what I saw that day on the screen. Explosions.
I felt very unpatriotic thinking this. I wanted to believe that some "evil" people attacked us... but I don't know. I know that none of this makes sense to me today.
The plane that crashed into the pentagon didn't make sense.
The plane that crashed in Pennsylvania didn't make sense (You ever tried to call someone while on the plane? It doesn't work.) That was the strangest plane wreckage I have ever seen... like, where are the huge gaping remains of the plane? I don't see any? What the hell happened???
The plane that flew into one of the buildings didn't even look like a commercial airplane. It had no windows and what the hell was that thing on the undercarriage?
Witnesses tell different stories from what we started seeing on the news.
The whole thing was a mess! I was stunned. I didn't know what to think either. Conspiracy theories came flying out of the wood work. They blamed the government while the government was blaming "evil-doers"... even though most of the hijackers, amazingly enough, many of them are still alive.
The whole thing just screamed to me that something was wrong. To this day I can't decide what the hell to think.
Did our government do it? I don't know. Did the evil-doers do it? Well, do you know of any really nice humanitarian terrorists? I don't either.
My big thing about 9/11 each year is, I don't know what to think... but people died. Many people who were innocent bystanders died. Many children lost parents. Parents lost children. Friends lost friends. Regardless of what sadistic bastards did this, it touched us all. We should remember what happened, even if we don't understand.
Hopefully one day the truth will come out... But it won't bring any of them back.
Where was I?
I lived in Tennessee at the time on the original Baker's Acres. I had just got up and got going. I had the kids finishing breakfast. My husband called me from work and asked if I was watching the news. I am not a news type of soul. I said no and he told me to turn it on. I was like... What? But I turned it on anyway. I was stunned. My children came into the room and asked what happened. I said that a plane had flown into the twin towers. Then we watched as one of the towers collapsed, straight into into it's footprint. I was really confused because I know what I saw that day on the screen. Explosions.
I felt very unpatriotic thinking this. I wanted to believe that some "evil" people attacked us... but I don't know. I know that none of this makes sense to me today.
The plane that crashed into the pentagon didn't make sense.
The plane that crashed in Pennsylvania didn't make sense (You ever tried to call someone while on the plane? It doesn't work.) That was the strangest plane wreckage I have ever seen... like, where are the huge gaping remains of the plane? I don't see any? What the hell happened???
The plane that flew into one of the buildings didn't even look like a commercial airplane. It had no windows and what the hell was that thing on the undercarriage?
Witnesses tell different stories from what we started seeing on the news.
The whole thing was a mess! I was stunned. I didn't know what to think either. Conspiracy theories came flying out of the wood work. They blamed the government while the government was blaming "evil-doers"... even though most of the hijackers, amazingly enough, many of them are still alive.
The whole thing just screamed to me that something was wrong. To this day I can't decide what the hell to think.
Did our government do it? I don't know. Did the evil-doers do it? Well, do you know of any really nice humanitarian terrorists? I don't either.
My big thing about 9/11 each year is, I don't know what to think... but people died. Many people who were innocent bystanders died. Many children lost parents. Parents lost children. Friends lost friends. Regardless of what sadistic bastards did this, it touched us all. We should remember what happened, even if we don't understand.
Hopefully one day the truth will come out... But it won't bring any of them back.
Buckwheat Oat Mix for the Week
I made my buckwheat oat flour for the week. I make it with one bag GF oat flour and one bag buckwheat flour.
The best part is my son went to the store and bought me a coca-cola in the glass bottle. Now I can sip Disaronno and coke while I clean. I think that was his plan all along. I have been pretty bitchy this morning because my back is killing me. No pain meds + killing back = what monster are you and what did you do with my mom?
He is now quietly hiding in his room watching movies. I am happily making biscuits... I think his diabolical plan is working!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I know my niche!
After asking around I think I figured out my niche. Most people I asked said family-oriented sounds like it fits my niche. If they ignore the 31 Days to Building a Better Blog posts, the rest of the blog is family-oriented. It's mostly family stuff, recipes and my writing. So I will try to leave off the stuff about my writing and go for the family-oriented, "single parent"/ Navy spouse, recipes type posts.
What do you think???
What do you think???
Friday, September 09, 2011
Better Blogging: Finding my niche, Checking out my Competition
Today on 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, I looked into the assignment of analyzing your blogs competition. The first part was to make a list 10 blogs in your niche. I got to thinking about it and I don't know what my niche is as far as it goes with this blog.
