February 12, 2009

I'm starting to get into reading more blogs.  I'm finding blogs of people and subjects that I want to learn more about but I'm having a hard time with where to keep track of all of these things!  I am currently teetering between Blogger (here!) or Bloglines.  Each of them have something I like but neither have exactly what I'm looking for.  Does anyone who's reading this have a particular reader/aggregator that they use and if so, what is it that you like about it?

Here are my ideals or what I like about the ones I use:

1.  Blogger-I like that it's what I use as my own blogging resource.  From the dashboard I can see blogs that I subscribe to and can read them from the "all posts" or something like that but can't really tell from that page which ones have new posts, etc.  I typically scroll through the updated posts which posts ALL of the updated posts and they're all mixed in together.  Of course, I can click on each blog listed on the left to go to that particular blog for updates, but I want something a little more user-friendly, customizable.  

2.  Bloglines-This one seems a little harder to navigate or customize to me.  Not easy to follow.  What I do like is on the left side I can customize the view of the blogs I subscribe to.  I can either have them all listed so I can see which ones have posts I haven't read or I can choose to only show the posts that I haven't read or have been updated since my last read.  What I don't like is the main section of the homepage.  It's plain and each time I go to Bloglines I get the same thing in that section...it's an overview of what they do, what you may want to look for, etc.  What I would like to see is something more personal, more my taste or what I want to see on that main page.  When you click on a particular blog to read it then kicks that blog over to the main section but again, it's plain and a little hard to understand.  If you know me at all, I like customization and personality to my web experience.  I'm all about cute and pretty and the ability to move things around, etc.  So to just have black words on a white page leaves me wanting more from my blog reader.

My ideal: maybe a combination of the two plus some other stuff :)  Here are some ideas of what I like or would like to see:

1.  When you select a blog to read in Blogger it takes you to the nice, pretty homepage of that particular blog...sort of like clicking a link and going straight to the page.  Say I have 3 posts of that particular blog that I haven't read.  I can click on the one I want to read and it will take me to that post, not to the main homepage so I have to then navigate to the post I wanted to read.  I LIKE THAT feature.

2.  Bloglines lists the Blogs I read and then in parentheses it shows how many are new and how many I haven't read.  BUT if I click on that particular blog, it takes me to the black and white listing (no pretty pictures or actual website) and then it marks them all as read.  Maybe there are 5 listed and I only read 3, I still want the other 2 listed as unread but so far I haven't figured out how to do that.  And it appears that once I click on a particular blog to read and it's opened in the main section of Bloglines, if I were to click the link from the left side to read the ones I haven't read, it shows an empty pane.  Maybe I'm missing something but I really don't like that at all.

3.  I would also like a section in a reader where I can add notes or save links to other things I may find interesting but want to look at at another time.  For instance, if I'm reading Mike's blog and he puts a link in there to something I may want to read later, I can put that in another folder or something to look at later without having to find that particular blog of his.  

4.  It would also be nice for me to have my calendar and emails listed somewhere in this, too.  What I really am striving to find is a one-stop place for all I want to look at in the a.m.-open up a page to see my favorite blogs and if they've got updated material; my calendar for the day; emails; facebook status updates and messages to me; twitters from people I choose to follow more closely and headlines from my news sources that I follow; and my Youversion daily reading link or widget to go to from this one page.

 AND MOST IMPORTANTLY I want all of this to also be available in an app for my Blackberry!!  I have something now that has potential for this and I may figure out that it does have all of this already, but it's still a little choppy and non-fluid for my personal preference.  

I'm not sure if anyone can see my vision and desire for this, but maybe someone can and either knows of an app already like this for my computer or phone OR can create one for me (Mike).  I'd appreciate any and all ideas, suggestions and I am more than happy to share anything else that may help you help me :)

Thanks for reading this!  I'm wanting to streamline my most used things on my computer AND make it personal to me...and cute, pretty & customizable to me :)

February 9, 2009

BIRDS OF A FEATHER...FLOCK TOGETHER?

Last week was an interesting week for me.  Not that anything fantastic happened, but the sightings of some birds caused me to pause several times and try to "hear" what God was trying to teach me through these different birds.  As ADD as I am, it took me all week to finally get a glimpse into that teaching, although I haven't figured out what it means.  Interpretations anyone?!  

So here's my week with birds (and remember, nothing out of the ordinary, just unusual for me).  First up is the sighting of an owl...at dusk...on a highway sign.  Mike & I were on Hwy 114 and this large bird swooped down and landed on a road sign.  We both looked at each other and said "Was that an owl?!"  We're extremely used to seeing hawks around.  In fact, they're everywhere and for some reason I take comfort when I see one.  I guess I think they're patrolling the land, you know, like in Pocahontas' time.  Anyway, it was odd to see an owl when it was still semi-light out.  (Please, if you are bird experts,  just go with me on 

this.  I'm not stating that I know and understand all things bird related.  This is just my peon brain and the limited knowledge of I have.)  

