Fun in Florida

Last post I mentioned our historic driving trip to Florida during the Christmas Holiday. It was historic because my husband does not enjoy driving long distances. He's an airplane kind of man. He knows the ins and the outs of the airport, where to park for which gate, which line to get in. The man can zip thru an airport in no time to get to his plane in just the nick of time. Stick him in a car for a 2100 mile trip with me and my bladder and two kids. Not his idea of a holiday. But we made it. I looked back at Leah riding in the car and laughed. She looked like a hostage. She felt like one too. The child takes after her daddy.







But once we made to Florida there was lots of fun to be had at both grandparent's houses. We even learned about a game called Ladderball from Uncle Dave. Some call it Hillbilly Golf. It's a big hit in the RV Parks from what I understand. Shuffleboard is so old school. Ladderball rules now. We went straight to Wallyworld and bought our own.

Paige, Leah and cousin Mickey at my parents.

Paige brought along a gingerbread tree decorating kit. So the cousins got busy putting it together. It made a nice centerpiece while we were there.

You should have heard the singing. Mr. Scotty has a karaoke machine.

We had a wonderful Christmas with our family.

There are so many pictures I could download.

The other highlight of the trip was meeting up with one of my favorite bloggers Tracy P. Tracy lives in Minnesota and I live in Texas, but we managed to meet at a park in central Florida. Can you believe it. She and her family were there visiting her dad.

We decided to get the families together and the best place would be a park. Thanks to Google one was located. The kids and the husbands could keep busy while we chatted.

Here are Paige, Leah & Mickey playing at the park. It was great place to meet.





The wind really picked up and the kids and husbands had played basketball and were thirsty so we moved the party to a local restaurant. It was nice to just sit across the table from Tracy and hear her voice and get to know her better. Tracy and I both pray with Moms in Touch groups. There was so much I wanted to talk about, but didn't want to bore the husbands with an all blogging and MITI conversation. She is as wonderful in person as she is on her blog.

Here we are: Windblown but happy to get together:

Here are the kiddos: Tracy's two and my two plus my nephew. The kids had their own table at the restaurant. (Learned that trick a few years ago. ha)

It was a long trip, but totally worth it in my book. I even got a smile out of Buster.

So I was sitting in this meeting

and my hand goes up like this:

And then I end up with a bunch of this in my garage....

Also this totally unrelated event happened:

I have this thing about volunteer opportunities.....I fall for them.

Over the last few weeks, I've been pretty distracted by other things.

Our community decided to change National Night Out to October because well, you know, it's so blazing hot in August in Texas and it seemed like a good idea. Except this October day we broke a record heat temperatures. It was about 95 degrees with 90% humidity, but we had a nice NNO anyway. This past year I volunteered to be the Neighborhood Coordinator. This was our neighborhoods first time doing any National Night Out event. (The stuffed shirt on the table represents Buster who was away on business that night.) I kept it pretty simple and just asked everyone to bring a snack or dessert to share. We had 25 adults come out and a bunch of kids running around. So I was very pleased with the first event. A representative from our Community Association and a Sheriffs Deputy came by to visit us and talk about crime and being safe and I heard somebody mention taxes and you know that kind of stuff.

Then I go to a meeting at Paige's new school and raised my hand. That is how the stuff ended up in my garage. I volunteered to help coordinate class craft projects for an upcoming dinner/auction fundraiser. I don't have to actually do each of the projects. We have some great room moms to help, but my new friend Robin (who also raised her hand) and I sat down and came up with the ideas and then went shopping. The picture you see is just some of the projects we purchased. I'll show you the finished projects when they get done and ready for the auction. They are going to be so cute.

There's been lots of other great stuff going on....Like helping Moms in Touch groups (Yippee) get started for the new school year and planning some events.

Oh, and I'm starting a new business. I am establishing a Mobile Notary Service business. More on that later.

So all that to say this...

I love doing all of these kinds of things, just can't seem to get my blogging in when I'm in the middle of them.

Don't think I'm giving up on blogging. I'll post when I can and if I've missed a post or two of yours I do apologize. I'll catch up. Oh, and if you happen to see me in a meeting, will you please gently tell me it's ok and to put my hand down. :0

Blogging is good for your health

Four years ago I found out I had Hypertension. I was shocked. I was not even 40 years old and had to go on blood pressure medication. Before I started the meds I was having blood pressure readings of 140/90.... Ok. We all agree that is too high. Well the medication has brought my blood pressure down to normal levels. Last year when I went for my check-up it was 118/90.