Discovering my niche
The first thing I did was open my blog and figure out the topic of my blog posts. Hmmm, there doesn't seem to be much of a theme except for this month’s 31 Days to Better Blogging posts. The rest are about parenting, homeschooling, traveling updates, photos, recipes, reviews, allergies, life as a CNA and article writing.
Since I already have other blogs that cover the homeschooling and housekeeping, I can cross those off and use the Homeschool blog for co-parenting and homeschool information. I can also add reviews to the appropriate blogs of whatever I am reviewing.
That still leaves many topics but I think I can work on narrowing it down a touch. I'll work on that niche thing over the next couple of weeks. I plan on researching blog niches and see what I find.
Searching my popular posts
Two of my top ten posts are my Top 13 list of things. Apparently, people really like lists. I know I do! Three are random pictures I have posted of things. One is about my job and the other is about creating a household budget. The other three posts are about random garble that I posted on various topics. Surfing the internet at 41,000 feet, one about the world ending on May 21, 2011 and then house-sitting in the country.
Lists are on my things to blog about as is life as a CNA and photos. I love photos!
Blog Competition?
I don't know where to start when looking for competition for my blog. I just don't know. If you have suggestions, I am all ears!
Question to my readers
If you all could be kind enough to drop me line, leave a comment, email or whatever... I am wondering.
· What brings you to this blog?
· Are you coming back? If so, what brings you back? If not, why are not coming back?
· What do you find interesting on the blog?
· What would you change if it was your blog?
I'd love to hear from you! Thanks so much for reading my blog.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
FAQ: Mailbag! Backgrounds part 2
This is part 2 of the original post Where do you get your background?
You'll notice that my background isn't in the images selection for the blogger template designer. That is because I get my background lay out from The Cutest Blog on the Block. They have different backgrounds for Twitter, Wordpress, Myspace and Blogger.
How to find your background
At the top of the Cutest Blog on the Block page, scroll over "backgrounds" and then choose "Blogger". It will open a page for the Blogger backgrounds. You can browse around the different categories (on the right hand side, scroll down a little). They have backgrounds for 3-column lay out, Black and white, etc.
Once you find the background you like, click on it. I'll use the Fluorescent Grunge Glam background as the example.
Scroll down to the code section where it says "copy and paste this code". Highlight the whole code, right click and pick "copy".
Open your Blog Design Tab
Now go back to your blog dashboard. Click on the blog you want to have the background displayed and click the "design" tab.
This will take you to a page that shows your pages lay out, with header, footer, posts and the sidebar items.
Adding your background
Wherever you want, click "add gadget". A box will pop up to choose the gadget you want. Scroll down to find "HTML/javascript" and click on that.
A new box will open with a title and content box. Paste your code in the content box and then click "save".
Now open your blog page and marvel at its beauty :)
Tip for Blogger Backgrounds
Once you have added your cute background, you may want to go to the template designer link on the design page and remove the background image. This will help your blog load faster.
If you need any help or have any questions, email me.
FAQ: Mailbag! Where do you get your background?
I found this email in my inbox this morning
Getting to the template designer
Go to your blogger dashboard. Near your blogs name there is a link for "design". When you click on it you will be taken to a page that shows the lay out of your blog.
Near the top (but below the "posting", "comments", "settings", etc tabs) will be a link for "template designer". Click on that.
This takes you to the template designer where you see your blog on the bottom half of the page and all the options you can change on the top half.
Changing your background image
The second link down on the top half (on the left) is "background". Click on that.
There will be a box next to it that shows your background image. You can click on it to change your background. There are a ton of background images to choose from. Then you choose to change the color theme to match your background picture on the same "background" option.
Read Part 2 of Backgrounds to see how to get a cute background for your blog.
I can't figure out how to get a multi colored back ground like you have on your blog. I dislike my blog background somewhat, it's boring.Oh I know what you mean! The backgrounds that come with the blogger templates can be exciting and colorful but for the most part, I want something cute and different. Here is how you change your background.
Getting to the template designer
Go to your blogger dashboard. Near your blogs name there is a link for "design". When you click on it you will be taken to a page that shows the lay out of your blog.
Near the top (but below the "posting", "comments", "settings", etc tabs) will be a link for "template designer". Click on that.
This takes you to the template designer where you see your blog on the bottom half of the page and all the options you can change on the top half.
