300!!! I think. right?

300!

I was wrong yesterday. Sara pointed out that it was actually the 299th day yesterday, not the 298th, which makes a lot of sense because when I posted the 2008 flashback thing yesterday on the crockpot site it said that it was day 300 (which again makes sense because 2008 was a leap year).

confused yet?

I totally am. THANK YOU, Sara, for having my back. I really, really appreciate it.

Today:

I’m pooped. We went out for a b-day celebratory dinner last night, and we had super slow service, and the baby is of the age where she does. not. want. to. be. contained. in a highchair at all. Nor does she want to have an inside restaurant voice.

so we got a late bedtime routine, and I was behind in answering email, and so I’m just pooped.

POOPED.

~~insert giggle and a: heehee, she said “poop”~~

daily 7

and that’s it.

This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.–
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday: run errands

291

I’ve been reading the book: The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris. It was recommended by a friend when I shared how much email I get in a day and how long it takes to sort. I’m enjoying the book—he has some interesting ideas about delegating and outsourcing, and I like the idea of batching like tasks together—such as answering email at certain times of the day, and not checking unless it is that time.

I try already to batch errands, and have found that an effective way to utilize time. I learned the hard way last week that I need to steer clear from Twitter unless the rest of my work (writing and housework) is done or I’ll follow link after link and time is sucked away.

Do you batch email sessions? Do you keep the computer off during certain times of the day? I declared email bankruptcy yesterday, and deleted 237 unread emails. I had them dating back to August 2, and while it feels good to see an empty inbox, I hate feeling like I’m letting people down by not replying to their note.

Today:

daily 7 (which one of the 7 is the biggest challenge? Do it today, and see if it makes a difference in the way the day runs/feels)

run errands (get them all done for the week if you can. if you can run them virtually, do it!)

Time is what we want most, but use worst. –William Penn

288 & 289

saturday and sunday

dude. I’m a tired hippo.

I’ve promised myself (and the internet) that I’d post everyday for Crocktober, and I WILL do it, I know this, but holy cow, batman!

it’s a lot of work.

that is all.

and? I need to follow my own advice and stay away from twitter. It’s kind of addicting, and I blame Shirley, Michelle, and Allison.

Today:

Spend more time outdoors than in

unplug. Can you turn off the tv? the internet? can you leave the blackberry at home?

what’s going on with the Holiday gifts? if you know already what you want to buy, do it now and get it over with!

daily 7

Wednesday: the 285th day of the year

285

I’m worried I’m getting cynical in my old(er) age. Did anyone else think it was a bit odd that the Chilean miners were rescued during American prime time tv?

and the Gap logo —was I the only one who thought the press releases and voting screamed marketing ploy?

I hope I’m wrong.

What about the new Quilted Northern commercial? OH EW.  I do not need to know that much about  bathroom habits and freshness. icky icky icky

Today:

quick dust, mop, vacuum

daily 7

if you have time, can you click over to the Smithfield.com site and say “hi”? I’ve accepted a freelancing gig for Smithfield Pork company (ironic, since I’ve only been unallergic to pork for about a year) and they would like site traffic.

saturday & sunday: the first weekend of crocktober

275 & 276

I’m typing this quickly before leaving for the first date night out in a VERY LONG TIME. woo hoo! Adam and I are going to see The Social Network, which is pretty funny because we’re the only ones we know who aren’t on facebook.

HA!

I’m having a tiny sliver of mommy guilt because I’m going to be away from the kids next weekend for BlogHer Food, but I think it’s passing.

okay, now it’s gone.

whew!

any big plans this weekend? want to hang out on twitter Sat night since I’m going to be up late with a bunch of slumber-partying 9 year olds?

this weekend:

decorate for Halloween

iron out details for Thanksgiving. are you hosting? what are traveling?

daily 7

have some fun.

Wednesday, clobber the cobwebs and other things

272

I finished a deadline last night that was hanging over my head. I was practically-but-n0t-actually late but it’s done and over and I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I know I’ve written about this before, but I am a really bad procrastinator when it comes to writing deadlines. I like writing, so when I’m “told” I have to write about this or that by a certain time, all creativity seems to fly out the window and I push it to the absolute last minute.

