After that epic post I wrote for Blog Action Day ’08 + the rough week I had, I feel a blogging block coming on. Times like these, I really do find my personal blog to be the most difficult to write.
But, instead of stewing and fretting over my blogging block, I decided to combat it by just blogging anyway. And, one way for me to unblock with just about any activity that I do is to create a list.
So, here I am, with some random stuff that are occupying my everyday life at the moment. If you follow me on Twitter and/or Plurk, you would’ve already known some of these things. But, here goes my list anyway…
1) My week has been a mix of news and things. Parts of it were really rough. But, there were some shining, happy moments too. That’s why even though some of the things that have happened are close to devastating, I’m trying to keep things in perspective. Yes, it’s not all bad.
2) One devastating thing that happened last week: My beloved Macbook broke, due to a morning tea accident. Although I normally keep food and drinks away from my computer, this freak incident still happened. Unfortunately, Apple Care and my home insurance didn’t cover the accident. So, even the news of new Macs‘ release a few days ago didn’t really cheer me up. I dearly loved my Mackie – and wasn’t really looking at replacing my 1.5-year-old Macbook black.
But, I’m trying to get over the loss, swallow the unexpected cost, and move on. Not sure yet when I’ll get my new machine, but I did give the new Macs a spin last Friday night in a local Apple store. Sure, they’re nice and sleek. But, nothing too earth shattering. Having said that, I’m sure I’ll get more excited when I get my second Mac. Especially since I’d finally get to try Leopard as an OS.
3) This week, news about recession and economic crisis have really taken over the media. It’s scary and depressing. And I know a lot of people are really feeling the stress. Having a family with 2 young kids and a mortgage to pay off, thoughts of these things can be overwhelming. I try not to fret too much. But, I’m also aware that burying one’s head in the ground isn’t also the best way to deal with it. Now, how do we figure out a way between staying sane and being prepared? Well, we’ll see… I know I’m having to make some tough choices in certain situations.
4) Other than money and material matters, one piece of news that really struck me recently is hearing about the death of a family friend. A man I consider close enough to call ‘uncle’. Our family was really close to their family. I’ve pretty much known him, his wife, and their kids all my life. And yeah, he was one of my late dad’s best friends. In fact, the last time I saw him was during my dad’s wake. He was really sad to say goodbye to my dad. And, to find out that he passed away in a similar way to my dad was very heart wrenching. It also brought back some painful memories. I do wish their family comfort and hope.
5) Other thoughts this week include: stuff about cars, psychology, b5media matters, home, the coming holidays, netball, fitness, Breast Cancer Awareness, missing creative work, friendship, networking… Plus a mish-mash of other things. Some of them appearing in a good way. Some of them rough.
Ah. Just recalling all of these things are proving to be a bit more draining than I expected. I think I better sign off for now.
All I really wanted was to blog something after B.A.D’08 – and to avoid that feeling of being blocked. And, to be able to record bits of my personal history this week.
What about you? How was your week?
And, do you ever feel blogging blocks? How do you combat such blocks?
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P.S. 1 – I just want to thank Karen of Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum for giving me the Brillante Weblog Award. What a sweetie! Thanks so much! And, congrats again on the newly published and launched book. So exciting!
As a way to pass this award on, let me just give this to: Blue Rose (for being a great new online friend), Kari (for being a gorgeous long time online buddy), Melissa W (because she’s the kind of person I wish to be better friends with), Toni (for being a fab online friend & a talented blogger), Jade (also a great Twitter/blog buddy), Charlie (because she’s oh-so-interesting), and Kay/Murfomurf/Grumba (for being there and being someone I enjoy having as a buddy). Ooohhh… wish I can award more people! Oh yeah, apparently, everyone gets to pass this award on to 7 other folks. 
