Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
One turkey dinner down, one to go! Seriously, the food was great, thanks, Dad, Nancy, and Grandma! We had a nice time, even if it was curtailed a bit by various illnesses. Hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
10 Ways to Find New Blog Topics
**I found this on the internet the other day, and I thought it would be helpful to some of you, but mostly to me.
Typepad Blog Topics
Fresh out of ideas on what to write about? Your blog muse taking a holiday? Don't sweat it. Ideas are everywhere; you just have to know where to look. We've rounded up ten suggestions to help you uncover a wealth of new topics and blog another day.
1. Check your comment section.
Some of the best ideas come from readers. Read through your comments and check for interesting questions, provoking thoughts, or anything that could become a good post topic. Focus particularly on any comment threads that contain a spirited discussion among readers. If it's hot, run with it.
2. Create a list.
Whatever you blog about, there is likely an exciting list that you can uncover. Write the “5 Secrets to...” or the “Top 10 Ways...” or “8 Reasons Why...” or “3 Ways to Find Out...” They're quick and painless, and even better: they're fun to read.
3. Review your greatest hits.
Read back through your old posts, particularly the ones that generated a good amount of feedback, and consider writing a fresh angle on the topic. If a subject was compelling once, it might be worthwhile to explore another variation on it.
4. Spend some time on social networking sites like Digg and StumbleUpon to find out what other people are blogging about.
Sometimes just browsing through headlines of buzz-worthy blog topics will be enough to jumpstart your creativity. Good ideas are contagious, so take time to read popular blogs and blogs that are generating lots of conversations, and you'll soon have a bunch of new ideas.
5. Explore blogs in an entirely different category than yours.
Stepping outside your own content area is a wonderful way to be inspired. Have a marketing blog? Read a few food blogs. Have a craft blog? Check out a few political blogs. Inspiration is just a few clicks away.
6. Do something different.
Create a post using only pictures. Hold a contest. Give something away to the “nth” person who comments. Invite your readers to ask you a question. Participate in a blog meme. Write a pros and cons list on a topic that is relevant for your audience. Write a post in your “alter ego” voice, contradicting a stance you would usually take. Create a poll. Write about a blog post that you had a strong reaction to.
7. Invite a guest author to write a blog post.
If you need a break on the writing front, why not ask another blogger to write a guest post? Another up-and-coming blogger will likely seize the chance to write for a new audience, and your regular readers will get a fresh perspective.
8. Step away from the computer.
Some of the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard. Spend an hour or two at the museum; catch the afternoon matinee; browse the magazine rack; or crack open a novel. Chances are good that you'll find yourself inspired when you do return to your desk.
9. Turn on the news.
We know: since you started blogging, you don't watch nearly as much television, but local and national news are a goldmine of topic ideas. Tune in and be inspired.
10. Keep an idea log.
Buy a cheap notebook and jot down ideas whenever they come to you. Carry it with you when you're riding the bus or sitting at the airport. Next time you can't think of anything to post about, all you'll have to do is turn to your own treasure trove of brilliance.
Typepad Blog Topics
Fresh out of ideas on what to write about? Your blog muse taking a holiday? Don't sweat it. Ideas are everywhere; you just have to know where to look. We've rounded up ten suggestions to help you uncover a wealth of new topics and blog another day.
1. Check your comment section.
Some of the best ideas come from readers. Read through your comments and check for interesting questions, provoking thoughts, or anything that could become a good post topic. Focus particularly on any comment threads that contain a spirited discussion among readers. If it's hot, run with it.
2. Create a list.
Whatever you blog about, there is likely an exciting list that you can uncover. Write the “5 Secrets to...” or the “Top 10 Ways...” or “8 Reasons Why...” or “3 Ways to Find Out...” They're quick and painless, and even better: they're fun to read.
