Secondly, I feel that I’ve been cheating on my blog lately.  That I’ve been giving more love and affection to Twitter and Google Reader than I’ve been giving to “The Only Girl”.  And I’m starting to feel guilty about it.  And also annoyed with myself. 

Here’s what happens – I intend to write a blog post, so I fire up my computer.  But before I start writing I figure I should check my email, then catch up on Twitter and my Reader.  And by the time that all happens, at least an hour has gone by and any quiet writing time I had has long since expired or I’m too tired.  So a post doesn’t get written. 

But isn’t the point of having a blog to WRITE POSTS?!  Yes.  Of course it is.  Then why am I getting sidetrack with all the other stuff?!  Because the other stuff is easier?  Because the other stuff doesn’t involve much thinking, only reading?  Probably.

But that’s not how I intended it to be when I started out.  So when my little blog celebrated it’s 1st birthday last week, I got to thinking about what I really want from it.  And the answer was not “all the other stuff”.  I want to connect with other people by writing and I want to enjoy doing it.  Some of my writing might be good, a lot of my writing will be bad, but writing is the whole point.

So that’s what I’m going to try to concentrate a little harder on.  Sure – I’ll still be on Twitter, just maybe not quite so much.  Of course I’ll still be reading all your posts, I’m just not going to worry if I get a few days behind in my Reader.  In fact on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (the days I’ve committed to post each week) I’m not even going to open my Reader or Twitter until I’ve written a  post.  Or at least I’ll try really, really hard not to.

Do you sometimes feel like you’re ”cheating” on your blog or am I the only one with no willpower?  What’s your strategy for getting your posts written?

• I loved reading other people’s, so I thought I might also love writing one of my own
• I didn’t have any other hobbies
• it’s was inexpensive
• I could do it from the comfort of my own home (and in my pjs if I was so inclined)
• it didn’t take up too much time
• I have a REALLY bad memory and wanted to have a journal of stuff that happens in my life and knew I would never write in a journal

So when I signed up to self-host my own WordPress site, I chose the 6 month subscription.  I figured I’d try it for that long and then re-evaluate.  Except that my hosting company threw in another 6 months at no charge.  Which brought me to 1 year.  Which brings me to today.  So today “Happy Birthday!” to my little blog.  It’s brought me much pleasure and many new friends.  I appreciate all of you that have stopped by to read the drivel I choose to write.  And since my subscription automatically renewed for another year while I was recently away on vacation, I guess you’re stuck with me for 12 more months.  Sorry about that.

So in order to celebrate, today I have a giveaway.  Some of you may remember this post.  Well, somehow, the publisher of the third book found it.  And they have been nice enough to provide me with 3 of their books to giveaway! (FYI – stay tuned for my future posts on BMW’s, large screen plasma TVs and vacation resorts . . . just in case any of those companies find me)

All three hardcover books are perfect for kids (the boy ones will find them particularly appealing).  They are written with a science slant to them in the vain of learning, while being really easy to understand, fun to read & entertaining.

Bug Butts is my favourite.  Because what better boy humour is there than the mere word “butt”.  It’s also beautifully illustrated with large colour pictures and talks about all the various kinds of bug butts (spraying, exploding, spinning, shooting . . . who knew?!) and it contains lots of interesting bug butt trivia.  For example – did you know that caterpillars can shoot their poop up to 40 times farther than the length of their bodies???  Talk about a party trick!

Animal Tongues describes different types of, well, animal tongues and what they can do with them.  It also has gorgeous full colour photos, contains trivia and some fun little “experiments” you can try.  Did you know that snakes don’t stick their tongue out through their mouth?  No, no.  It goes through a hole on the top of their mouth.  Like snakes weren’t already gross enough.  AND when it sheds the skin on its body it also sheds the skin ON ITS TONGUE.  Ugh.

Animal Baths is a beautifully illustrated book that details how different animals bathe.  My boys were particularly delighted to learn that turkey vultures clean their legs by squirting poop all over them.  I preferred to focus on the much cuter cat & bird bath processes.

If you have a young boy in your house, intend to eventually have one, or just know a young boy, these books are gold.  All 3 are currently available on Amazon for about $12 each, but today you can win them all right here – for free! 

Simply leave me a comment on this post and you’re entered!  There will be 1 winner for all 3 books.  Contest closes Tuesday August 24/10 at 9pm EST.  I’ll use www.random.org to select a winner.  Contest is open to everyone.  Good luck!

(I did receive 1 copy of each book for myself, but all the opinions are my own)

Comments are now closed.

I had intended to do a vlog last night and get the boys to help me do the draw, but then I went out for all-you-can-eat sushi with my BFF and another girlfriend.  After I managed to drag my so-full-I-could-puke-and-there’s-no-way-they-made-any-money-off-of-me ass home, I discovered there were 3 men and 5 boys in my backyard.  So that idea was out the window.

