On the “Top 10 Webhosting List,” I discovered companies I had never before heard of, compared prices for the top 10 companies and found out other tidbits about managing a website.  I was quite impressed with website in terms of organization and the amount of useful information they provide in terms of answering general questions people may have if they are new to the blogging phenomena.  And quite honestly, I have been part of the blogging world for almost eight years and still found myself wondering about some of the questions they were addressing.  It is a sad day when you realize you have been doing this gig for far longer than you care to admit and still don’t know squat about it.

Over the course of the weekend, I managed to change my brother and sister in-law’s opinions of me from just mildly insane to completely insane when I mentioned having to feed chickens and hogs, then something about purchasing a goat for milking.  My brother and his wife are from the city– granted my brother grew up down here, but he’s just a country boy turned city boy. They cannot fathom burning their trash in stainless steel drums, hanging there clothes on the line to dry, cloth diapering or Heaven forbid, raising their own animals for meat, eggs and milk. I mean, who does that kind of crazy stuff? I do not burn my trash in a stainless steel drum, but rather compost and recycle most of what I can and I also do not do cloth diapering (though I wish I did).  I just find humor in their way of thinking about life down in these parts, as opposed to life in the big city.  It is a shame more people did not live life as simply as we did down here– it might be a happier, healthier environment for all mankind.

Beginning February 1st, individuals, companies and non profits can submit ideas for making a positive impact in their community for a chance to be awarded a grant by the Pepsi Refresh Project. Up to 1,000 projects will be accepted each month and consumers will vote for the projects they think should be funded. Up to 32 grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $5,000-$250,000 each month!

Ideas can be submitted in one of six categories such as neighborhoods, health, education and arts. Any US Citizen 13 years of age and older is eligible to submit an application. Let the ideas flow and submit them today! Don’t forget to follow Pepsi on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook to make sure you stay up to date on important updates and announcements!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Refresh. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Between my father’s impending surgery, which was rescheduled from 7:00a.m. this morning until 7:00a.m. Wednesday morning, classes, playing catch up on work I have let slide- I have nothing left in me.  There is just so much going on these days that I have not had time to just sit back and enjoy my roles as a wife and mother.  I am hoping to have caught up on everything sitting before me by Monday of next week, so that I may relax during one of the most nerving weeks I will have had this year, so that when I do log back on to the computer or step into the classroom, I am coming back to a clean slate.  A slate that I will never allow to become clouded again.

As part of my resolution to eliminate clutter, I am logging off now to continue with my “Holiday Gift Guide” on the Pajama Mommy Community.  Seriously y’all, this “guide” is filled with awesome items such as ipods, toys and much, much more. I have spent at least 5 hours on it since yesterday because as I said before, I am trying to “catch up.”

For Christmas this year I want to put together a very special scrapbook for my parents, one that highlights their marriage through the years.  If you walked into their home this second, it is void of photo albums, photographs, etc.. and I want to change that.  I want to give them something that showcase their lives together.  Needless to say, that is one offline project that is going to consume a large part of my time.

Jess and I have also considered doing another on-line project together.  It will definitely consume a big part of my time as well, but it will be enjoyable instead of stressful.  Besides, working with Jess is awesome!  We rarely disagree on things and often find ourselves complimenting one anothers ideas.  And to be honest- I could not see myself working on this next project with anyone, but Jess!

Of course, the most important project in my life right now is preparing for the new arrival in late October/early November.  We are trying to finish up the nursery, but running into minor road blocks.  Hopefully pieces will fall together sooner rather than later.  I hate being so unorganized!