3. Review your greatest hits.
Read back through your old posts, particularly the ones that generated a good amount of feedback, and consider writing a fresh angle on the topic. If a subject was compelling once, it might be worthwhile to explore another variation on it.
4. Spend some time on social networking sites like Digg and StumbleUpon to find out what other people are blogging about.
Sometimes just browsing through headlines of buzz-worthy blog topics will be enough to jumpstart your creativity. Good ideas are contagious, so take time to read popular blogs and blogs that are generating lots of conversations, and you'll soon have a bunch of new ideas.
5. Explore blogs in an entirely different category than yours.
Stepping outside your own content area is a wonderful way to be inspired. Have a marketing blog? Read a few food blogs. Have a craft blog? Check out a few political blogs. Inspiration is just a few clicks away.
6. Do something different.
Create a post using only pictures. Hold a contest. Give something away to the “nth” person who comments. Invite your readers to ask you a question. Participate in a blog meme. Write a pros and cons list on a topic that is relevant for your audience. Write a post in your “alter ego” voice, contradicting a stance you would usually take. Create a poll. Write about a blog post that you had a strong reaction to.
7. Invite a guest author to write a blog post.
If you need a break on the writing front, why not ask another blogger to write a guest post? Another up-and-coming blogger will likely seize the chance to write for a new audience, and your regular readers will get a fresh perspective.
8. Step away from the computer.
Some of the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard. Spend an hour or two at the museum; catch the afternoon matinee; browse the magazine rack; or crack open a novel. Chances are good that you'll find yourself inspired when you do return to your desk.
9. Turn on the news.
We know: since you started blogging, you don't watch nearly as much television, but local and national news are a goldmine of topic ideas. Tune in and be inspired.
10. Keep an idea log.
Buy a cheap notebook and jot down ideas whenever they come to you. Carry it with you when you're riding the bus or sitting at the airport. Next time you can't think of anything to post about, all you'll have to do is turn to your own treasure trove of brilliance.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
How To Make Cookies by Lily
1-Have a tall chair so you can reach the mixer. Hold back your hair so you can see.
2-Get a measuring spoon for the flour. Be sure not to spill while Mommy takes your picture.
3-Carefully pour the ingredients in.
4- (not pictured) Spank the dough's bottom while Mommy rolls the dough out.
5-Press the cookie cutter carefully into the dough. Let Mommy pick up the cutouts, or else we will have to keep rolling the dough again, and again, and again...
6-Bake the cookies in the oven and let them cool overnight in a big bowl.
7-Get some frosting and add some food coloring. Stir well.
8-If you accidentally spill some food coloring, use a napkin. Don't lick your finger to try to get it off.
9-Examine the cookie for any defects. If it looks broken, go ahead and eat it.
10-Make sure your Daddy helps.
11-Show Daddy how to lick frosting off your finger.
12-Share with Daddy. Check out his black tongue!
12-Have everyone help out. This is my Aunt Judy (or as I like to call her, Jewey!)
13-Help clean up by licking the knife clean. Make sure the knife isn't sharp!
14-Admire results. Share with friends and neighbors, but make sure to leave a few for yourself! The first two pictures are everyone else's cookies, but the last picture...
Shows all MY cookies!
2-Get a measuring spoon for the flour. Be sure not to spill while Mommy takes your picture.
3-Carefully pour the ingredients in.
4- (not pictured) Spank the dough's bottom while Mommy rolls the dough out.
5-Press the cookie cutter carefully into the dough. Let Mommy pick up the cutouts, or else we will have to keep rolling the dough again, and again, and again...
6-Bake the cookies in the oven and let them cool overnight in a big bowl.
7-Get some frosting and add some food coloring. Stir well.
8-If you accidentally spill some food coloring, use a napkin. Don't lick your finger to try to get it off.
9-Examine the cookie for any defects. If it looks broken, go ahead and eat it.
10-Make sure your Daddy helps.
11-Show Daddy how to lick frosting off your finger.
