transfer of responsibilities

Hi Tim,

Now that they're leaving Aurora, JR and Ben need to transition some key information to you on how best to provide me with the emotional support I require in the workplace.

The agenda:

1. I'm occasionally going to IM you asking if I can vent for one minute. It'll be about something that annoyed me and may or may not be work-related. I'm not escalating to you and don't need you to resolve the issue; just listen and reply with something like, "Oh, that stinks."
2. Lunch is at 11. No exceptions. We all eat jalapenos and talk about boys.
3. On Monday mornings be prepared to exchange stories of what happened while we were apart over the weekend. Remember that there's no such thing as a bad date - just good dates and good brunch stories. 
4. Maybe once or twice a week we'll "take a lap" which entails filling our water bottles in the cafeteria and coming back the long way while gossipping quietly so as to not disturb the caregivers working around us.
5. You'll have to laugh long and hard at the nonsense that often takes place during our Thursday afternoon team meetings. **Note, this should be easy for you, since you already do this.**
6. Continue brainstorming hijinx we can arrange. You may be called upon to tie up or gift wrap a colleague's cube, and then crawl out from beneath the decorations. 

That about covers it. Looking forward to reviewing these topics and more with you at our upcoming meeting,

Siobhan

bead

To continue thawing out from my writers' block, I use the Random Word Generator to do some writing exercises and create some stream-of-consciousness articles. 

You're welcome. Or I'm sorry. I've heard it both ways.

Today's word: bead

One of my favorite bracelets features a repeating pattern of gray, black, and ivory crescent-shaped plastic beads.

Because it's elastic I can shove it pretty far up on my wrist so it doesn't rub against the deck of my Writing Machine. 

I can't lie to ya: this little baby set me back only $1.99 because IT'S FROM GOODWILL, Y'ALL! 

Anyhow, one day I was minding my business and watching a little Married with Children, because Peg Bundy is my style icon I was bored, when I noticed she she and I were wearing THE EXACT SAME BRACELET! (Hers is pink.)

I have those pants, too.

Here's a quick run-down of the thoughts racing through my mind.

1. Peg Bundy shops at Goodwill.
2. I should stop shopping at Goodwill because now I wear the same jewelry as Peg Bundy.
3. Peg Bundy and her bracelet are FABULOUS! Keep shopping at Goodwill.

gramma chair

When I was a little kid and my paternal grandparents passed away I inherited a chair.

A lovely, love-filled, lovingly used chair.

Time finally came for me to replace the 50-year-old upholstery. 50 years. That's a good run.

By calling around to the fine furnishings stores in town, I ended up working with Bill at McGilligan's Upholstery Shop. He gave me both the advice and space I needed to transform the chair while still maintaining its historical integrity and sentimental value. 

Check out that velour-like rust-toned floral fabric. 

Ain't that something. 

Momentarily considered keeping it. 

Came to my senses.

Bill rips joyfully into the old upholstery, 

revealing a charming stitching detail....

Biscuit tufting!

That's the checkerboard pattern of fabric-covered buttons sewn into the back. 

A lovely and typical characteristic of chairs from this era. 

I spent an hour or so arriving at this amazing tweed, 

and another hour finding a paisley.

I didn't want to commit to a mustard color.

Keep looking.

Oh yes! 

The final fabric choices paired together.

Tweed for the chair body and paisley for the seat-back.

The finished product, being treated with indifference by Monkey and George...

... and here with fewer pets and a favorite new throw pillow...

... and once more, this time from the back. 

What you can't see from the outside

is the special note that Bill stitched into the padding of the chair.

I'll enjoy reading this little nugget when I reupholster the chair

in 2052.

you can see why I go by Bhan

Open a Word document. Type my full first name (as a reminder, it's Siobhan), and see what Microsoft thinks you should call me.

I love this

If you, like me, don't know what any of those words mean you can just Ask Google for suggestions! How convenient.