The next day I was driving here in Trophy Club and spotted a beautiful robin...bright orange chest and beautiful.  Growing up in Indiana we saw them all of the time.  But when you DON'T see them on a routine basis, it's a treat and you realize how beautiful they are.  I thought it was weird to see a robin here in TX, but again, I chalked it up to just another bird sighting.  

Just about every day I am awakened to the sound of a Cardinal chirping out our bedroom window.  That's not unusual and I always smile when I hear it.  Well, most of the time I smile unless I'm really tired and the thing just won't quit chirping!  I've come out to the kitchen on numerous occasions to try to find the Cardinal to see what all the chirping is about.  Most times it's a momma Cardinal watching out for her babies or telling them that the "bath" is ready so they need to come and wash up.  Even though our birdbath doesn't hold water very well, it holds it long enough for me to sit in the kitchen in the A.M. and watch the birds take their baths.  So cute the way the dip their heads under water and then shake all the water through their feathers.  They look so fluffy and clean when they're done and it's comforting to know that they feel safe enough and trustworthy enough to come to our house just about every day for their bath time :-)

On Tuesday I was coming home from our women's Bible study and out of an empty field flew a quail!  Natural instincts were to duck to keep from missing the flying bullets of the hunters that reside in the state of TX, but no gunfire was heard.  Again, because I don't hunt and am not familiar with birds I thought it odd that a quail would be in town and not hiding somewhere more safe.  It just struck me as odd for some reason, but I went on and didn't give it a whole lot of thought.

As the week progressed my mind began to recall all of my bird sightings and encounters through the week.  When things like that happen I usually tend to think that there's a spiritual lesson that God is wanting to share with me.  I'm a visual learner and learn much better by visual aids vs. reading (probably goes back to the felt story boards in Sunday school class :P )  Anyway, I started praying about it to see what I could hear from Him.  I wrestled in my mind about it referring me to Mt. 6:26&27, how God cares for the birds even though they don't sow or reap or gather food.  God gives them what they need for that day, nothing more and nothing less.  I know that...I get that, although I'm sure if it came right down to me living it out like some of you are doing, it would probably take on a whole different meaning.  No, I knew there was something else I was suppose to get from this so I continued to pray and seek God.

Here's what I think I finally "heard" and it sort of DOES go along with the verses above, but I think there's more to it than what is at the surface and that's where I'm not fully sure what it means. With the exception of the Cardinal, to me and for this purpose, the other birds were out of their "natural" environments.  Owls are night birds, not dusk birds.  Robins tend to be more from the north than down here in TX and quails aren't typically in the city (and aren't they in a group called a "covey" or something?)  Anyway, even though they were out of their natural environments and geographical locations, God still met their every need, no matter where they were.  He doesn't only care for the owl at night or the robin in the north or a quail in a covey...He cares for them and provides for them at their point of need. Period.  Does that mean that our family's geographical location is going to change?  Not that I'm aware of at the moment.  So I'm still pondering the lesson from the birds last week.  I'm sure that over time it will be revealed to me but for this moment I'm holding on to the fact that He provides for us at our point of need. Period.

In the words of one of my favorite singers, Norah Jones, "Fly Away With Me"... and keep your eyes open to see if God is trying to show you a lesson through nature!

(on a side note which I thought was funny-yesterday's message at church was called "The Never Ending Story" and my first mental picture is of the children's movie with the same title and what does it show on the front?!  Not a bird per se, but something with wings-and catch the phrase at the top...interesting)

February 3, 2009

Welcome to my world!  After that big long post last week about wanting to blog everyday, I failed the first day after that!  Obviously I'm not as organized as I thought I was, at least not at putting my thoughts together long enough to do a worth while blog! And after thinking about that post for a few days I have to admit that I'm just going to do a post about whatever comes up!  I can't be like others out there and post something meaningful every day.  Just not that together yet..

So, that's about all I have today.  Just wanted to clarify that so you weren't expecting a blog miracle from me!

February 1, 2009

Friday must have flown by since I didn't post my "Favorite Friday" blog!  Honestly, I'm doing this for myself...it helps me to reflect and ponder things that I usually take for granted.  The fact that some of you choose to share in this with me by reading my blog is a good thing. (:

Favorite #1-this is seasonal, but when it's "in season", it is my favorite thing to do every weekend...

FOOTBALL!!!  I LOVE to watch football on TV.  The fact that today is Super Bowl Sunday is a little depressing since I won't have my favorite past time until August-ish.  So I'll carry my tissues with me to mourn the passing of yet another football season, and another football season that the Cowboys did not advance...

