Bring IT! Can You “Free Associate” and Say Something About Nothing?

I have nothing to say Bring IT! Can You Free Associate and Say Something About Nothing?Ever have one of those days where you know you WANT to write something good and your readers expect you to because it’s one of the days you generally publish – but as hard as you try – you got nothin’!

I was probably suppose to end that with a question mark but it’s pretty much rhetorical, since I’d be willing to bet that most of you have experienced a day like that.

You sit and try to focus – and you look at the clock and maybe panic a bit. But then you come to your senses and realize that it’s not the end of the world if you miss your usually scheduled Bring IT! post or if it’s not in tune with the one’s you usually write ;).

No one will hate you or forget you if you occasionally get side-tracked. Just know your limits and don’t exaggerate.

Try your best to remain as consistent and frequent as possible and your readers will still be here. Oh, and you might want to click on that link as I think you’ll enjoy the article that comes with it. I’m not making any promises but I’m somewhat confident.

So here I am writing about nothing but somehow it’s something nonetheless. Call it “free association” if you will – where your mind – uncensored – leads the way, and your fingers glued to the keyboard, play along.

Have you ever tried that – where you just start typing and see whatever comes out?

How am I doing so far?

Are you still here?

Or are you ready to leave, thinking “what the hell is Griddy on today lol?”

Free association is this little exercise we use to do back in college. If you were a Psychology major like me, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you weren’t, then this blog post is pretty much what it is – a little bit about nothing and something – much like the highly acclaimed show, “Seinfeld”.

And NO – I didn’t just compare myself to Jerry or Kramer or any of those guys but if you think about it – they did pretty much talk about nothing; or nothing in particular, that is. There was never a theme, or a set topic for each episode. It just felt like they opened their mouths and whatever came out…came out!

So this is me, just typing and hoping to God I’ll have enough ‘cojones’ to press the “publish” button once I’m done. Because let’s face it – I’ve pretty much opened myself to get bashed here and that’s fine. I can take it!

But the question is – can you?

So this is what I’d love for you to do today over in “Central Perk” – otherwise known as my comments section.

I want you to NOT THINK! I want you to just start typing and see what comes out. But you have to promise to click submit once you’re done. No one will judge you – not here anyways.

You can tell me if you’ve ever tried this before or you can respond to this post or you can talk about underwater basket weaving for all I care. Just start typing and see what comes out.

But remember – don’t think, don’t analyze! Just let yourself be free and say what you feel and what comes to mind.

If you’re thinking “shit” then say “shit”!

If you’re thinking of the chores you have to do later, then tell us about them.

If your thoughts are all over the place, then hey…show us where they’re leading you.

What do you know?! Out of nothing, I created a little something ;).

So what the hell!

Show me some “free association” and Bring IT!

PS – you can totally applaud me on managing to write a blog post well under a thousand words. I don’t mind lol ;). And Yes Gini – go ahead and poke fun of me as I know Mufasa will be right there with ya and Davina might even have an acronym for this miracle.

And another PS – if you’re more in the mood for a kick-ass case study on how British Airways is using Social Media, then definitely head over there and share your thoughts.

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About the Author

Ingrid Abboud aka 'Griddy' is a whole lot of things with a ridiculous amount of interests. For one, I'm a Social Media enthusiast with a tremendous passion for writing and blogging. I'm also a pretty cool Copywriter but a more serious MarCom Consultant. But most of all, I'm the proud owner and driving force behind nittyGriddy.com - A Kinda Social Media Journal with Net News & more.

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  • http://www.logallot.com Sonia

    Great idea actually because I do have days when I am at my laptop and can’t think of anything to say. Then I have my boyfriend sitting next to me that waits until I am in “blogging mode” to tell me 15 paragraphs about a new fishing lure he saw on YouTube and I have to watch it. 