This is kind of problematic when you’re trying to make a living as a writer. The year I did the crockpot challenge, I also was in charge of the local parenting magazine’s event calendar. The job was pitched as 10-15 hours a week, and my deadline would be the 6th of each month for the following month. I was supposed to process the press releases as they came in and write the blurbs on the corresponding calendar date. Easy.

I only did it this way once. After January was complete, and the editor wrote back that she was thrilled with the work, I began to push the envelope. I’d start working a week before my deadline. Then three days before. When December was due, I did it all in one sitting and pulled an all-nighter. It kind of felt exhilarating, like I was back in college BSing my way through Shakespeare class.

I’m learning that I can’t do this anymore because it isn’t fair to the family to be glued to the computer for an entire day (or more), grumbling about “being on a deadline.” The baby HATES the laptop with a firey passion, and whines as soon as I pull it out of it’s hiding place in the armoire.

or maybe I just need to be more creative. I don’t see me tackling work as soon as it’s assigned–it’s just not me.

yet.

Today:

daily 7

sweep, mop, dust, vacuum

begin ordering Holiday gifts (don’t get mad! )

Wednesday, Sept 15

258!!

258! It’s day 258, and a huge honking thank you to Sara for taking the time to figure that out for me. I have a bright blue post-it (in retrospect, not the best color for a post-it because it’s hard to see ballpoint pen) stuck to the computer armoire telling me to figure out which day of the year it is. The post-it keeps falling off because it’s so old the stick is wearing off.

Thank you Sara! I LOVE the internet. LOVE it!

Your comments yesterday on the tentative schedule/routine were wonderful. We ended up not following it and blew off soccer practice to finish the math worksheets before the school’s PTA and ice cream social. I think it was a good call.

Today:

speed dust, vacuum, and quick mop.

daily 7

and Christal reminded me that I should probably change the sheets.

Friday, May 21: day 141

141

Another week has bitten the dust. Congratulate yourself on all your accomplishments, and cut yourself some slack about the things that you just weren’t able to complete. It’s okay. Write it all down, and make it happen for next week.

I hung out at the library today, in the business aisle (it looks like according to the Dewey system, the business books are between 650-658). I ended up taking home a stroller-basket full of reading material. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for (and I still don’t), but I’m drawn towards time management and “make! it! happen!” books like a moth to a flame (which is ironic, because I came home pumped from my library visit and then read an article on BlogHer on how you shouldn’t use cliches in your writing).

or LOLs.

whatever.

LOL.

and then I wasn’t quite as pumped.

Which leads me to something that I’ve meant to write for quite a while: sometimes, you just need to step away from the computer. Turn it off. If what you’re reading or who you’re talking/chatting to isn’t leaving you feeling better than  you did before you sat down to read or chat, then it’s not worth your time. Seriously. Time is SUCH a precious commodity—and YOU are the only person in charge of it.

Don’t get distracted by the new tweet or email alert. Give your family your full attention when it’s family time, and try your hardest to limit work time to work time. I consider the computer work. I’d much rather socialize on the phone or in person, but I realize that I’m not in the norm in feeling this way. I wrote a bit about social networking and time management more than a year ago. I still feel floundery about the whole thing, since my job pretty much means that I’m on the computer all day long, but the feeling I get at the end of the day when I power down and put the lap top completely away is priceless.

Today:

go over personal goals. are you on track for June?

count your blessings

daily 7

day 75–tuesday, March 16

75

It’s the seventy-fifth day of the year! Now you can call in to a radio station with this fascinating tidbit of information.

You’re welcome.

Today:

errands

daily 7

spring clean: wipe down the baseboards in the main entry, living, and dining room. I find using a (very slightly) damp cloth works the best.

yesterday: weekend recovery, monday madness

Holiday Gifts to Support Bloggers

Don’t look now, but the Holidays are RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. They really are. Pretending you’ve got plenty of time will only cause a lot of undue stress.

