Sharing – An Update

Hi everyone! I know it’s been awhile. So thought I’d share an update on me. Most of it is exciting and fun except this first thing.

I’ve had a lot going on these past weeks as you know. Some of you don’t know that I had to take my 15 yo to the emergency room last Friday for a lump on his neck and had trouble swallowing. They treated him for the symptoms, got his swelling down and sent him home. I took him to his Pediatrician on Monday and because the hospital gave him a steroid to bring down the swelling, she wants to put off more testing until next week. Steroids mask results. She did say it was his Thyroid but we don’t know what. So if you pray, please pray for him and Mama! I wouldn’t wish these thyroid issues on my worst enemy… definitely not on any of my loved ones.

I am over at Type-A Parent today talking about The Day Facebook Screwed Up, would love to hear your thoughts over there!

Speaking of Type-A… I was also asked to speak with Cecily, Anissa and Erin on the Type-A Parent Track at Blog World Expo in Los Angeles! Oh my goodness I’m excited and honored! However, that means I have to get on a plane by myself and fly from the East Coast to the West Coast (where I have never been). I’m going to LA, pass me the xanax or wine will do.

I have to add this link in here. I read this amazing post by Josh at Dad Street yesterday. It is so authentic and has got me thinking differently! Thought maybe you would like it. Now it does have a curse word in it but you’ll get over that, it’s not often through the post. Go check out If We Can’t Say, “No” our “Yes” Don’t Mean Shit.

Talk soon!

Chele

Tips For Bloggers ~ Irritating Things Bloggers Do or Don’t Do

I recently asked some friends on Facebook what irritates them about what bloggers do or don’t do. Recently, I’ve been taking note when I go to a blog about what bothers me about things that are not there readily available for the reader. The following are just tips of what bloggers want to see or don’t want to see on your blog or social media outlets.

This is my biggie! Have many different ways for someone to follow you! Especially the email option. I say this because I use my email not the Google Reader. I’ve realized that I don’t keep up with those blogs when I add it to the Reader so I’ve eliminated that step a long time ago. There are so many of you that do NOT have the email option. If you did, I would love to follow you. Plus, if you have readers who are not bloggers… they normally don’t use a Reader. However, I want to share if you make this option part of your blog. Make sure that you opt out of the “email me if someone unsubscribes.” This will only bring you down! I also have found that some people just want to follow you on social media. Have your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Stumble, etc readily available for someone to follow you.

Robin  from Simple.Green.Organic.Happy, said “I hate when there isn’t a way to easily tweet a post. Yesterday I wanted to tweet something, no tweet button, AND the twitter handle wasn’t readily available so I couldn’t even @ that person. I just gave up.” Totally know what Robin means! I follow a bunch of blogs that do not have the tweet button and it is very frustrating when I want to share with my followers. Let me add, Facebook… same thing! Use the social media plugins, it’s not hard!

Cindi from Moomettes Magnificents and Molly from Life With The Campbells said that capcha is a problem for them. Molly added… “I used to be a blogspot blogger, but switched to WordPress. So I have a Google reader account. But it still asks me for my user name and password what seems like a MILLION times, THEN I have to do the capcha thing, and by then I have either lost interest, or I am exhausted…” Yes too many steps takes time and gets frustrating. Try something like Disqus. I know I am the rare few that love this comment system. However, if you have it then any blog you go to your information comes up right away. Not only this, Disqus also automatically emails the person when you respond! Love that!

Tips from my friends on Twitter!

Beki from The Rusted Chain says “Don’t whine and be negative. Don’t be fake. Do be real.” Oh Beki knows me well! Be authentic but seriously watch the whining and negativity. It’s okay to be real about how you are feeling but too much of whine and negative remarks can hurt you!

My friend Aurie Good from Our Good Family says “DO check & double check. DON’T assume anything.” Research before you write. Just as you are supposed to think before you speak! You know what assuming does right? ;)

Links to others advice!

My friend Heather Solos from Home Ec 101 wrote on her personal blog about this very thing. Go check out her list!

Also, Carissa from Good N Crazy has written about why you should use your real name on Twitter. Go check it out!

Any others we should add to the list? Any you don’t agree with?

Your turn,

Chele

Fyi, I mentioned Disqus because I love this commenting system. I get nothing in return!

Virtual Travel Tuesday

Here are a few posts I think are worth the Virtual Travel! :) Enjoy!

My friend Cherie is trying to raise money for her area Relay for Life in memory of her Daddy. Go read A Daddy Remembered even if you can’t donate!

My new blogging friend and encourager wrote a post just about Gather Inspirit… folks you need to go read this especially if you are an in real life friend or family… this is why I am doing this!

I read a post over the weekend at the beautiful site called (In)Courage called For Married Women Only. Now this lady talks truth about your husband coming first and yes it gets deep but if you know me you know my husband comes first!! :) Be prepared, this ladies testimony will probably step on your toes a bit!

I also have to share something about balancing. My friend Teri Lynne is a blogging friend but also a pastor’s wife. She wrote a series about Anti-Balancing. I know you are thinking what?! But seriously take time to read her thoughts because it may make a difference for you!

Part 1 – An Introduction

Part 2 – Get Real

Part 3 – Choose Wisely

Part 4 – Guidelines for Goal-Setting

Finding Balance has been our topic for our Gather Inspirit TV Show last week and tonight’s will be as well! It is something I think bloggers really struggle with however I also think that the non-bloggers do too! So come on out and watch tonight at 7pm est. Hope to see you there!

Have a blessed day!

Chele