See the Lilies

Day 2

2009-10-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Apparently I just move in slow motion. I'm sorry to say that Day 1 of my 30 day challenge has taken me exactly 3 days to complete. Well, actually, I completed it on Day 1. It's just taken 2 more days for me to get to Day 2. And since it's 10pm, I'll call tomorrow Day 2. Not much more than Day 1. I still make a list of things I need/want to get done that day, then I add a 20 minute walk somewhere in my day. Walk 10 minutes away from your house, then turn around and walk back. Then each day you add 1 minute to your walk.

Okay, then....I can do this. Are you joining me?

My 30 day challenge

2009-10-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today's Monday.... You know what Mondays are famous for: starting over. You know what everyone says when they screw up on their diets. "I'm going to start over on Monday" Ok, so it's cliche, but today is Monday. And I'm going to challenge myself for the next 30 days. I found a 30 day challenge on www.gotogabby.com called the "30 days to change your ways" challenge.

Day 1 (today) - I've got to make a list of my goals, and then make a "to-do" list of things I need to get done today. That's easy enough...it's the end of the day. My to-do list includes washing bottles, getting ready for bed, and going to sleep. Check, check, and check.

My goals for the end of this 30-day challenge: 1)Eat green vegetables every day. 2) Get back into my old pants (don't think for a minute I'm going to write down the size!) And I don't mean the size 4 pants I wore when I got married...just the ones i was wearing a year ago before I got pregnant with Meg. 3) Drink 70 oz of water every day...without fail. 4) Weigh 10 pounds less. 5) Workout at least 30 mins a day, 5 days a week.

Here goes nothing!

God's sense of humor

2009-10-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

It happened in Tupelo. I was waiting to pull out onto Eason Blvd, desperately needing to find a bathroom. I was dying!!! There was a car in front of me waiting for traffic to clear so he could turn left. The gas station I was trying to get to was just a block to the right. If the car in front of me would JUST GO ALREADY!!!! I mean really, how clear does traffic have to be?! The gas station is RIGHT THERE!!! I just had a baby a few months ago......there's no such thing as "HOLDING IT"!!!! COME ON!!!!! JUST TURN!!!!! MUST....GO....NOW!!!!

That's when I looked down at the license plate on the car in front of me. It read: GOT2PEE......Seriously! Who puts that on their car tag?!?! I could almost hear the voice of God, just laughing at me!!! hahahahahahahahahahaha

Blue's clues

2009-09-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Husband outside mowing the grass, baby girl quietly sitting in her bouncy seat (best money ever spent on her), 3 y.o. son upstairs w/ our dog playing happily, momma finally gets a few moments to stretch out on the couch and watch TV (a rare luxury these days). Aaaahhhhh.....the sweet sound of silence. I can literally feel my blood pressure and stress levels coming down.......

And then it hits me: Silence is not a good thing when you live with a three-year-old! "Benjamin! What are you doing?" "WHAT, MOMMA?!!!" "What are you doing?" (run, run, run...footsteps overhead.....Benjamin appears at the top of the stairs with a smudge on his shirt) "What's that on your shirt Benjamin?" "TOOTHPASTE" "Benjamin, have you been playing with your toothpaste?" (big toothy grin....nodding) (Momma rolls eyes....thinking 'I bet it's all over the bathroom')

WRONG!!! I spent the next hour cleaning blue toothpaste off his bed, his mattress, his comforter, his bedside table, his wall, his ceiling (HOW???), and his light-colored carpet (at least 2 dozen large spots). Fortunately, the toothpaste came off everything, except the carpet. He'll probably have blue spotted carpet until he's a teenager when I get around to replacing it. I desperately wanted to take a picture, but he would totally think it was cool that mommy was taking a picture of his masterpiece. After cleaning it all up, I finally got him to bed, leaned over to kiss him goodnight, and that's when I noticed he had it in his hair too. Oh well, no bath that night. He went to school the next day with toothpaste in his hair.

