Are you using Google+ yet? Here’s why you should be.
Are you on Google+ yet? I’ve been there for a couple of months now and you know what? I love it. Now, is it new and something you have to put a little work into to get rolling? Yes. (You’ll have to put some time and thought into creating your circles and adding people.) If you’re going to roll your eyes at me or bitch about that, well, then, hey. Go back to working on that thing where you’re looking for someone to wipe your own ass too.
And when you figure that out, let me know. Also, the whole doing dishes and laundry thing. Man, do I hate that shit. (Insert: worst.housewife.ever.)
But really, look. Google has created a social media platform in G+ that answers so many of the problems we’ve all had with others. I’ve been on board with SO many social media platforms in the past few years. Notably and largest: Twitter, Facebook, Flickr. (More, but those are the biggest and best of them.) I’ve heard (and had) so many complaints about these platforms over time (especially FB). The smart muthas over at Google have been sitting back taking notes, people.
You know what happens to me all the time on Facebook? I get notifications about crap I have no interest in whatsover. It’s basically spam that is not only tolerated, but supported and integrated into the system by Facebook. Oh look, someone did something interesting and I got notified! Nope, someone asked me to like the Chevy Tahoe Fan Page. Oh, look! Something in my sidebar! Oh. It’s an ad asking me if I’m a Mommy Blogger Who Wants To Go Back To School. Um. Really? Oh, look, someone posted something on my wall! Oh. It’s a request to help their cow birth a calf on Farmville.
On Google+ none of this crap is happening. On G+ I am not limited to 140 characters, conversations can be easily had on every update in comments, images are huge and beautiful in posts and on my stream, nobody tries to get me to help them water their corn or shave their sheep, I don’t have ads in my face, WetBecky8325 isn’t following me and inviting me to her nude webcam, and I’m not forced to go in and turn off email settings every time some yahoo adds me to a new group just so I won’t get spammed ridiculously. Games are there for those who love them (including Angry Birds!) BUT – I haven’t heard a single peep from them in my stream. They are in a separate tab, and you don’t have to become involved.
“Circles” allow you to share your content exclusively with certain groups of people and not with others, publicly, or just with one person. They allow you to filter the content you receive in your stream, as well. You can block OR ignore specific users, based on your needs. You have control over your content, where it goes, and what you see. Oh, that just makes all kinds of logical sense, doesn’t it?
Google+ launched in Beta with a better product because they’re overcoming issues that we’ve all had with Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr for years. And on top of that? They’re actively listening and innovating like CRAZY right now.
Google+ is especially vibrant for photographers, and that is so great! If you are a photographer, you really, really need to be there. Photo sharing rocks, the photography community is bright and engaged – photowalks are happening all the time (and being actively supported by Google Staff) and you just can’t find a better place for photographers on the web right now.
So yay for Photography on G+! But you know what? This can also be an amazing place for Bloggers, Musicians, Videographers, Crafters, etc., as well. The key is getting your community over there, testing the waters, asking for changes relevant to your community and making it happen. The community on a social network is built by… guess who? The members of that community.
The developers will give the burgeoning community the tools they need. You can believe that this time that’s true – I’ve seen myself the members of the Google+ team interacting with the community of users, asking in posts and “hangouts” (awesome video chats on the G+ platform) what ideas we have for making things better, what we want, and talking about what they’re doing. They are hungry to make this product the best it can be, and just what we want.
Feed the machine by not only signing up for an account with G+ but also if you have one USE IT. Engage, consume, interact, add content, and use that “Send Feedback” button at the bottom right to tell them exactly what you think and what you’d like to see.
I haven’t seen anything in social media as good as Google+, and I’m really active in that area, and have been for years. Get in early and help build this thing up. Circle me here on my Google+ profile, leave your G+ profile link in comments – let’s hook up there. Support your community of users, whatever that may be (blogger? Go post your content there and also engage with your peers! +1 their blog links and comment on their stuff).
And if you’re not on G+ yet – click this link and grab one of my limited invites or just let me know you want an invite and I’ll send you one. I have a bunch to give out and I want you there with me.
Like this post? Get in the spirit and click that +1 button right down here on the lower left. 
Lazy douche goes to Ultimate Blog Party, Nashville.
Have you heard of The Ultimate Blog Party by 5 Minutes for Mom?
Probably so, because you are all much smarter, more hip, and in the know than I.
I hadn’t heard about it until my lovely friend Mrs. Fussypants invited me to the physical version of one going on here in Nashville.
No offense to 5M4M, it’s just that I never know what the hell is going on anywhere until someone clues me in. I’m a super idiot spazz braindead moron cutting edge on-the-fly kinda girl like that.