Last week I went to my annual doctor's appointment. Just the family practitioner NOT the other fun appointment we women get to make every year. This year when they took my blood pressure it was 99/60. I couldn't believe it. That was super low for me. I took my blood pressure myself at the pharmacy grocery store the next day and it was 108/60. Still low and out of the teens.

SO, I got to thinking.....

What is different in my life that would make my blood pressure go down????

Nothing has really changed in my life... and trust me, I haven't changed my diet. Still love fried food and drink soft drinks with sugar (no diet drinks for me), put salt on my food, but I do exercise moderately (extremely moderately).

So nothing has really changed.

I came up with the only logical explanation....

BLOGGING.

I started my blog last June. I think blogging is a good release for me of all the things that are going on in my head. I don't verbalize my thoughts very well, but I can sit down and type out post and it helps me process thru things sometimes (even when I never hit "publish") I know my blog is pretty generic as far as theme goes. I don't have anything major going on in my life. I pretty much just blog about my family, my faith and the ways I like to try and be frugal and "green". I'll throw in politics now and then, so it must be helping me to be a calmer person.

So there you go...that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Buster is not buying this conclusion, but I am now convinced that blogging is good for my health.

What's in a Name?

Stephanie over at Bike, Book, Bread did a post on how she and her husband came up with the names for their children. I think naming a baby is one of the hardest decisions to make.


I thought Stephanie's post was interesting and thought it would be fun if we all did a post on that topic.... or if you do not have children why your parents named you what they named you.


When I was pregnant I checked out a book from the library called Beyond Jennifer and Jason.

There is a revised version out Beyond Jennifer and Jason, Madison and Montana.

By: Linda Rosenkrantz and Pamela Redmon Satran.






This book is a great read for expectant parents. The writers categorize names and also delve in to how names are perceived. They really make you think about names in a totally different light. They have chapters on what names are popular in different countries around the world, also names that were made popular by TV stars/shows/famous people. The classic names are discussed and whether you want a truly feminine or masculine name or an androgynous name.
I can't say enough good things about this book.

It's just not an alphabetical book of the top 100 baby names of the last century. It is much more.

Now, back to my girls and their names....


Paige Victoria is our oldest. We did not name either of our girls after family members. We just did not feel led in that direction. We both loved the name Paige and wanted to call her Paige. We love the beautiful name Victoria. So there you have it.


We made sure we named our girls with the first name that we would be calling them. Not make it their middle name. Buster and I both use our middle names and it is hard to always tell the nurse in the doctor's office that belts out your first name in a loud, booming voice ....

"I'm sorry, I go by my middle name Joy." or Keith in my husband's case.


We also knew we wanted their first names to be short one or two syllables because our last name is kind of long and we didn't want them to spend all day in Kindergarten trying to figure out how to fit their entire name on the top of their paper.



Leah Grace is next. We literally went up to the last few weeks of my pregnancy deciding on her name. For the longest time we were going to name her Emma Grace. Big sister was convinced that should be her name. As much as we adored the name, we started having second thoughts about "Emma" so we began thinking about using Grace as the first name. Then we had to figure out a middle name... We also decided we liked the name Leah, but for some reason just never connected the two names until my mom said one day "Why don't you name her Leah Grace." Bingo! Leah Grace was her name-O. [sorry, I just had to say it] I also like that Leah's name is a Biblical name.


So that is the story of how we came to name the two children we brought into this world.

How about you? What is your child's name and why did you decide on that particular name?
My inquiring mind wants to know....

I'm a little behind on a few things...

I've been negligent in acknowledging a few things here on my blog. I can't go another post in good conscience.

