Blogging Community

In looking at my blog track record, I see that today's post surpasses the posts I've put up in the last 2 months. Quickly gaining on the last 3 months.

As I spend some time revisiting some blogs I frequented from the beginning, I remember that this blogging thing is far more than just a hobby to express my thoughts, but it was a sense of community that I had established with other people all over the world.

We check in on each other, and witness life events with them. Good and bad...this blogging thing is a "community". Our kids grow older, our parents get sick, our lives are changed. We share this with OUR community.

Since blogging, I watched as one fine woman prepared for her wedding, and had her first child. I checked in on her today and her boy is getting big, and she is expecting child #2 soon.

Another blogger had been creating a diary of her son's first year. She had funny anecdotes about how she and her husband worked through the first year. I peaked in on her today, only to learn that in year number three, she and her husband are splitting. It breaks your heart.

As someone who connects with people on all levels, I'm reminded that the main reason I had stepped so far away from this blog, was because I was stepping back from opening up. No reason to do so, as I see that all my old community has not done the same.

So far, I'm grateful for NABLOPOMO, in that it's bringing me back "to the family", so to speak.

Thank you all, for still being around in one way or another. I'm making the rounds to say my hellos. :)

Another NaBloPoMo

You want to see something cute??



Yep!! That's my boy at HOMECOMING!! He took a very sweet girl, went to dinner with a group of friends, and had a great time. I hear a rumor he even DANCED!!

GOOD TIMES!!

p.s. Grandy has decided there has not been enough posts on here lately. To jump start her stupidity motivation, she has decided to participate in another round of NaBloPoMo. Let's do this!!! I make no promises for 30 days of "quality" content...but we always have FUN!!

Brilliant People in the World

Grandy has blessed this part of the world with many stories of blithering idiots. In fact, Grandy has even shared some "not-so-proud" moments she has executed. In fact, early on in this blogger's hobby, she shared this story with you all. *sigh*

It's a wonder anyone still puts up with Grandy, but I almost think people will wonder what they'll miss if they don't.

There have been opportunities to focus on those that are FAR smarter than this Grandy. Remember when we hosted the Sunday Stalker series? That was fun, and filled with MANY people with varying skills that far outweighed that of Grandy. I was truly humbled to learn of all the different people that stalk follow this site. As a matter of fact, the guilt sometimes really gets me when I have been remiss in keeping this site as active as I should. (It will get better people...really)

In the spirit of trying to highlight someone smart for a change (don't worry, there are no "People of Walmart" in this feature), Grandy would like to introduce you to Michael Day. Grandy has not personally met Michael Day herself...yet...but she feels like she knows him because she works with his beautiful sister-in-law. You can just tell that these are GOOD people...and Grandy digs that.

Michael Day is currently competing in the GE Ecomagination Challenge. He has come up with a Combined Cooling and Energy Storage invention that looks really top notch. Grandy is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and some of the analogies are a little lost on her, but you know it's not very often that we get on this site and say CHECK THIS OUT!!! But when someone so brilliant comes up with such a great idea...when that brilliant someone is in my Kevin Bacon 6-degrees of separation...and when I think there is a genuine chance for making a difference...Grandy will tell you to CHECK THIS OUT NOW!!

Michael is competing with other brilliant ideas all over the world. Grandy has brilliant readers all over the world. We could make this work folks!!

Let's CHECK THIS OUT and go VOTE for Michael!! If you do check it out, please stop by and let us know your thoughts. If you like his idea enough...please share it on your blog and link back to it. We would love to support your blog in this adventure as well.

Grandy will track how far this momentum can carry. It will be good to get back into the blogging community on a more regular basis any way. What better way to re-join the community than to tell two friends...and they tell two friends...and so on, and so on...

Thanks for your support gang!!

Dis-ap-point-ment

A heavy word that carries more weight than anger or sadness.

We have all been faced with moments where our parents have said, "I'm not mad ... I'm just disappointed."

Some synonyms for disappointment are failure, defeat, frustration.

While learning about different personality types, Grandy has always fallen into the category of that upper right quadrant. It never fails what the test is, the quadrant is always the same: Energizer, Talker, "Yellow" (for the color of the quadrant, not my lack of courage).