That didn’t even make any sense. But let’s pretend like it did.
Point? I’m heading over to Malia‘s house Monday evening, where the Nashville Ultimate Blog Party is being held, to embarrass myself at yet another internet-related IRL Event. And I’m forcing my husband to come with me, because I heard there MIGHT be a LITTLE wine there and if there is? I get to have some. And that means he gets to drive.
Sarcastic Mom does not endorse drunk, buzzed, or tipsy driving.
Get thy drink on safely.
You know, what I really meant to say is that if he didn’t come with me, I’d miss him a lot and be miserable. Yeah, that’s it.
And I didn’t just correct myself for fear of losing frequent foot rubs and after-dinner dish cleanup by the hus.
And by the way, it’s also totally not just so he can babysit Braden while I blab and gab and act like a super doof.
Really. It’s not.
Our bond is thick and dear and we cannot bear to be apart for even short periods of time.
Yeah. You don’t even believe me, do you? You damn people have gotten too smart.
So, Monday night I get to leave the house in the evening (*gasp*), possibly have a drink, hang out with other bloggers (score) and listen to the lovely Leslie Mills perform.
I hear tell that we are supposed to be prepared to be interviewed, so I’ll be washing the bottom of my shoes on the off chance that I’ll be sticking one of my feet in my mouth.
You laughed when I said “off chance.” Seriously. Stop being so damn smart.
This post really was the dumbest way to virtually introduce myself to anyone visiting from the UBP, but hey, might as well make it clear from the get-go that I am clueless, moronic, lazy, irresponsible, and can’t be expected to follow rules.
By the way, apparently there are prizes to be won if you follow all the rules and post something/link in by March 27. Or something like that. I got a bit confused. I think you have to comment on at least 832 blogs to enter. What? I don’t remember, but it sounded cool. For people who have energy and are not Big Fat Lazy Douches.
Just give me my wine, and I will be okay.
Help me, Rhonda. (and the rest of you, too, please)
Not that long ago, I told you all that I just didn’t have the mojo to write anymore.
And that was true. In fact, for some time now, I haven’t had the mojo to do a lot of things that I used to do. The only thing I’ve really had mojo for is sleeping.
I could sleep for lifetimes.
And while I was half asleep mentally and emotionally, I asked some fabulous bloggers to step up and provide wonderful content for you – and, oh my, they did! I am humbled and amazed at the response I got from those I asked. In fact, there are still guest posts waiting to be published here. I can’t say thank you enough to these wonderful people.
I made a page containing list of past and future guest posters, if you’d like to look them over.
The thing is, lately, I can feel Ms. Mojo poking back around her old stomping grounds. And as I’m waking up slowly from this coma, I’m feeling like things are just not as they should be around here.
I’ve missed PSBN for months. That makes me sad, and I hate it. My blogging schedule has been here, there, and everywhere.
It’s time for me to exert control over mah blawg again. I want to get things back in order so that you don’t come over here feeling like you were heading to a bake sale but ended up in an S&M Bar.
(But don’t think I didn’t see you grinning at the black leather-clad lady holding the whip. Mm-hm. I saw ya. But I won’t tell. Maybe.)
So, I have a handful of plans to get my groove back and have some fun with you guys again. I’d love to get your feedback.
I do this blogging thing for me, but I do it for you, too. If I didn’t, this would all be in a journal in my nightstand. So let me know what you think.
Please vote on the polls that go along with these questions, and I’d love to have any suggestions/elaborations you’d like to give me in the comments on this post!
PSBN starts back up this coming Monday. Will you post along with me?
The “I Wonder” Series has been dead – should I start it up again?
The BEWB Vote was fun – should we do it again?
Would anyone be intersted in a Bi-Annual Photo Contest with prizes?
I still have guest posts to share with you. But to offer some consistency, I’m thinking of starting a weekly Guest Post Day on Tuesdays called, “Lazy Douche Enablers”
*note: this poll allows you to choose more than one answer. you can also choose “other” and write a comment, but keep it to a few words, or it will get cut off and I won’t be able to see it all
_____________________________________________________
PS: Thank you so very much to all of you who voted on my question about whether I should try to sell my handmade paper. The response really overwhelmed me – 95% of you chose one of the options that directs me to sell the paper. So many awesome comments and suggestions, too. Thanks so much, guys! I will let you all know when the Etsy Shop is up and running with product. 
The one where I make you look at my ass. And Elvis.
Have you seen a ton
of Blissdom Conf posts this week?
Here’s another one.
Thought I could not go.
Husband gone and no childcare.
No conference pass!
Thursday? Felt sorry
for myself. A bit jealous.