FIRST: I won my very first blog contest....Yes, I did! After the long week of attempting to win that trip to Connecticut, I found out I won a book. Some of you may know Louise at A View from Carmine Superiore, well she has another blog Biblios Book Reviews where she reviews books (duh). I happened to comment on a give away and I won! I'm so excited. The book has arrived all the way from Italy. That was the most exciting thing is to think this book spent time at a place I would most love to go....ITALY!~

The book is Jane Autsen Ruined my Life by Beth Pattillo and I plan to take it to read in Jamaica this summer when Buster and I go. (more on that later) Thank you Louise ♥

Second: I won a CD. Suzanne at Adventures in Teething was giving this away. It is a very thought provoking CD geared to young women who are in their teens and out of high school, but not married yet. The CD is a talk given by Crystal Paine (a homeschool graduate) entitled What to do While You are Waiting for Prince Charming. Paige (my 13 yr old) and I listened to it together. It was interesting and the speaker has some strong ideas on the role of young women in their homes and society. Maybe I'll regift it in the future.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions from her talk. But thank you so much Suzanne. I enjoy your blog and your heart for your home and family shines through.

Now, on to the awards.


I'm always humbled when my blog comes to mind when a fellow blogger is handing out awards. These are some very sweet and thoughtful awards and I have yet to acknowledge and pass along. Like I said I'm a little behind in my thank yous on my blog.



This award comes from Caroline at Family Stories. Caroline loves genealogy and has some deep Texas roots. She has great stories and does lots of research. She just started her blog recently and wow, I think she has the hang of it. It's great. Go check her out.





This award is from Melody at Merrie Melody. When you visit Melody's blog you know you just met a woman that loves her home, husband, home-schooled children, her chickens and numerous other animals. She amazes me with all she accomplishes each day. I love reading her blog.




Daja at In Other Words surprised me one day (quite awhile back) by including me in this award. There is not enough I can say about Daja. She inspires me beyond belief with her love for the Lord, and her heart for the country and church in Mongolia. She has lots of beautiful kiddos and has all kinds of adventures with them. Check out her blog....She can tell you how to birth babies, love your husband better, who to vote for and praise Jesus in her terrific blog.

Thank you Daja.





Allison at Displaced Texan sent this one to me (quite awhile back).... I'm telling ya'll...I'm so far behind on this stuff. Anyway.....Allison is a fellow Texan who has been living in Germany with her husband while he serves in the military. She's headed back to the home turf soon. (not all the way to Texas, but close) Allison's passion for protecting the unborn endears me to her. She also has a miniature schnauzer, which makes me so happy. She was the brains and the talent behind my blog re-do a little while back. So check out Allison and give her some love.








Also, Jiggy Update: I've done the Wii Fit 5 days in a row. Still Ohhhhing though.

The "Mourning" After

Well it's all over but the crying. boohoo.

I did not win the trip to Connecticut. But I tell you it was fun trying. I want to thank all of you for your support and passing along the link to my story to others.

The final votes were Grapejuice Lady 629 and I had 488. Around 10pm last night she piled on the votes. We stayed virtually tied all day until the end and she blew me away.

So congratulations Susette. I know you and Rhonda will have a great time together.

When I found out I was in the finals, we were in Dallas on Spring Break. We had spent the day at Six Flags Over Texas. I came back to the hotel and went in the business center and found out my story had been selected because of a tie.

I couldn't believe it.

If you would have told me then that I would manage to accumulate 488 votes, I wouldn't have believed it. That number astounds me. You all are the best. I especially want to thank Keith "Buster" for all of his time he put into this helping me get votes. He's an amazing husband and so giving. You can't imagine the extremes that man went to for votes. But now all his work associates know I call him Buster. He isn't too happy about that.

Thank you Rhonda for hosting this contest.

I found your blog thru this and I'm so glad I did. I'm a fan now.

Now I'm going to resume my normal life (blogging with a little bit of housework thrown in).

By the way, my daughter Leah said to me the other day

"Mom, I know what your favorite animal is."

I said "Really, what is it?"

She answered "A Computer Mouse"

Ouch that stung.

25 Random Things about Me

As you know I also do facebook. I was tagged by a couple of fellow facebookers to do a list of 25 random things about me. I figured I'd get some extra mileage by posting it on my blog too. If you have read my facebook note already, please excuse the redundancy.

1. I've lived in 7 states, FL, GA, VA, UT, CA, AL, TX

2. I've been married to Keith for 20 years. He makes me laugh. He's the funniest person I know. We have two beautiful girls together.

3. I love where I live and my neighborhood, but think I would enjoy living in a more rural area and have chickens and goats. yes, I said goats.