Google is too far away, though, so I just decided to guess what each of the four suggested words might mean.

sihanouk [n] Inuit word for the kind of snowflake which lands not on your jacket-covered torso and sleeves, and not on your cap-covered head, and not on your gloved hands, but directly on your eyeball.

sisyphean [adj] Of unbelievably wimpy wimpiness. One who cries a lot. Unable to perform herculean tasks. Often requires cheese with its whine.

sideman [n] Multi-purpose tool consisting of a Leatherman, one can of mace, Axe body spray, and Altoids; intended for use by complete idiots who go to bars to pick fights and hit on sleazy women.

exhibit A

scansion [n] The act or state of systematically perusing items for sale in a discount retail setting; the ability to rapidly and accurately glance through racks of jeans at TJ Maxx to isolate the two pair worth trying on.

super slushie recipe

Two nights ago, after dislocating my shoulder, I threw myself an intensely unsatisfying pity party.

I told my brother I'd pay good money for a big ice pack. He quickly responded with this recipe and didn't even ask for a check in the amount of the aforementioned "good money."

the ingredients
1part rubbing alcohol
3 parts water
gallon-sized zip-top bag

the techniques
Combine ingredients in a gallon-sized zip-top bag and freeze for several hours or until ice crystals form. Place it gently on busted wing.

don't actually drink this slushie

tips and techniques
Always keep a layer of fabric between your skin and your new ice pack, lest (as my ER doc said) "we see ya right back here for frostbite."


- Bhan blogs via iPhone powered by BlogPress

scaffold

Somewhere in the course of my severalteenth move, I misplaced a pretty sweet little skinny mini step-ladder.

Given its dainty design, I doubt the movers stole it. More likely it accidentally ended up in the rummage sale, or left behind.

Seeing as how I did use it to paint two ceilings, I call it a good investment.

Geez. I can't even keep writing. This is the world's most boring blog post of all time. Just Google it. You'll end up right back here. Back to the Random Word Generator. Let's hope this time I get 'costume' or 'argyle' -- two words about which I have *very* strong opinions.

he said he said she said

Here's a non-fictional account of recent text exchanges that made that made me snort-laugh and cry-giggle. 

Cast of characters

Siobhan: she's had a hard workout followed by two fast glasses of cheap red wine

John: Siobhan's boyfriend. He's tall and adorable and they're in lurve

J.R.: One of Siobhan's favorite friends and a longtime coworker. He's gay, mmmkay, and is also friends with John

Act 1

in which Siobhan finds herself 

a little buzzed, and 

a little lonely, and 

a little far from home

Siobhan to John: Send me a picture of yourself.

John to Siobhan: << Insert sexy yet PG-13 shirtless pic. Fleece blankie visible in the corner >>

Act 2

in which Siobhan finds herself

attempting to provoke her friend 

into jealousy over her boyfriend

Siobhan to J.R.: I don't want you to be jealous of how hot my boyfriend is, but I really want to send you this pic.

J.R. to Siobhan: Please do! 

Siobhan to J.R.: << sends PG-13 shirtless pic of John to J.R.>>

J.R. to Siobhan (and. I. quote.): This may be the gayest thing you could hear: Are those fabric samples?

Siobhan to J.R.: Wait. You're gay?!? [I like to ask him that about once a week.]

J.R. to Siobhan: I thought maybe he was sending you a picture about his new appoulstry. [he means upholstery]

INTERMISSION

Act 3

in which Siobhan finds herself 

losing her boyfriend 

to her #1 gay

Siobhan to John: I had to send your pic to my closest girlfriend, JR. He responded by asking if those are fabric samples in the corner of the pic.

John to Siobhan: Did you explain that that is one of my quilts?

Siobhan to John: Oh my god, you two should be girlfriends. IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FABRIC! 

John to Siobhan: JR is cute. 

Siobhan to John: Stop it. 

Siobhan to J.R.: John wants you to know those are his special blankies. You two are going to be very happy together. 

fin.

heartbreak

Don't worry. My boo and I are very much together and in love. This article kind of describes how I got there with him.

“We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? 

This will be our secret. 

Because take it from me, 

a scar does not form on the dying. 

A scar means, 'I survived'.” 

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

Many, many moons ago I had a sometimes-turbulent, intensely passionate relationship with a man. Let's call him Guy.

Our time together, which spanned a few states and years and chapters of our lives, was truly the stuff of romance novels. You've basically never seen a girl more in love with someone than I was with Guy.

I also hurt him terribly, and he hurt me terribly. Unintentionally, but still. Incredible, gut-wrenching, soul-sobbingly heartbreak ensued when our relationship finally ended.