Instead, I opted to watch Big Brother go to bed in an effort to ignore the raw fish rumblings in my stomach, get some much needed sleep, and deal with selecting a winner this morning.

So . . . I made a list of everyone’s names.  Your name appeared once for every entry you were eligible for.  Some people had their  name listed 3 times, others had it listed as many as 10 times.

Then, using a very scientific method (www.random.org) I inputted that list and pushed the magic “sort my list in a random order” button.

And look who came up as Numero Uno . . .

Big Fat Congrats to Beckles from Foresight Is So Often Blind!

She’s been dying to try these little slices of heaven since May, so I was really chuffed that she came out on top.  Hope she won’t be disappointed.

Okay.  So that’s it for today.  I’m uber busy at work and at home.  Why?  Because I’m getting ready to go on vacation next week!  Nowhere exotic, just up north to a friend’s cottage for a few days then relaxing around our pool.  Fingers crossed that the Weather Gods treat us right.

I’ll be unplugged for most of the time, so you might not hear much from me.  Don’t be alarmed.  I’m quite sure that spending every.waking.hour with the boys for a full week will produce some stories worth telling.

Au Revoir Lovelies!

I have a few items to go through before we get to the real reason you’re probably here . . .

First, we had another International Office Tour on Friday! (that’s right folks, its not too late to do yours.  Just look at the long list on my sidebar over on the right – are you feeling left out?  Then get on it!)  My favourite jewelery designer & army wife, Allyson from Magnolias & Mimosas, coughed up the goods.  Be sure to check her’s out right here.  Don’t let the glass head put you off.

Next, I had the opportunity to hang out in Chicago on Saturday!  Okay, well maybe not so much “hang out” but more like “was featured” over at A Modern Day Ricky and Lucy.  I wrote a post about a few of the things new Moms of boys should watch out for.  See?  I’m entertaining AND educational.  Check it out here.  Or else.

Next, I’ve added a “Subscribe” button over on my sidebar.  Due to an overly busy life recently, and not wanting summer to pass me by while I’ve got my head stuck over a keyboard, I’m currently trying to post on a Monday / Wednesday / Friday schedule.  I figure that’s better than not posting at all.  Or is it?  Whatever.  So if you’re not using a Blog Reader, and you get tired of clicking your bookmark to my site all the time and coming up disappointed when there isn’t a new post there waiting for you, this is the button for you!  Simply add your email address and hit subscribe.  Then, Feedburner will send you a confirmation email.  Once you confirm, they will email my posts right to your In-Box on the day I post them!  That’s some sweet service!  You can also cancel your subscription whenever you want.  But what loser would want to do that?!

And finally, we get to the celebration giveaway!

This is officially my 200th post!  I started blogging back in August of 2009 and can’t believe it’s been 200 already.  I either really like writing, or I really need a way to ignore my family.  Regardless, I think it’s cause for celebration!  Which is why I’ve decide to award one of you with a little piece of me.  That’s right folks!  I’m giving away Butter Tarts!

Many of you might remember that I blogged about this Canadian delicacy back in May.  You were very curious and rightfully devasted that these little darlings could not be purchased in other countries.  So, here’s the deal – the winner will receive 1 pack (I believe there’s 6 in a pack) of my favourite ones delivered right to their door!  Huh?!  Huh!?  Has THAT ever been done before???

Now, I feel that I need to add a few caveats . . .

1)  I can not guarantee what condition they’ll show up in.  I’ll pack them well and cough up large for a quick reliable delivery service, but shit happens.

2)  I hope that the quick reliable delivery service can get them to you while they’re still fresh.  But again, no guarantees.

3)  I have no control over the beasts at the Canadian, or any other country’s, Customs Department.  In fact, I’m not even sure I’m allowed to send food across the border.  So if it doesn’t work out, I’ll send you something else.  It’s the chance you’ll have to take.

4)  Although I’m SURE you’ll love them as much as I do, this also can not be guaranteed.

So, if you’re interested, here’s how you earn entries;

• simply leave me a comment today – 1
• be a member of this site using Google Friend Connect – 2
• subscribe to me via email (with the swanky new button) or in a Reader – 2
• follow me on Twitter – 2
• Tweet this giveaway – 2 entries per time (please include @theonlygirlcher so I know you did)

And, for those of you that left me a comment on Friday’s post BEFORE today, I did promise you’d be looked upon favourably.  Which means you automatically get 1 extra entry if you leave me a comment for today’s contest.  Kinda like a “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today” thing.

Now, since I never understand that whole “leave one comment for each entry thing”, you don’t have to do that.  Just leave me ONE comment detailing all the requirements you meet and the total entries you feel you’ve earned.  Good?

Contest closes Wednesday July 14th, 2010 at 6pm EST.