Favorite #2-another fav of mine these days are sweatshirts (:  They're big and comfy and warm.  They usually go well with sweat pants but I don't have those so jeans are a close second.  In the fall and winter, sweatshirts are the top of choice.

Favorite #3-my Blackberry Curve phone!  I absolutely love this thing and carry it with me everywhere I go.  I can't explain why I am so obsessed with this technological advancement, but I am.  Maybe it's because it makes everything so accessible to me no matter where I am.  Just about anything I can do at the home computer I can do on the Blackberry only on a smaller scale.  A stay-at-home mom with a Blackberry seems idiotic to some, but to me it's perfect!

As the song goes, "These are a few of my favorite things!".  Nothing substantial or eternally significant but they make this life on earth a little more pleasant (:  I know there are sooo many people out there who don't even have food or water and I'm talking about inanimate objects as favorites.  I get that.  But for now, on this particular day and this particular blog, I'm writing about these silly things...

Think about your favs...what do you absolutely enjoy having?

Until next time

m

January 29, 2009

TV THURSDAY

It seems that a lot of bloggers these days address specific topics or are "gifted" in a particular area and share that knowledge with their readers.  Me? None of the above :)  I am starting to enjoy this (whether anyone reads it is a different story!) blog writing.  If I could get paid to do it I would, but the likelihood of that happening is slim since there are sooooooo many bloggers out there, some of whom I follow in my blog roll or on twitter.  They're all very good and I get inspired by most of them.  I don't ever see me being able to write that eloquently or knowledgeably (not even a word) but I write from my heart and my experiences.  I'm going to try a few things, see if they work. Trying to get a groove going, I guess.  So if you have any suggestions or ideas or something you'd like to know, I'm up for the challenge!  So with that being said, I've dubbed Thursday as TV THURSDAY!

Last night was another new episode of LOST...and I was very lost with all the twists and turns it showed last night!  My goodness!  I have my favorite part...my "a-ha!" moment and then there were some scenes that made me wonder why they gave us that bit of information.  But as a devout LOST follower, I know that the insignificant pieces always have significance at some point!  The time swap, or whatever it's called, is totally confusing me since it's hard to tell what time period they are in on the island, off the island, etc.  I am proud of myself, though, that I remembered way back when that Richard visited Locke as a child and told him he would be a leader!  But why didn't John remember that until now?  Maybe it's all starting to fall into place in his brain now, too! I'm anxious to see next weeks episode, but I may have to rent some past seasons and watch them and look for clues...(thanks for the idea J&J!)

We don't sit and watch TV all that much and when we do it's usually what is on the DVR so we may be a day or a week behind.  Just to give you an idea of what I  watch/record, it would be The Bachelor (guilty pleasure), House (just started watching this year), LOST, Life on Mars, Gilmore Girls (in syndication on ABC Family), King of Queens (in syndication but we never watched it until now..funny stuff!), and of course American Idol.  That's a start, I guess.  I won't review them all, but just so you don't think I'm pulling thoughts out of left-field... :)

I watched the most recent episode of The Bachelor last night.  I don't know why I watch this, but I do.  And every year I say I'm not going to watch again because I get so wrapped up in it that when it doesn't work out after the show, I'm devastated!  It's a girl thing, emotions and holding out for "true love"...like that'll happen in 6 weeks with cameras following your every move!  Anyway, I thought I had it picked out who J would pick and then I went to the message boards today and was totally wrong!!!  They're all saying that he picks Melissa (good name, BTW, and she's from Dallas!) or Jillian.  I'm not a big fan of Jillian's for some reason.  She just doesn't seem right for him.  I thought he looked the most comfortable w/Molly this week.  My first pick was Stephanie but they're really playing her up since she's got a child, so I'm guessing she's not his pick.  So, I guess time will tell what happens.  I think I read that the FRC (final rose ceremony) is March 2.

I've got House from this week to watch and the first episode of this season of Life on Mars.  If you haven't seen that show it's a good police show.  Same people that do Lost also do Life on Mars so there's a twist (of course).  The main guy is hit by a car in current day and age and is then transported  back to the 1970's.  It's interesting to see how far our country has come in 30 years!  Things we take for granted now hadn't even been thought of back then!  He tries to convince the precinct officers that he really is from the future and at times he has visions of his friends and family from the current time.  It sounds confusing, but it's a good show.  A little rough like NYPD Blue was, but good none the less.

That's pretty much all I've got right now.  Everyone is starting to come home after school and work so my train of thought has been derailed.