    I sit there imagining that I am Ray Charles moving my head from side to side saying shoot me already. I thought women talk that much, but now I am beginning to wonder!  I find now that putting it down on paper helps me more to just write freely and not care about typos or misspelling. I just write and then transfer it over to my blog. 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      I am LMAO at this Sonia :-)!

      Who said men don’t talk as much as us ladies eh? haha
      I’ve had quite a few of those days where I don’t know what to say – or actually I do but it might not necessarily pertain to Social Media in any way – but the good thing is that I’m pretty much the boss of this blog and I don’t think I’ll deduct any points from myself for going off topic once in a while lol. Plus – you guys seem to like it and I can’t be any happier about that.

      So how are those new fishing lures? Anything exciting? 😉
      Funnily enough I still write on paper just as often as I write on a computer. I still like to see my own handwriting and I love flipping through the pages of a full notebook where I’ve jotted down notes and even full posts. Makes you feel like you accomplished something.

      Anyways – thanks so much for playing along here. You had me laughing pretty hard my dear :-)!

      Hope you’re having a great weekend.

      Cheers

      • http://www.logallot.com Sonia

        The lures are fine and expensive and there are more stories to come. Girl it’s a nightly thing, but I love him and fishing so it’s just a given. I knew you would get a kick out of that!

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Ahhh the things we do for love hehe ;).
          It’s great that you guys share that in common!

          And yes – I did get a huge kick out of that – thanks again for sharing it. Awesome!

  • http://vizsource.info/ Kim Davies

    Hi, Ingrid. 

    I got to this sooo late that I had to wade through all the funny stuff Bill, Marcus, Stu and everyone else dished out. Not to mention, your witty and equally humorous comebacks. :) I have to make a mental note to read your stuff on Mondays, not during the middle of the week, that way I get to be in the action early on. 

    If I could just rearrange my Google Reader, so it’s not alphabetical, then I would be the happiest person alive or can I? Since I added a great number of blogs to my Google Reader, I have been flooded with stuff to go through and not enough time in the day to get to all of them. Happily, since I have arrived at your site, I am already nearing the end of my list. So, hopefully by next week I will be able to go through all the new posts as they come along, not as they come flooding in. 

    But, even if I got here late, I am still glad that I got here just in time to read your post, Ingrid and all the 170plus comments that came with it. Made my visit here more than worthwhile. So, maybe, coming in late is not so bad after all. :)

    Cheers to you, lovely lady! :)

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Kim,

      You’re never late to the party here my dear. The chat room is always open hehe.

      I gotta’ tell you – I’m pretty lucky to have such an amazing group of folks and community here who truly make this blog what it is. And yes…I’d like to think that we’re all pretty witty lol.

      Ahhhh don’t get me started on Google Reader. Ever since I started using it – I’ve been so behind in reading. The more blogs I subscribe to – the more it fills up and I’m at 422 unread posts right now and going crazy haha. Funny thing is – I try to subscribe to new blogs that I discover and like so that I don’t forget to read them – cause the one’s you visit everyday – you’re gonna’ do so anyways right? 

      As for organizing it – not that I have yet – but Kristin Hines over at kikolani.com had a pretty good tutorial on how she organizes hers. You might want to check it out cause it could come in handy.

      You see – there’s always a bright side to arriving fashionably late to the party ;). You get to see what all the other awesomely cool crazies have said hehe.

      Hope your week is treating you well so far.
      Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on this one. Always appreciated and always a pleasure to have you here – anytime, any day!

      Cheers

  • http://vizsource.info/ Kim Davies

    Hi, Ingrid. 

    I got to this sooo late that I had to wade through all the funny stuff Bill, Marcus, Stu and everyone else dished out. Not to mention, your witty and equally humorous comebacks. :) I have to make a mental note to read your stuff on Mondays, not during the middle of the week, that way I get to be in the action early on. 

    If I could just rearrange my Google Reader, so it’s not alphabetical, then I would be the happiest person alive or can I? Since I added a great number of blogs to my Google Reader, I have been flooded with stuff to go through and not enough time in the day to get to all of them. Happily, since I have arrived at your site, I am already nearing the end of my list. So, hopefully by next week I will be able to go through all the new posts as they come along, not as they come flooding in. 