Description: Stimulating, Enthusiastic, Gregarious, Impulsive, Emotional

Strengths: Communication, Motivation, Relationships, Creativity, Humor

One common thread in all these tests is that the "Energizer", "Talker", and "Yellow" quadrant hates to disappoint others. We rarely say NO. We suffer from a sincere desire to please EVERYONE.

Unfortunately, it's that fear of disappointment that forces Grandy to either take certain action, or decide not to take action in circumstances. When this post started a few weeks ago (I had to set it aside because I was in the midst of sincerely disappointing someone and it made me cry to think about it) it was all coming to a head for Grandy.

Thankfully, this week, Grandy is not working. She's relaxing, and taking time for herself. She was being faced with possibilities that she would not be able to take the whole week off, but didn't waver. When the president of her company sent her an appointment, she boldly (and diplomatically) declined and reminded him she would not be there.

Since Grandy has felt like nothing but a disappointment in many arenas lately, she's going to get back to basics and drill down. One of the areas where she's really failed lately is this blog. Not just this blog, but her lovely blogging community. As you can see, community and relationships are a big thing for Grandy. She's at a loss without you folks.

Grandy will be peaking in on all of you and catching up soon. But if you happen to stop by before she checks in, please tell me... What's new with you?

Grandy's #1 Stalker - Sunday Spotlight

Readers I would like you to meet...Grandy's Mom. We will call her "WB" (not because of the TV channel, but because of her initials silly).

She is not currently a "stalker" that you can find here on this site, but she earns the right to be my #1 stalker. Mom doesn't always read every day, but for that matter, neither do I.

WB doesn't have a blog, so this post won't necessarily be an interview, as it will be with so many of my other stalker spotlights.

I'm not even sure she gets why I do it. I'm kidding...she gets that this is an outlet for me. She has "gotten" Grandy more than I have ever given her credit for.

Earlier this week Mom had surgery. She has done amazingly well, and after many temper tantrums efforts with the doctor, was finally sent home on Saturday. After the last year we've had, where she has seen us all go through our health struggles, it was a little unnerving seeing her go through it too. It's good to know that she will be feeling so much better soon.

It's a good thing too. There are many more trips for her to take, that AREN'T family related. She spent all of 2008 doing what she does, taking care of all us kids and our spouses. I want 2009 to be all about her.

WB isn't the biggest fan of having her picture taken, but I can usually sneak in a pic of her doing what she does best...being a great Grandma.

These kids ADORE HER!!!

Get better soon, my #1 stalker!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Sunday Stalker Spotlight Coming Soon

Blogger has a feature that allows people to stalk "follow" other blogs. This is different than the RSS feed, or even Google Reader. When I log in to my blog, there is a window down below that shows latest posts on all the blogs I stalk follow.

Grandy has of course dubbed hers as a stalker central, only because she's a dork that way. It is not because she doesn't truly appreciate all the people who follow this blog. I appreciate ALL my readers, whether you stop to comment or not.

As a matter of fact, I sometimes forget that some family and friends actually read my blog. I was talking to Mom on the phone the other day, about something that happened during my day, and she responds with, "Oh and you're having computer issues to boot!" Of course, I responded with, "How do you know that?"

DUH!!!

Why would my mother NOT check in on what her daughter is posting all over the world wide web for all the world to see? I'm sure her curiosity has gotten the better of her from time to time, to see what embarrassing moment I might be ever-so-willing to share with the world.

Well, to show my appreciation for all my followers in Stalker Central over there, I am going to start a weekly feature here in Grandy-Land called "Sunday Stalker Spotlight", where I will feature the post about a given stalker for the week. I would like to know more about the people that follow my craziness, and see what makes you all tick.

Have any of you actually peaked into your follower list? It's a great window into the different people your reaching. A note to some of you stalkers out there...HOW DO YOU KEEP UP? I see several that have about 10 blogs listed under their profile. There are those that have one very awesome blog, but it shows zero because maybe it's not a Blogger blog, but Wordpress or something.

So stalkers...expect an email from me (or a comment somewhere on your blog if I can't find an email) eventually, asking if you would like to participate in my "Sunday Stalker Spotlight". If you would prefer to do skip it, I understand and will not whine (much).

I look forward to giving you all a chance to SHINE here in Grandy-Land.

