random stuff and thoughts

Me, after being Photoshopped to death

I'm feeling really restless, lately. I think it's a result of Carnival. You know how after all the festivities around Christmastime and related holiday-times leave you feeling at the start of a new year like it's time to do a bit of housecleaning? It's time for a fresh new start? I feel like that. I think it's a good thing. Usually, this feeling precedes a spurt of productivity. Let's hope that's where I'm going.

So, anyway, in the spirit of Spring cleaning, some stuff, interspersed with disjointed thoughts, presented in a really annoying stream-of-consciousness-type way:

1. First things first: I hope you like the new design. The previous design was just a bit of an experiment, but this one? This one feels right.

For now.

2. I have discovered, without even the courtesy of a heads-up, that I am now firmly in the camp of People Who Get Headaches From Red Wine. Last night, Marcus and I opened up a saucy little number, and by the time I got through half a glass, I had a pounding headache. It occurred to me, through the blinding pain, that I'd experienced something similar the last time I had a glass of red wine. I find this highly distressing, since drinking-red-wine-with-really-stinky-cheese is one of my favourite pasttimes. And now, I can't.

*sigh*

Oh well. More rum for me.

3. For some reason, I'm feeling like my writing career is stagnating -- even though last month I became one of the lead writers for Blogging Baby, along with Melissa (Did I forget to mention that? Yes? Well, forgive me. All the feathers and spangles made me forget, I think). I mean, I'm pleased with what I'm doing and all, but I feel the need to find more. I need to focus, man. I must focus. Focus.

Make sure I stay focused, wouldja?

4. Speaking of writing, don't forget that another deadline for Indigo Leaf Magazine approaches, on March 15th, actually. The theme of the upcoming issue is "Breathe." And here's a hint: if you have something stellar for "arts & entertainment" and "books and music," I'D LOVE TO READ IT. I'm just sayin'.

5. Speaking also of writing, I'm thinking of starting a group blog written by women who (a) either live in the Caribbean or (b) are from the Caribbean but live elsewhere. It's not really completely thought out yet, but the theory would be that the blog would show the richness of the Caribbean from a personal perspective -- art, food, culture -- and would eventually become the first place people (especially women) would turn to when thinking about travelling to the Caribbean for business or pleasure, or considering a permanent move here.

Like I said, I'm still working on the concept -- but if you fit either (a) or (b) above, and are interested, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail. Also, even if you don't fit into (a) or (b), but have an opinion on what you'd like to see in such a blog, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail, as well.

6. I really need to get back into the gym.

7. Speaking of speaking, I think I've also failed to mention that I'll be speaking on a panel at the upcoming BlogHer Conference in San Jose, California this summer (again, apologies -- feathers and spangles, don't you know). I'll be speaking on Day 2 of the conference, on "Identity...and obligations." I'm thrilled to speak, even if also highly disappointed that speaking in that timeslot means I'll miss my buddy Mir speaking. Someone, please take notes for me.

The topic they've given our panel, in any event, should prove to be quite lively -- and, in fact, I'll probably blog about it here soon, to get your opinions (read: conduct a bit of some research prior to the event).

Anyway, obviously, I'm no longer "thinking about going" to BlogHer, and am instead "actually going." Hope to see you there.

I think that's everything, for now. I now return you to your regularly scheduled weekend.

Comments

[Marilyn]

1. Love the new look. 2. Gave up drinking years ago, but red wine used to turn me into a she-devil. 3. Must start reading Blogging Baby, if only because my beloved Irene writes there, too, I think. And YOU...to read YOU, of course! :) 4. Beautiful job on the mag. 5. OOOOH, if only that had existed when I lived there...maybe I wouldn't have felt so excruciatingly isolated during those 5 years. I blogged SECRETLY for the last 1-1/2 years and would have LOVED to have found a community of Caribbean bloggers...in those days, my Google searches didn't turn up much women-wise. 6. Please don't remind me that biking isn't going to firm my old abs. 7. Look forward to seeing/hearing you there!

[Dianne]

I've been tossing around the idea of coming to the BlogHer conference. It's good to know you'll be on a panel if I decide to attend. :)

You have so many fantastic ideas! You make my head hurt! LOL ;o)

[arubagirl]

I'd be interested, let me know if you'd need me.

[dave / higher powered]

Hey Karen.
Please check my post for today. You may recognize a bit of it.

[Jenny]

I believe that red wine causes headaches because of the tannins -- so, it might be that if you find a red wine with fewer tannins in it, you won't get headaches. (Tannins are what dry out your tongue really fast when you drink some wines.) I could be wrong, but if the pasttime is that beloved, it's worth experimenting. :) Ask your local wineseller for a recommendation.

[Lu]

K:
I like the new banner. And, I have been rather busy lately, but wanting to contribute some writing. If I miss this deadline, I will shoot for the next time. Love what I am seeing so far!!

[Natalie]

My God, Woman, did God give you more hours in the day than the rest of us? How can you possibly feel restless and therefore start another project. How can that BE?

[dayslikethese]

i love the new look.

[Christine]

I love the new banner as well! I understand about feeling restless...that's how I'm feeilng right now, but unmotivated to actually do anything about it. :)

I like the idea of a group blog by women who live or are from the Carribean. I think it's a great idea! Maybe I should look into a group blog about non-Japanese women who are married to Japanese men (my little niche)... :)

[Francine]

I love the new look! :) I'd be interested in the Caribbean women's blog if you'll have me :)
And that stinks about the red wine!. I guess I'll have to bring white instead when I come there? lol