Lesson learned: 15 minutes of silence=1.5 hours of clean-up=15 years of blue carpet

2009-09-16T19:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, this is totally not mine....But I'm claiming it as my wake-up call. I found it on Gabrielle Reece's website (www.gotogabby.com) I don't know much about Gabby, but when it comes to being a real woman who just wants to encourage other women to live a healthier lifestyle, SHE ROCKS!!! This is one of her blogs. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It's Not Easy
By Gabby Reece

It's just easier not to do the work, but will you get what you want? OK, I've been reading the comments, and I realize that at the end of the day, it's just easier to eat tasty crappy-for-you food, and "not have the time" to exercise. I get it!

So what do you think is going to make the change? What cattle prodding or provocative article is going to change your priorities with respect to eating healthy? Will it take a doctor telling you that you're about to have a heart attack? How about when you realize that you are 25, 50, 75 lbs heavier than when you were in high school? Maybe it will be that day you go to the store to try on clothes and get a real 3D shocking look at yourself in the mirror. Or when one of your kids comes crying to you concerned about your health? Do you need to get depressed to make the lifestyle change?

We're all here on this planet making all these plans and not taking care of one of the most important gifts and assets we have in this life -- our health and our bodies. I love our American culture just grinding away working and going for the mighty dollar. You know, because we all need more stuff to be happy.Would it be possible to make the change right now? To do it before we hit some huge wall? To decide once and for all to stick with a regular exercise schedule and healthy eating program?

It's just science. Yes, there are people who have weird genetics that don't get fat when they eat Krispy Kreme, but they are more the exception than the norm. You were not singled out to be fat via your genetics. Of course, you grew up in a certain household to particular parents, and that does influence the way your body looks today, but you still can fight that and control your here and now.Is it fun? Grow up. What single thing in life worth having is easy? I think it's so strange because for the most part, we're taught that if we just work hard, we can make anything happen. Yet, we can't seem to buy into that when it comes to our own health and bodies.

Get a friend right now and make a plan. Start three days a week walking or biking. Do something active three days a week for 30 minutes. Get your heart rate up. Once you get going, start taking a class together once a week. Split the fees on a trainer once a month. Mix it up and try to get creative.

Get away from the TV and computer and use that time for YOU. Here, I'll make it easy -- treat it like work. Don't flake, just show up and get it done. I know the food is the most challenging part, but it's key in this equation. Watch your portions, don't skip meals, monitor snacking, drink only water, eat real food, don't microwave stuff, avoid the drive-thru, and if you're questioning whether or not something is "OK to eat," chances are you already know the answer.

When I say it doesn't come easy, that doesn't mean it has to be total hell either. Get involved with your health and fitness life, and you'll begin to see that there are a lot of ways to cheat, have fun, and still be successful. Last nagging point, find ways to not let the stress get to you, and sleep, babies. Let's go, people. This is it. You can do it.

I'm motivated now. How about you?

Richard's Nickname

2009-08-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

My son Benji has always been very verbal, able to repeat most of the words he hears, putting together complete sentences at a very young age. I've always been quite proud of his 3-yr-old vocabulary. For the past 2-3 months, however, he's begun to experiment with sounds and words. I think he makes up new words just to see how they sound. For example, instead of "Yes, ma'am" he'll say "Yes, Tonk!". Instead of asking for a cup of milk, "Mommy I want a cup of Choonk!" Maybe he's reverting to "baby talk" in order to compete with his little sister for attention from Mom and Dad. Whatever his reasons may be, this is the background that leads us to today's post.

Benji and I were driving down the road a few weeks ago when he "discovered" a new word. Fortunately he chose this moment rather than trying it in a crowded store. He found a towel in the back seat, pulled it across his car seat, and yelled "Mommy I got my (Richard's nickname)!!!" And if you need me to explain what he actually said (what Richard's nickname is), don't bother reading the rest of this post. I simply cannot write it! Just use your imagination, it'll come to you. Anyway, he's steadily yelling out "Mommy, I got my (Richard's nickname)!!! I GOTTA RICHARD'S NICKNAME, MOMMY!!! RICHARD'S NICKNAME!!! RICHARD'S NICKNAME!!!! NICKETY-NICK-NICK-NICKNAME!!!!"