TOP DROPPER DAY

Entrecard has dubbed today as TOP DROPPER DAY, or something like that. It's a special day for all those dedicated droppers who faithfully drop their cards.

Unfortunately this is not a list you will ever see Grandy on. It's not that I don't try to stop by and see people, I just don't get to log in every day. I am a faithful follower of many sites, but I can't always drop on all my favorites. The people that have consistently dropped on me for so long are all awesome.

Entrecard has been a great way to find many different blogs. It's introduced me to many of my followers and bloggy friends. I think I'll keep it around, and hope to get to know more of you.

Thank you to my TOP DROPPERS!!!

Dropper/ # of drops
The Junk Drawer/ 31
Blog Fiction/ 28
Redhead Ranting/ 26
Behind the Bit/ 25
Orient Lodge/ 22
THE Andrea/ 22
PaulsHealthBlog.com/ 21
Forced Green/ 21
Argo's Journey/ 20
RagingRev/ 19

YOU ALL RAWK!!!

Rejection

Everyone in the blogosphere, and in real life, has an image they try to portray. I've never really known what my image could or should be, I'm kind of all over the map and it's actually worked okay for me so far.

I find that when I try to "categorize" my blog, I can't. I don't really count as a humor blog because let's face it, I'm not really funny all the time. I'm not a news blog. My other site doesn't even exactly (actually not at all) count as a technology site, unless one is trying to laugh at the daily struggles of the technically challenged. Really people, I had NO IDEA that I could find something to blog about every day, as far as all things technology...and how I struggle with them. WOW!

Grandy has a bloggy buddy that had a Birthday yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN! I know, I'm a day late...but I was a day late on posting even my own birthday. Jen has 3 blogs.

She blogs at Red Head Ranting, in which she rants about the daily happenings in her world. Her EC card looks like this:


Her next blog is Ergodic Cogitation/ I'm too tired to remember exactly what that means, but it's another good place for her to air her daily witticisms. The card she uses for EC is this:

I believe her last blog speaks for itself in the title. Kids of Queers is a blog that has some funny stuff. I think they are still Jen's outtakes on life but sprinkled a little more with a definite focus. It's more of a chronicle of how she grew up the product of a gay father, and a straight mother. That card used to be this:

But then I hooked her up with some killer resources and now it looks like this:

Part of the fun of Entrecard is the exposure you get to other blogs and learn more about the blogosphere. To earn credits you drop your "cards" on people, and to buy exposure to your blog, you pay with those Entre-Credits that you earn by clicking. Well, each blogger has the opportunity to accept or reject an ad.

I have to say that my ad has only been rejected once, in the entire time I've been with EntreCard. That rejection came by way of a (are you ready for this?) convention blog. I don't mean any old convention either. I mean you must imagine the type of convention that requires you to have either pointy ears or speak in another language entirely. Really...the Girly Anti-Geek has been rejected by geeks. And the reason given? Not relevant.

Hey, I'll admit even I've declined a couple ads here and there. I won't post ads where the chick is hotter than me. Granted, there are a couple on the adgitize site, but at least he polices them regularly.

What I have not had to deal with is how society still views homosexuality even today. Why would I? I'm not gay. I have a couple gay friends and family members, and love them very much, but I have not had to face the adversity they do every day.

As you can imagine, Jen has had her last ad rejected quite regularly. The reason given? Not relevant. Really? Is that it? Because I'm afraid you might be judging that book by a cover and really missing out on something good. That is truly a loss.

In honor of Jen's birthday I am here to show her some bloggy lovin'. I'm also here to say that Grandy judges no one, as she has no room to talk. I was only a little irritated when I got rejected by the geek squad (but only until I remembered the William Shatner SNL classic moment) so I can only imagine how it felt to continuously be rejected.

Sometimes I hide in the fog of what's considered a "mixed bag" of life, but do envy those brave enough to take a stand on something and be strong in the face of adversity.

What about you, reader? Have you ever been rejected for no darn good reason? Please share.

Whether you are part of Entrecard or not, would you share the KOQ card on your site? I just did. :)

Happy Belated Birthday, Red!!

A New Blogging Adventure - 2009 1st Edition

YYYWELCOME TO THE FUNCTIONAL SHMUNCTIONAL 250th POST!!!YYY

Tonight we have quite the gala planned for you all. So many announcements...so little time.