12-Share with Daddy. Check out his black tongue!
12-Have everyone help out. This is my Aunt Judy (or as I like to call her, Jewey!)
13-Help clean up by licking the knife clean. Make sure the knife isn't sharp!
14-Admire results. Share with friends and neighbors, but make sure to leave a few for yourself! The first two pictures are everyone else's cookies, but the last picture...
Shows all MY cookies!
Lily and Halloween
Cut me some slack, it's not Thanksgiving quite yet!
Here are some trick or treating pictures.
(I know it's bragging, but I made Lily's costume, and I think it turned out pretty darn cute!)
First up are a couple of shots from the zoo. We went the Saturday before Halloween, and it was really fun, if a bit crowded. In fact, the zoo broke an attendance record that had stood for 25 years! I am sure the great weather had something to do with that.
Here is Lily waiting for our friends, Valerie and Cailen, to arrive.
Here are Lily and Cailen. I took several shots, but this is the closest one to having them both look at the camera at the same time. Also, notice the mane in Lily's lap. It lasted about 15 minutes on her head.
Lily on the carousel, riding the elephant. She spotted him from the line, and insisted on riding it.
We went out to lunch afterwards, using some coupons we got at the zoo. Cailen was giving Lily a hug, which she wasn't so sure about. Cailen is being held by his mom, Valerie.
*************************
The next pictures are from Halloween night. Unfortunately, Daddy had to work. We really missed him!
Mommy and the Scary Lily Lion
Lily and the changing leaves
Lily and Grandma Trish (I had a request for a picture of mom to be put on the blog, plus I thought it was cute)
Lily at her first door. She wasn't quite sure what to do, but she learned quickly. We knew we were done though when she wanted to be pushed in her stroller to every door.
Lily (post Trick or Treating) with our friend Jalene. Jalene came with us for some trick or treating and some soup after. Thanks for coming with us!
Here are some trick or treating pictures.
(I know it's bragging, but I made Lily's costume, and I think it turned out pretty darn cute!)
First up are a couple of shots from the zoo. We went the Saturday before Halloween, and it was really fun, if a bit crowded. In fact, the zoo broke an attendance record that had stood for 25 years! I am sure the great weather had something to do with that.
Here is Lily waiting for our friends, Valerie and Cailen, to arrive.
Here are Lily and Cailen. I took several shots, but this is the closest one to having them both look at the camera at the same time. Also, notice the mane in Lily's lap. It lasted about 15 minutes on her head.
Lily on the carousel, riding the elephant. She spotted him from the line, and insisted on riding it.
We went out to lunch afterwards, using some coupons we got at the zoo. Cailen was giving Lily a hug, which she wasn't so sure about. Cailen is being held by his mom, Valerie.
*************************
The next pictures are from Halloween night. Unfortunately, Daddy had to work. We really missed him!
Mommy and the Scary Lily Lion
Lily and the changing leaves
Lily and Grandma Trish (I had a request for a picture of mom to be put on the blog, plus I thought it was cute)
Lily at her first door. She wasn't quite sure what to do, but she learned quickly. We knew we were done though when she wanted to be pushed in her stroller to every door.
Lily (post Trick or Treating) with our friend Jalene. Jalene came with us for some trick or treating and some soup after. Thanks for coming with us!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Remember When We Said, Girl, Please Don't Go...
And how I'd be loving you for-eh-eh-eh-eh-ever, taught you 'bout hangin' tough, as long as you got the right stuff, didn't we girl?
If you recognized the above lyrics, you just might have been a New Kids fan.
My sister-in-law Jennie and I were lucky enough to get FREE TICKETS to the New Kids on the Block on Saturday, and it was A LOT of fun. Lots of old songs, lots of new songs (although there was a little too much crotch grabbing for my liking), lots of 20-30 something women, and a few husbands who were dragged along. I was a little worried that they hadn't aged very well, but those guys had so much energy. They played for over 2 hours, and were exciting the whole time.
