Is Anyone Still Here?

Sporadic blogging = ME + very busy building an online empire. Ha!

Ok, moving along... ;)

After my last post, finding balance, I really started thinking about how I wanted my son to experience schooling and ultimately it all went back to why we were homeschooling in the first place. Basically, I want my son to have fun learning. I want him to look forward to schooling so I let go of my expectations and thoughts on what school should be like (I'm still unschooling myself), and the stress has "magically" dissipated. I'm happy to report that things are going much more smoothly as we head into our 4th week of the homeschooling year.

FYI: I'm almost always micro-blogging here

P.S. If this site looks like crap in your browser, stop using Internet Explorer. Get Mozilla Firefox please! While you are here please take a look at our newly redesigned site, Contest For Moms (excluding this blog for now).

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What Can Twitter Do For You?

If you don't already know about Twitter, (Really, who hasn't heard of it?) it is a micoblogging/ social networking site that asks the question "What Are You Doing?". People micro blog throughout the day telling the world what they are doing as well as share links among other things.

Anyway, yesterday my husband asked me why I use twitter. He kind of sees it as a distraction and a time waster. I won't disagree with his assessment but I also won't fully agree that twitter is a complete time waster. It all depends on how you use it. Twitter, in fact, can be a very useful tool for bloggers and other website owners. So, I'm going to tell you how I use twitter.

1. I use twitter to let others know of new contests & sweepstakes I have posted on my website, ContestForMoms.com

I haven't always done this with twitter but now I see it as a way of utilizing twitter for the most benefit.

2. I use twitter for updates. For instance, if I update my blog I tell twitter.

3. I also use twitter to ask questions. Yesterday I asked the question: What are some things to do while in downtown Atlanta? and I received a multitude of helpful responses almost instantly!

4. Twitter is also kind of a virtual water cooler for many of us that work online specifically the WAHM crowd and it has been a great way to get to know each other more, follow what they are saying, and build relationships that I wouldn't have otherwise.

However, I recently read here that twitter shouldn't be used as a personal instant messaging system and your @'s should be kept to a minimum. I don't really know where I stand on this because on one hand I like replying to people but on the other hand I don't like reading the half-conversations going on in twitter of people I follow but don't follow me. That's something I need to think about.

5. Lastly, I use twitter as a news source.

So you see twitter can be useful for creating relationships, getting useful information, getting people to your site or blog, and building trust with your readers. Twitter lets other know that you are in fact human by all your random useless tweets such as (Hi. I'm awake. Need Coffee. or Just took the dog for a walk!) in between all the links and promotions you are doing. ;)

I admit that sometimes twitter is distracting and a time waster. But, overall, twitter can do things for your business if you don't become addicted. Basically what I'm saying is don't sit at your computer all day twittering with the hope of it making you money (at least not directly).

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What Do You Think of Me?

I'm forewarning you that today's post is a bunch of rambling... ;)

I often wonder what people (you all who are reading this right now) actually think of me when they come to this blog. Everyday I talk about something different even if it is a mom blog. Yes, for the most part, I journal my children's lives and I post photos but I also post about off the wall stuff like yesterday's post on Marriage & blowjobs ( I know your still laughing, right?). I also talk about TV shows and movies that I like as well as sometimes (actually very rarely) talk about hot button issues. I imagine that if you have clicked through via a search engine and are an occasional reader that you actually have no idea what this blog is about and who I really am. I think about that sometimes. And it makes me wonder what impression people get of me while coming here and reading everyday because you can't possibly "get" who a person really is by reading their blog. All you get is a glimpse into their lives especially if you've only read one post.

For instance, I think I'm funny but do you? ;)

I can tell you what I think of me but does it match up to how others perceive me? And, as a blogger, do you have these thoughts?

*P.S. Tomorow is the last day to enter the MyBedBugs Contest. You can win a Volume 1 DVD and a talking Snoozy doll just by linking to us. Yes, it's THAT easy! Hurry and enter.

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Is Blogging Losing It's Cool Factor?

It's seems as though the blogging fad (arguably a fad or strategy?) is slowing down. I know more and more people are blogging now compared to last year but the commenting and passionate blogging every day for many mom bloggers has slowed down. Maybe it's just my perception of things but I think that some bloggers have gone in different directions online as a result of their blogging and others have just slowed down or even quit completely. I've also noticed that a lot of bloggers are no longer commenting anymore. Or at least the commenting has slowed quite a bit. However, I know people are still reading. Anyone else noticed this in the blogosphere lately? It's just nice to see the comments and reading match up better. But I can't say much since I'm guilty of this too but I will say that I am trying to read a couple new blogs everyday just for fun.

So, what's really going on? Has the mommy blogging lost it's cool or are we entering an entirely new phase?

P.S. For those of you who read about the Full Time Work At Home Mom Report that I blogged about a few days ago, I wanted to let you know that Carrie is only selling 100 of these books so if you want one you better get it soon. They are selling fast and it's a terrific resource for those that want to learn how to begin working at home full time.

And, if you haven't heard go read about the latest Mattel Geo Trax recall if you have these train toys at home. As usual we do. Ack! I'm so sick of all these recalls. Anyone know of a good cave for sale? ;)

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Now Is When I Stop Being Depressing

A little bird came and told me today that my blog has gotten rather depressing and bordering on "emotional mess"*. Seriously, though, if you have read my comments section from my last post you might actually guess that it was my husband. Tee Hee...

Anyway, I've been outed. First of all I should explain myself. I don't blog to complain and I certainly don't want to sound like I am depressed or unhappy because I am NOT. I am far from unhappy but that doesn't mean that I won't occasionally be whiney or make a complaint or be an emotional mess at times. And, ya know, sometimes if I'm lacking in inspiration I'll just find something to complain about and I really shouldn't come here to do that. It's not fair to my readers or my family.

In the blogosphere, moms and happy don't seem to mix very well. If a mom constantly gabs about how happy she is and how perfect (I promise I'm not perfect) her life is and how great her kids are, other bloggers get turned off and fast. Maybe thats why sometimes I feel it necessary to share a complaint even if it's not so ,dare I say, spot on.

Realistically speaking, I am a happy person and I can find the positive in almost anything. I love my life and I love my children. I love who my husband is and who I am. I'm not saying we are perfect. I'm not saying my kids are either but they sure are close. Aren't yours?

Furthermore, we aren't living a glamorous life unless you think glamorous is living on a work at home income while the husband completes his PHD. Is it a bad thing if you are happy with who you are?

*And, today was also the day that I revealed to my husband my crush on the Dirty Jobs Host eating chinese in our pajamas hillbilly style...at the restaurant.. Was that a good idea?

Overall, I just dont want my readers to get the wrong impression about me and I hope who I truly am comes across in my writing even if it makes me that "happy mommy blogger" that everyone loves to hate.

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