You may have noticed Grandy making a few changes around the sidebar of this site. Well, there have been some new endeavors in more places than just this site.

Grandy has decided to take her blogging experience to a new level. Not just the blogging experience, but her writing experience all the way around.

In December I signed up for both Bukisa and eHow. Two endeavors where you write articles and generate revenue based on the number of hits and clicks to those articles.

The funny thing is, once I signed up for eHow, I panicked. I realized I don't know how to "do" much of anything. Well I do, but I'm not sure I'm an "authority" on any one thing. I stared at the screen for several days, and even considered writing an article on "I GOT NOTHIN'!" But after reading some words of wisdom from Dennis Palumbo in "The Three Cosmic Rules of Writing", found in The New Writer's Handbook (2007), he reminded me that "writing begets writing", and I was the only one holding me back.

So, I wrote my first article on How to Laugh at Yourself, because let's face it, I know how to do that quite well and do it every day. From there, I have written four more articles.

With Bukisa I found that many people at eHow are writing there too. Some are changing their articles a bit and re-posting them. I learned, however, that that can only draw away from the original articles (whatever that means) and didn't want to do that. So instead I would write an article there on a similar subject, and link back to the original. It's an interesting adventure that will be a challenge to see how it plays out. But I look at it this way...I'm polishing the ole' writing chops.

Well, things didn't stop there. As I struggled to learn my way around all these sites, and figure out the rules, I realized that I could totally have fun with the fact that I struggle with all things technical. Not just on the computer, but in the live world too. Let's face it, if batteries are required, or any sort of power whatsoever, then I struggle to learn about it.

I had noticed a few of my bloggy buddies that I've made through Entrecard had started other blogs at Today.com. That is a blogging site that pays you $1 for every 100+ word post (per day) and then some, depending on the traffic. You can find more here:

Well, what could I possibly post about every day? What subject could I possibly entertain the masses with (or at least the select few who catch on)? How about the fact that I'm so incredibly inept with so many things?

That's right, Grandy has started a new blog at GirlyAntiGeek.today.com. That's right folks, my other blog is a big girly, and a lot less geeky than so many of these other technical advice blogs. I have even engaged the services of the beautiful LadyJava, who has more blogs than that lady who lived in a shoe has children, for the banner and Entrecard widget.

...and...

Aren't they lovely? Didn't LadyJava do a GREAT JOB?

You must go check out the new digs!!!

This blog will go on, with the random Grandy-isms that you have come to know and expect, because let's face it...this is where I get to be me. I may interject with some updates on my adventures, but fear not...I like being random here.

Thanks for following me into my 250th post...and here's hoping you stick around for 250 MORE!!

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Random Grandy Finally Gets Video

My dear friend Dens, over at Black Cats R Lucky has finally gotten off her ass posted up a meme. To honor the moment, she has tagged me back. I post this in fear that we will lose her from the blogosphere for-evah if I don't.

The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you - Done
2. Post the rules on your blog - Done
3. List 6 random things about yourself - Really? Isn't this entire blog full of all Grandy Randomness??
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post - UGH! You're killing ME!!! Oh wait, it's doesn't say tag people and piss and moan in the process. I got it.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog - Ding Dong Ditching...here I come!!!

Hmmm...I can't be the only one thinking it's strange that the rules for 6 random things should have 6 rules. Right? I am the only one?

6 (more) Random things about Grandy:

1) Grandy has never watched an episode of Survivor. Ever. Never. Really. No intention to either.

2) Grandy can't wear just socks on her feet...not more than 5 minutes anyway. There is a strange obsession. I either have to wear slippers, shoes or NOTHING. Never just socks. It's a dry feet thing.

3) While we're on the subject, Grandy has a strange thing with dry skin and chapped lips. Too much of either of these will push me into homocidal OCD tendencies.

4) Grandy doesn't snore anymore.

5) Grandy gets a big kick out of this song on her CD (you will understand when you listen):



6) Speaking of COFFEE, Grandy just bought her first coffee maker 2 weeks ago. It took 1 week to figure out how to set the automatic start.

Now...for the tags.

