AAAAAHHH!
I feel a huge rush of relief today. Parties are over. Parent/Teacher conferences over. There is nothing pressing for the day. Just a nice relaxing day. I'm a morning person and as mornings go, this one is pretty good. The kids are all sleeping in (no school because of a teacher work day); the daycare kids aren't here yet; my husband has already left although unfortunately to catch an early flight; and I sit here at my computer with a cup of coffee and complete silence except for the ticking of my nails on the keyboard. For those of you who prefer to sleep in, I pity you, this is just the best time of the day. I'm up, showered, well rested, energetic and ready for the day!
Valentine Update
As expected my husband brought me flowers. Three beautiful red roses. He even left work early. The only sad thing was I had to rush off to parent/teacher conferences and didn't get home till 6:30. But, this is why I love my husband: Not only did he bring me roses, he brought MA and Diva each a bouquet of of flowers. What a great dad! It melts my heart and that alone was a perfect Valentine gift for me.
Awards and Honors
Karen at The Rocking Pony has awarded me yet another award. It's the Kind Blogger Award. Thank you Karen. Now I get to pass it on to Irene, Rylie's Mom and Kidzmama.
I've debated discussing this one since I don't want it to appear like I am asking for another award, but I thought someone had awarded me the friendship award. Unfortanately, for the life of me I cannot remember who. I have gone back and searched blogs to see if I can find it to no avail! Perhaps I was dreaming. I only mention it because if someone was kind enough to offer me an award, I hate that I did not accept or acknowledge it. So, if you did give me this award, please let me know. I completely understand if you wish to retract the award and you may give me 20 lashes with a wet noodle! I am so so very sorry I lost it.
Finally, Barbara over at Blogging without a Blog gave me quite an honor the other day. She presents a new blog each week that she feels deserves recognition. My blog was recommended by Catherine at Catherine Lawson's Business Advice Blog. Barbara checked me out and chose my blog for the week and wrote a very nice post about me. Needless to say I was both surprised and honored. Thank you so much to both Barbara and Catherine. I have been reading Barbara's blog ever since and I have found many helpful tips on writing a successful blog. I recommend you check her out.
No Reply Blogger
Ugh! Does anyone else hate this? One thing I have learned about the blogging world is in order to keep your readers you need to acknowledge them when they comment. Sometimes I like to comment to the person by e-mail, but I can't because of the "No-Reply". However, other times I have an e-mail and have been able to have some nice personal conversations with my commentors. I know many of you put replies right in the comment section and I've been trying to do a better job of this. So what's your opinon on the whole comment thing? Do you like replying to comments in the comment section or would you prefer to send a more personal response?
Feed Burner
You may have noticed I added the orange feed burner button on my sidebar. If you like what you see, click on it and you can have my posts sent to you by Google Reader, Yahoo, or many other options. This way you don't have to remember to come back and check me out everyday. I added my blog to my own reader and noticed there was a huge delay between my post and the time it actually showed up on the reader. I usually post by 10:00 a.m. CST but the post didn't show up till the afternoon. Has anyone else noticed this kind of delay? Do you have any suggestions on how to fix it? I've had a couple people subscribe then unsubscribe. I don't know if it's because they didn't connect with me or weren't getting my new posts and gave up. Right now I have one subscriber (me), so make my day, add me to your subscriptions today!
Well, the kids are starting to rise and the daycare kids should be arriving soon so my moment of peace is almost over. Have a great day!
14 comments:
I hate the no-reply thing too. I'm bad about returning comments, and usually will respond to the commenter only if they ask a question. If I can find an email, I'll use that. If not, I will comment on their blog.
I just figured out the Google Reader thing yesterday, and I haven't noticed a delay at all. I'm very happy with it, except that I can't post a comment from there.
And you're on my reader, so that makes another subscription for you. :)
Hi Deb, I already subscribed to you in my Google reader. About the comments... I think it just depends on what the topic is. Usually I thinks it's fine to reply right in the comment section, unless it's something you want to talk about more personally, then I guess email would be better. Your so lucky you got flowers! My hubby is out of town and won't be home until tonight!
Oh, those are beautiful roses! :)
I go back and forth between replying to comments via e-mail and in the comments section. The no-reply thing always annoyed me in Blogger too, because it seemed like every time there was a comment that I really wanted to respond to, I couldn't.
I'm a subscriber too!
Based on the responses I have already received, I've come to the conclusion that Feed Burner is not very accurate on its stats! I'm glad I use StatCounter as well. The numbers never mesh between the two Thank you, everyone, for subscribing to me. :)
You've been in my reader for a while now. I really like it. You know how I feel about the "no reply" thing, except I still don't know how to change it.
I have flowers for you at my blog but they pale in comparison to your husbands!
Early morning is THE BEST! MY husband and my daughter both love to sleep in which makes it even better. I get that hour (or so) all to my lonesome to get my bearings together before I spend all day losing them again. ;)
Hi Deb,
I'm hoping you are enjoying your reign as "New Blog Of The Week". As soon as Catherine emailed me your URL, I checked it out and knew you had to have the honor.
You are doing a great job of sharing with others, and providing valuable information on Down syndrome.
Yes, those RSS feed are important. it makes it easy for others to follow your blog. I'll be "watching you" as you journey on into cyberspace.
Enjoy the ride...
Hey, thank you for the award! You just made my day!
I'm just like you. I love to have time to myself in the morning before everyone wakes up. I usually get up at 6:00am and then wake up my girls at 7:00. My husband wakes up at 6:30 and runs out the door for work. I like to just watch the news and drink my coffee.
I know what you mean about the no-reply thing. That's applied when people choose not to have their email published on their profile. I understand why, I guess, but sometimes it does make it hard.
I've tried to reply on my blog to each, or the group as a whole, but I haven't been very good about doing the same on Braska's blog. Need to be consistent with it, as I think it's good to have the back and forth conversation-ability.
Alicia and Rylie's Mom - Yep gotta go with the mornings. By 7:00 p.m. I'm in shutdown mode and all I want to do is lay on the couch and watch t.v. (or blog). That's part of the reason I hate giving the girls a bath at night.
Barbara - I have been enjoying my week. I don't think I can thank you enough. It was such a kind gesture. :)
Hi Deb,
I wish I was a morning person, but I'm the opposite. So I get all my stuff done at night. It does make getting up in the morning difficult. Constant battle, really.
Anyway,speaking of email, am I just too tired to find yours on here right now, or do you not have yours posted? I had an email question for you.
btw, since I don't have my own blog, I do think it is nice for a blogger to comment back in the comments, if they have something to say.
Thanks - Karla
Karla - Good point! I don't know where my e-mail is either on the blog. I know when I leave comments on other blogs my e-mail is open. I need to figure out how to show it on my blog. Until I do, though, you can e-mail me at deb.opks@gmail.com
I love getting your emails, but I always feel bad because it seems like such extra work! I always check the "email follow-ups" button, so if you'd prefer (and feel like you need to respond) you can just leave me a note while you are in here anyway. I'll get it. And I won't be hurt if you don't... just as long as you keep coming by to seem me every now and again. ;o)
BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS! And you are right - your Hubby is a gem. TTFN!
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