um… I can’t really think of anything… I grew up in a steam train enthusiast family. So I know all about steam trains.

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Actually, could I contribute to the meme by asking everyone that question:

“If you knew that your next post was going to be the last one you would ever write. what would its title be?”

Mine would be: “10 Reasons Why I Wish I’d Discovered Blogs Earlier” !

… It could be serious or fun.

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Hi Davina,

I read your meme and thought, “can you imagine what those people in the waiting room were thinking?” If I had been there, I think I would have ran out citing, “I’ll pass on the tatoo”.

Hi Robin,

Steam trains? I have an uncle who loves to read all about trains. One year for Christmas, we got him a tabletop book on trains. It actually looked real fascinating.

Hi Scott,

So, are you like a game show contestant “junkie”? It seems like I’ve heard of “The Weakest Link”, but I can’t remember what the premise of the show is. Did you win money or some other kind of prize?

Your blogging question is fabulous. I like your answer, too. Mine would be “Good Bye My Dear Friends, I Will Miss You”

Now I have a great idea for you. When don’t you use that as the very first blog post title on your soon to be blog? BTW: When are we going to see your blog?

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Hi Annie,

The Signo uni-ball Micro 207 is the anti check washing pen. I use that one too - to sign and write checks. Oh, that’s too funny!

I have a Cross pen that I got when I reached my three year anniversary at a company I used to work for. It’s pretty and even engraved, but the tip is too thick (probably 5 mm) for my liking. Hmmm, maybe I could find a 7 mm refill.

Ooooooh! I don’t like when someone takes my favorite pens. I usually have a few I don’t like on my desk, and let others use those. My husband is a pen thief too. I have to keep an eye on him. Hehe.

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Hi Scott,

You did great! $4500.

Yes, your journey into blogging isn’t the “norm” (whatever that means), but you’ll have an advantage over other bloggers (like me) who dove in, head first.

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Hi Alex,

Congratulations on your published work.

I’m guessing your tattoo experience was better than Davinas.

Ebooks? We’ll have to see what others say about that one as I have yet to write one. We can also ask Lorelle.

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Can’t think of anything funny to write about self

But I have been a jack of all ‘games’ but master of none when it comes to sports. In the last 25 years, have played soccer, cricket, badminton, lawn tennis, basketball, volleyball, ping pong etc (and several other in door games) but not somebody good at any of these…!

Some of these games I played only for a few months and some say 5-6 years.

Cheers,
Ajith

Ajith Edassery’s last blog post..Google Insights for Search

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I’m going to continue on with On Scott’s gameshow story and admit that I was such a dorky fan of “Sale of the Century” as a TEENAGER (yes, in this regard I was a total dork) that I bought a bell to authentically practise my speed in answering questions.

I would pull the coffee table over in front of the lounge, put my bell down and smack it like there was no tomorrow so I could “beat” the other contestants. I used to tell dad I was going to be their youngest ever entrant and win us a car. Unfortunately I discovered boys and forgot all about “Sale of the Century” and all that hard work I put in. But man, I was fast. I used to beat everyone I knew at Trivial Pursuit too.

I don’t have a blogging question today because I still have reading to catch up on and I’m trying to write blog posts rather than contemplate blogging.

My last post title would be:
Broccoli is good for you and other lies…

Thanks Barbara
Kelly

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HA, I’m picky about pens too, My current favorite is the Pilot Precise V5, the office has the G2s but I didn’t like them so I went out and bought my V5s

I’m full odd things people don’t know anything about… lets see if I can come up with something… Ah Ha!

I was in the first ever National Civilian Community Corps, which is part of Americorps. We did everything from tutoring school children and renovating a building to be a homeless shelter to cleaning up after the flood (pre-katrina) in New Orleans and fighting forest fires in Idaho.

@Scott McIntyre: Last blog title? That’s easy.

“So long, and thanks for all the fish.”

@Alex Fayle: I think eBooks are a great way to self-publish, they are easy and quick to make. As for free or not… that depends on you really. If the content is worth it, people will purchase it. I know Leo over at Zen Habits has several out eBooks out for sale, and people seem to enjoy them quite a bit.