Can I tell you again how GRATEFUL I am that he did this in the safety of our car and NOT IN PUBLIC. And you know, if you laugh, he'll just keep on doing it. So I nearly choked on my laughter that day. For those of you who have kids, I'm sure you've been there. For those of you who may someday have kids.....be prepared. You're time is coming too!

Comic Relief

2009-08-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

I needed a little comic relief after yesterday's events (see previous post). So when I found this lighthearted article in Real Simple, it hit the spot. I thought I'd share it with you. The first time I read it (several months ago), I considered it funny enough to hang on to....one of those morsels of comedy that I'm glad I still have. But when I read it again this morning, I noticed that it was written by a man. Read it, and you'll understand why I was a little surprised. It sounds completely like a woman's thoughts:

SEEKING: Impersonal Trainer

Look, I know. I could stand to lose a few pounds, and I need your help getting there. But I'll be honest: I've felt smothered by other trainers I've been with. I want to know that you're there, sure, but counting every rep? I need my space!! That is why, at every session, I'll happily provide you with reading material and a folding chair. Feel free to monitor my exercise from afar - just try to do so without direct eye contact.

Oh, and I'm acknowledging my fitness intentions just by taking out this ad, right? We'll both know why we're meeting. So we don't have to talk about goal weight or body-mass index. Let's keep the chitchat to celebrity breakups, shall we?

I'd also prefer a hands-off approach. Literally. Not that I think physical contact is inappropriate. It's just that if the weight is heavy enough for me to need a spotter, I'm probably not going to want to lift it in the first place.

That should about cover it. I'd rather not give you my phone number, in case someday I sleep in and miss an appointment. So how about this: I'll be at Rosedale Gym next Wednesday at 7 a.m., ready to get fit. Meet me if you'd like the job, but please don't try to talk to me - I'm not really a morning person.

2009-08-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I had a day of total nostalgia. I pulled out some old cd's and listened to some praise music that brought me back to the early days of my faith. "Basics of Life" and "Where There is Faith" by 4Him, "Mercy Came Running" by Phillips, Craig, & Dean, and "The Great Divide" by Point of Grace. I mean big time jam session, wishing for the simpler days of my faith. In retrospect, it was easier to have faith in those days because I wasn't facing the trials of this day and age. I know now why the Bible compares our journey in faith to running a race. When you start running, there's so much enthusiasm, an eagerness to run with diligence and win. The longer you run, though, the harder it becomes to finish the race. You're faced with fatigue, self-doubt, stumbling and trying to get back up.....

That sums up the condition of my heart lately. But yesterday God revealed Himself to me again in a very personal way that I am compelled to share with others. The night before last, I started bleeding. I was fairly certain that I was having another miscarriage (this would be my third). I cried myself to sleep. When Meg woke up for her bottle at 4:15, I fed her and rocked her to sleep. But I couldn't go back to sleep...way too much on my mind. So I pulled out my old faithful (and unfortunately dusty) Bible. I had no idea which passage to read so I did the old "open it to wherever the pages fall, close my eyes and point to a passage" routine. Guess which passage I pointed to: the story of Jesus standing in a large crowd heading to Jairus's home to heal his daughter when a women who had been bleeding reached out and touched His garment and was healed by faith. I almost heard the audible voice of God saying "I know right where you are, and I'm right here with you."

I went to the doctor yesterday and found out that indeed I had sufferred another miscarriage. This one, however, was much different than the other two. I had a condition called a blighted ovum. While I did actually get pregnant, the cells that split only formed a gestational sac, not a baby. There was never a baby, only an empty sac. I can't get my head around it....no baby, just emptiness. I don't understand how to mourn the loss of a baby who never existed. Or did it exist only in the form of cells and nothing more?

My faith has been through so many roller coasters, so many ups and downs in this crazy existence we call life. I know I must be a disappointment to God with my lack of faith at times. But the one truth in life that I am continually astounded by is God's faithfulness in spite of my faults. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, and He is faithful to His promises. I don't have to understand this trial in order to get through it.