4. I am afraid of heights and don't really enjoy boating or being on the water.

5. I've read the Bible thru only once, but I'm in the process again. This time chronologically.

6. I was brought up in the Baptist Church, but not currently a member of a Baptist Church.

7. I've seen in person the following "famous" people: Ronald Reagan, Dan Quayle, Barbara Bush, Dolly Parton, Richard Simmons, Newt Gingrich, Buddy Epson, Jerry Falwell, Jay Leno and Elton John

8. I'm very interested in Bible prophecy. It seems to be happening at a rapid rate.

9. I never considered myself to be a dog lover, but I love my dog Libby. We adopted her 4.5 years ago.

10. Keith and I went to Germany and Austria for our 10th anniversary. For our 20th we went to dinner and the grocery store. We'd like to go back to Europe one day.

11. I have a blog that I started June of 2008. I love blogging. www.joyintheburbs.blogspot.com

12. I am really big on recycling. I embarrass my husband when we are at other people's home because I offer to take all their glass and plastic trash home with me so I can recycle it.

13. I have no rhythm and am an awful dancer (see #6) The change in church membership has not helped at all in that area, unfortunately.

14. I never attended a public school.

15. I love to scrapbook (digitally now) and make homemade cards.

16. I can sew a little. I have a sewing machine.

17. I'm not very athletic. I was when I was younger, but not anymore.

18. I'm very involved with Moms in Touch International. I am determined to pray my girls thru school.

19. I clip coupons.

20. I bring my own bags to the grocery store and look down on the plastic bag user people :)

21. I think Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

22. I've only broken one bone in my body. My foot - back in 2002.

23. I got my tonsils out when I was 23.

24. I don't care for cold weather. It's OK for a day or two, but then I need high 60's low 70's for my winter weather.

25. I won a $1500.00 CD at a bank opening a long time ago. No, I don't still have it. I cashed it in after one year and spent that sucker. On what? I don't remember.

Write your own 25 Random Things about You and post them. Let me know so I can read it.

Another Happy Pig Award

Yesterday Betty at Keeper of the Skies posted a recipe for Lumpia. I have never heard of Lumpia, much less made it. I decided to give it a try for our dinner last night.

My little family loved it. Leah helped me roll them. They are full of chopped vegetables. My kids did not even notice the veggies!!! You can probably put any kind of veggie you want in there. Buster won't eat onions so I didn't put those in and I didn't put the spouts in mine. I put green bell pepper and cabbage in along with the other ingredients Betty had listed. Go to Betty's blog. She has step-by-step pictures posted along with the recipe for Lumpia.


So Betty I'm awarding you this Happy Pig Award for your Lumpia Recipe.


I would also like to award the Happy Pig to TracyP for leading us all into temptation during Christmas. Her Christmas Cookie Exchange was lots of fun. I tried a couple of the recipes listed on there. We loved them and my neighbors did too.





Thanks Betty and TracyP.

♥

Givinya poses this comment and question on the "Under Renovation" post:

Joy! It looks great! Will you find a picture of yourself now, or will you continue to resemble Libby?

Thanks for asking about an updated picture to go along with my new blog look.

Actually, I'm starting to resemble Libby more and more these days. Our hair color is almost identical now. I have to trim her beard and mine occasionally....

Keep in mind I "resemble" not "mimic"Libby. I do try and keep from sniffing others when we meet. And the licking thing.... I don't even want to think about it.

If I only had eyelashes like her. She has amazing long, dark eyelashes. People that see her always comment on them.

Because of her picture, we've made quite a few Miniature Schnauzer friends around the world. So that part has been fun.

We'll see what I can come up with. Thanks again for asking.

♥

Under Renovation

Since the construction sign is up on my blog (see post below), I wanted to let you know I'm making a few changes around here. So If things look a little unorganized and not matchy during your visit, it's because they are.

I'm stretching my little blogger brain and branching out. I've had blogger envy since the first day I stepped into this world of blogging, but haven't mustered up the courage to do anything about it.

In my mind I'm thinking.....○○○What a great segue. The construction looking art post followed up with this blog renovation post. I didn't even plan this.

Sorry, back to the post....

TracyP revealed one of her online haunts where she does digital scrapbooking and makes incredible pages. So I got to thinking maybe I could create a new header on scrapblog.com. So this is what I came up with.

Then, Allison the Displaced Texan in Germany has sweetly offered to help some lost blogger souls with some sprucing up and new headers. She is very creative as you can see from her blog. Anyway, we are collaborating on a new background.

