five things, november 18 edition

1. I think it's time that you, dear readers have the floor. I've been reading lots of blogs as I work to revamp SPL, and one thing I'm going to add is an "About Me" page. I've heard that some of you are, ahem, afraid to comment here, but now's your chance to pull out all the stops. I can't lay claim to need for a "Frequently Asked Questions" section, but I sure can answer some random questions, if only you'll lay them on me. What do you want to know? What kind of camera I use? What kind of camera I want? What do I like to take photos of? What kind of dogs we have? What my favorite color is? How Neel and I met? Leave your questions in the comments, and see if the answers pop up in the new blog!
2. I think I'm very excited to take some pictures of some beautiful jewelry this weekend.
3. I think I need to get crack-a-lackin' on my Christmas shopping.
4. I think that I'm very excited about Thanksgiving this year. Something new for us!
5. I think these are some of the things I'm grateful for this week:
    a. that when a door closed a tiny window opened
    b. that little Violet seems to be managing her new condition (no seizures yesterday, and she was giddy with delight that so many people asked after her!)
    c. one-dish dinners!
    d. my mom and my aunt hooking me up with a hotel room!
    e. all my dear, dear friends who have taken the time to offer me such sweet words of encouragement the last few days, both here and in person and on the phone. I've been going at it hard, both at work and on the blog re-design, so I haven't had the time I wanted to respond to all of your comments. Each and every one of them has meant the world to me. More than I can say.

Comments

[Mark]

Lauren, after 20 years, I think I know too much about you. I'm still trying to block my mind of some of those memories.Love the rug!m.

[Lauren]

like five bottles of wine among three people? ;)

[Julie]

Looking forward to seeing the re-vamp! I think the about me page is really import...and it's something I really need to do;) Question: Why did you decide to start a blog? xo

[Christy]

I have barely blogged since BYW ended. I feel super-critical of everything that I might have otherwise just thrown up for the sake of posting. But I've met so many great BYW people, I don't want them to forget about me, so then I stress about it. Hahaha--I probably should have posted this on your fortune post a few days ago. :)

I like "how we met" stories. I would like to read about how you and Neel met. Is it cheating to use one of your suggested questions?

[barefoot mama]

"how we met" and "about your dogs" :0) those are my picks!

[Heather / It's So Suburban]

I am definitely interested in the camera/photography stuff! And I've only been reading since BYW, so I'm interested in an introduction to your family, how you met, where you live, what you do - you know, all the basics!

[Mary Jane]

In my opinion the most important question is this. What color are you going to paint the rest of the living room? I'm guessing deep green or chocolate. Can't wait to see the new living room and the new, revamped blog.

[Lauren]

That one I can answer right now! Other changes may be afoot here, but the painting in the living room is done! I think.

[Catherine]

Hi deary.... So I admit it, as I have told you before... I read and run. (I mean, you practically spelled it out in your post, now, I can't hide anymore!) :o)Sometimes I start to make comments, but then I delete them. Why behave in such a way? It's not the intimidation factor that you might assume, but it's more of a "lost in thought" reaction that I often get when reading your blog. I have told you time and time again that you have such a gift for words. You take simple moments and make them into marvelous memories, and it often baffles me. I will do better to just give you my initial reaction and not to over think my responses... I WILL do better. :O)As far as what I would like to read about... that's a sticky question. I couldn't possibly narrow it down. I love the big ideas... the way you & Neel met is a fabulous idea, trips down memory lane, challenges as a parent, personal conflicts you might have over issues in your life. Your messages are often a tool of self-searching of mine. I read your five things, and I ponder my five things. You speak of contemplating change, and I consider what I need to revamp in my life. I can't tell you how often your blog is cathartic to me... so thank YOU for that! But I equally love the small ideas that you offer with such a unique perspective... a fun moment, a passing storm, a sassy outfit, a new recipe attempt... oh, and definitely more about those nutty neighbors of yours. :o) I love it all! So, no matter what shape or form, just keep it coming, dear friend. I will keep reading... and I promise, I'll let you know. Love, love, love you!!!

[Mary Jane]

Well, but you still didn't say WHAT color.

[Lauren]

Ask and you shall receive...my heart is full, my dear, from your sweet, sweet words. Love you, ducks.

[Emily]

I think an about page is a fab idea!!! Just knowing more about you...like where you live, are you married? do you have kids? those are always the things I wonder and sometimes I feel like I can't get to really know someone until I have their basics out of the way. Photography stuff would be wonderful too....I am hoping for a DSLR for xmas and will need to learn how to use it. :) hehehehe.

[tammie]

"how we met" stories are always fun!

[Noreen]

lauren, i look forward to being blog friends for a long, long time. no rush. whatever you like to write about i will read. well, cameras do interest me, only because i'm debating spending money on a new one.

joy and happy weekend!noreen

[Theresa]

OH, how fun...All of the above! You know what they say, you don't really know a person until you know their F.O.R.D. - Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams. I definitely feel like I'm getting there, but look forward to learning more as you see fit to share on this blog. Bring it on :)...As Noreen says, we'll be here.Have a great weekend!PS~Oh, yea, I would like to know what camera you use and anything camera related.PPS~Did you once live in Southern California? For some reason, I have this idea in my head.

[leah of sang the bird]

Lauren, Noreen has said what i wanted to say perfectly!(I am super keen on camera info at the moment since my iphone {the only camera i had} shattered last week. Whoops! I am saving for a camera but am not sure which to splurge on. What do you use?)Have a lovely weekend x

[Heather]

I agree with Leah, Noreen has it spot on. I want to read about your life, however you want to write about it. I'm hoping to get to know you well as time goes by!

[Heather]

Oh, I am curious about your cool knee socks... I k-need to see them! hee hee

[Hilary Inspired]

Gosh! Everyone has already named some great topics, I don't know where to go next. Hmmm.... how about your childhood! It's always interesting to learn about where someone has come from to arrive where they are currently.

Love the idea for your "About" page!

[annabel]

I'd like to know where you live, I don't know whether you're UK, US or somewhere in-between :)