Can I get a big WOW!!!!

2009-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Shock, oh-my-gosh!, really?!, that's not right, this test must be faulty/expired, I'll take another one, what?!, you gotta be kiddin me!, are you sure?, oh-my-gosh!, I can't believe it, I'm shaking, how am I gonna tell Glenn?, excitement, disbelief, what's everyone gonna say?!, this can't be true, I'm gonna wait until the doctor tells me it's true before I believe it.....

Guess what the doc says.........I'M PREGNANT AGAIN!!!! Can I get a big WOW?! I'm 8 1/2 weeks along. The due date is March 2, a month before Meg's first birthday. I'll get a sonogram at my 12 week check-up. My prediction: it'll be twins! Then I'll have 3 kids under the age of 1.

I just can't stop laughing. For those of you who see me over the next 2-3 years, forgive me if I have difficulty carrying on a logical adult conversation. I may even find it complicated to form a complete sentence. Lack of sleep, insanity, raging hormones, crazy good times are on the way! Well I say bring on the minivan and let the good times roll!!!!

Life's Sweetest Moments

2009-07-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

I love that my Benji loves fruits: bananas, apples, oranges, watermelon. It's comforting to know that he's developing a taste for the healthy things in life (unlike his mom!) But I LOVE to watch him eat grapes. He stuffs 2 or 3 of them in his cheeks, just like a squirrel. Then he carries on a conversation with me while he cheeks are stuffed. And just when he's finished talking, he bites into the grapes and the juice bursts in his mouth. It's adorable!

Aha! moments

2009-05-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

It was the bottom of the second inning at an Ole Miss baseball game (go Rebs!) when I had this Aha! moment, a revelation that completely distracted me for the rest of the game. As a recently preggo girl, with a post-baby body and all of the self-image problems associated with it, I have been consumed with losing weight and toning/strengthening muscles which have not been used in awhile. Problem is: if I have a couple of weak moments during a day, I usually just give up on that particular day and chow down on all the sweets and snacks I crave. After all, there's always tomorrow. "I'll just start fresh tomorrow" I always say.

Well, this particular day had been just like that. Two mugs of coffee (w/ lots of creamer) and 2 cookies for breakfast, fried chicken strips and fries for lunch, don't remember what I had for supper, but when we got to the baseball game......first thought was of M&M's and Dr. Pepper. I wanted so desperately to give in. It had already been a terrible day for my diet, no exercise done, etc. That old faithful mentality came to mind: "I'll just start fresh tomorrow". It was then that my Aha! moment hit me: We're not promised tomorrow! If I'm going to make a difference in my life, make a positive impact on my children's lives, it has to be today.

I was so excited to experience this revelation, this motivational tidbit. This was it! This would be the strength I needed to get me through temptations and the kick in the pants I needed to get me off the couch.

Of course, my excitement was short-lived when my second revelation hit me a few moments later: If I'm not promised tomorrow, then I'm not going out of this world hungry! Pass me some chocolate!!! Herein lies the dilemma that "consumed" me for the rest of the game.

Oh, and did I mention that we were sitting directly behind a former Miss Mississippi who struck up a conversation with the four of us. How's this for motivation: craving M&M's and Dr. Pepper while your husband is talking to a friendly, beautiful, funny, blonde, former Miss Mississippi who loves sports. Just in case you're wondering......I skipped the M&M's and Dr. Pepper.

I'm Baaaaacckk!

2009-05-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been awhile since my last post....11 months to be exact. Here's a brief synapse of the past 11 months: got pregnant....again, stayed pregnant for 9 1/2 months, had 9 lb 10 oz baby girl named Meg, been on maternity leave for 1 month, trying my best to learn how to juggle a new baby with a 2-yr-old along with all my other responsibilities. Many of those responsibilities are falling to the wayside, like cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc. I dwell in chaos right now and I don't really care. Survival is my goal each day.....we have to eat, take baths, sleep (whenever possible), and have somewhat clean clothes.