It took me years and several more failed relationships before I literally woke up one day and realized I was ready to move past it. My heartbreak had finally, thankfully, healed. Healing arrived in the form of understanding.

Finally, I understood that the final break-up felt like a horrible car accident. The relationship did not survive, though I did.

The wreck resulted in scars. Scars never go away. They may fade over time. They don't hurt forever. They go with me everywhere.

The corner of my heart occupied by the relationship is like a grave site to me. A place where I sometimes go to think about the past. I don't live at the graveside. I don't contemplate the grave every day. Sometimes it makes me sad to visit, so I don't stay very long. When I leave, I feel thankful.

These analogies help me move forward with the experience of having loved and been loved like that. I stopped trying to forget and finally realized I could remember. Honor the time he and I spent together, mourn the loss a little, and move forward in my life as a woman changed by a relationship. 

vodka christmas cake recipe

Once again this year, I have received many requests for my vodka Christmas cake recipe so here goes.

Please keep in your files as I am beginning to get tired of typing this up every year. Made mine this morning. 

the ingredients

1 c sugar

1 t baking powder

1 c water

1 t salt

1 c brown sugar

lemon juice

4 eggs

1/2 c nuts

1 bottle vodka

2 c dried fruit

the method

Sample a cup of vodka to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the vodka again to be sure it is of the highest quality then repeat.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it is best to make sure the vodka is still OK. Try another cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor, wash it and put it in the bowl a piece at a time trying to count it.

Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the vodka to test for tonsisticity.

Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the vodka. Now shit shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window.

Finish the vodka and wipe the counter with the cat.

tips and techniques
If you have a sphynx, wrap him in paper towels before wiping the counter

writers' block

You know what sucks? Writer's Block. It sucks because I want to spell it writers' block. It sucks because I contracted it. In fact, given the timing, I think I contracted it from my boyfriend.

You know what else sucks? I'm sitting here at a busy Starbucks. Have a few minutes to kill before my hair appointment. There's a perfectly lovely blond wearing awesome purple shoes sitting in the chair beside me... but she's a hair-player-wither. She habitually touches and pulls and detangles her hair every... let's see... 3 seconds. It's making me crazy. But not crazier than her. Hair-toucher. Maybe she should keep my hair appointment and cut it all off.

I digress. Back to writing about my writer's block. Hey, this is my blog so I'm going to spell it WRITERS' BLOCK. There are many writers, and some of have The Block. And there you go.

Did you know my friends granted me a lifetime pass to use the phrase "and there you go" -- from the dad, a genius of a character, in My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- because I once tagged Nia Vardalos in a tweet and she tweeted me back? Well, I did. And she did. And there you go.

See? I just ran into it again. Sat here for probably two whole seconds contemplating what to write next. Two whole seconds is, inside my head, basically an intolerable eternity. Just as my dad, sister, boyfriend, brother, brother-in-law, step-mom and her sons, my best friends, and my casual acquaintances can tell you. Eternity.

Writers' block as a term is starting to make more sense to me. Bhan's Block. As in, I'm basically getting in my own way. My blog started to achieve what for me felt like some success and so I applied new and increasing, rather than steady and continuing, amounts of pressure on myself to make it even wittier, catchier, bigger, awesomer.

What I really could have stood to hear should have listened to is some advice to just keep doing it. The fact of the matter is that many friends (you know who you are. jerks. kidding.) did reach out and gently nudge me. The more I was nudged, however, the more I felt like the next post couldn't possibly live up to Huff the Magic Marker. So I kind of froze.

Writers' Block is, therefore, like a block of ice inside of which I froze myself.

I hate myself for knowing this isn't Luke Skywalker

The longer my hiatus, the more reasons I gave for not writing. I was really just convincing myself.

Boobs. Just checking to see if you're still reading. After all, I realize this isn't the most riveting article ever in the history of anything.

My friend Ben fancies himself a writer and opera singer, so today I sought out his advice on how to thaw my Writers' Block. He suggested several clever ideas, to almost literally warm back up the way he warms up his voice before launching into an aria.

I even looked up Writers' Block on Wikipedia.

I just paused again. Cracked my back, stared at the ceiling momentarily. Maybe I should put some funny pictures in this article. Meh, I will if I wants ta. (I did.)