Tomorrow=Favorite Friday (or something like that)

stay warm!

m

January 27, 2009

A TIME TO GRIEVE FOR THOSE STILL WITH US

You always know days like this will come. Days that sort of take the wind out of your sail and bring memories flooding in out of control. But why do we always seem surprised, even mad sometimes, that life takes a turn like this? It doesn't have to be the passing of a loved one or friend, but even just the letting go of a dream, of what you expected the outcome to be in a certain situation. And sometimes the hardest part is still having to look at these situations head on, straight in the eyes, and know that memories of the past are what remains. Moving forward seems to be in slow motion and your world seems to be muffled, even distorted at times, as you try to grasp the reality of the current situation. I find that in these times, God is my ever-present help and comfort.

If you follow my facebook at all you know that I posted a prayer request last night for my grandmother and my uncle, both of which have life-changing illnesses that are leaving all family members uncertain and hurting. Please continue to pray for everyone involved that peace will be the common denominator amongst them all and that God's will be done. His will may not even come close to resembling our will, but His love remains the same and His plan is for us is good, not to harm. (loosely translated from Jer 29:11) So with that being said, here is a very brief look at who I'm asking prayer for and who I miss, even now, and even though I hardly ever see them.

1. My Uncle Ray-my dad's brother: will forever be known as Bread Ball Boy :) When I was a child he would always show me how to make the best bread balls by rolling a piece of bread between the palms of his hands until the bread was tight and moist. He also would tell me it was a great way to clean your hands, too, but I didn't understand that as a young child :) Now, I do & I think it's gross, but I wouldn't trade those memories at all! LOVES basketball, especially college if ISU (Terre Haute, IN) is playing or IU (Indiana University); larger than life (literally sometimes!); always smiled and always laughed.

My dad got a call last week from my aunt that Uncle Ray is now in a nursing home. He doesn't remember anyone, not even family. I guess there were other physical issues that escalated this problem but it has gotten to this point and there's no reversing it. So, I grieved last night for my uncle who's still here but doesn't know it. Of my uncle who I probably won't see again and even if I did he wouldn't know me. And of all the times he made us laugh and made us bread balls...that's what I miss already even though he's still on earth. Eternal future? Unsure...

2. My mom's mom whom we call Nanny: She's lived in Indiana almost her whole life but was just moved to Houston, TX to be close to the majority of her children. The move was not something she wanted to do, but she did it and was moved into a nice semi-assisted living home/apt. My mom is in Houston at this moment helping her brothers move their mom from this apartment to a full-fledged nursing home. Nanny is beginning to have signs of Alzheimer's and is requiring 24 hour care of which is way to expensive to justify at her current residence. However, a choice was made to move her to the nursing home without telling her and without even telling her when she left her apartment last night that it would be the last time she'd be there. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. So she awoke today not knowing how drastically her life is about to change. Moving from semi-independence to a room with a bed...that's all, a bed. Being totally stripped of independence, I'm sure, has got to be humiliating and depressing. That life has come down to laying in a room, going out to occasional activities w/in the home and waiting for people to visit. What motivation is there to live?!

So I grieve for my Nanny, who is still living here on earth, that she's not the grandmother that I used to know and used to cry to stay with every single time I would leave her house in Terre Haute to go home to Evansville. I loved her then. Over the years there has been somewhat of a falling out between her and all of the rest of us based on choices she made, but the memories of my life as a little one of her and my papaw are still in the recesses of my mind. That's what I'm grieving about, I guess. The memories that were, and that no longer will be. She stayed with us Christmas '07 and that's the last time I saw her. I'm not sure I can handle seeing her now...like this. It's just so not her. But, like I said at the beginning of this post I have to grasp the reality of this situation as part of life here on earth and walk forward, trusting God at His word and knowing that I do have the hope of seeing her someday in heaven. Hopefully by then she will have found the peace and joy she's not found in her journey here on earth.

So, that my friends, is where I'm at today. Quiet. Contemplative. Grieving. Praying. Remembering...and mostly, thanking God for the memories that I do have of both of these people who have been a part of my life since the first breath that I took.

January 26, 2009

GOD CRACKS ME UP!!-

No one can ever tell me that God does not have a sense of humor!  I was reading through one of my devos online and came across Proverbs 2:2-3 (NLT) and this is what it said.."Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight and ask for understanding."  Now that may not seem funny to you at all but what cracked me up was the word "concentrate".  Depending on your personality, I guess, you can read that several ways but given my ADD, I could just hear God saying, "Concentrate!  Come on you can do it! Focus! Just concentrate on understanding!"  There are days (most of them actually!) that my mind goes from one thing to another to another and I can't remember what that first "one thing" was!  Today must have been one of those days for me so God threw this verse in front of me to start my day with!  

Thanks, God, for caring enough for me to know when to tell me to "concentrate" and not get distracted by meaningless worries and activities!

That's all for now..I just got the biggest kick out of that and wanted to share it with you in case you need to concentrate today!

m