Joyce-Anne - You're getting very good at playing along in the comments sweet cheeks! Share with us!!

phd in yogurtry - Step out of your sessions and enlighten us with your goodness.

BeeDancer - Alright lovely lady...tell us somethin' bout you in Florida!!

Simply Elegant Girl - This cutie patootie is going have some pretty good stuff I think.

LadyJava - LJ...meet Grandy's readers...Grandy's readers...MEET LJ!!

Dory - Tell us more about you, lady. What you can recall that is. ;)

Thanks everyone!!!

***EDIT: IT WORKED!! THE VIDEO THING WORKED!! There might be hope for Grandy YET!!!***

***P.S. EDIT: Grandy just keeps watching the dang video over and over because really...there are talking pictures on this blog!!!***

Grandy-isms in YOUR Pictures - Round 1

Remember Grandy's offer to frame your pic for you?

Here's my first creation for BeeDancer. Have you seen BeeDancer's site? She has some great pics of Florida on her site.

Her little Gizmo is adorable!! He looks very smart too.

I'm glad she liked the pic.

Now where are your pics? Email them to me people!! It will be fun!! I can even change the color of the frame to suit your liking.

It's FRIDAY readers!!

I don't subscribe to a ha-choo or a Fun-Friday thingy.

But I'm all about wishing you all a fun one...and bless you!!

See you all tomorrow.

Feeling a Bit Inadequate

First of all, if ever you considered the following equation, I caution you not to. Obviously, Grandy was NOT thinking when she did so.

Shaving...

Beautiful and nice smelling salt scrub
Stupid pain

I do the dumbest things sometimes.

I know...we all do...or at least some of us are big enough to admit it. But sometimes even I tire of my own inabilities to function like a normal human being.

Now you know why I call this place Functional Shmunctional.

Here's a quick example.

You all can tell Grandy has been working on trying to get this place looking top rate. Goofy Girl Design did an awesome job with the new digs, and I'm trying to clean some other things up. I even put an RSS Feed link on the site. I stumbled across a wonderfully talented girl, Emila Yusof, who makes these great dollies for your RSS Feed.

It only cost a few hundred Entrecard Credits, and my RSS Feed link will look like this...

How awesome is that? She's got my curly hair...my glasses... and even my baseball cap. It's GRANDY!! This girl has got some cute Illustration skillz.

The problem?

Grandy can't make the darn thing work on her page. She gave me the code, and I can't make it work. I can only ask so many stupid questions, before I sink away with my tail between my legs, humbled that I'm an idiot.

If you like this dolly, she can customize one for you too. Emila Yusof has made many many for others, and don't worry, they work just fine for them.

It's just Grandy that can't make it happen.

UGH!!

Thanks Emila!!

Sending Some Love Back!!

Readers;

I dedicate today's post to Mrs. G., of Derfwad Manor. She is a beautifully talented blogger who gets more comments than I will ever get hits on this site in a day.

Mrs. G. does her weekly "Slow Cook Thursday" and this week she featured yours truly. Can you believe it? You can check it out HERE.


And never mind the big blazon pic of me up there. UGH!!


Mrs. G. was one of my FIRST commenters when I first started. She found me in the blogosphere when I was still trying to "find myself". No really...I don't mean in the metaphysical way. I mean I was struggling to find my way back to my own blog. Remember that technically challenged thing I've mentioned before? Are you starting to get that there's a theme??


My first comment from her was from A Week Already:

Mrs. G. said...
Welcome to the blogging world Mary. You seem like you are going to be good at it!
October 12, 2007 11:42 AM

WOW!! This kicka$$ blogger was a fortune teller too? ;)


Well...throughout this past year, I've followed Mrs. G., and the remainder of the G family. (Hey, what can I say? We G's have gotta stick together!) Now, when I say follow, I don't mean in a weird stalking way... well... not exactly in a weird stalking way. That was only a "temporary" restraining order. We worked it all out after the police arrived.

...digressing again... back to the point...


Mrs. G. usually closes comments on her Thursday posts because she says it's all about her guest. Well, this week...I'm making it all about her and she doesn't even know it. I don't have nearly the following she has, but I have a WONDERFUL group of readers who I know will embrace her wit.