    But, even if I got here late, I am still glad that I got here just in time to read your post, Ingrid and all the 170plus comments that came with it. Made my visit here more than worthwhile. So, maybe, coming in late is not so bad after all. :)

    Cheers to you, lovely lady! :)

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hey Ingrid, you should just start some kind of daytime series… have you read the incredible comments in here… Oh yes, you have — LMAO, shedding tears, getting all jacked up – jeez, the best of Hollywood writers could not come up with stuff. 

    What a great community of characters here – quite simply the best online. Much love in here Ms. Griddy!

    Oh, I forgot what the post was about – LOL!

    Cheers to everyone here!

    • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

      @markharai:disqus that “I forgot what the post was about” cracked me up!  Cheers back at’cha, and to all of Ingrid’s community:)

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        I’m thinking that a few folks must have forgotten what the post is about hehe.
        And hear, hear to that cheers :-)! It’s one hell of a community and I LOVE IT!

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Mark,

      What a great idea that would be haha! And yes, I’ve read all the coherent AND delirious comments here and it’s absolutely awesome! I love that people let go and played along but what I love even more is that they feel comfortable enough (at home) here that they went ahead and did that :)!

      It would make for a hell of tv series eh? 😉 lol

      Thanks so much Mark. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend my friend.

      How is the weather in Costa Rica treating you? As sunny as it is here I hope!

      Cheers

      • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

        Hi Ingrid, sorry for the late responses, I’ve been traveling the last week and I’m a bit behind on everything. 

        We are heading into rainy season here, so we’ve had rain showers pretty consistently over the last few weeks and it has cooled down a bit. I love the rainy season, as it does cool down and it greens up considerably. It’s beautiful!

        See you soon miss Griddy, it’s always a treat to chat with you : )

        I’ll be keeping a look out for the new series 😛

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Hey Mark,
          I hope you had a good trip :).

          Glad to hear you’re happy about the rainy season – it’s not often you see someone smile about it – but I totally get what you mean.

          I’m gonna’ need all you guy’s help if we ever do that series haha. We’d make for great actors don’t you think? hehe 😉

          • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

            That’s the thing Ingrid, nobody would have to act… just be themselves! Lot’s of entertainment value as is – haha!

            @kaarinadillabough:disqus yep, got lost in all the comments 😛

  • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

    Ok, I am so late and no way I can free associate this train of wordsmith crazy.

    Ya’ll have gone from balls and cajones to Whiskey and Whitesnake, to blogging and posting, to Seinfeld and Friends (two shows I did’t get into), to Hawaii and my dire wont of a vacation like right the hell NOW, to Bill and Marcus being cheating cheaters who cheat in commenting, to food b/c you know Gini will talk about food, to more folks wanting to know the name of your crack dealer (they think they’re subtle but really, they’re wanting you to share the good stuff. I mean you used the word ‘Abacus’ like WTH do I do with that? 

    I’m just gonna go finish my laundry, laugh as it does not all make it back where it goes but stays in its piles, think about which ‘gotta get updated already!’ draft to either trash or just publish then decide na, that’s too much like work and I ain’t feeling it today, venture into the kitchen for some caloric and caffeinated goodness and maybe find a way to get something accomplished today. Well my bed is made, so there. FWIW.

    • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

      WOW!  This made my head spin with laughter Davina.

      I love the “laundry that stays in piles” comment.  There’s an old Cathy cartoon that goes; “Piles never disappear in my house.  They just get moved from place to place.”  I relate.

      My bed’s made too.  Cheers!  Kaarina

      • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

        Made my bed again today but I must confess, it’s prevention against the all-too-tempting afternoon nap. Laundry breeds piles, no way around it. Thanks. 😉

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Hahah!

          • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

            Just to give you a LOL moment Griddy…when I look at the tab at the top, coming to your site, it says for this post: “Bring IT! Can You “Free Ass…”  Just makes me LOL.  Cheers!  Kaarina

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        I hear ya on that one Kaarina – I read Davina’s comment a few times and I’m still laughing. 
        Hey – my bed’s made too! But I’m just about to unmake it to get inside it and fall asleep ;).

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Oh crap Davina – I’m so sorry for being so late to reply here. I took a few days off last week and now I’ve kept my friends waiting – my bad :(. I do appreciate your patience though – so thank YOU!

      I think I read your comment 3 times and was LOLing my tooshie off every time :-)!

      Seriously – now you really made it sound like we’re all on crack hahaha. And yes…I did use Abacus – but Gini is pretty much that when she starts counting my words and stuff hahaha. But I love her for it!

      Laundry is always a fun thing to do – ahhhh the good old days of mixing white’s and colors and ending up with tie die looking clothes lol.

      I honestly loved your kick-ass train of thought here Davina! Seriously, I wasn’t kidding when I said I read it a few times and I’m actually still smiling from all the craziness that you and others shared. Love IT!!!

      So did you get anything accomplished finally? How’s the caffeine? Oddly enough I never liked coffee – which is really strange seeing that I’m from the Middle East and it’s pretty much our claim to fame and I’m a smoker – not so much a claim to fame but they usually come hand in hand – but can’t stand the caffeine for some reason. It still boggles my mind how I wake up in the morning. Oh…that’s right…I’m usually late lol.

      Hope your week is treating you well so far. Once again – my apologies for the very late reply.

      Wishing you all the best and more my dear.

      Talk soon
      Cheers

      • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

        Days OFF? When I am commenting? How dare you!!! Yes, I am totally kidding. 

        And we do sound like we’re on crack, we ARE on crack…. blogging, commenting, networking crack that is SOCIAL. Ain’t it a kick?! Glad I could make you laugh, I was really just reading all the other comments and LMAO. Nothing else to do but bask in the wacky. Let’s see… my bed is made today, took out the recycling, more laundry — just never stays clean, hmm, more reading and blogging and as always, caffeine. Coke is the beverage of choice, can’t do coffee in the 90-degree Hotlanta. 😉

  • http://beliefandaction.com/ Robert Pinto-Fernandes

    Griddy,

    This is the first post of yours I’ve ever seen – what an introduction to your blog! Just been laughing reading through these last few comments from Marcus and Stu! haha. Great post, glad you had the “cojones” to post it!

    I love the theme of the post though, all to often we put too much pressure on ourselves and take ourselves to seriously when sometimes we’ve just gotta go for it and say “what the heck, what’s the worst that can happen?”

    Great cojones! lol. Going to check out your British Airways post now and leave a more constructive comment! :p

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Robert,
      Great of you to drop by here and share your thoughts :). Welcome to the community!

      I’m hoping that you like what you see here lol. As for Marcus, Stu and even Bill – I’ve been laughing for a few days now because of the wise-cracking fella’s. But it’s people like them and others here who make this blog and it’s incredible community what it is. So I’m always grateful to them!

      And yes – it seems I did muster up the “cojones” to publish this piece and I’m glad I did! You can sorta see why I hope ;). 

      Like I said – it’s a bit different from my usual posts here but it was just as fun to write and hopefully entertaining to read as the rest. But then again – the real gold is in the comments and not the post itself – as I’m sure you might have noticed.

      Thanks again for joining the conversation and I’m off to see that constructive comment you left for me over at my BA case study :).

      Hope to see you around these parts more often.
      Have a good week.

      Cheers

      • http://beliefandaction.com/ Robert Pinto-Fernandes

        Yeah I think its nice to let off some steam every now and again, like Marcus does in his awesome “Rumblings from the Lion’s Den” posts. I was talking about this last week, if we are “living the dream” then we have to be enjoying ourselves in the process, or its more like a nightmare! This was a great introduction to your blog for me, and I see exactly why you decided to write this post. :) Your comments section is great!