I’ll use some kind of random selection thingie, or maybe the boys will do a draw.  Haven’t thought that far ahead yet.

Winner to be announced here on Friday, July 16th.

Okay . . . GO!

*UPDATE:  This contest is now closed.  Winner to be announced Friday July 16/10.

Okay, maybe not so much lazy, as busy.

In fact, maybe not so much busy, as hectic.

You see, my 9 to 5 gig that pays a bunch of bills is still exploding.

And Willie was out of town on business (AGAIN!  why is it never me?) which left me to single-mom it each evening.

And I had to write a guest post for an appearance I’m making over the weekend.

Oh, and we’ve been having a heat wave up here which leaves me wanting to do nothing but lay in the pool by the time I do get home from the god forsaken soccer fields each night.

So, with all those excuses made that said, I am here to make all you good Readers an offer.

IF you should elect to return on Monday - which will be my 200th post (woot woot!) – I shall be having a celebratory giveaway.  Something that I believe has never been done before in the history of the world on any of the blogs I read.  And even if it has been done before, it doesn’t matter because it will still be worth your while.

Curious yet?

Alright then.  See you Monday.

P.S.  Those of you that leave nice comments today will be looked upon favourably in Monday’s contest.  Not that I’m gonna play favourites or anything, but I’m just saying.  It may or may not help your case.  Are you willing to take that chance?  I thought not.

Laters.

A big “winner, winner, chicken dinner” congratulations goes out to . . . SALT!  She guessed a very close 136.  Way to go Salt – you will soon be the owner of two very soft hands.  I’ll be contacting you shortly for your mailing address.  Arriving on your doorstep one day soon will either be the world’s best hand cream, or possibly me with a suitcase.

An honourable mention also goes out to Jooles who was close – but no cigar – with 126.

Well done Girls!

I also co-hosted a baby shower for my new niece.  One of the games I forced them to play had arranged was “Guess How Much Candy is in the Baby Bottle”.  And the thought struck me . . . hey – we could totally do this on my blog too!

So go ahead – guess how many!  There’s no tricks.  It’s just a regular baby bottle.  Albeit a cheap pink one from the Dollar Store that I would never actually feed a baby from, but it served it’s purpose.   The tape measure is there so you can get an idea of it’s size.  Notice the festive balloons in the background.  Do I know how to throw a party or what?!

Leave me your best guess in the comments, which I’ll leave open until 12:00 noon Eastern on Tuesday April 13/10.  Closest to the actual number will win a prize (any attendees from the actual Shower are prohibited from entering because – obviously).  If there’s a tie . . . well, I don’t know what I’ll do yet.  But I’ll figure out some fancy hi-tech method of breaking it.  Or maybe I’ll just give 2 prizes.  Depends on my mood I suppose.

What’s the prize you’re wondering?  I’m glad you asked.  It’s my favourite and the world’s best moisturizing cream from The Body Shop – their Mini Hemp Hand Protector.  I’m telling you – this stuff is good!  Not only is it great on hands, but it rocks on elbows, heels and any other really dry parts (no they didn’t pay me to say that – I just really love this stuff and want to buy someone a tube).

It may not be as good as Surferwife’s bathing suit giveaway, or Jessalyn’s champagne stopper giveaway, but it’s a prize nonetheless.  And it comes with a big shout out and bragging rights.

Okay folks, guess away – good luck!

(P.S.  I added a 4th International Workspace Tour over on the right side!  Be sure to check out Foxy at The Fox Den to see what a tidy and organized commercial real estate office looks like.  And don’t forget to send me yours.)

*Comments are now closed.  Winner to be announced shortly.  Thanks for playing!

• First was my sistah Monique from Surferwife!  Woo Hoo!  How much do I love that she won?!?!?!  Lots.  That’s how much.

• And second was my girl Foxy from The Fox Den!  Another awesome long time Only Girl favourite.

(I’m happy to show you the screen shots from www.random.org if you’re really that anal)

Both girls were uber excited and I expected to be thanked with pictures of them in their gear, raising a beer to the Canadian Men’s Hockey Team when they kick some serious Olympic ass.  Although if it comes down to a Canada vs USA final we might have problem of patriotic loyalty.  Ha ha!  Who am I kidding . . . USA won’t be in the finals! (kidding. just kidding. settle down you Americans)

Anyway girls, your gear is already on it’s way.  Be sure to let me know when it arrives so I can ensure the Post Office didn’t rip me off for those crazy shipping costs know that you got it.

———————————————————————————————————————–

Okay Bloggers – time for a poll.  Why?  Because I’m nosy and want the answer to a burning question.

That question being . . . on average, how long does it take you to compose a blog post?