Changing your background image
The second link down on the top half (on the left) is "background". Click on that.
There will be a box next to it that shows your background image. You can click on it to change your background. There are a ton of background images to choose from. Then you choose to change the color theme to match your background picture on the same "background" option.
Read Part 2 of Backgrounds to see how to get a cute background for your blog.
Better Blogging: Affiliate Programs
Today on 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, I read the article for searching for an affiliate program for your blog. I do have an Amazon.com associates account although I rarely use it. Usually I use it when posting recipes and that's about it. But I can use it to post a link to books I love, my favorite cleaner
, my son's Science book, or anything else
I feel like linking as well. It really depends on what I am posting.
In theory, if I actually used it often, it could help make money with blogging. But I always feel bad if there isn't a really good reason to put a link in my blog, like uncommon ingredients for recipes. I felt like that would be along the lines of doing this...
I'm BROKE! Send money! PLEASE!!!
But seriously, I never really thought about it as ads. After all, nothing happens until someone buys using the link I made. I'm not sure why I agonize over the links. I have adsense ads on my blog... why am I all modest about the amazon links? I am weird. I have come to that conclusion (and about 99% of people who have met me). Maybe I should try therapy. Wouldn't that be a fun session... "You see, it all started when I signed up for Amazon affiliates...". I'll be in a padded room in no time.
But I am digressing... While I probably won't use them in every single post, I am sure there are times when I could add a link for a few things here and there. I just don't want to over-link the hell out of my post like I did in the first paragraph.
But, hey, check out the links [insert evil grin here]. I worked harder on that than I should have! I tend to have fun with links sometimes LOL.
As for the assignment, I don't know of a lot of affiliate programs but I did look around. I think I have enough ads. I will have to make it work. I don't want my blog weighted down with a jillion ads. So I think I am done with the assignment, except for trying to add a link once in awhile.
I did read up a little more on the topic though. If you really want to read more, here ProBlogger gives 10 Tips for Listing Affiliate Programs on your blog. It was quite useful in that I finally don't fear Amazon's program. I do like that I can place an actual ad in the blog post for something relevant to that topic. Like this...
This is Problogger's book on making money blogging. I figured that was quite appropriate for this post. I can't see wanting to put an ad like this on the blog post very often... but then too, I was just thinking, that might be helpful in recipes. I buy some of my ingredients online from Amazon because I do get better deals. Hmmmm, I will have to seriously ponder that.
Hey, while I have you all here... Here is another link I am going to practice with.
This is my dad's book. He is an awesome writer. I know I am biased. Whatever.
You may now return to your regular blog surfing. I know I am!
, my son's Science book, or anything else I feel like linking as well. It really depends on what I am posting.In theory, if I actually used it often, it could help make money with blogging. But I always feel bad if there isn't a really good reason to put a link in my blog, like uncommon ingredients for recipes. I felt like that would be along the lines of doing this...
I'm BROKE! Send money! PLEASE!!!
But seriously, I never really thought about it as ads. After all, nothing happens until someone buys using the link I made. I'm not sure why I agonize over the links. I have adsense ads on my blog... why am I all modest about the amazon links? I am weird. I have come to that conclusion (and about 99% of people who have met me). Maybe I should try therapy. Wouldn't that be a fun session... "You see, it all started when I signed up for Amazon affiliates...". I'll be in a padded room in no time.
But I am digressing... While I probably won't use them in every single post, I am sure there are times when I could add a link for a few things here and there. I just don't want to over-link the hell out of my post like I did in the first paragraph.
But, hey, check out the links [insert evil grin here]. I worked harder on that than I should have! I tend to have fun with links sometimes LOL.
As for the assignment, I don't know of a lot of affiliate programs but I did look around. I think I have enough ads. I will have to make it work. I don't want my blog weighted down with a jillion ads. So I think I am done with the assignment, except for trying to add a link once in awhile.
I did read up a little more on the topic though. If you really want to read more, here ProBlogger gives 10 Tips for Listing Affiliate Programs on your blog. It was quite useful in that I finally don't fear Amazon's program. I do like that I can place an actual ad in the blog post for something relevant to that topic. Like this...
This is Problogger's book on making money blogging. I figured that was quite appropriate for this post. I can't see wanting to put an ad like this on the blog post very often... but then too, I was just thinking, that might be helpful in recipes. I buy some of my ingredients online from Amazon because I do get better deals. Hmmmm, I will have to seriously ponder that.