Early this morning, I was reminded of a bible verse I memorized when I was in college. Psalm 143:8 (New International Version) Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way that I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Back in college days, I had a quiet time most mornings. I would sit out on the balcony of my apartment, read my bible and pray. That verse was one of my favorites. It evoked a feeling of fresh hope.....a chance to forget yesterday and start anew. It also brought about a feeling of direction and purpose, which is vital during those uncertain college years.

These days, that verse is still one of my favorites. But it has a different meaning to me at this point in my life. Early this morning, it came to mind again. And since I'm sufferring from a mild case of sleep-deprivation, I came up with my own spin on the verse. Instead of the New International Version, I call it the New Mommy Version: Let the morning (or the middle of the night, or the brief moments of silence when they're both taking a nap) bring me word of your unfailing love (because Heaven knows I need a love that's unfailing, considering my inconsistency in spending time with You these days) for I have put my trust in You (the only part of my life that's steadfast, sure, constant, and not chaotic). Show me the way that I should go (I don't have a clue what I'm doing here....is she hungry, sleepy, wet/dirty, mad, hurt,......why will he not mind me, listen to me, be quiet for 5 minutes, lay down and take a nap) for to You I lift up my soul (I mean really, who else is going to listen to my ranting and raving when I'm struggling to function on 2 1/2 hours of sleep, take care of the kids, clean the house, pay the bills, get supper on the table, and still find time to take a shower more than once a week?!!!) I love you God!

Glammin' it up!

2008-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

I love the feeling of accomplishment! My hubby and I moved to a new house almost a year ago, and I tell you, unashamedly, I LOVE MY HOUSE! Though, if I'm honest with myself, I have to admit that it's probably a bit more than we need right now. I just wanted to get something that we could grow into through the years.

However, I'm quickly learning just how long it takes to get "settled" in a new home. Don't get me wrong....all the boxes are unpacked, and pretty much everything has a "place". Understand, not everything stays in its place....did I mention our soon-to-be 2-year-old?!

My idea of being "settled" includes adequate furniture in each room, paint on all the walls, and a few knick-knacks or pictures strategically placed to draw the eye away from the flaws that you eventually get around to fixing.

Well, we are far from settled. There is still no dining room table, we need new furniture in at least 3 other rooms, I've only painted one room (and I don't like my color choice so I'll be repainting soon), and we have very few pictures hanging on the wall (the whole "strategically placed" concept is a foreign subject to me).

But I can finally say that I've accomplished a task which I consider HUGE! I installed shelves in one of my favorite rooms...my CLOSET! I have about 2 dozen pairs of shoes. I can't help it. Many of you may not know this about me, but I'm a shoe girl. I love shoes. I like funky shoes, classic shoes, boots, heels, tennis shoes, and flip flops. I buy them as often as I can. The problem? I don't buy nice clothes with which to wear these fabulous shoes! So I have a closet full of shoes that I rarely wear. And they have been piled in the floor of my closet for almost a year.

I went to Lowe's about 3 months ago and bought the supplies and tools I needed to install the shelves, and they have been sitting in my bedroom floor since the day I bought them. Until this week......

Monday night my 12-year-old niece spent the night with me, and we stayed up until almost 11:00 putting in the shelves. When we finally finished and put the shoes on the shelves, I felt like a glamour girl with a closet fit for a celebrity!

Next project? Fill my closet with fabulous clothes! I've got to give my shoes an excuse to come out of the closet! haha! Happy Shopping!

The best cookie in the world!

2008-06-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am FAR from being a chef. I've always enjoyed cooking....I've just never been good at it. What I can do is follow a recipe. So I love to bake. There's no "little of this, little of that" garbage that those who can cook use to frustrate those of us who have no idea what a "little" is.

And since I am a self-proclaimed expert on cookies, especially those with chocolate in them, I try almost every recipe I can find. This is by far the best cookie I have ever had....and trust me, I've had a LOT! I must give credit where credit is due....and because I don't want to get in trouble for putting something on the internet that may be copyrighted....I got the recipe from watching Food Network: "Good Eats" with Alton Brown. I can only follow a recipe, not create one. This one came straight from Alton himself.

