Thoughts on Blogging

I took Justin to the ortho this am and since it's next to B&N we left early so I could get a coffee, look over a magazine and chill while Justin walked around.  I picked up three mag's whose titles I found interesting (I'm not much of a magazine reader but thought it would be urban-like and sophisticated.  I guess you could say I was enjoying the morning and par-took in some 'play-time' pretending to be trendy.). 

At any rate, one of the magazines I picked up was on blogging.  I read an article in which the writer clearly referred to photo-blogging as 'blogging.'  I see those as slightly different as both terms exist and have specific, yet similar, definitions.  She talked about how blogging (the taking photos part of blogging) was so important because it immortalized a specific time and place and feeling - she referred to taking a picture of a garden one day and that on no other day would the garden ever look exactly the same as it did at that moment.  Later in her article the writer stated she was watching her son and mom play at the playground while she wrote the article and forgot her camera and the fact that she couldn't snap a picture of the moment was sad because she'd never have that moment to look upon again.

Now, here is where I have to disagree and define my opinions on blogging.  First of all, photo-blogging focuses on pictures rather than words though, often, words accompany the pictures.  Blogging is a web log.  An online journal that primarily uses words to express feelings, convey experiences, initiate conversations and deep thought - or can simply be a way of clearing ones mind of the stresses of the day, and  more.  A blog is whatever you, the blogger, wants to write about and share with others.  I do both - and that's okay.

I would like to share with you all that you don't need to take photos to immortalize anything you see.  Words are powerful. 

“My task, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel--it is, before all, to make you see.”
― Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim

Words can paint a picture!

As someone who takes a lot of pictures - for the mere reason I have a slight memory problem - I can assure you that if you see a moment taking shape that makes you feel a certain way - a way you want to remember:  nostalgic, enlightened, happy, free, peaceful, thoughtful, etc - if you don't have a camera - begin describing it to yourself.  Work your way in - what kind of light?  Sunlight - is it soft, fading, brilliant?  What are the surroundings?  Building, trees, people, water, animals?  What or who is the focus of what you're seeing?  A child, a parent, an old couple, an animal?  What makes the object so endearing?  Innocence, playfulness, funny or hilarious, sweet, calming, relaxing?  Look to colors, actions, expressions, feelings - a breeze, warmth, salty air - etc. 

That is my thought on blogging and I hope that enlightens anyone who reads this. 

Back to the grind. . . 80.5 hrs

Okay - So, I finally got back into the PTO mode again.  Reluctantly, unfortunately.  I hate feeling so - done with it.  I really should be enjoying this but, as our PTO is winding down, part of an ebb & flow - it's hard to enjoy your accomplishments. 

At any rate, I managed to get the PTO Newsletter done (late, albeit) and whipped up an agenda (to discuss with a total of 8 people), and work on a layout for the upcoming Family Fun Night.  I submitted the facilities order for tables and (96!) chairs, had a prelim meeting w/ my co-chair - and as a result have initiated so many emails for status checks - I have no idea who I'm expecting to hear from.  Whew! 

But, on a positive note - I am managing quite well at not becoming over-stressed and allowing any of it to consume my time.  As a matter of fact, my sister and I made a plan - and have initiated it:  YMCAa (I cannot say that without singing it!).  We just got back from an hour and half work out and I am left feeling rather invigorated - so I hope this will carry over to all aspects of my life.  Including PTO.

I am adding 3 hours to my PTO volunteer hours count.  And, looking back through my blog posts to see what number I'm up to - I realize I didn't account for my hours AT bingo in December, another 2 hours.  Last count was 75.5 so with the new numbers I am up to 80.5 hours. 

TV Relo

We may break our necks trying to watch TV, but at least we'll ALL be able to see the TV from any seat in the living room - well, eventually. It's no easy task drilling into brick!



Okay - you can see its up now. We still have to get creative and hide the cords. We need a longer cable for the PS3 and maybe for some other component. Then I can decorate and cover cords.

Though I would have paid the price to have professionals do it all (especially running cords) Sky didn't see spending nearly double the cost of what we spent doing this bit ourselves. I can only shrug my shoulders. I think that's a huge difference between many men & women. The women would rather pay to have something done: completely, professionally, and quickly.

Now, it will definitely take some getting used to. But it is easier to see the TV from all the seats in the living room and from the kitchen area. I have never been a fan of this set up but it's practicality won out.



Ok, got it cleaned up and attempted to hide wires behind decor. Still would live to have had it done professionally, though. Still also getting used to looking UP to watch TV.