P.S. 2 – I was recently invited by Jasmin (aka Wonderwebby) to participate in her amazing project called “A Woman’s Investment”. It’s to raise money for some women from the Philippines. If you want to participate too, you’re more than welcome to do so. You can take part by: a) Sending in an original quote in relation to the theme of “a woman’s investment”, b) Spreading the word about it, and/or c) Donating some cash to the cause.
OK. This is it. Really.
I hope you’re all having a good weekend.
Kari (8)
Mitch Mitchell (4)
Connie (3)
eds (2)
Jazzille (2)
Rachel Cotterill (2)
Andreeea (1)
Anne (1)
bcylady (1)
Dave (1)
Oh wow – thank you so much Shai! What a wonderful compliment to receive.
I like the new look here! It’s very calming and serene. You’ve got me curious about the “missing creative work”. That doesn’t sound good!
Once again I’m very sorry to hear about your family friend. I hope you are able to find comfort among family and friends. Here’s a (((HUG))) and wishes that things improve for you very soon!
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Shai Coggins reply on October 22nd, 2008:
Thanks, Kari. And you definitely deserve the award.
Nothing drastic with ‘missing creative work’. Just that thought I’ve been thinking about missing doing any painting, craft, collage, etc. And thanks again for the well wishes.
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Sorry you had such a bad week! Mine wasn’t much better I’m afraid, I’m house hunting because my current lease is up, and not only are the properties within my budget mostly awful, property managers are standing me up for appointments to view, and my current property manager is being a total cow! I’d love to use much stronger words about her actually, but I’ll keep it clean on your blog
The latest issue is that they want to do a ‘regular property inspection’ on our property tomorrow. Even though we are moving in TWO weeks and they will have to come again and inspect it after we move out. On top of the house situation I’m also starting to get very angry with my employer over a pay issue, and I really don’t have time for any of the above because I have 5000 words due on the 31st October! Total stress out, and now I’m turning into a very angry person (more so than usual anyway!) over some of the issues. Anyway, here’s hoping we both have a much better week this week! I would looooove a Macbook, but I’ve promised myself I can have one when I have the cold hard cash to pay for it, the cost is too much to take on as a debt. The one thing I noted about the new ones is the mouse pad is the button as well, which is what I’m used to on my laptop and always find problematic when trying Macbok’s, so I’m pleased to read about that update, but other than that…. nothing that new and exciting really.
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Shai Coggins reply on October 22nd, 2008:
Sorry to hear that things have been rough on your side too, Nicola. Hope things start looking up! Thanks for sharing all about it. And, I do wish you well in your search for a new place AND a Macbook.
Take care!
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Hi Shai. Yes I do get blogger’s block sometimes. I might be able to get started on a post. But then I can’t find the words. Or I just think it sounds plain silly so I stop. At those times I even find it difficult to comment on other posts. Yesterday I couldn’t get into it so ended up taking some photos in the garden and uploaded them to Flickr instead for some creative therapy
By the way, thanks sooo much for letting people know about the Women’s Investment project. There are some really inspiring and moving quotes so far and I can’t wait to read yours!
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Shai Coggins reply on October 22nd, 2008:
Hi, Jasmin. Ah, yes, I recognise that.
And you’re very welcome. Now, to stop over-analysing my quotes so I can get one to you asap… I really do wish your project well!
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awww! I’m very sorry to hear about the death of your family friend. Sending you some hugs and kisses here.
and hey, a million thanks for passing to me an award shai. i am so happy to receive such thing from you.
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Shai Coggins reply on October 22nd, 2008:
Thanks for the virtual hugs, blue rose. I appreciate it.
And, I’m definitely happy to give you such an award. I really am enjoying getting to know you better!
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Hello Shai! Luv the new look here, very neat
Sorry you had a bad week . Hope things get better soon 
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Shai Coggins reply on October 22nd, 2008:
Thanks, hermai. I’m glad you like it. Still sorting out the kinks and figuring out if this is really what I want.. But so far, so good. And yes – I wish you all the best too!
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