The lighting in this place makes me wants ta curl up and take a nap, but my double-shot tall gingerbread latte will keep from seriously entertaining that possibility.

I... think that's about it, kids. Love you, and your shows.

My Dad the Doper

You may have heard this week that Lance Armstrong was stripped by the US Anti-Doping Association of all his Tour de France wins.

I like to think Lance didn't do it, but he probably did. Thems are just the facts, Jack. He was just a better doper than all the other dopers against whom he competed during all those races. But I'm not here to start a debate.

Back to the story.

In the Reynolds household, we call Lance "Lancey-boy" and actually followed his career pretty closely. We DVR the Tour and catch snippets of the other summer races. Dinner parties feature baskets full of Livestrong bracelets as give-aways for guests. I follow the bikers and their teams on Twitter. In the front hallway of his condo, Dad has a framed, poster-sized self-portrait with an autograph of Greg LeMond.

Anyhow, we like road bikes.

See, back in the mid-'90s, my dad started riding and racing road bikes. I don't know what overcame him to choose this particular hobby, but in terms of mid-life crises at least he didn't buy an obnoxious sports car.

Wait, yes he did.

sweet 1993 Ford Probe, Dad

But I digress. Back to road biking.

Rain or shine, snow or sleet, my dad rode literally thousands of miles a year, literally across entire states. He rode alone and with groups, for fun and for fundraising. He rode to work and to friends' homes located farther away than I really care to drive.

Come to think of it, my dad was a little like this guy:

by the '90s, Dad had shaved his beard, but otherwise this is an uncanny likeness

For several consecutive years, Dad competed in the Wisconsin State Senior Olympics. As his daughter, I was really proud of him and happy to know he was basically staying out of trouble. And he was wildly successful at his events. When it was all said and done, Dad won about ten pounds of gold medals.

(Temper your enthusiasm, though: he sometimes entered events with fewer than three participants just to ensure he'd win a medal. See the 1996 Rollerblading finalists' results.)

After dedicating so much time and effort, blood and sweat, and... frankly... cash, my dad's winnings understandably hold a great deal of sentimental value.

When Dad received the news that Lance's medals have been stripped and history rewritten, he was... not shocked so much as concerned for the welfare of his own legacy.

See, Dad has always had asthma and treated it with an inhaler: a bronchodilator -- which, in certain circles of elite athletes is considered a PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUG!

Are they coming for Dad's Senior Olympics medals next?!?

this is not the face of a man who wants to relinquish his medals

It's a witch hunt. Hide your winnings, Dad.

mmmcoffee

Coffee tastes better

In a personalized mug

With milk and sugar.

- Bhan blogs via IPhone are powered by BlogPress

I got a guy fer that

I'm like the Angie's List of the little things. Need a tailor? I got a guy fer that. Need your shoes repaired? I got a guy fer that.

Here's my list of Guys Fer That, tried-and-true resources who will get you through your week.

Q: Hey, Bhan, where do you get your shoes repaired?
A: Go see my guy Franco at Franco's Shoe Repair.

Website	doesn't have one
Phone	608-255-8020
Hours	bankers' (M-F @ 0900 - 1600)
Location	1213 Regent Street, Madison WI
Price	~$5 per pair, depending on the repair

Franco's is both easily missed and impossible to miss

Q: Hey, Bhan, where do you get your pants hemmed/zippers replaced/dresses altered?
A: Go see my guys girls at Moments to Cherish.


These ladies do the kind of quality work you expect from... someone else. Like your grandmother. Pieces are usually ready for pick-up within a week. And it's conveniently located next to the Great Dane, so... you know... you can have a beer after you drop stuff off. (Call me!)

website	MomentsToCherishBridal.com
phone	(608) 274-5683
hours	normal business hours
location	2990 Cahill Main, Fitchburg WI
price	~$10 per article for clothing, and ask for a quote for dress alteration

Q: Hey, Bhan, where do you get waxed?
A: Go see my guy lady Beth at Escape du Monde.

You think this is TMI? It's probably one of the most-asked questions and most frequently talked-about topics among groups of girls. Or, at least among my group of girls.