Try the recipe! Follow it to a T. I promise: You're gonna love it! And all your friends are going to ask you to make it again and again.

2 sticks unsalted butter -- real butter, not that stuff in the tub
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 tsp kosher salt -- kosher is a MUST, not regular salt...makes all the difference
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips -- ok, sometimes I use a few more than 2 cups (can you ever really have too many chocolate chips?)

Hardware required:
Ice cream scooper (Alton recommends #20 disher, but I don't know what that is...just use whatever ice cream scooper you've got)
Parchment paper
baking sheets
Mixer

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.

Pour the melted butter in the mixer's work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 Tbsp milk, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Chill the dough (I usually chill it for about 30-40 minutes), then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 5 minutes. (Ok, this is my note here: mine have never taken 14 minutes...and pull them out of the oven before they look finished on top....if they look "done" inside the oven, it's too late) Rotate the baking sheet for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

ENJOY!!!!!!

National Lampoon's European Vacation

2008-06-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

My mom & dad, along with my brother and his wife & daughter, are all traveling through Europe over the next 3 weeks. And I can't help but imagine the Griswald family from National Lampoon's when I picture my family in places like Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and London. My brother will be bringing home a BMW (color me jealous!), and my sister-in-law will be visiting her sister, whose husband is stationed in London for a few years. My sweet little 8-yr-old niece has already seen more of this world than I have in my (ahem, no comment) years.

But my parents!!! That's what tickles me! I'm sure this would never happen, but I just picture my dad in Germany, wearing those terrible little....do they call them knickers?--the little green overall shorts?...and drinking several of those HUGE mugs of German beer! And my mom....now she's been overseas before (Italy and Japan, I think)....but the French have a reputation for being quite rude, a concept that is completely foreign to Southerners! Especially someone as sweet and polite as my mother.

I'm very excited that they all have this opportunity. I can't wait to see the pictures and hear all the stories. It's kind of given me an itch to go on vacation myself. Wonder what Jamaica's like this time of year!

Why "See the Lilies?"

2008-06-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Why?? My 22-month-old son hasn't entered the infamous "Why? Why? Why?" stage, but I can't seem to leave it. Why haven't we sold our old house yet? Why does my husband insist on arguing with me about how long my son's hair is? Why is it that 30 mintues after I mop the floor, my dog Lola suddenly has the urge to "do her business" in my house?!? Why? Why? Why?

I guess there's always a reason to ask why. Last week, however, the ever popular "Why do bad things happen...Why me?" was the only question I was asking. I went to my Ob-Gyn for my 12-week check-up, and he couldn't find my baby's heartbeat. This is my second miscarriage. The first happened last year, when I was only about 6 1/2 weeks along. This time, however, we had already seen our baby's heartbeat on the sonogram at my first doctor's visit. Needless to say, I was crushed.....no, devastated. I've spent the last four days trying to make sense of it.

When I was in college, I wrote a song called to "To See the Lilies". In short, here's the message of the song: All of us love those mountain-top experiences in life. But it is only the valleys where the lilies seem to grow, the flower of peace. Could that mean that we only understand peace when we allow God to lead us through trials? Perhaps...

But I still wonder why...I guess I always will.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

did i really do this?

2008-05-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

I think I actually did this! Welcome to the 21st century Lisa! I created a blog. I'm not sure why...just seemed like a fun thing to do, instead of going to bed at 10:00. That would make way too much sense. I think I'm just going to do this for my family right now. See what they think of it.

I mean REALLY!!!! Like I don't have enough to do already....chase after a soon-to-be 2-yr-old while my pregnant belly gets larger and larger and larger....do I really have to wait 6 1/2 more months!?!

Tell me what you think would be fun to see on this blog (mom, that's short for "web log" which is kind of like an online diary that you let other people read). ok, here goes, i'm gonna post it now.