Shiny and New

So here's why I'm loving blogging...

It's become an outlet to just share things---Big things & little things.  Even if no one is interested or cares to read about them.  It's sort of like transcribing the voice of my inner monologue, but with less cursing and some censoring of my weirdness.

It's cathartic.  Once Elena goes to bed,  I'm lonely.  Paul is generally out of town 4 nights a week, so  catching up and commenting on blogs, and sharing what's been going on during our days and in my mind keeps me busy.  Less lonely.  Awww, yea for cyber friends. 

I'm loving how it's allowed me to connect with others who inspire me, make me laugh, pique my curiosity, and make me want to put on something other than yoga pants everyday.  I vow to post an #ootd  before my blogging days are over.  Hold me to it.

It's introduced me to fellow Ohio bloggers, whom I'm really hoping I get to meet this weekend, and who won't judge me because I'm the RBN {Resident Blog Newb} with only 37 followers.

It's capturing our story.  Which is really what this is all about to me.  I struggle daily with my intentions here.  Some days my posts are fluff, and I'm disappointed.  Some days they delve deep, and I wonder if it's normal or okay to share so much with complete strangers---things that even in real life people don't know.  Other days, they serve as a running record of our life....simple, boring, fun, and challenging as it may be.

I want to look back here as a way to remember the details.  The stories behind the pictures.  I want to challenge myself to be more creative, more honest, more committed to something that makes me feel good.  Writing makes me feel good.

You know what else makes me feel good?  Pretty blog designs.  I'm envious of all the creative people out there who are saavy enough to pimp their own blogs.  I tried that a few times.  I failed.  Though I did finally learn how to add page tabs and thought I was  a genius.

So guess what I'm doing?  Going all shiny and new.  Getting a pretty new design here at Once Upon a Dime.  

At first, I felt sort of silly at first paying for a blog design since I don't have a substantial following and wasn't sure how invested I was in keeping up with my piece of the internet.  And then I realized how foolish that sounded.  Regardless of my following, regardless of how long I wind up blogging or how often, this is my space.  It should reflect my style.  It should make me feel good when I click "View Blog."

I purchased a pre-made blog template from Designer Blogs.  I may just be the most indecisive person on the planet, so to even decide on a design and commit to it,  is huge.  I figure, I'm still quite green when it comes to all the blogosphere know-how, so something custom can wait until I'm a little more seasoned. 

I'm super excited and can't wait to see how it turns out.  Stay tuned!

And because every post needs a picture, here are my two babies...

Professional road-trippers: Lainey and Lola