But, here is the best part. About halfway through, the group showed up in the middle of the arena:
As they were singing on the piano, security started lining the aisle right in front of us. Jennie turned to me and said, "They are going to come through here." Sure enough, at the end of that set, all five of them walked right in front of us, and I, I, got to touch all 5 of them!!! Even my past crush, Jonathan. Jennie was able to get the pictures below:
See that arm with the green sweater? The one with the hand that is touching Jordan Knight's hand? That's me!
Here are a few more pictures from the evening:
This is a picture of me with the New Kids in the background.
During a slow set,, with Jordan on the big screen behind.
The final bow, right after Hangin' Tough.
A few other highlights from the night:
-Lady GaGa and Natasha Bedingfield were the opening acts. They were fun, but, really, weren't we all just waiting for the New Kids?
-A group of girls coming out of the bathroom with crimped hair and 80s clothes. I could tell they were a little embarrassed, but I thought it was great.
-Donnie wearing an I (heart) Mormon Girls t-shirt
-A few shirts:
--Sorry, Jonathan, I'm married now.
--Jordan was my first crush.
--A guy wearing a "Property of Jordan Knight" shirt
All in all, it was lots of nerdy fun!
If you recognized the above lyrics, you just might have been a New Kids fan.
My sister-in-law Jennie and I were lucky enough to get FREE TICKETS to the New Kids on the Block on Saturday, and it was A LOT of fun. Lots of old songs, lots of new songs (although there was a little too much crotch grabbing for my liking), lots of 20-30 something women, and a few husbands who were dragged along. I was a little worried that they hadn't aged very well, but those guys had so much energy. They played for over 2 hours, and were exciting the whole time.
But, here is the best part. About halfway through, the group showed up in the middle of the arena:
As they were singing on the piano, security started lining the aisle right in front of us. Jennie turned to me and said, "They are going to come through here." Sure enough, at the end of that set, all five of them walked right in front of us, and I, I, got to touch all 5 of them!!! Even my past crush, Jonathan. Jennie was able to get the pictures below:
See that arm with the green sweater? The one with the hand that is touching Jordan Knight's hand? That's me!
Here are a few more pictures from the evening:
This is a picture of me with the New Kids in the background.
During a slow set,, with Jordan on the big screen behind.
The final bow, right after Hangin' Tough.
A few other highlights from the night:
-Lady GaGa and Natasha Bedingfield were the opening acts. They were fun, but, really, weren't we all just waiting for the New Kids?
-A group of girls coming out of the bathroom with crimped hair and 80s clothes. I could tell they were a little embarrassed, but I thought it was great.
-Donnie wearing an I (heart) Mormon Girls t-shirt
-A few shirts:
--Sorry, Jonathan, I'm married now.
--Jordan was my first crush.
--A guy wearing a "Property of Jordan Knight" shirt
All in all, it was lots of nerdy fun!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Together Again
| Amy Allen Pulsipher | | |
 Amy Allen Pulsipher Together Again 1924 ~ 2008 Amy Allen Pulsipher passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah.Amy was born Oct 1, 1924 in Salt Lake City to Elizabeth Hardy and Heber Simeon Allen. On June 29, 1948 she married William Leonard Pulsipher in the Salt Lake Temple. Amy lovingly served her family, her church, and the community throughout her life. Her gardens brought joy to all who saw them. Amy is survived by her children, Bill (Cindy) Pulsipher, Judy Pulsipher, Allen Pulsipher, and Patricia (Kerry) Coop; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Nephi Allen; and her four sisters-in-law. Preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and four other siblings. The family would like to give special thanks to our sister, Judy, for the years of service she gave to Mom, and to her other caregivers who loved her. Funeral services will be held Wed., November 5, 2008 at 12 noon at the Parley's 1st Ward, 2350 S. 2100 E., where friends may visit with the family from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com | ||
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