Hey, while I have you all here... Here is another link I am going to practice with.
This is my dad's book. He is an awesome writer. I know I am biased. Whatever.
You may now return to your regular blog surfing. I know I am!
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Better Blogging: The About Me Page!
Today for 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, I decided to try out the assignment for "Conduct and 'About Page' Audit". Now, I am not sure what I should put in my about page. I did go through and check it for grammatical errors and spelling errors. I really think I need to make it a better page, but I don't know where to start.
I went browsing other "About Me" pages and some were dry as hell and boring. Others were mildly interesting but sounded more like "My resume in greater depth". Then I got a brilliant idea! Duh, read ProBlogger's "About ProBlogger" page. I am such a dork. Why didn't I think of that before reading other ones for an hour?
I like his layout and I like the page. It's not boring, it doesn't sound like a resume and it's WAY better than mine. So for the rest of the day, I will be playing with my About Me page and getting it the way I want it. Wish me luck! And if you have any suggestions, I am all ears!
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Better Blogging: Introduce Yourself to Another Blogger
Today for my 31 Days to Building a Better Blog assignment, I picked introducing myself to another blogger. I have issues with just blindly emailing another random person from the internet that I don't know. I've met some pretty freaky and creepy people in my years and I didn't want a repeat.
I started out by surfing blogs for awhile looking for a new one that I could relate to. I happened to run across several fundamentalist Christian blogs but they just aren't me! I found several food blogs that looked good but with all my allergies, I kept going. I found ones for technology that were interesting but not really something I would follow. I found one that I liked but there was no contact info or about me or profile page.
And then I found one that speaks to my heart... Farty Girl, the Queen of T.M.I. She has IBS, gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance. I spent some time browsing her blog and then HAD to send her an email! Nothing grand, just a note saying how I love her blog. I made contact! I feel a teensy silly for it, but I did!
THEN, I decided to make contact with a friend of mine, Donna C, who also has a blog, and we're going to be blogging a lot together. This should be awesome! Also, I called Nikky about her blog and I am going to help her get it going.
I am so excited now! I did the assignment and have two people to get addicted to blogging with me! I feel like a blog dealer or something... 'mere my friends, I got a little something for you! LOL
I started out by surfing blogs for awhile looking for a new one that I could relate to. I happened to run across several fundamentalist Christian blogs but they just aren't me! I found several food blogs that looked good but with all my allergies, I kept going. I found ones for technology that were interesting but not really something I would follow. I found one that I liked but there was no contact info or about me or profile page.
And then I found one that speaks to my heart... Farty Girl, the Queen of T.M.I. She has IBS, gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance. I spent some time browsing her blog and then HAD to send her an email! Nothing grand, just a note saying how I love her blog. I made contact! I feel a teensy silly for it, but I did!
THEN, I decided to make contact with a friend of mine, Donna C, who also has a blog, and we're going to be blogging a lot together. This should be awesome! Also, I called Nikky about her blog and I am going to help her get it going.
I am so excited now! I did the assignment and have two people to get addicted to blogging with me! I feel like a blog dealer or something... 'mere my friends, I got a little something for you! LOL
Monday, September 05, 2011
Better Blogging: First Time Reader Audit
My project for today in 31 Days to Building a Better Blog was actually completed about a week ago. Running a first time reader audit for me is a bit difficult since so many people I know already read my blog. Then I had a great idea! Sky and Donna S! Sky and Donna S don't have internet at home, don't actively follow my blog and are pretty honest about the layout of websites.
I invited them over for a hang out and asked each of them to sit down and look at my blog. I briefly explained why by telling them I am doing a first time reader audit. I wanted them to look at my blog, browse it, read a little and just stay on it until they were bored. Then tell me what they thought.
Donna S Surfing
Donna S went first since she hasn't seen my blog at all except for the few times they came over and I said "Hey looky what I added to my blog!" and that was about the end of it. I couldn't sit right next to her to stare over her shoulder and see what she was clicking on but I was able to lay down on the couch behind her and sort of watch her from across the room.
Donna S did great as a first time reader. She stayed on the blog a lot longer than I thought she would, I saw her checking out the sidebar and she clicked on the About Me page. I was just starting to nod off when I her her giggle at something. I looked up to see what page she was viewing and it was one about Montana and Tennessee. After awhile she finally finished and we started talking about the blog.
