everything nicole

I'm back, Bitches

That's right. Stay tuned! Xoxo

My Sweet Little Valentines

Dooce writes a monthly letter to her daughter Leta, who also recently turned five.  Although most of the blogging world has probably already read her most recent letter, I have to point it out.  What she writes so clearly explains how I feel about my beautiful daughters, and probably how most mothers feel about their children. 

You have changed so much since that first morning you spent with us, a morning that altered my life so drastically that sometimes it still feels like I'm catching my breath. I imagine that I won't ever stop feeling this way, won't ever stop having a portion of my brain dedicated to the thought of where you are and what you're doing, won't ever be able to escape the constant, nagging hope that you are happy and fulfilled. My pulse is forever closer to the surface of my neck because of you, because of my responsibility toward you, and I can't thank you enough for the dimension that this has added to what it means to be alive.

Motherhood.  It's one wild ride.  xoxo

To My Dear Little Bloggity-Blog,

I know, it's been awhile.  No, there's no one else.  Okay, I did have a brief affair with my iPhone Facebook app.  But that doesn't really count, does it?  I mean, you are the one who introduced us, and you even tell Facebook every time I post.  And Facebook gives me information on my friends, instead of just me droning on about me me me, everything nicole! 
But honestly, Facebook isn't the reason I've been so distant.  It's a lot of things:  we spent too much time together in November, and Christmas was a little crazy for me (I know, I know!  I'll post those pictures soon, okay? sheesh).  And then there's those two pesky little girls who require food and baths and stuff. 
But I'd like to start the new year fresh.  Can you forgive my cheating and ignoring you?  I did send you a picture on New Years Eve, after all! So let's start 2009 right.  No resolutions that were made to be broken, just some good old blogging when the moment strikes or my kids do something cute. 
Love,
nicole
xoxo
PS - That is not a sarcastic xoxo (this time), but a sincere hugs and kisses. 

Don't Know What You Heard 'Bout Me

I just pimped my Firefox.  What can your browser do?  xoxo

Sounding Like an Infomercial

I've found a new way to waste time online.  It's called PaperBack Swap.  I love sharing good books, but sometimes I have more than I can pawn off on friends.  PaperBack Swap is perfect for me because it's cheap (as am I), and I get new books to read!  You just list books that you're willing to mail to someone, then you get credits to pick out books that you want mailed to you.  If you sign up, then I get a credit for another book.  So start trading your books!
  xoxo

Shake Yo' Money Maker

I'm about to reveal exactly how few people read my blog (which is fine, 'cause I really just blog for me)  At lunch with Kathryn & Janet the other day, we were discussing our average hits per day.  Their numbers are in the hundreds, maybe thousands, while mine are nowhere near that (which is fine, 'cause I really just blog for me).  After thinking about it I decided to look up my stats according to Technorati.  This took a huge bit of courage for me, since the last time I did this I found out that my blog was worth. . .nothing.  But now, surprise!  All of this rambling is actually worth something, theoretically, kinda, sorta. 

My blog is worth $564.54.
How much is your blog worth?

Maybe it is worth your while to check in here every once in a while!  xoxo

Mommyhood

This made me cry.  xoxo

The Rules

Way back when I started this whole thing I posted a set of rules, cause you know without rules there is just chaos. 
In case you've forgotten, here's the what I wrote:

There comes a time in the life of a blogger when one must set some rules. Let me start by saying that this did not come as a direct result of any one conversation. It's just something I've been thinking of for awhile. So, stop the paranoia.

As a reader, you need to understand that this is a journal for me. Although it is online (which may cheapen it a bit), it is still a place for me to reflect and record my thoughts. Please feel privileged that you may read them.

That said, here's my rules:

1. I shall not be held responsible for anything written here, by myself or anyone else. I want to be able to write whatever comes into my pretty little head, without the repercussions.
2. I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  If you don't like it, you know where you can go!
3. I love comments, when they are posted on the blog or sent in an email.
4. If you have something even slightly negative to say, don't.  I don't need it.
5. Use my blog to keep up to date on my life, but if we are friends please do not substitute it for actual contact. Relationships with people are so much richer than relationships with computers, don't you think?
6. Sorry Jesse & Courtnye, but no minors.  I don't want to have to censor for you young'ns (as much as I love ya!).

I'd like to add one more rule (I'm just so strict, you know):

7.  No lurking!  If you visit me here, please leave a comment.  Even if it's just to say, "Nicole, you're a dork."  I have about 35 hits per day, but I don't know who you are. 

That's it.  Totally painless, but necessary.  Now, go forth & comment!  xoxo

Here I Am!

Thanks to Janet & Kathryn for helping me create my pretty new blog.  We did lunch & I realized exactly how much I have to learn about typepad, HTML, & photoshop. 
If you are just now meeting me, you can read all of the old stuff here. I wrote a little about blogging here, here & here.  More me to come!  xoxo