So stay tuned and excuse the mess.

♥

Facebook

I've been blogging for about six months, but never had a Facebook account. That has changed. I'm now on Facebook and boy do I have lots of friends already.

Last evening as I was putting the finishing touches on our home cooked supper, Buster was standing in the kitchen pouring himself a glass of Diet Pepsi.

He "sweetly" asked...

"You been bloggin all day?".

I promptly said "NO"

As he was lifting his glass to take the first swallow... I continued....

"I started a Facebook account today".

He proceeded to choke on the first swallow.

I know what he was thinking....


GREAT! NOW I'M COMPLETELY SURE I WILL NEVER HAVE ANY CLEAN UNDERWEAR!


Don't worry Buster, I'll throw in a load now and then. I promise.

So what do you think about Facebook. Do you have an account?
Do you use it a lot? What do you like or not like about it?

ROY G. BIV

My new blogging friend Vic at Cariboo Ponderer had a link to this personality quiz you can take to see what color of the rainbow you are. Well....I'm brown. Not very colorful huh. It says I'm a deep thinker. I'm not sure how deep of a thinker I am, but it was fun to do the quiz. Click on it and take it and see what color of the rainbow you are.

Your rainbow is shaded brown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a deep thinking person. You appreciate the roughness of nature. You feel closer to people when you understand their imperfections.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Polish Pottery Give Away

Allison at Life in Germany is having a give away to celebrate 50 followers of her blog.
It is really a beautiful piece of Polish Pottery. Go check it out. I hope it ends up at my house. ♥

Meme

A while back my friend Michele tagged me with a meme.

It's been in on my bloggy list of things to do. So finally here it is:

Ten Years ago I:
* Figured out I was pregnant with my second baby (Leah)
* Was in the process of moving from California to Alabama (funny how we always seem to move when I'm pregnant)
* Had a three year old running around.
* Was house-hunting in Alabama and found the perfect neighborhood!

Five things on today's "to-do" list:

1. Go to Moms In Touch
2. Meet with pool repair guy
3. Brunch/Prayer time with Community Prayer Leaders
4. Go to grocery store
5. Do Laundry

Five Snacks I enjoy:
1. Pringles
2. Salt and Vinegar Chips
3. Cashews
4. Reese's Cups
5. Chips and Dip

Five things I would do if I were a Millionaire:

1. Pay off our mortgage.
2. Pay off my parent's mortgage.
3. Give to my favorite charities and missionaries
4. Take a trip to Italy
5. Travel more as a family

Five places I've lived:

1. Florida
2. Georgia
3. Utah
4. California
5. Alabama
(6). Texas

Five jobs I've had:

1. Sunkist (all of these were Admin Asst. Jobs)
2. Worked for real estate attorney :( (boring)
3. Worked for real estate developer (loved this job)
4. Tampa General Hospital (fun, met lots of people)
5. University of Utah Hospital (worked with a great group of women)
(I went on Maternity leave and
have been on maternity leave for 13 years.) haha


I'm suppose to tag 5 others to answer these questions:
If you read this and want to be tagged.
Consider yourself "tagged".

The Happy Pig

Introducing the "Happy Pig" award!

Cruising around the world (on my keyboard), getting ideas and reading about your lives has become a hobby of mine. I must say a very time-consuming hobby, but I love it.



I also love to cook (and bake sometimes). I wanted to give a shout out for these recipes, but wanted to include something fun for the original bloggers. So I scanned around and found this cute Happy as a Pig picture. I thought she would get the message out that these recipes are good ones to "Pig Out" on .

I'd like to award Allison and Julie the first "Happy Pig" Award.

Allison lives in Germany with her husband who is in the U.S. Military. I love her blog and I'm also lovin' this pumpkin bread. Her Pumpkin Bread recipe is so good and easy to make.


Next, we are off to Hungary to visit Julie to try her Rosemary Bread. This recipe is tucked away in a post she wrote and boy am I glad I found it. If you go to Macaroni Grill. This is the Rosemary Bread recipe. Our family tears through a loaf in no time. We are hooked!

Go check out their blogs and give these yummy recipes a try.