And I mean “on average”.  Oh sure, Wordless Wednesdays are a piece of cake.  You can slap one of those babies off in a matter of minutes.  But I’m talking here of your usual, every day, average kind of post.  Because I’m beginning to wonder about myself.  I think I spend far too long composing.  Which I don’t so much mind, because I do enjoy the “writing” part of the blogging.  And frankly – good thing!  Otherwise, what would be the point?  But I think I’m spending too much time on it.

Typically, I’ll hammer something out quickly in “draft” mode.  Then I’ll go back to it later that day and re-read it to edit, expand, fix grammar, embellish, etc.  Then once I’m satisfied, I’ll schedule it for posting.  I’m not going to tell you exactly how much time I spend until you all take the poll.  Because I’m quite sure I’ll embarrass myself.  But I have realized lately that I need to step it up a bit.  To challenge myself to get faster at the whole process.  Granted, you can’t rush perfection . . . but then again we’re not dealing with perfection here, are we?  Are we?  Hello?

• 1 Team Canada hockey jersey (one is white, one is black, both are adult size large)
  
• 1 Team Canada toque (pronounced “two-k”, one is red, one is black)
• 1 Olympic pin
  

• One entry per person please (no trolls or spammers allowed)
• This contest is open to residents of all countries participating in the 2010 Winter Olympics (I’m so global)
• Contest closes tomorrow (Tuesday Feb 16) at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (I want to ensure I have time to get the stuff in mail and delivered to you in time for week 2 of the Olympics)
• I’ll use a random number generator to select the 2 winners

So without further ado, I now present my 100th-ish Post Celebratory Giveaway, um, Post!

——————————————————————————————————————–

We’re going green.  Not so much by choice, but rather by bylaw.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m a big fan of the environment.  And I certainly try to do my part.  Sure, the green bin may disgust me, but it’s one of the things I participate in anyway.  It’s the right thing to do.

So when Toronto decided to take some steps towards being greener this past summer, I approved.  I don’t live there, but I do work there, so it affects me.  One of the initiatives they implemented on June 1/09 was the introduction of a new bylaw that concerns, among other things, plastic shopping bags.  Here’s the deets;

• Retailers must charge 5 cents for each single-use plastic bag “or provide a free alternative”
• Signs must be placed to let customers know about the charge
• The charge must be listed on your receipt
• Retailers will be required to fill your reusable bag if you bring one

Excellent!  I did feel as though I was drowning in the sea of plastic shopping bags that were starting to pile up in my house, so eliminating many of them was a good thing.  And yes, I witnessed the floating circle of garbage in the ocean on my good friend Oprah’s show and was duly disgusted.  So, now we faithfully take our reusable grocery bags to the store every weekend and, in fact, I really like them.  They hold way more stuff so you make less trips out to the car to carry your groceries in.  Win-win!

On my lunch hours, I take a shuttle bus (yes, I should probably walk, but I only have 1 hour for lunch and time is of the essence!) to a local mall where I can get some errands done.  A BIG mall.  With every store you would want.  It’s VERY convenient.  Maybe TOO convenient.  Never mind about my habitual shopping right now, the point here is that I find myself shopping – a lot.  Particularly through the Christmas season.  So I keep a drawer full of shopping bags – both plastic and reusable alike – at work where I store my purse.  The idea being – take out the purse for a shopping excursion . . . and take out a shopping bag at the same time.

But do you think I can ever remember to take out a shopping bag?  Even though they’re RIGHT THERE?  No.  Never.  I ended up doling out nickel, after hard earned nickel, on stupid plastic shopping bag, after stupid plastic shopping bag, once I get over to the mall.  Time and time again.  Grrrr.

Until . . .

I discovered this very small, very cute little fold up reusable bag that fits very nicely in my purse!

(Please excuse my fat hand.  It’s really not fat.  Maybe I was bloated or something.  They do say the camera adds 10 pounds.  Or maybe it’s just a bad camera angle.  Don’t know.  But I assure you – I don’t have fat hands.)

It folds out to a really good size and can hold lots of things.  And I keep it in my purse now so I always have it with me.  I’m SO clever!

And since I love my fold up reusable shopping bag AND I love you, my dear Readers, I’m gonna be all full of the giving today and award one to a lucky winner.  Will it be you?  Will YOU be the winner?  Or are you just a big looser?

All you have to do is leave me a comment that states:

1) your correct email address (so I can get a hold of you to let you know if you are in fact a winner)

2) whether or not your town charges for plastic shopping bags

3) if we were going out for a 100th-ish post celebratory drink, what would you be ordering?

Comments will be open until Friday January 8, 2010 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.  I’ll use a random number generator to pick a winner from all the comments.  The winner has 48 hours to respond or I pick another one.  Anyone can enter – loyal comments and lurkers alike.  And it doesn’t matter what country you’re from.  This small, light little baby will be easy to ship anywhere.  Oh, the fun!

Okay go!  Leave me your comment entry . . .

Comments have now been closed.   Thanks for playing everyone!  Winner to be contacted soon.