        Just read through some of Bill’s comments. LOL!

        Yeah I will definitely be around this blog more often from now on, would love to get involved with the wonderful community you have built here! 

        Speak soon, have a great week also – just going to respond to your reply on the BA post 😉

        • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

          FYI – I AM living the dream; maybe it’s because I’m too simple to know any better, but it’s damn good to be me. I don’t say that in a bragging or boastful way but I am very happy with my lot in life. I love my community on and offline, I get a lot of energy from them………just sayin’……..

          • http://beliefandaction.com/ Robert Pinto-Fernandes

            Bill, I can see by your comments that you clearly love and enjoy what you do!

            I’m really happy for you man, always nice to see people that love what they do, I don’t come across too many of them unfortunately, but I seem to be finding a few in the blogosphere! They are usually easy to spot, because their enthusiasm, passion and love stands out in everything that they do, glad you are one of those people!

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Bill exudes passion in everything he writes and it’s always a pleasure to see him here or elsewhere :)! It’s something I’d like to think I do as well and is part of what attracts readers to blogs in general – seeing that the person cares enough and that they give you the time of day when you stop by.

              • http://vizsource.info/ Kim Davies

                You are right, Ingrid. Bill is definitely one of the best. :) 

              • http://vizsource.info/ Kim Davies

                You are right, Ingrid. Bill is definitely one of the best. :) 

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            Hear, hear Bill! Well-said my friend :-)!

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Hey Robert,
          I see you fit in here quite well and it seems you’re enjoying playing with all the other cool kids too hahaha. Great to have you on board!

          Marcus – who I’ve named Mufasa – is actually a very good friend and a perfect example to what you’re saying here!

          I would hope that we enjoy ourselves doing something we love (blogging) more often than not! In my case – I write in this blog because I LOVE to write – period! The topics I touch on are those that interest me and that I think will also interest my audience. Which brings me to the point of knowing your audience but writing for YOU first.

          This particular post was fun off-beat one – and though the theme here is Social Media Marketing and similar topics – I do try to keep it entertaining somehow – whenever appropriate – so people don’t feel like they’re reading a dissertation. But then again – i write the way I talk and I write the way I’d want to read something. So what you see, is what you get. Me and my personality!

          Hope you have a great week yourself.
          I’ll be looking forward to seeing you join conversations here and adding your valuable input. Thanks again.

          Cheers

          • http://beliefandaction.com/ Robert Pinto-Fernandes

            Lol thanks, great to be on board!

            Love Marcus’s nickname! lol. Yeah its clear he loves what he’s doing, apparently he’s increasingly compared to Gary Vee and its no wonder!

            Yeah you have a great style of writing, you keep your posts entertaining throughout. I don’t like judging things prematurely, but from the little I’ve seen so far I can see that you love what you’re doing.

            I’m all for that, what you see is what you get! I stick to that in my blogging as much as physically possible.

            Thanks Griddy, speak soon!

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Hey Robert,
              Please forgive my late reply. I took a couple days off but unfortunately kept a few of you guys waiting on this post because of it :(. My bad.

              Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m flattered that you like what you see here so far and it’s a pleasure to have you as a part of this fabulous community.

              And yes – I love what I’m doing here and I know Mufasa loves what he does just as much! He’s truly a great guy who’s loaded with passion and insight and it’s great to call him my good friend.

              Hope to see you again here soon Robert.

              Enjoy the weekend.
              Cheers

      • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

        and even? Did I step in something here; I cleaned my shoes before I came inside…………..

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Haha Bill!
          What I mean with the “EVEN” is that I wanted Robert to see your comments because they are hysterical in this post!

  • http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes Vernessa Taylor

    Hey @nittyGriddy:disqus 

    I hope you won’t be offended when I tell you I think you BROKE my inbox! Yeah, Gmail got confused and when the comments coming in from this post reach 100, it just gave up and started a whole new thread — without asking me!