I'll keep cruising the world (via my keyboard) and searching out some good recipes. I'll let you know when I find more. If you want to send this Happy Pig award to someone who posted a recipe and you actually prepared, ate and loved it. Send the Happy Pig to them.
Have fun!
♥

Proximity

My sweet blogging friend Betty at Wien's World sent this award to me. I'm thrilled because it is my first blog award. I discovered Betty's blog during her featured day at Blog Around The World. Betty lives in Paraguay and shares with us about her life in Paraguay, her two sweet daughters and loving husband. She also gives us the history of her Mennonite community and how it ended up in the middle of Paraguay. She is a special lady and I check in on every post to keep up with her. Thank you Betty.

This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award." Then I am supposed to award this to 8 fellow bloggers.

I'm passing along the award to:

Michele - I have to credit Michele for inspiring me to start blogging. I was so impressed with her blog and the ability she has to share her heart. I decided to start one myself.

Tracy - Not only is a blogging friends, but an actual neighbor who lives in my neighborhood. Although I think the blogs do a better job of keeping us up on each others lives. Usually it's a wave out the SUV window.

Tracy P - I came upon Tracy P's blog early in my blogging life. She is the Northern version of me. I read her profile and laughed because it was so similar to mine. She is even married to a Georgia Boy just like I am.

She is a Godly woman and writes insightful post. TracyP's blog is a must-read.

HOPE - I came across this blog thru a link on another blog. You know how that goes. Anyway, I'm glad I did. She actually has several blogs and on one of her blogs she tells the story of how she led her father to the Lord. She is also very crafty and shares her crafts on another blog.

Lorie - Lorie at Encouragement from my Heart is such a blessing. She writes poetry. She will minister to you in such a sweet way. She definitely has the gift of encouragement.

Clarissa - That is Aunt Clarissa to me. She has just started her blog. She is a pastors wife living in Connecticut. I'm glad she is blogging. It gives me a chance to keep up with cousins and family that unfortunately I never get to see because of distance. Go see Aunt Clarissa and tell her I sent you. Did I mention she's also an artist, a seamstress, a wonderful cook, a gardener, etc. Anyway, you get the idea she's lots of fun.

Deb Deb writes a blog to encourage parents and families. She believes our children are the greatest mission field we have in life. She reviews books and gives great ideas for parents to use in bringing up our children in the Lord. Thanks for blogging Deb.

Givinya - If I want to travel around the globe and get a good laugh. I head down to Australia to visit Givinya de Elba. She has a way of writing that makes me smile and chuckle every time. She has two sweet kiddos that you have to read about and a wonderful husband.

My blogging friends (and family) I hope you enjoy receiving this award and it is up to you to pass it on. There are many other blogs I love and want to include and will. I think you all deserve it!

♥

Occasional Error

OK. I'm apologizing to all my bloggy friends for the spelling error in my Rare Occasion Post.
I'm so embarrassed because it was in the title of all places.

I logged on to look at something on my blog this morning and scrolled down and it caught my eye. I completely missed it. I did a little test and realized that spell check only checks your content and not your titles. Yikes! The extra "s" was definitely not suppose to be there.

So, oops, sorry, and keep that in mind when your spellchecking.
Your title is on it's own.

I'm Blogger Deficient

I entered the blogger world in June 2008. Before that I really had no idea this world existed. After viewing a friends blog http://www.weight-inggame.blogspot.com/, I jump into blogging. I decided on a name for my blog, chose a template and followed the directions to put me on the blogger map.

I discovered this website http://www.blogaroundtheworld2.blogspot.com/
...
Now I'm reading other blogs from all over the world. Usually Moms with similar interest to mine. I'm amazed at the clever, fun-loving women who are inspiring, informative and have terrific writing abilities. You make me laugh and cry.

But I have to admit...I have "blogger envy". I see such cute templates, colorful backgrounds, great artwork and headers that make me go WOW!
I really have no idea how to do all that stuff. I have so much to learn. I have a question????? How did you all learn to do these things? I'm just figuring out what a Html is. Trust me, prior to June 2008, those 4 letters meant absolutely nothing to me. Who knew those 4 letters would control my blogging life.

For instance, I saw a link to create a signature. (http://www.mylivesignature.com/) I did it, but I can't figure out how to make it not be in a box.

There are things I want to know, and maybe I'll figure them out eventually. But all you bloggers out there - you so impress me. I wish I could sit down beside you at a computer and let you show me all those wondrous things.
Please leave me comments, give me guidance, instruction...help me...I need it. I'm all ears or I guess I should say... html's.