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Blogging Fail # 1 – Not Posting Blog Posts

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writingismyhobby
writingismyhobby
Photo by Charles Jeffrey Danoff

Adam and I were recently discussing our lack of posts on our blog.  Between working full-time as a teacher and part time as a master’s degree student, I try not to beat my self up too much over lack of posts.  Adam has a similar time commitment, just in reverse (full time PhD student, part time teacher).  However, even with these time consuming responsibilities, we still feel guilty.  Blog posts from the pros like this and this and this (and more) say blog often.  In fact they all advise blogging a minimum of once a week.  We average a post a month.  If we’re lucky.  Can you say blogging fail?  Now with summer approaching, time is being put into both of our laps.  Time helps.  Of course, thinking that since you have “time” you are going to post more is a fallacy. I’ve been there.  And so has Adam.  So what is going to push us over the edge to start posting more?  What do you think would help?

I am obviously not an expert, but I analyzed the areas of life where I am most productive and I have come to this conclusion.  It is all about feeling obligated.  Responsible.  Accountable.  (I’m trying to find the perfect word to describe the feeling I think I should have, but I’m at a loss.)  Currently, I do not  feel compelled to post to my blog regularly.  It is a side thing, a hobby.  Obligation, responsibility, and accountability seem incongruous with hobby.  But passion can drive a hobby and lead you to accomplish great things.  It is happened to me before (even if right now it feels fizzled).  How do I begin to feel intrinsic motivation to blog?  I decided I need to figure out why I wanted to blog in the first place.

My reasons to blog (a.k.a “Why I wanted to blog in the first place…”)

  1. Build Awareness for my Business, SheekGeek (which is also a side hobby!)
  2. Share DIY Projects I’ve Completed (like this one – which is my current favorite post thus far)
  3. Teach Others (Adam and I are both teachers after all!)
  4. Become a Better Writer
  5. Make Money (I didn’t want to put this, but I am just being honest with myself.)
  6. Document My Life

Looking at this list, I’m trying to find my spark of motivation.  Surprisingly, Number 3 is really what is getting me going right now.  Good writing evolves.  The best writers write all the time. Every day.  I don’t write every day! I can’t reach my goals if I am not working towards them.  Adam and I both have writing a book on our bucket list (hehe, who doesn’t have writing a book on their bucket list these days!).  I get a slight adrenaline high when I write.  Ideas start flowing and it is a good feeling.  That means there is positive reinforcement for writing.  I definitely need to get into the habit of writing/posting.  I think goals need to be said aloud (or in this case typed).  I want to become a better writer. Ah, who am I kidding.  I said it aloud too.  I WANT TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER! Man, that feeling of accountability is growing.

I think if lesson number one of blogging 101 is “blog often” then potential bloggers need to analyze why they would want to blog often.  Especially if they need a kick in the backside like me!

 

A Simple Valentine’s Day Message

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I wanted a simple but sweet Valentine to give out to my students.  I searched Pinterest and did not find anything that had the degree of simplicity I wanted.  That is when I decided to make my own.   I used the paint program that comes with Windows 7 and I was pleasantly surprised with the versatility and ease of use of this program.  I’ve had a thing for owls recently, so naturally I made my own owl graphic.

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Review of EyeBuyDirect – Part One: How to Get Prescription Glasses for Less than $30 A Pair

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I like to say I am not cheap, I am frugal. I like quality and I would rather pay a little more for something that would last, but I also love to save money.  Buying eyeglasses online was a bit of risky territory, but I did my research and put in  my first order from EyeBuyDirect in February of 2011.  I ordered a pair of glasses for $36.12 (including shipping!).  I added a “Tint Key” of “Grey 60%” so I could use these glasses for driving.  Essentially I created a pair of prescription sunglasses for only $36.12.  Can you say sweet!

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9 Must Read Tips for Purchasing Prescription Eyeglasses Online

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The first time I purchased glasses online, I was very uneasy because it was new territory. If you are ordering glasses online for the first time, or just want some tips to help make a repeat attempt go more smoothly, read the following tips:

 

  1. Get an updated eye exam.  It is no good buying new glasses if your prescription information is different from your last visit.
  2. Have your doctor measure your Pupillary Distance (PD).  This measurement from one pupil to the next is generally recorded in millimeters (mm).  Eye doctors will take this measurement but they will not share it unless you ask.  Ask for your PD measurement!  Write it down.
  3. If you do not already own a pair of glasses, try on glasses at the doctor’s office.  Write down the name and style of the glasses you like so you can look up the measurement specification of those glasses online later.  The alternative to this is to measure (in millimeters) the overall distance of the frame, the bridge width, and the width of each lens using a ruler.  Write these numbers down.  If you already have glasses, you can measure the glasses you already own or look up those measurements online.  For example, I found the specs to my previous pair of “Thalia Amada” glasses here.  To acquaint yourself with common eyeglass measurements, visit sites like this.
  4. Have your eye doctor print off your prescription information so you can put in your order right away.
  5. Set aside a couple of hours. No joke!  Adam and I perused through all the eyeglass selections for much longer than we anticipated.  We ended up using EyeBuyDirect.  There are also similar sites like Zenni Optical or  $39 Dollar Glasses.  We went with EyeBuyDirect because their final costs were the cheapest with the glasses options we wanted.  Read about our experience with EyeBuyDirect here.
  6. Find glasses that match your measurement specs. This is where I went awry with my first order.  I figured the 126mm total lens width of the glasses I wanted to order was close enough to the 120mm of my current glasses.  Wrong!  My driving glasses fall down to the tip of my nose if my head moves too quickly forward.  Pay attention to the sizes no matter how much you like the frame (or the price)!  The glasses you order will not look good if they do not fit your face.
  7. Put in your order using your prescription information.  Triple check the numbers you type in.  Adam and I checked each other’s information twice just to be safe. Yay for a quadruple check.
  8. Look for coupon codes.  After you place an order, EyeBuyDirect gives their customers a coupon code to share with friends and family that saves you $10 whenever someone uses the code.  Our referral code (for $10 off at EyeBuyDirect is: IFYIQIZN8A.
  9. Place your order and expect to wait.  Even ordering glasses through a doctor’s office can take several weeks.

I hope your experience ordering glasses online goes well!  Read about my experience here.

20-ish Must-Have Astronomy Android Apps

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I’ve recently gotten into astronomy and astrophotography since I got an 8″ telescope for my birthday in 2010.  Since then I have found that my Android phone is a must have tool! This is a list my favorite and most useful Android apps for astronomy. All of the ones mentioned here are free or have a free version. I suggest donating or upgrading on all of them if you like them to help compensate the programmers for their hard work.

UPDATED with new app (see end of post for the new addition).

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