Website	escapedomonde.com
Phone	608-273-6060
Location	5973 Executive Drive, Fitchburg, WI
Price	prices listed on website

it's exactly unlike this

Alright. Now on to a topic that won't make you boys barf.


Q: Hey, Bhan, who do you go to for awesome bacon?
A: Go see my guy 'n' his girl, Johnny and Lindsey, at PPORK. 

Website	facebook.com/PPORKBelly
Phone	none yet
Hours	TBD
Location	various Wisconsin festivals throughout the summer
Price	worth it

what kinda smoke do they use for reggae-cured, you ask? 

Q: Hey, Bhan, where do you buy your iPhone accessories?
A: Go see my guy friend Stephanie and her online store.

At one point or another, we've all limped along with a broken phone case. This was true for me until I learned about this little nugget. Fast shipping indeed!

Website	warehousebuys.net
Phone	online only
Hours	24x7
Price	way cheaper than the retailers

Here are a couple actual screen shots to illustrate the price gouging you experience when buying from The Other Guy....

$34.95 (!!!)

 ... compared to buying from my guy.

$23.18 YA HEARD

Q: Hey, Bhan, which vet do you take Monkey and George to?
A: Go see my guy, Dr Brynn Bruss, at Odyssey Vets.

Website	odysseyvetcare.com/
Phone	608-288-7838
Hours	M-Th @ 0800 - 2000, F @ 0800 - 1800, Sa @ 0900 - 1300
Location	2934 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg WI
Price	varies based on service

He's the most knowledgeable, patient, and kind vet I've ever worked with. (And I'm not just saying this because he reads this blog.) He truly empowers me to be a better pet parent. Over the last 6 years, Dr Bruss helped me keep Sydney comfortable in his final days and was by my side during the euthanasia. I now take both Monkey and George to see Dr Bruss and I think we can all agree my wee ones are the best (and healthiest!) around.

Monkey: "Can you even see me?"
George: "I'm planning your demise."

Q: Hey, Bhan, you look so relaxed. Where do you go for a good massage? 
A: Go see my guy, Dave, at Massage Envy.

Website	massageenvy.com/clinics/WI/Fitchburg.aspx
Phone	(608) 663-1900
Hours	Su @ 1000 - 1800, M-F @ 0800 - 2200, Sa @ 0800 - 1800
Location	6231 McKee Road, Fitchburg, WI
Price	membership fees < walk-in fees

I opt for a one-hour sports massage, which isn't too deep-tissue (there are no heroes on a massage table) and incorporates stretching and range of motion. It's truly excellent.

Whether you need your your bacon cured or your stress relieved... I got a guy fer that. And tell him/her/them that I sent ya.

notebook

I never will use

the first page of a notebook.

No graphite smudges! 

also, I use graph paper notebooks

summer bucket list

Every summer, Madison undergoes a dramatic transformation: most students leave town to spend the summers elsewhere. Grown-ups across the area reclaim the city and every glorious event and activity it has to offer. In an effort to capitalize...

get it?

... on the coolest of the cool stuff available to us, I made a summer bucket list and broke it down into three convenient categories: eat, drink, and be merry.

eat

1. The Dane County Farmers Market professes to be the largest in the country. Amen, Sconnies. Most summer Saturdays you'll find me strolling the sidewalks and interacting with vendors and fellow food shoppers (including buyers for Madison's best restaurants).

2. I love grilling food, especially lemons along with with any type of fish...

this was grilled trout and lemons

... so this summer's Bucket List includes many opportunities to indulge that hobby.

drink

3. The Grumpy Troll, a locally famous brew-pub located in Mt Horeb, WI, has a reputation for excellent beers, food, and service. Best of all, it's conveniently located among some of the country's best road-biking trails and country roads. More on road biking later.

4. New Glarus is just 15 minutes away, is the home to a well-known brewery, and last weekend the quaint little town hosted a BBC (Beer, Bacon, and Cheese) Festival. My friend Johnny's bacon-making start-up, Ppork, secured a booth so a couple girlfriends and I stopped by to show our support and taste some awesome food. Crossed one off the summer bucket list already!**

mmmbacon

5. University of Wisconsin famously has one of the best outdoor drinking establishments known to humankind: Memorial Union Terrace. Let's go listen to some rad live music and watch the sun set behind sail boats.