Mrs. G.'s daughter is leaving this week for college. I feel like I'm saying goodbye too, although I've only read everything there is to know stories about her. As a stalker follower, I've watched the G family go through the college selection process, been part of job challenges, and watched this family grow. They are an awesome bunch, and when I drove through Washington after my grandmother passed I considered stalking trying to meet.

In her blog, Mrs. G. asked for advice from her readers to her daughter. "What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you went off to college?" Well...what I wanted to put was, "True friends WILL hold your hair back." But then, I get the feeling this young lady knows what true friendship is. I think she has that with her mother.


So, Grandy is a little bit more worried about Mrs. G. hitting the bottle hard taking it a little hard. The lovely Miss G is going to be just fine conquering the world. But...Mrs. G.?

Yeah...she's going to be just fine.

After all, she has all of us stalkers followers to keep her warm and fuzzy. Maybe we could all go to her for advice...and with attitude...and she'll feel a little more comfy?

HERE'S TO YOU DERFWAD!!!!

Do You Like??

Remember how Grandy mentioned she struggles with most things technical?

Well, Grandy found Goofy Girl Design while playing over at dear Michele Tune's place, Writing the Cyber Highway.

Then it hit me like a ton...I bet she could do something with MY site.

Well, this girl was awesome!!

I think she may have gotten to see a more ignorant side of Grandy that I would normally let on with you readers. But I tried. My banner I had before was "home-made". Now I just say, "heck with it!" Outsourcing works for companies, right?

So...before you run off and have a good weekend. Tell me what you think of the new look?

Oh, and if you are thinking of shaking your cage a little yourself, you can find her here:



Template by
Goofy Girl Designs

Grandy Meets a Buddy

For several months I have watched many of you brag talk about your visit with Bossy, gloat gush about your excitement and adventures at BlogHer, and even watched some of you just share your sweet bloggy friendships as I quietly gag myself on my envy.

Grandy, on the other hand, has been in this on her own. I am an anonymous schlep that has ventured her technically challenged a$$ into this large world wide web all alone. I have a couple of friends, who are quietly, slowly, trying to make their way in the bloggy world. But they are not quite as obsessed focused on their pet project as I am.

Each time someone's talking about the latest gadget, or widget, or new techno blingy thingy, I am always amazed at how little I know about technology. But none of you have ever been concerned about that. Why? Because you ROCK that way.

I so have wanted to meet some of you blogging peeps...live...and in person. I think I've even come across as a stalker with all a select few of you. If that's the case...well...Woops! Sometimes my enthusiasm can be misinterpreted as an over zealous fan. Although I will admit some of it is not an interpretation, and I'm sorry.

I have finally met my first...live and in person...bloggy friend.

Paloma (aka Mrs. F) over at PollyWaddleDoodlesAllDay and I finally hooked up and went to lunch. We're both within the Sacramento area, and I begged, pleaded, and threatened to hurt myself finally won her over.

What a HOOT she is indeed!! Her daughter IS as cute as she looks in those pics. I only hope, I wasn't too goofy, or silly, or lame for her. But then again, she does follow this blog, doesn't she? I think it's safe to assume she might agree that what you see with Grandy is what you get.

Right girlie?

So...who's up for lunch?? Who's next???

**Picture courtesy of my camera...dang arms aren't quite long enough. Look...isn't she cute??

Say What to SezWho?

Many of you know that Grandy is technically challenged. I try things because I read somewhere that this next thing is the thing to do.

Well... has anyone seen my little widget over there from

Do you know what it is?

Well, it appears to be a rating system for rating comments and posts. I have had it on my sidebar, and even have it in my comments, and still don't quite get how it works. Depending on the score you get, determines how many entre-credits you get. It was a way to promote people stopping and commenting on other sites.

I thought it might be fun to rate comments and have others rate me, but then I could never get more than a mediocre rating. Not that I work hard for good grades (ok maybe I did when I was younger) but it does sometimes bite when you can't get more than a "C", no matter how hard you try.

I know Entrecard partnered with them not too long ago, so I thought I would give it a shot. But after spending some time following, and trying to figure it out, I'm afraid I will have to bid adieu to the SezWho.

One of my frequent droppers from Entrecard, Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta., arranged for a stand. I think I'm going to have to try this for a while instead.

I'm not sure if I've done this for a little while...but I need to show some love to my Entrecard folks.