Donna S Review
She said she really likes it, likes the writing style, the backgrounds that she has seen are really cool, the articles are fun to read and the about me page is very interesting to read and the recipe page looks delicious! She liked two articles that stuck with her the most. The article about comparing Montana to Tennessee and the article about A CNA doing nice things. Those things she can relate to since she lives in Montana and was a CNA in the past. She said she didn't read the Android apps post because she doesn't have a cell phone.
I asked if there was anything she would change and she said she couldn't think of anything. It was nicely laid out, easy to use, not confusing.... but maybe do something about the blinking ads. She has seizures and didn't need to go into one. (I NEVER thought about that!) There isn't much I can do about that so I just changed the sizes. I haven't seen any that blink since then. Here's hoping that's fixed!
I asked what she would remember most about the blog if never came back to it. She said the writing, how pretty it is and that blinking ad. Oops on the ad but cool on the other two :)
Sky Surfing
Next my brother, Sky, sat down with the blog. I knew he would be a good candidate from a first time reader because he is a lot like me. He tends to have A.D.O.S. which stands for Attention Deficit... OH SHINY! I was curious to see how long he would stay on the page. I gave him the same instructions as Donna and then wandered off.
I was having a seriously hard time focusing that day so I didn't really watch where he clicked. The times I did see him browsing he was doing the same as Donna S. Scrolling a bit and checking out the About me page.
Sky's Review
Sky's review is the blog is clean looking and well organized. It wasn't confusing and cluttered like some of the pages he goes to view. He liked the about me page and my style of writing and just generally the lay out. He also likes the different backgrounds I use. I also likes that I have different topics and that it's not JUST a blog about one specific thing.
He didn't stay on the blog as long as Donna (about half the time) but he said it was engaging enough to keep him there for a little while. What will he remember? The clean, organized feel of the blog.
How about you?
Are you a first time reader? What do you like about the blog? What would you change? Do you have anything you dislike? Let me know! Shoot me an email with your review.
I invited them over for a hang out and asked each of them to sit down and look at my blog. I briefly explained why by telling them I am doing a first time reader audit. I wanted them to look at my blog, browse it, read a little and just stay on it until they were bored. Then tell me what they thought.
Donna S Surfing
Donna S went first since she hasn't seen my blog at all except for the few times they came over and I said "Hey looky what I added to my blog!" and that was about the end of it. I couldn't sit right next to her to stare over her shoulder and see what she was clicking on but I was able to lay down on the couch behind her and sort of watch her from across the room.
Donna S did great as a first time reader. She stayed on the blog a lot longer than I thought she would, I saw her checking out the sidebar and she clicked on the About Me page. I was just starting to nod off when I her her giggle at something. I looked up to see what page she was viewing and it was one about Montana and Tennessee. After awhile she finally finished and we started talking about the blog.
Donna S Review
She said she really likes it, likes the writing style, the backgrounds that she has seen are really cool, the articles are fun to read and the about me page is very interesting to read and the recipe page looks delicious! She liked two articles that stuck with her the most. The article about comparing Montana to Tennessee and the article about A CNA doing nice things. Those things she can relate to since she lives in Montana and was a CNA in the past. She said she didn't read the Android apps post because she doesn't have a cell phone.
I asked if there was anything she would change and she said she couldn't think of anything. It was nicely laid out, easy to use, not confusing.... but maybe do something about the blinking ads. She has seizures and didn't need to go into one. (I NEVER thought about that!) There isn't much I can do about that so I just changed the sizes. I haven't seen any that blink since then. Here's hoping that's fixed!
I asked what she would remember most about the blog if never came back to it. She said the writing, how pretty it is and that blinking ad. Oops on the ad but cool on the other two :)
Sky Surfing
Next my brother, Sky, sat down with the blog. I knew he would be a good candidate from a first time reader because he is a lot like me. He tends to have A.D.O.S. which stands for Attention Deficit... OH SHINY! I was curious to see how long he would stay on the page. I gave him the same instructions as Donna and then wandered off.
I was having a seriously hard time focusing that day so I didn't really watch where he clicked. The times I did see him browsing he was doing the same as Donna S. Scrolling a bit and checking out the About me page.
Sky's Review
Sky's review is the blog is clean looking and well organized. It wasn't confusing and cluttered like some of the pages he goes to view. He liked the about me page and my style of writing and just generally the lay out. He also likes the different backgrounds I use. I also likes that I have different topics and that it's not JUST a blog about one specific thing.