But then realized…
Your happy is what
you make it. So, Friday I
hopped on over there.
In the parking lot
saw my first three hot ladies.
FLINGER LICKED ME. SCORE!
From eleven to
one:thirty I ran people
down with B’s stroller.
Entered a sea of
mingling, chatting ladies.
Saw faces I knew.
While I still felt like
sort of a jerk outsider,
my spirits lifted.
That night, was honored -
four ladies came to my home!
For hours we all laughed.
Dawn*, Victoria,**
Sammanthia,***Leslie**** – they came -
brought food, drinks, and mirth.
Photo by Victoria, with Leslie’s Phone, Edited by Me. Heh.
A balm to my soul.
Can’t express how I needed
a night just.like.that.
Wasn’t planning to,
but Saturday morning I
hopped over again!
Photo courtesy of Domestic Extraordinaire
More love ly faces…
snapped a bra and then B and
I crashed a session!
Photo courtesy of A Mommy Story
(Oops! Sorry, Alli!)
We’re total rebels! B now
Blog Branding expert.
Photo courtesy of Domestic Extraordinaire
Braden blogged along!
Okay, okay, it was a
Spongebob DVD.
(Damn, this is long, huh?
Heh. Sorry about that guys.
But it’s fun for me.)
I had a short, but
lovely (unregistered) time.
Wish I had seen more!
But Sunday morning,
more fun to be had on the
Blissdom Photo Walk!
Lisa, Jill, Roni,
Colleen, Leighann, Mishelle… then
Maggie and Michelle!
Walked Downtown Nashville,
took photos, chatted… enjoyed
the warm, sunny day.
Photo courtesy of Mommy Always Wins
Swooned a bit over
Elvis. I think Braden was
worried about me.
Photo courtesy of Mommy Always Wins
FYI: Some shots
require you to stick your ass
out for all to see. 
Photo courtesy of Mommy Always Wins
Did I have “total
conference experience?”
Hell no, I did not.
What I had instead,
was the best I could each day.
And? That was darn good.
*BEWBS
**”Snort that, bitchez.”
***The “i” is silent!
****She drinks when she cusses, ya’ll.
With a Little Help from My Friends
My mojo read my post yesterday, and she sent me a really bitchy text message:
“Duh, there are lots of really great bloggers around you who might be willing to help you out a little bit until I feel like coming home.”
And, darn that hag, but she’s always right. She’s got the groove like that.
So I asked around a bit yesterday (do you guys realize just how freaking great Twitter is?), and it looks like some really great people are going to help me get through this, while keeping you all quite pleasantly entertained. Each of them is simply fabulous in his/her own way. And I am immeasurably honored and delighted that each of them said yes when I asked them if they’d guest post for me sometime in January.
So, as I bounce around trying to find my motivation, and hammer my way back to producing content I feel like showing you guys, there will be some amazing guest posts here, from those other bloggers.
If you’d like a sneak peek at who’s going to be popping in sometime during January, check the sidebar. I’ll be adding a list of them there as they sign on to guest post.
I’ll still be in and out, making sure you don’t forget all about me in the presence of real talent posting here and there throughout January. Because, let’s face it: Mojo or Nojo, I will have things I need to say. (That whole “mouthy” thing.)
But they’ll be filling in the gaps I would have otherwise been leaving while mired in the Muck of Blah.
They’re giving to me (and you) of their minds and their time. That’s the most sincere gift you can give a person, quite frankly. I am thankful to them.
And I know you are all in for a treat. I hope you enjoy each post. I know I will.
But how the hell my mojo even got a cell phone is beyond me.
And it’s going to be bothering me for some time.
If you want to punch me in the face, here’s your chance.
Oh, crap, I’m totally going to do it. I’m going to talk about Blissfully Domestic again!
But wait! This is about something you can join in with!
LADIES! BlogHer was supposed to be hosting a Reach Out Tour Conference right here in Nashville, TN… but they bailed on us. Harsh! We were not feeling the love, I gotta tell ya!
Luckily, Blissfully Domestic is saving the day.
BD is hosting a conference at The Hotel Preston (those who are able to attend will get a discount code for staying at the hotel if that is needed) in Nashville on October 18.
It’s an all day blogging conference (sponsored by Epson) with panels, Q&A, tons of fun ladies… and it ends with a corporately sponsored swanky cocktail party!
(You know what you get at wonna those? SWAG, BABY, SWAG!)
Can you go, you ask? YES, YES YOU CAN!
How much does it cost, you ask? NOTHING! It’s free. You are just responsible for bringin’ yo-self, puttin’ yo-self up, and feedin’ yo-self.