Here are my top Entrecard droppers.

Dropper : # of drops

Acakadut: 29
Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta.: 28
Modern Glam: 28
Inspire Emotion: 27
Khaizee Blog - Everything Is Fine: 24
Lucent Dusk: 24
Everything Has A Reason: 22
MJG's Rambling Thoughts: 22
Art Journal: 19
Passport2Cruising: 16

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!!

Grandy's First Online Interview

Pssstttt....

Grandy's not here today. But you can still get your half-ass quazi-daily Grandy blog fix if you go check out who she's been talking to.

Go check out Pink Asparagus and read Grandy's first ever bloggy interview.

She's doing a bit of a social experiment, and although I'm not sure if she learned anything from this case study, I'm pretty sure it has been established that Grandy is a "case" of some sort.

Now go get your daily vegetables and show Pink Asparagus some bloggy love, and leave a comment on my interview while you're at it.

Thanks Catherine!!!

Arte Y Pico Award

I have a new bloggy friend, Theresa Komar. You may have seen her comment here and there, and I'm so grateful she does. This woman has 3 blogs? I ask that in the form of a question (Alex Trebek) not because many of you don't have that many blogs but because I'm not sure exactly how many she has.

Either way, I don't know how many of you deal with multiple blogs. It's all I can do to keep you entertained with just my one blog.

Anywho... Theresa, over at A Bumpy Path, has bestowed an award on me in her post The Arte Y Pico Award. What a SWEET honor!! Thank you, Theresa. I've read some of your other honorees and feel privileged to be considered a part of that group.

Now, Grandy has to quote Theresa's site because I'm not clear where the rules stop and her words begin. So...here it is:


About the Arte Y Pico Award

This award was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity and their talents, and for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a "special honor". Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to 5 others. What a wonderful way to show some love and appreciation to your fellow bloggers!

The rules for passing this honor on are..

1) Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to. ~ How does Grandy narrow it down to 5 of you? Have you seen my blog roll?

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award from Arte Y Pico.

And now... the moment you have all been waiting for... My honorees.

In my last award I granted it to blogs that were new, or new to me. However, with this one I knew instantly I would have to honor some real pros. Without these 5 sites, Grandy would not be the obsessed crazy stalker Blogger she is today. Each site has had a positive impact in Grandy's world, and the blogosphere in general.

Mrs. G at Derfwad Manor ~ I can't get enough of my favorite Derfwad. She's a HOOT!! She's on vacation this week, and has some guest posters over there, but I'm sure they can graciously accept this award on her behalf. ;)

Michele over at Writing the Cyber Highway ~ This lady can really make you think, and feel. Isn't that what writers do? Well, Michele will make you put the words into a sentence and push you to get the words written. She is quite a mentor and cheerleader to me. Thank you sweets!

Dee over at On The Curb ~ This woman...what can I say about this curb squirrel? She will make you laugh until you have orange juice coming out your nose. Or maybe that was just me... and just that once.

Chris at Wat da Wat ~ I like the way this guy can tell a story and make Grandy think. Keep up the good work, Chris!

And of course...last but never least we have Sandy at Momisodes. I've learned a lot about what to do, and what NOT to do from her blog. I love how she shares her thoughts with the world, and takes some great pics!! Besides, without her, I would forget what day of the week it is.

Thank you again Theresa. I am truly honored to be among your list of blogs.

Thank you, to all of my readers for stopping and commenting. You all make significant impacts on the blogosphere. If you weren't mentioned in this post, I'm sure you've been mentioned recently. I do talk about all of you crazy cracikers equally. Besides... Grandy doesn't believe in saying anything about anyone that she isn't prepared to say too them.

Another Meme from the Road

It's true... Grandy has been tagged for another meme by the lovely Paloma at PollyWaddleDoodlesAllDay. She's truly a nut.

I may have done this before, but the rules change just a bit each time that I'm not sure. Not wanting to be the pooper of the partay, I feel compelled to oblige.

Here are the rules…And my commentary of course.

1. List these rules on your blog. ~CHECK
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog. ~NEW FACTS?? What haven't I covered?
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. ~Easy enough
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. ~Alright, quit nagging.