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Something most people don’t know about me? I’m a preacher’s kid and was a preacher’s wife up til recently. And I’m so happy my DH now owns his own business instead, because I wasn’t a very good preacher’s wife and never want to be one again.
Incredibly, I can’t think of a blogging question right now but I’ll definitely come back if one plagues me over the next few days!

@Scott - Funny enough, last night I had thoughts of writing my last blog post!!!! And then my husband talked me out of it. But it would probably be something like this: “Thanks For The Fun Ride, But Now I Bid Adieu” or something dorky like that.

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Barbara -

I had forgotten the Signo’s were an anti check washing pen. But you’re right, they are. And I don’t even write checks! Or at least rarely. I pay all my bills online through the bank.

I also have a set of Parker pens with a case that my dad gave me - I don’t remember if it was when I was a junior in high school or if it was for graduation - but he’s gone now so I keep them in a drawer in my desk and don’t use them very often. I’m afraid something will happen to them and then I’ll be sad. Last time I got a refill for the pen, it didn’t fit right so now it retracts kinda funny but it still writes nice!

@Scott - I have no idea what I’d write for a last post title. Probably something incredibly dorky, trying to be funny.

~ Annie

Annie’s last blog post..Introducing . . . my family

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My mattress is on the floor. I have no bed to hold it up. I like it this way, because it’s simple.

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A pen fetish… that’s funny.

Scott, I love your question. My last post would be: “Question for the readers: how do I fill up my time now that I can’t blog anymore??”

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EEwww! Just thinking about fine point pens give me shivers! I hate the scratch feeling. Give me a good medium point any day. They do have to flow well or I won’t use them. That’s not my meme, though, just a comment.

Mine is when I was in 5th grade I was in a Christmas play and I had a lead role as Alfie the Elf. I got the part because I was sick one day and no one else wanted it so it was given to me. I was thrilled, but as my acting is not very good, it was the last lead I ever got. In high school I was always cast as an extra.

No questions today. I had one a couple weeks ago and now I can’t remember it!

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Hi All,

I’m am sooooo far behind. I had a birthday party to go to yesterday and then came home only to find I had to shut down my my computer due to a lightening storm. I’m busily working on “work” (it pays ) but will be back later to answer comments and visit all of you.

Thanks for sharing your comments, memes, and questions.

Keep them coming…..

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Behind my facade of a big fearless Lion hides someone who has a deathly fear of needles! When I need to go for tests I always bring a bottle of vodka with me and down a few before heading for the needle. Luckily for me they are only looking for cholesterol levels, not alcohol!

Urbane Lion’s last blog post..Fantastic bruschettas!

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@Bamboo Forest: My mattress was on the floor for a long time too, but now I converted my room into a home office and my bed looks like a sofa.

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Pens and pencils no biggie, but I need a fresh, clean, white sheet of paper to really get going!

1) If I could afford it, I could eat sushi all day and all night. It’s the wasabi!

2) Lorelle: Toughest blow, moment, or criticism of your blogging life and how you overcame it.

SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..Leadership skills — seasoned or dinosaur-like?

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I was thinking so hard about what to write and then it came to me: I have a phobia about pumping gas! Unless it’s an absolute emergency, my husband puts gas in my car.

And yes, I did run out of gas once, but believe it or not, I was right in front of a gas station and basically coasted to the pump on fumes! and I had to summon my courage, take a few deep breaths and put gas in the car myself.

As for blog questions: I could fill a blog with questions about blogging, but I’ve been wondering about the whole keyword thing. Is the idea that you fill your posts with the keywords that potential readers might search on? Doesn’t that cramp your writing style?

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So…I have a pen fetish too. I really like the free pens our bank used to give out. Simple and cheap, but they worked great. My wife gives me a hard time about it. Now that they don’t give out the pens anymore, my supply is starting to run low.

Another factoid, since that one was related to Barbara’s original pen stuff. I like my bath towel rough, not soft. I think it’s feels like I’m getting a backrub when I dry off after a shower. No one else in my family agrees with me…

Last post: It’s Been An Awesome Ride, And Now Another Sunset Calls”.