Oh, and they allow Monkeys! 

6. Wollersheim Winery offers tours and tastings at very reasonable prices. (We're talking $2 to $5!!!) John expressed interest in this, too, so I'll likely drag my boyfriend along for this one. It's nestled in some of the prettiest Wisconsin countryside, making even the drive out there a real pleasure.

be merry

7. After eating and drinking all these calories, I'd like to burn some of them off by biking some local trails I have yet to explore. First and second among them: Military Ridge State Trail and Badger State Trail. From either trail I can bike a nice loop away from and back to my house, eliminating the need to rack my bike. Because I don't have a rack.

8. A couple of my girlfriends and I have been know to cause quite a stir at the Epic Bombers games. If these are still on weekdays, I may have to instead settle for causing a similar scene at a Mallards game. Lucky for me, both crews play at Warner Park. That's called convenience, kids.

9. In Googling "cool stuff to do in Madison" I was not surprised to find canoeing and kayaking, and pleasantly surprised to find stand-up paddling. Wheee! I have relatively terrible balance, so let's also call this one "Swimming in a Madison Area Lake."

these might not be a bad idea

10. Located just 25 minutes away, Cave of the Mounds is known throughout the upper Midwest as the only place you can go where it's 50 degrees in summer. That sounds refreshing, and right up my geology-minded alley.

Can	Cambrian
Old	Ordovician	**Cave of	the Mounds**
Senators	Silurian
Demand	Devonian
More	Mississippian
Political	Pennsylvanian
Power	Permian
Than	Triassic
Junior	Jurassic
Congressmen?	Cretaceous
Tough	Tertiary	Pigeon Egg Omelets Make People Puke	Paleocene Eocene Oligocene Miocene Pliocene Pleistocene
Question	Quaternary	Heavily	Holocene

I did this from memory

11. Frank Lloyd Wright named his Spring Green, Wisconsin, home Taliesin, which is Welsh for shining brow, in reference to the building's location perched near but not atop a hill in the lovely countryside. He used the property and its accompanying fellowship as both classroom and laboratory, testing out themes and designs which would later resurface in public buildings and private residences. I could go on, and on, and on...

clockwise from top: Taliesin, some road, a pond, and those fields

... but suffice it to say that I'm a HUGE fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, because of in spite of his undeniable egomania. Though I visit the property every summer, and have toured the interior once, I'd like to go back and see it again.

12. Vilas Zoo probably has monkeys. I wouldn't know, because I've never been there. But I love monkeys. Especially the ones that are dogs named Monkey. So, the zoo makes the cut.

The problem with lists, especially those created over time, is that I always figure I'm missing something, so here's my catch-all.

13. Everything else. Like sitting on the Continental's outdoor patio with my girlfriends, enjoying the happy hour specials and great company. Sleeping with the ceiling fan whirling and the windows open during a wild summer thunderstorm...

that'll do

... while hopefully avoiding the direct path of any tornadoes, taking the dog for long walks along our neighborhood's tranquil wooded trails and across the scenic bluffs of Devils Lake, join friends to on the grassy yard of the state Capitol building during Concerts on the Square, watch Rhythm & Booms from the shores of Lake Mendota....

**This is neither the first nor the last time I put something on a list just for the satisfaction of crossing it off.

blogenre

Some many most blogs have a genre, a general topic about which the blogger can write with some authority. Recipes. Vegan recipes. Their homes and families. Home renovations. Healthcare IT. Themselves via Internet safety. And so on and so forth.

I have incredible readers and blog supporters. (I love you! *wink*) And there are a lot of you. When I started really thinking about it, I felt a little intimidated and got to wondering why the hell any of you read this. I mean, really.

My blog, unlike all those informative ones linked above, provides essentially no value. Not gonna learn anything here...

... and that's a promise.

I bounced this whole concept off my boyfriend. He said all the right supportive things and, the more we talked and I thought about it, the closer I came to a conclusion:

Other people's blogs are like the National Geographic or HGTV of blogs. 

Mine, on the other hand, is the USA Network of blogs.

USA Network isn't the channel you flip to when you want to enrich your life. But you might stop on an episode of NCIS for a while just to tune out the rest of the noise in your life.

So thanks for stopping by. There won't be a quiz. Click on all the ads.