Minima"izing" again

Well, for the few who still come to the blog rather than use a reader, you've probably noticed the format change once again. I was getting a little frustrated with the 3 column because it just seemed too crowded and I couldn't get my main wrapper centered on a larger screen than my own. So, I decided to clean up my links and keep it a little more manageable with the blogger updates. Since I only have the 5 most recent posts showing per category, I can reasonably keep my links to one side. Back to my minima stretch. I like the clean look better anyway. I did keep my categories because I like everything compartmentalized and in their proper place. hehe. I also renamed most of the sites to the first names (or blognyms) of the blog writer rather than the name of the blog. Any thoughts or complaints?

Three Columns

Well, I have to be honest. I like the 2 column layout better for aesthetics, but the sidebar was so out of control long. So I've changed to the 3 column thanks to the directions given at Tips for New Bloggers. Check them out. I had to customize it a bit to get the columns the sizes I wanted, and it's not perfect yet, but I think it's fine for now. Is it viewing ok?

Change is in the air

Well, we had a nice overcast/rainy day again, and it made me feel like fall just around the corner. I wanted my background to reflect the new season. Matt thinks I change it way too often, but I just get bored of it when I see it everyday for extended periods of time. Plus I never get to rearrange furniture, so this is my outlet for change.

I tried something new, so once again I have to ask.

Honestly, does this hurt your eyes? It's pretty bright. Is it hard to read? It won't hurt my feelings.

New blog

FYI, I'm starting a recipe blog. It's mostly for my own benefit (cataloging my recipes and remembering what I did and liked since I do it a little differently every time), but if it helps you out, great!

Happy eating.

While not private, some precautions don't hurt

My cousin (and others) made some good points on my going private post. I still am opposed to it for myself, and I think it's a royal pain in the butt when others do it, but I understand. Personally, I feel like it's giving into terrorists/wackos (though I'm sure many of you think by not going private it empowers them).

HOWEVER,

I have noticed in my blog tracker that people were being found through google searches. While I wouldn't mind being found, some people do. While I tried to take off last names per request, it's possible not everyone I read reads my blog or even knows I have their name listed. So, in an effort to not freak anyone out, I decided to eliminate all last names on my sidebar and take them down to initials. I never listed my location in my profile, but I will make more of an effort not to list it in posts.

I like being found by friends. (Maybe because it makes me feel popular--happy that people want to find me??) I like finding friends. I like seeing where people end up, who they end up with, and what their kids are like. It's interesting to see how people have grown and changed. I feel like I've changed a lot since high school, and I don't mind people knowing how I've changed. I have always been an open book and will continue to lay it all out. However, certain precautions are easy to take so I might as well take them.

I honestly don't mind if old rivals or boyfriends find me and read my blog. We're all adults now with lives of our own. Who cares what happened in grade school or high school? I guess some people carry that with them, but I've moved on. I don't hold grudges and have few regrets.

Still learning

Well, I feel a bit sheepish that I'm posting blog tips when I found out tonight how differently my blog views in other browsers. I was at my friend's tonight and I noticed that my blog was WAY different in internet explorer. Some of my posts are so horrible looking in I.E. when they look totally fine in Firefox. The resolution also made a difference. Colors were a bit different. Hmm. Sorry if I seem like the last person to look for for blog advice. Looking at my screen I feel like I know what I'm doing, but now I know you may not see what I see. Ah well.

I've finally done it.

Well, after blogging under the classic blogger for over two years, I finally upgraded to the new version. I guess I'd kinda taken pride in doing so much on my own without the "blogging for dummies" page layout. There were some perks I wanted, so I had to take it all. I'm in the process of figuring out a new layout, look, etc. So, don't be alarmed if it changes looks a few times before I settle on something I really like.

The picture I have up as my banner was one I took today. He was totally cracking us up with his faces. He's such an expressive kid.

Seriously

I needed something lighter in the way of my background color. Something a little more spring and a little less fall. Does this bother your eyes in any way? It's kinda hard to be objective when I've looked at so many colors.

Side bar updates

I've been updating my side bar links. If you don't want your full name or I've spelled it wrong, please tell me and I'll fix it. Also, if I haven't linked you yet, tell me and I'll get you up there! It's hard to keep track sometimes!

Sidebar updates

I've finally updated my sidebar to include links to more of my family and friends. If I somehow missed you, just let me know! (Also, if you don't want me to link you, let me know and I'll strike you off my sidebar forever.)