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Hi Alex,

It sounds like your tattoo experience was a great family outing. Maybe you will share the piercing story on next months meme. Yeah?

Hi Ajith,

That’s a lot of sports to learn. Did you play professionally or just for fun?

Hi Natural,

Sign language has always intrigued me, but I never learned it. Is it hard to learn?

P.S. I hope you found your default avatar.

Hi Kelly,

Do I sense a competitive spirit? You story is so funny. I like how you told your Dad you were going to win a car. Sweet!

Hi Writer Dad,

I have to know, did you throw out the empty pens?

Hi Hyrcan,

It sounds like you were doing a very good thing in the National Civilian Corps. That had to be a fabulous experience. Kudos to you.

Hi Jodith,

It’s great to see you here again. A nun? I’m guessing you’re happy with your choice to marry instead.

Hi Sara with an “h”,

Seems I’ve heard there’s a lot of expectations put on a preacher’s wife. That could be a tough position to be in.

What’s this about thinking of writing your “last” blog post. You’re not thinking of quitting, are you?

Hi Jay,

Your meme isn’t lame at all. In fact, it’s commendable.

Re: The interval between posts? That’s something bloggers struggle with. I would say, set a posting schedule that works for you, be consistent, and that way your readers know what to expect. Myself, I went from six days a week down to five and that has worked well in my schedule.

Hi Annie,

I forgot about Parker pens being great pens, too. That’s so neat you still have the ones your Dad gave you. They hold a lot of memories, don’t they?

Hi John,

It sounds like your current work is a passion for you. Isn’t amazing how easily we can let other activities go when we find something that we truly love to do.

That’s a great question for Lorelle. Seems I remember reading the answer somewhere, but we’ll ask her again.

Hi Bamboo,

It sounds like your bedroom is very “zen”.

Hi Avani,

Thanks for sharing your posting schedule. How is 3x a week working?

Hi Vered,

Yes, a pen fetish, of all things.

P.S. I like your” last” blog title.

Hi Debbie,

Oh no, a good pen (even fine point) can write s-m-o-o-t-h. But you did bring up another thing. I’m a little picky about the paper I write on, too. It has to be smooth for me to enjoy writing.

I like your actress meme.

Hi Stacey,

Welcome to the BWAB community!

Funny you should say that. A lot of bloggers are also introverts and get involved with social media in order to get “found”. Maybe blogging gets us out of our “shells”.

I’ll be by later to check out your blog.

Hi Tom,

Yeah! Us writers love our paper, don’t we?

Your garden hoe sounds like a landscaping weapon.

Re: blogging purpose? Do you mean why we blog about what we blog about, or finding your niche? Or am I misunderstanding your question?

Hi Urbane Lion,

Haha! Will they let you bring the vodka in the room with you?

Hi Marelisa,

Sudoku? They do look fascinating, but I’ve yet to get the hang of them. Sounds like they may be somewhat addicting.

Hi Urbane Panther,

I can understand how changing your belling ring would freak out the Lion. If hes’ around, just give him the vodka.

Hi SpaceAgeSage,

Mmmmmm sushi. Yum! Wasabi is a great addition to sushi, is’t it?

GREAT question for Lorelle.

Hi Linda Abbit,

Ice cubes and a needle? Yes, I’ve heard of many young girls doing that. I would have been too freaked out.

Re: opening links in a new window. I used to always do that, but now only do sometimes. It’s been a question that’s been debated for a long time. Is there a right answer? Hard telling, but I see Robin has also added more on that subject.

Hi Ann,

Pumping gas phobia? I wonder where that comes from?

Re: keywords. Gosh, volumes have been written about them. Using them can change our writing style, but without them, search engines may never find us. I have a few articles in my “keywords” category you might want to check out.

Hi Robin,

Thanks for answering the links in a new window issue. I read that post on Problogger too, but am still torn on the subject.

Hi Lance,

Don’t you hate that when you get free pens, love how they write, and can’t find them? That’s when you have to resort to visiting the office supply store and trying dozens of them.

So, how do you resolve the bath towel issue if everyone in the house wants theirs soft?