I’m trying to get as many presents out of the way as I can in the next few weeks or so because

1) that’s just who I am. I like to get things done and out of the way (I know. It’s annoying. Feel free to throw eggs, I can handle it).

2) Whether I’m ready or not, this baby is going to get born. I spent most of the summer in denial, but she’s really going to come. I’m actually getting a bit nervous and feel the need to disinfect and re-paint every surface of the house.

3) Thanks to your wonderful comments and emails, I’m going to go for NaNoWriMo (national novel writing month). I’m kind of excited!

I get emails about book publishing and blogging, and how to get the two to collide. I am probably not the right person to ask, since the book I spent a hundred million years of my life (8, but whatever) trying to get published got canceled (but I’m staying positive. Yes, that’s it. Serenity Now!), and the slow cooker book was kind of a fluke thing—the publishers came to me, which is NOT NORMAL. Regardless, I’m going to pretend I know something and throw this idea out there, which I do believe makes sense:

If you write a blog, and want to become published, the best way to help achieve that goal in the long run is to support bloggers who *have* books. Because the more they sell, the better the chances of you selling a proposal to an agent and/or editor. And it’s good karma.

On that note, start your Holiday shopping early and support a blogger (or twenty-three) at the same time.

Note: Whenever possible, I’ve linked to the author’s Amazon Associate account, not my own. While reading the reviews on Amazon is a fantastic way to get a feel of the book, buying the book at your friendly neighborhood independent book store is best for your local economy. I am familiar with the work of *all* of these bloggers. While I am sure that there are other books by bloggers “out there,” I have not personally read their blogs or their books.

Cookbooks:

The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook Elana blogs at Elana’s Pantry, and has a beautiful website and an even more beautiful book. She has healthy recipes for all types of gluten free food that is healthy and wholesome. She introduced me to the wonders of almond flour and agave nectar. Cooking with almond flour creates moist, delicious gluten free baked products.

Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris Clotilde blogs at Chocolate & Zucchini, and was the first food blogger I followed regularly who wrote a book. This book reads like a memoir/travel guide, and she does have a fabulous cookbook, Chocolate & Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen.

David Lebovitz I’ve linked to David’s author’s page on his blog, because he has a great collection of cookbooks and a fantastic new memoir entitled, The Sweet Life in Paris. David goes out of his way to support bloggers, and is an all-around nice guy.

Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree blogs at The Pioneer Woman, and her cookbook just came out (well, tomorrow, Oct. 27, but it’s already shipping). Ree is warm, friendly, and loves butter–a fabulous trifecta. She’s absolutely wonderful.

Steamy Kitchen Jaden writes at Steamy Kitchen, and has phenomenal recipes for all kinds of Asian-inspired food. Her recipes are simple, clear, and use fresh ingredients. Her friendly writing style and gorgeous photos suck readers right in.

The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Erin blogs at $5 Dinners, and is not only a great friend, she has created a fabulous resource for busy families on a budget. ALL of her meals have been made for $5 or less for a family of four. Her book isn’t out yet, but you can pre-order it and have it delivered to your gift recipient.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week Mary blogs at Owlhaven, and has 10! children. She knows how to feed a crowd, and knows all about picky eaters. A fantastic resource for anyone looking to streamline the kitchen, learn about meal planning, and save money.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s 101 Wines Gary blogs at Gary Vaynerchuk, and he does video-blogging (vlogging) on wine. He is hysterical, witty, and down to earth. Gary is the furthest thing from a wine snob, yet knows all there is to know.

Make it Fast, Cook it Slow Stephanie (that’s me!) blogs at A Year of Slow Cooking. In 2008, she made a New Year’s Resolution to use her slow cooker every day for a year, and write about it online. This book has the best 338 recipes from the year. All recipes are gluten-free, due to a family intolerance.

Parenting:

Sleep is For the Weak Rita writes at Surrender, Dorothy and she put together the best of the best of the mommy bloggers into a great gift for any pregnant woman, new mom, or any dad who needs to better understand his wife’s wonky behavior. I’ve given this numerous times as gifts, and it’s always well-received.

Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family Mary (featured up above) writes at Owlhaven, and is a mom to 10. I read this book when we were deciding to take the plunge from two to three, and found her advice helpful and straightforward.

The Rookie Mom’s Handbook Heather and Whitney write at Rookie Moms, and wrote this book when they were trying to figure out how to keep their little ones entertained during the day. The handbook is chock full of developmentally appropriate activities, broken down by age groups. I’ve met Heather and Whitney, and like it that they are *real* moms, instead of parenting “experts.”

It Sucked and Then I Cried Heather is an internet rockstar. She started Dooce an awful long time ago, before there were tons of blogs, and is known as the Ultimate Mommy Blogger. I found her memoir fun and light-hearted. Although it’s presented as being primarily about postpartum depression, I wouldn’t classify it as such—I found it more like a being pregnant and new-mommy memoir.

The Mominatrix’s Guide to Sex Kristen blogs at Motherhood Uncensored. Her book isn’t out yet, but will be mid-January, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and is available for pre-order. I’m probably more prude than most, but am happy that a book like this exists, and that a blogger wrote it.

Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay I’ve linked to Stefanie’s Author page on Amazon, because she has three books out. She blogs at Baby on Bored. I’ve read her first book, and thought it was a nice change to the parenting books I was reading at the time. Stefanie isn’t afraid to call it as she sees it, and she doesn’t sugar-coat the hard(er) parts of motherhood.

Memoirs:

Gluten Free Girl Shauna writes at Gluten Free Girl, and she was one of the first resources I turned to when we were first diagnosed with Celiac in our family. Shauna’s love for food and her vast knowledge gave me the confidence I needed to start embracing our new lifestyle. Her eloquently-written memoir shares much about her personal road to gluten free living. She is working on a new cookbook which I eagerly await.

Half-Assed Jennette blogs at Pasta Queen, and shares her personal journey of losing 180 pounds all on her own in this fabulous memoir. I read this book coming home on an airplane during some rather rough turbulence, and her friendly writing style and hilarious anecdotes kept me calm.

Straight Up and Dirty and Moose Stephanie writes at Stephanie Klein, formerly named Greek Tragedy. I met her July 2008 at BlogHer, and was charmed by her warmth and wit. Stephanie has led such a different life than I have–which is kind of neat since we have the same name. I’ve read both of her books, and loved being able to “listen in” on her life experiences–both as a newly-divorced and dating single, and as a young teen at a camp for overweight youth.

Bitter is the New Black, Jen Lancaster Jen blogs at Jennslyvania, and was one of the first bloggers I’d heard of to write a memoir. I’ve linked to her Amazon page, as she has four books under her belt. Jen writes like a friend speaking, and immediately engages the reader with her cut-t0-the chase humor.

Business/Blogging:

The IT Girls Guide to Blogging Kathie and Joelle blog at Moxie Design Studios, and have written a comprehensive guide to blogging—perfect for the newish blogger,  the wanna-be who wants to get started on the right foot, or the blogger who wants to beef up his/her web presence.

No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog Maggie writes at Mighty Girl, and wrote a fun compilation of blog post topics. This is great for the personal blogger who sometimes has a hard time figuring out, or narrowing down blog post ideas.

Personal Development for Smart People Steve blogs at Steve Pavlina.com. I found his blog a few years ago when I was googling how to create a highly trafficked website. I like a lot of his ideas, especially the 30 Days to a New Habit posts. Some of his ideas are quite out there, and may be offensive. Please read the Amazon reviews carefully.

Crush It! This is Gary’s (featured above) newest book. I haven’t yet read it, but am interested in doing so. It’s gotten rave reviews as a fantastic resource for any interested in learning more about social media.

TypePad for Dummies Shannon blogs at Rocks in My Dryer. I love how Shannon writes, especially the way she interacts with her readers. I was fortunate to meet her at BlogHer in 08, and was thrilled to learn that she was writing a Dummies book on Typepad. The book isn’t quite out yet, but you can pre-order it on Amazon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

okay! I hope these ideas help in your holiday shopping—hopefully you can quickly cross people off your list and help fellow bloggers out at the same time.

Happy Shopping!

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