He didn't stay on the blog as long as Donna (about half the time) but he said it was engaging enough to keep him there for a little while. What will he remember? The clean, organized feel of the blog.
How about you?
Are you a first time reader? What do you like about the blog? What would you change? Do you have anything you dislike? Let me know! Shoot me an email with your review.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Better Blogging: Run an Advertising Audit and Digging into Statistics
Today I picked two assignments for my 31 Days to Building a Better Blog. The first was running an advertisement audit. Along with decluttering my sidebar, I think I like the layout better.
Ads Audit
I changed one of the ads to smaller, even though Darren made his bigger, just because I thought it looked better when you first open the page. The others I moved a bit to get the labels and subscribe form a little closer to the top of the page. I also added the follow gadget once I figured out what I was doing so I needed the ad to be smaller for that sidebar.
Then my friend, Donna, called and we worked on the sidebar layout together which helped me complete my previous assignment.
Digging into Statistics
Next, I moved onto my blog statistics. First I wanted to see what my popular posts are so I can post something along those lines. My top five post are:
- FAQ: How did you find out you are gluten intolerant?
- My Bedroom Floor Collapsed
- An untitled blog post of a picture I took from the Anza-Borrego Desert.
- My recipe for Gluten Free Biscuits and Gravy
- A Better Blogging Post about scheduling my blog posts.
Okay, I can work with this. Scrolling down further I noticed that the most clicked on posts are about Blogging, Gluten Free, Random Pictures and my bedroom floor collapsing. I understand the Blogging and Gluten Free post.
I didn't realize that random pictures were such a huge hit. But then I thought about it. Sometimes when I am searching the internet on Google, I click on images and browse them. Maybe that is what people are doing to stumble onto my blog?
As for my bedroom floor collapsing, I have no idea. Maybe people are curious? Maybe they are searching because there is a huge rise in collapsing bedroom floors? I have no idea. I google searched for "bedroom floor collapsed" and it was at the top of the search page. #1 in search! Sweet. But searching for "bedroom floor collapse" and I stopped looking around page 36 of the gooooooooooooogle search. I am going with that people are fascinated with me almost dying.
Also I noticed that my Contact me/ Stalker Guide page has quite a few hits. I think Darren was right about the contact page.
Referring Sites Statistics
Next I looked at the referring sites. Most are google, facebook, twitter and my friends blog. Then there is a random blog about viagra that showed up. I am good with that. I'm not sure how to work with that information other than to work on my SEO in each post and maybe write more about sex (just kidding!).
I looked at the keywords that brought people to my blog and found it interesting.
dotchilatham.com is the most used keyword for finding my site. So is "baker's acres", "baker acres blog", "Dotchi Latham" "bakers acres blog pic 2010" and "bakers acres hindi".
The first thing I thought was, "Someone searched my name?" It's not a common name like Joe Blow, Jane Doe, Sue Smith or anything. It's rather original. I enjoyed my momentary ego-boost and kept scrolling.
The big keywords that stand out are about gluten free bread, android apps and medical issues. I jotted down a few ideas that I got from those, looked for a calendar to print to make a full month posting schedule and then got lost in farmville. Note to self: Work on ADD issues!
My Audience Statistics
I got curious about where people are that view my blog so I checked out the audience stats. That was pretty cool! My audience is broader than I thought. For this week alone I have readers from (in order of greatest views to least amount of views):
Also I noticed that my Contact me/ Stalker Guide page has quite a few hits. I think Darren was right about the contact page.
Referring Sites Statistics
Next I looked at the referring sites. Most are google, facebook, twitter and my friends blog. Then there is a random blog about viagra that showed up. I am good with that. I'm not sure how to work with that information other than to work on my SEO in each post and maybe write more about sex (just kidding!).
I looked at the keywords that brought people to my blog and found it interesting.
dotchilatham.com is the most used keyword for finding my site. So is "baker's acres", "baker acres blog", "Dotchi Latham" "bakers acres blog pic 2010" and "bakers acres hindi".
The first thing I thought was, "Someone searched my name?" It's not a common name like Joe Blow, Jane Doe, Sue Smith or anything. It's rather original. I enjoyed my momentary ego-boost and kept scrolling.
The big keywords that stand out are about gluten free bread, android apps and medical issues. I jotted down a few ideas that I got from those, looked for a calendar to print to make a full month posting schedule and then got lost in farmville. Note to self: Work on ADD issues!