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Barbara- I too have a pen fetish. It must be fine and I have found the cheaper the better. Bic rules!

Davina- I have a tattoo as well. I walked into the place and asked the tattoo artist if it would hurt. “Nah!!!”He said and then he looked at me, squinted and asked, “Where do you want it?” I replied “On my foot in the fleshy instep.” He paused and sucked wind through his teeth and finally said, “That’s gonna hurt.” And it did.

Natural- ASL was my major in college before I changed to premed! I love it!

Scott- I would write about Never Never Shaking a Baby. Still happens all the time and I cringe.

Hmmm one little factoid?? I pierced my nose. Just impulsively came home one day. Iced it up. Put a hole in it and then an earring. Took it out 3 days later. Why? Cause I couldn’t yawn. Every time I started the pain would stifle the yawn. It was killing me. I HAD to yawn. I started holding my nose to yawn and when I got tired of that I just yanked it out muttering to myself- What was I thinking!

The scar still stands.

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Hey, this looks like fun! I wanna join in too…

@Barbara: A piece of trivia about me is that I’m a fan of samurai movies. Seen many of the Kurosawa flicks, own the Lone Wolf & Cub series, and watched many other classics. If there was one samurai movie to watch, I’d recommend “Twilight Samurai.”

@Lorelle: No question from me, but thanks for sharing so much of your knowledge and looking forward to your return!

@Scott: Great question. My last blog title would be, “Don’t Get Too Busy Making a Living That You Forget to Make a Life.”

Al at 7P’s last blog post..The Hero with a Thousand Jobs

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Barbara - I use an old towel, and we never dry it after it is washed. I have one favorite, that has that crusty feel. That’s mine! No one seems to care (I guess they just don’t want it). Their loss, my gain!

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Hi Dr. Cason,

Ouch! It sounds like piercing your nose would have hurt. I’ve only had my ears pierced, but don’t wear earrings very often.

Hi Shilpan,

I bet you have a great collection of pens from other hotels. Do you showcase them in any way? That’s a great way of having souvenirs from your travels.

Hi Al,

Samurai movies? I guessing they’re quite good. I’ll have to look for “Twilight Samurai” the next time I’m in the video store, per your recommendation.

Hi T Edwards,

I’m guessing you’re not giving yourself enough credit. Success is measured in many ways.

I’m not fond of spiders either.

Hi Lance,

Rough towels are often the result of drying them on a clothes line outside, too.

Hi Rita,

**Shhhhh***, we don’t tell Urbane Lion.

I love your attitude…You don’t let it control you.

Another GREAT question for Lorelle. It will be interesting to find out what her answer is.

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@ Robin & @ Barbara — Sounds like you both think that links should be opened in the same window (most times), so I’ll learn from your example. Maybe we can ask Lorelle that too, just out of curiosity? Thanks!

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late to the party so Im reading the comments and learning BUT wanted to say how amazing you are at getting the conversation FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWING.

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@ Annie - remember though, a lot, if not most, people on the Web don’t know how to do stuff like that. They barely even know what a tab is. So be careful in assuming. I’d say it’s better to design based on how you want your user to interact with your website.

@ Linda - it depends on which web browser you are using, but normally there’s a Tools –> Options area in your upper left Web browser menu where you can choose which Web browser you want as your default. It should be there too that you can find how to set new windows to open.

John Hoff - eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Is A Google XML Sitemap Necessary?

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I love to stretch every hour. I get up from my desk. Reach into the air and move side to side. I’ll also stretch my hips or calves. Whatever I feel in that moment. I try to do this every hour so my muscles stay loose. It’s the best way for me to keep enjoying my desk job.

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Hi Karl,

That’s a great idea. I think too often we plop down at our desk and stay there way too long. Do you also find by getting up and stretching, you’re also awakening your creativity?

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@ Barbara - Thanks for directing me to John’s help & advice.

@ John — Found the default setting and changed it. And I *know* I forget how inexperienced most people are with computers. While I think of myself as a tech-newbie, I’m way advanced compared to most friends I speak with! I must remember that as well, when I’m nervous about making changes on my blog.
Linda Abbit’s last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It Is Better to Laugh than to Cry!

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