You might not think it is a big deal that I changed my template today, but those who know me, know the truth. I am neurotic about stuff like this. I created my last template and header on March 7, 2005, my first day of blogging, and it has remained the same ever since. I know this design isn’t the greatest, and I might fiddle with it some more, or even change it completely. But I acted. I am very slow to change, to take action.
I was on my back for three days. Stress had knocked me out. Today was turning into another lousy day. My iphone died. Sophia’s laptop got a virus. The aide staying with Sophia’s FIL is quitting (our second!), leaving us having to find another person we can trust. When I finally stood up from the bed and stretched my back, I felt a lot better, but creaky, like the Tin Man. But no Wizard of Oz for me. I wanted to take action, on my own. I wasn’t sure in what way. I thought of deleting Twitter. But that would be a cop-out — a negative action, not one about change, tinged with the flames of creativity, dusted with the grains of confidence.
“I’m gonna fucking change my blog template today after five years of looking at that same header!” I said.
Now onto the next thing.
I really enjoyed this...
fuck yes. good on you, neil. stretch your legs and get comfy in your new space. you certainly deserve it.
and away we go
I truly hope you don’t delete your Twitter. You make me laugh daily, even if I don’t always say something. Yes, I’m being selfish but wanting you to stay.
I love the header. Good to see your handsome face.
I like it!
Busy Mom posted Baby bedding Miley Cyrus firewall mortgage calculator Garmin GPS
I love it, why not a bit of change. You know what they say about moving forward and all that.
And I agree, don’t leave Twitter! You make me smile everyday, and that is a rare event for me some days.
Kim posted Super Abnormal
I am proud of you. Onward!
Hell yeah, Neil. Hell yeah.
ChurchPunkMom posted Viva La Revolution-
Lookin’ good, Neil.
You could never quit Twitter, right? Right?
Rima posted If You’re Happy and You Know It
And now it’s time to change your underwear. And shave.
Just don’t change your number. : )
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios posted My summer lists
Nice work. I’ll try not to grieve the bow tie.
I like it.
I think the new header makes your blog more personal – I like it.
As for you quitting Twitter, my guess is that you’d be back within a month
drlori71 posted Oh Poop-
Looks like that little boy has grown into a man. I feel like a proud mama and you’re not even my little son of a bitch. I vote you keep tweeting.
Nice. You’ll have to tell us what you can see from that vantage way up top
amanda posted Think we’ll be happy
Rock on, dude. Looks good. And that’s a great photo of you.
Karl posted Day 5- Where I Already Begin Going Stir Crazy
That’s terrific! I did like the old one, but this seems more….you.
Glad you’re up and around again!
I can’t see your template since I’m on the mobile version of your site, but I can’t wait to see it when I’m back at my desk!
Looking very nice around here.
Mik posted Castles and elevators
I like it! I’m glad you’re still “Citizen Of The Month”, because… well, you are. Fiddle with it if you want, but it’s easy on the eyes the way it is.
Chris posted Large Like Jabba The Hutt
Wow!!! It looks great, and I’m completely impressed.
waaaaayyyyy better with this header. seems more your style and adds some flavor.
peach posted Hello world-
I like it! Change looks good on you.
Headless Mom posted Sunday To Do List
My, my… Look at you with your bold moves. I lurve that pic.
I like it! A lot! And it makes me wonder … would very many women put their own photo in their header? I think not – I think most of us are far too self conscious about how we look.
Twenty Four At Heart posted Mocha
Looks good, Neil. See! Change can be fun!
p.s. I’ll be interested to know if the commentluv plugin works for you. I might re-activate it!
Not Fainthearted posted Grateful- End of June Edition
I like the new design very much. It’s clean and inviting. And I’m really really surprised that you made the switch. Maybe all it takes to initiate change is a minor trauma.
Jane posted Wordless Wednesday- NYC Scenes
Damn, just when I got used to the old look you changed it.
Jack posted Goodnight My Children
I still can’t believe that you actually did it.
Juli Ryan posted I judge people by their book titles Im only kidding OK- sort of
Upgrade! xo
Piper of Love posted THANKYOU isnt a big enough word
Totally love it. ‘Bout time.
I like the new look too although the old one did make me think interesting thoughts in a sort of Dick & Jane book way. I’m not sure why now as I can barely remember it except for the Dick & Jane piece.
I’m not sure that will make sense to anyone but me. It’s still early here in the UK and I’m only on my second cup of coffee so …
giftsofthejourney (Elizabeth Harper) posted Sharing A Story – My Teary Moment With Kenny Loggins
Is guy on ladder the c.o.m or did you land a construction job? … I guess what I’m trying to say is I don’t care for guy on ladder
but I’m glad you’re embracing change.
3boys1mommy posted I Aint Saying This For No Applause- Im Tryin To Tell You A Story And The Moral Of The Story Is- I SUCK-
Nice work.
If you get stuck with something and need a hand, let me know.
SciFi Dad posted The Drawer Incident
It looks lovely. It’s hard to stagger back up when events keep smacking you down, but you’re doing it. Hang in there.
Alexa posted Reasoned
I love the new design! Plus now I can see when I am typing – the comment block is so big – love, love, love it. I know you and Sophia are under alot of stress these days but please remember you both need to take care of yourselves too! Change is good – I grew my hair for Locks of Love (11 inches) and now I my hair is short for the long, hot summer we are having here in Atlanta. I feel like a new person. Take a walk, breathe the wonderful LA air (on a smog free day that is), have a new kind of coffee at a different coffeehouse, smile at a stranger, drive slow on purpose, and just be good to yourself so that you can be there for others. Peace out! :>)
The new design looks great. Very classy.
I like it. Doing something, anything is always good. Change can be very good.
Onward!
Finn posted Rememberance
i like it! i think the dude on the ladder means you are a work in progress. no?
Looks good! (always did)
Philly Jewish Amy posted Week 5 Lancaster Farm Fresh CSA
The dude on the ladder is symbolic of me being handy around the house, because I know chicks did that.
And the bigger font makes it easier for my mother and her friends to read it without their glasses.
Neil posted Action
I likes!
schmutzie posted METABLOG WEEK 2010- Value- Own- and Share Your Blogging Life
Love it. It’s very you.
love the new look, and don’t delete your twitter!
jen posted Life is a beach-
Meh, lame.
Just kidding, of course. I like it, Neil! You’ve been going through a lot – it’s got to feel good to have some positive change in your life, even if it’s something small.
I like it. It’s clean and the colors are good. And that picture, as I believe I’ve told you before, looks like a shot from the opening montage of SNL. I can hear Don Pardo saying, “Neeeeeeil Krrrrraaaaaaameeeer!”
Hello, Neil.
scott posted Who Can Imagine Such Mysteries and Wonders
Scott, I remember you saying that! That’s why I put up this one rather than the one where I look pale and unshaven, like I usually do.
Change is good.
This looks great. It’s nice to see the real “you” top and center.
As it should be.
Hope things get better for you, Sophia and your FIL soon.
That’s a great photo, where was it taken? I haven’t changed my banner in a million years, it was traumatic enough to change the name of my blog after a year (I still hate it but can’t bear to change it again). Being a fellow neurotic, I DO understand why it was such a big deal for you to change your template. Mazel tov!
Danny posted Sing-Along Sophie’s Choice