My Audience Statistics
I got curious about where people are that view my blog so I checked out the audience stats. That was pretty cool! My audience is broader than I thought. For this week alone I have readers from (in order of greatest views to least amount of views):
- United States
- China
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- Ukraine
- India
- Netherlands
- Australia
- Romania
Looking at all time views adds Latvia and Iran. I thought that was really cool. Thanks everyone! I am not sure how I am going to use this to help my blogging experience but I am going to research Latvia next because I haven't heard of it.
Now that I have a better idea of how to use popular blogs and keywords for writing ideas and I know people like pictures, I can blog more with a better idea of what draws people to this blog. Hopefully, I will have more readers and more people will start commenting. I LOVE comments!!!
I am off to start outlining my new ideas for blogging and map out a month of blogging ideas.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Better Blogging: Declutter the Sidebar
Today for my assignment on 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, I picked decluttering the sidebar. I usually do this a few times a month anyway but I went ahead and looked at my sidebar again. I rearranged a few things but for the most part, it is the way I like it. What do you think of the sidebars? I was thinking of having two sidebars on one side, putting the ads down one sidebar and the profile, popular posts, etc next to them. I am not sure which one I would like better so I will be playing around with that this next week and asking my "test readers" what they think.
Let me know if you have any suggestions on how to make the sidebars look better.
Let me know if you have any suggestions on how to make the sidebars look better.
Oh my beautiful bedroom!
The landlord arrived today to fix my bedroom floor. I have been sitting in the living room giggling to the harfle-snarfling coming from the bedroom.
Friday, September 02, 2011
My Blog Schedule Leaderboard
I put my board right beneath the computer monitor so it's right in front of my face and I can't ignore it. Now my week will be planned out and ready to go and will be front and center too!
Better Blogging: Email an Old Time Reader
Today's assignment from 31 Days to Building a Better Blog was to email an old time reader. This one I really had to think about. Since I don't have a lot of comments on the blog, I browsed back a little way through the comments to find someone who has been on the blog awhile. I found a few but none of them had email addresses that I could email to say thanks.
So, I emailed my long time friend, Donna C. Donna has been reading my blog since the day I started it. She may not comment on the blog but she does tell me when she reads it and tells me what she thinks about the posts. She has given me ideas for something to post on when I am brain dead and is always supportive outside the blogging world to offer support. Donna is super awesome and deserves a huge pat on the back!
Until this assignment, I never really thought about saying thanks to her for all she has done to get my blog going and keep it hopping. So, thank you Donna again for being such a wonderful supporter of my blog.
And thanks to everyone else who reads this blog too. I really love you all! And this blog wouldn't be where it is today without you!
So, I emailed my long time friend, Donna C. Donna has been reading my blog since the day I started it. She may not comment on the blog but she does tell me when she reads it and tells me what she thinks about the posts. She has given me ideas for something to post on when I am brain dead and is always supportive outside the blogging world to offer support. Donna is super awesome and deserves a huge pat on the back!
Until this assignment, I never really thought about saying thanks to her for all she has done to get my blog going and keep it hopping. So, thank you Donna again for being such a wonderful supporter of my blog.
And thanks to everyone else who reads this blog too. I really love you all! And this blog wouldn't be where it is today without you!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Better Blogging: Scheduling my Blog Posts
The next project I decided to tackle today for 31 Days of Building a Better Blog was scheduling my blog posts. Darren explained about how he got into a posting schedule and it really made sense to me how it will help my blogs. I am sporadic! But I also have blogger-droid on my phone so I can post updates to all my blogs no matter where I am so, I have no excuses anymore!
First things first... What days am I blogging?
I really had to think about this. I wanted to do a post every day on every blog. That might be a bit much though. So my plan is to post 6 out of 7 days on this blog, 5 out of 7 days on Cleaning Nymph (and get it GOING!) and 3-4 days on the Homeschool blog. The work comp blog is just there for documenting purposes but I can update it twice a week.
Second... What am I going to say?
The next thing I did was sat down and made a list of things to write about on each blog. For Cleaning Nymph that is pretty easy. Every day has a theme and each week I pick a room as the weekly focus. For the homeschool blog, I can write something about what the boys have done on each day or post pictures, maybe some reviews and I picked a few topics to start off. Then I picked a week worth of topics for this blog.
I moved my dry erase board into the living room and used it to map out my week and wrote a note on the notes area "Change blog pic!!!" since everyone is asking for it. I'll try to have that done by Saturday.