My 7 facts are:

1. I am #5 of five children (my twin is #4 by only one minute). #1 is Nurse Sister, 9 years older. You might remember her from I C more of U. #2 is in San Diego, I'll have to come up with a nick-name for her. For that matter I should post something dedicated to her. #3 is Poor Brother. I say poor brother because he is the only boy sandwiched in between 4 girls, and he always thought he deserves special pity for it. You can see I feel thoroughly sorry for him.

2. I am a HUGE Disney fan. I want to go to Disney World some day, but until then, I will just watch the commercials and dream. It's been a couple years since I've been to D-Land, and I'm thinking I'm about due for another trip.

3. I have now lost a little over 60 lbs in a year. Still working at it...still trying. I have about 15 lbs to go. It's very cool. I don't necessarily do well with compliments, but it does feel pretty good when people call me skinny.

4. I can sing. Yikes, I don't admit to that very often because people will then ask me to show them. Whatever... like I'm auditioning on some sort of Star Search (oh wait, just dated myself, I meant to say American Idol). I sing in church, and used to perform for a living, I have even been known to knock a few people down in random Karaoke performances.

5. I am way too involved with Boy Scouts of America. I have recently agreed to take on the role of Committee Chair for our troop. I love these kids, and want to give them a great program. The previous chair is stepping down due to just needing a bit of a break. Quick...someone get the eraser and take "SUCKER" off my forehead.

6. I'm technically challenged. I have friends and family who buy me technical gadgets and I am too embarrassed to tell them I don't know how to work it. When I read some technical blogs, I get really confused and afraid to leave a comment in fear of being laughed at (and not with).

7. I am preparing for my annual Relay for Life, for the American Cancer Society. I've participated in it for the last 6 years, in honor of my Dad. It's a 24-hour event that raises money for cancer research (oh yeah, Grandy moves from one mission to another). I'll have to do a post about it, but you can visit my personal page here.

Now for the tagging...

eastcoastlife - You will have to post about something other than buns and feet. :)
Joyce-Anne - I don't know if you have a blog...I haven't found you, but I so appreciate you stopping by and commenting, I'd like to learn more about you. Tell me how to find you.
Theresa Komor - You'll have to tell me which of your blogs you'll be posting this on.
Malone! - Because I can never learn too much about you my friend.
mysecondjournal - I'm sure you can come up with something on these 7. I can't wait to see what you come up with.
glam - I know it may not fit your awesome fashion blog, but you have others. Let me know if you decide to play, and where you're playing. :)
Dirty Laundry Diva - Oh yeah, the trials and tribulations of your NewscasterHottie, and crazy people in your life...I can't wait to see what you share. :)

Anyone else want to play? Feel Free!! Just make sure you leave a comment to let me know so I can come check it out.

How many of you nuts are still part of the Blog365? Need a topic to blog about??

Share what works...

Do you blog for frequency or quality?


Ok, that's a sucky way to ask the question. Of course we post on our blog hoping to engage our readers, to relate to them, and write something that will keep them coming back. (Too cheesy?)


Well, Grandy is obsessed with finding topics she can share with you to keep her audience entertained. I can't tell you how many ideas have been scrapped because maybe I thought it was funny at the time and when looking at it... the idea blew chunks.


You may not know this, and if not I'm truly sorry, but Grandy tries not to force her readers to read crap. Really... I do. I know you can all tell if I've forced a post and "phoned it in", but please know I do understand and I'M SORRY!!



Does your blog have a niche? What sort of theme do you cater to?



Grandy is kind of all across the map (ya think?) and so I wonder if I'm maybe just speaking to similar nutcases like me? How many of those are out there anyway?


Well, I just want you to know that Grandy is working on something BIG. It's bigger than big, and I hope to have it launched by July.


I ask you all to share with me your thoughts on what you like to see in particular blogs. Do you have any words of wisdom for what NOT to do? That's just as helpful, you know, if not more.


Grandy needs all the help she can get for this uber secretive project. I'm not going to tell until it's time, but I thought now would be an EXCELLENT time for me to pick your brains, while of course reminding you all to click my button over there on the right. Did you??


Alright, I'm done for now (just with the reminding you to click...which you better do) but I encourage all you blogging pros out there to show this challenged girl what comes next. In the meantime...anyone got a spare copy of this??