There are limited seats available – 75 in all. The official registration opens on Friday Sept. 26, and the announcement about who got a seat will come on Monday Sept. 29.
New information about the event will be released all week long, so make sure you join in over here so you can stay aware of happenings, and get in on the registration as soon as it opens on Friday!
[If you aren't able to attend this October, fear not! BD will be hosting an annual conference every February, so look for that, too! Every topic covered in the magazine will be explored and covered at the conferences.]
I have been honored by being requested as one of the panelists for the day on October 18.
Apparently someone is foolish enough to think I will do a good job knows that I have a lot to offer the blogging community at large!
WE NEED YOUR INPUT…
The idea is for the conference to be useful, beneficial, and enjoyable for YOU. So those putting things together would like to know:
- What would you like to hear about?
- What are the burning questions you want answered?
- What kinds of things do you want to hear, see, feel, etc?
And WILL YOU BE THERE?
I WILL!
So, technically, you could punch me in the face. But I’d much prefer a hug and a photograph with you. Or some chocolate, maybe.
I hope to see your smiling face there!
But, on the real, I’m totally going ONE DAY, damnit.
So, lots of us actually reading things online today are “the ones who did not go to BlogHer Con.”
The ones who are going will probably be busy travelling to San Fransisco and settling in for the start of the conference on the 18th.
And some of us are jealous, and some of us don’t give a flying fart… some of us are crying into our keyboards, others are claiming sour grapes… some of us are blatantly pissed off, others of us are like, “eh? BlogWho?” You get the idea.
I basically feel like this: There are a ton of people all in one place right now who, for some reason or other, do this same thing I enjoy doing. “Blog.” Many of them do it for the exact same reasons I do, many have entirely different reasons. A good handful of them are people I admire, adore even. And lots of them are intriguing and interesting people I have never even been exposed to, but could meet if I were there. I would like the opportunity to meet the people I adore, and those I could potentially adore.
I’m settling for pictures of them with a picture of my boobies. What can I say. I’m easily amused.
Money is the main reason I’m not there right now. Ladies and Gents, that shit is expensive. And, that is not to say that we don’t have enough in savings, finally. Because we do, after kicking ourselves in our collective ass around here this past several months and scraping every extra penny into a savings account.
(Oh, hello, we can actually be responsible adults with a savings account? Who knew? Wow, John and Lotus are growing up! Congrats to them!)
BUT, and here’s where I might sound bitchy, I have to force myself to have some perspective right now. To have some more sharply focused priorities than spending money to hang wif mah homies. (This is in NO way a judgement of anyone else’s priorities – it’s about our specific situation - read on!)
I probably could have talked John into letting me spend the money in our savings on the BlogHer trip. Not necessarily because I’m that persuasive and manipulative (*cough*) but because he loves me dearly and, to a fault, he tries to make me happy. (The man changed out of his PJ’s the other night to go buy me ice cream, did you read about that on Twitter? Clearly, a saint among mortals.)
But we have some lofty goals, like paying off my student loan (which I got so I could get that M.A. that I am so obviously using the hell out of right now, see? ugh.), creating a medical fund (hai, we have no health insurance, kthxbai), buying a larger family vehicle (Honda Civic not going to cut it if we ever actually succeed at having a second child), and actually having enough of a downpayment saved to buy a house again. Because, I’m sorry, but renting sucks donkeys.
Those are big, bad, crazy dreams, my friends. And we’d like to attain them in no more than the next 2-4 years. Which, when starting with no savings, is pretty damn adventurous and hopeful. But certainly not Un-Doable.
Not Un-Doable at all… With a lot of sacrifice of things not absolutely necessary, and a lot of forced prioritizing.
Which means no hanging wif mah homies that costs $1000+, no new camera, no lots of stuff I would really reee-heee-heeeeeaaaally like.
And? It’s totally going to be worth it. So, while I’m a bit jealous, that’s it. I’m not uber upset.
(But once we have our house and ect., I am GOING to BlogHer, and I’m rooming with her and I’m absolutely licking her.)
I wrote this post because several people have been surprised that I’m not going to BlogHer Con, and asked me why. Now ya know!
Going to BlogHer?
Yes?
First, I hate you you’re a poopie-head I’m really jealous of you.
But also very happy for you. (Seriously!)
Second, you must look for this fabulous woman I love:
She’s going to have something of mine with her:
And she’s happy about it!
Remember, look for Redneck Mommy, holding The Rack.
You MUST NOT miss a Photo Opp with MAH BEWBS AT BLOGHER.
(Not going to Blogher? Let’s sit online together for 3 days and whine jealously. Deal?)
All photos of the Hot Canadian courtesy of said Hot Canadian. Rawr!
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