Third... When am I going to write all this?
I was seriously sweating over how I am going to post on every day that I marked on the calendar for each blog. Then I remembered this cool feature on Blogger! Auto-post! I can write the blog entries as I think of them and schedule them to publish at a certain time. I have had issues with it malfunctioning before but I can make sure I check each afternoon to make sure the posts actually went through.
Having this feature will help me for days when I have appointments in Kalispell or days when I really need to get things done around town. It'll keep the blog active without me sweating bullets last minute.
Lesson Learned?
I really need to be consistent with my blogging and make sure I keep posting to the blog so it doesn't just end up in a cyber graveyard.
First things first... What days am I blogging?
I really had to think about this. I wanted to do a post every day on every blog. That might be a bit much though. So my plan is to post 6 out of 7 days on this blog, 5 out of 7 days on Cleaning Nymph (and get it GOING!) and 3-4 days on the Homeschool blog. The work comp blog is just there for documenting purposes but I can update it twice a week.
Second... What am I going to say?
The next thing I did was sat down and made a list of things to write about on each blog. For Cleaning Nymph that is pretty easy. Every day has a theme and each week I pick a room as the weekly focus. For the homeschool blog, I can write something about what the boys have done on each day or post pictures, maybe some reviews and I picked a few topics to start off. Then I picked a week worth of topics for this blog.
I moved my dry erase board into the living room and used it to map out my week and wrote a note on the notes area "Change blog pic!!!" since everyone is asking for it. I'll try to have that done by Saturday.
Third... When am I going to write all this?
I was seriously sweating over how I am going to post on every day that I marked on the calendar for each blog. Then I remembered this cool feature on Blogger! Auto-post! I can write the blog entries as I think of them and schedule them to publish at a certain time. I have had issues with it malfunctioning before but I can make sure I check each afternoon to make sure the posts actually went through.
Having this feature will help me for days when I have appointments in Kalispell or days when I really need to get things done around town. It'll keep the blog active without me sweating bullets last minute.
Lesson Learned?
I really need to be consistent with my blogging and make sure I keep posting to the blog so it doesn't just end up in a cyber graveyard.
Better Blogging: Comment on another blog
Today I need to catch up on my assignments for 31 Days to Building a Better Blog. It's not that I'm on a time limit or anything but with the floor collapsing in my bedroom and getting a pay check yesterday, having to buy car parts and go grocery shopping; my back was done with me before I could find time to browse the list and pick another goal for the day. I decided to pick two goals today.
My first goal is to comment on a blog I have never commented on before. I realized I don't usually comment too much on the blogs I read, I haven't read too many blogs lately and I don't have a blog roll on my blog to share my reading list with my readers. I am going to fix that today!
I spent about an hour browsing the blogs I follow and found a few to leave comments on. Then I started clicking the "next blog" button at the top of the page and found a few more I really liked and bookmarked them. Now, I am making a list of blogs I read to add to this blog to share with my readers. Here are a few to get you started (in no particular order):
My first goal is to comment on a blog I have never commented on before. I realized I don't usually comment too much on the blogs I read, I haven't read too many blogs lately and I don't have a blog roll on my blog to share my reading list with my readers. I am going to fix that today!
I spent about an hour browsing the blogs I follow and found a few to leave comments on. Then I started clicking the "next blog" button at the top of the page and found a few more I really liked and bookmarked them. Now, I am making a list of blogs I read to add to this blog to share with my readers. Here are a few to get you started (in no particular order):
- Camp4u is a political blog. I usually don't follow politics and I can't remember why I started following this blog but I lived in TN when I bookmarked the page and posted it on my blog awhile back. I pop in there every now and then to see what he is saying.
- Nikky's Circle is my best friend's blog she started recently. I am going to help her out with lay outs and all that fun stuff! I'll make a blogger out of her yet!
- The Simple Women's Daybook is one that I have followed but haven't actively joined and posted my daybook for. I plan on changing that!
- Abiding Hope Collages makes beautiful collages for those of us who have lost a child. They made a beautiful one for Brandon, my first son.
- ProBlogger is "a Blog that helps bloggers to add income streams to their blogs."
- Pillownaut is a blog I was introduced to this week by my dear friend, Sara. I was hooked after I read the post on whistling in space. I love her style of writing!
- Nerd Bastards is a cool site. I love their tag line "entertainment for the socially awkward". That is so me! And so far I have enjoyed browsing their site.
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