    So, there’s something for you to ponder as you gaze out over the lovely, deep, yacht-filled … Mediterranean! :)

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Vernessa,

      I’m trying really hard to frown and not smile for breaking your inbox – but you can see why it poses a challenge for me right? lol ;). Oooops!

      Silly Gmail – doing something before asking you! I’m having a similar problem with my nittygriddy email – everything has been going to my junk folder for the last couple weeks and I can’t figure out why! It’s really annoying and I’ve tried pretty much everything I can think of to fix that. Grrr……

      And yes…the Mediterranean is all that and more :). I’ hoping to dip my feet in this week at some point :). After all, tanning season is finally here :)!

      Have a great week Vernessa.

      Cheers

  • http://twitter.com/NancyD68 Nancy Davis

    Now that I actually posted “Are YOU an Emotional Chicken?” I feel like – HOLY SHIT WHAT HAVE I DONE???????????????

    At least the world didn’t end. I wanna see how everything turns out. I also want to go shoe shopping with @ginidietrich:disqus

    My older brother never called to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day – I have just as much difficulty telling someone they hurt me as much as saying I love someone.

    I am a HUGE Beatles geek, and I love coffee. That is all.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hahaha!

      I will definitely head over to your blog soon to read that piece :). And kudos for having the cojones to publish it!

      Count me in for the shoe shopping escapade – but I must warn you – you will have to put a leash on me at some point and pull back! lol

      I’m sorry that your brother forgot to call to wish you a happy Mother’s day :(. I know how it feels when someone you love and care about forgets to think of you on a special day and you’re right – it can be hard to tell them how it made you feel – especially if they have the defensive character or will try to belittle the occasion with a “what’s the big deal anyways – it’s not like I wasn’t thinking of you”.  

      I don’t know if that’s the case or not – but I have heard that one before and all I could ever reply was “you know what, you’re right”. Not because they were – because I didn’t have the strength to bother and make more of it.

      Anyways – that’s me rambling lol.

      And btw – who isn’t a Beatles fan?

      Thanks for coming back and sharing Nancy. I appreciate your honesty in your train of thought.

      Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

      Cheers

    • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

      Also on my “to read list.”

  • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

    Snow is gone, rain is here. Got a random prank phone call at 2 a.m.  What the h*#@? Couldn’t get back to sleep. Need coffee.  That is all.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Funny – my friends tend to call at that time too haha ;). Sorry about the annoying prank phone call Kaarina. People still do those? It sucks to be woken up like that and not be able to fall asleep again :(.
       

      • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

         At least I got to stare at the stars from my sunroom…good does come out of bad:)

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Ahhhh, I guess there’s always a “bright” side ;). 

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  • Anonymous

    OMG, i couldn’t find the effing comment box.

    Hi!! DId someone say Seinfeld? Here i am !! so my free association is why I keep going back to my yoga and pilates instructor who makes me drop the F bomb without fail every freaking time. THen, I found out she teaches at a condo building I was looking at to live in. (yes, I just ended with a preposition, too bad) and then it reminded me that I really do want to find a different apartment. so i made an appointment and I’m looking at a new apartment this afternoon.

    all this to distract my brain because work is just not going the way it should. I could bang my head against the wall, or I could just keep plowing through. and I will. because Gini, those people have us by the gonads!! They suck and we will write lots of blog posts about working with a web dev team.

    which brings me to the my last and final free association thought – are there are any great web dev firms out there that want to guest blog for us?

    and please pass the pitcher of martinis.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      LOL!
      I’m taking that as a compliment Lisa ;).

      Funny thing is that when I was writing Seinfeld I thought of you right after cause it was you who first described one of my posts (Crap, I have nothing to post) as being something like that a while back.

      I knew there was a reason when I never took up Yoga or Pilates haha. I think I’d walk out more stressed than I came in as – at least the first few sessions until I actually learned to strike a pose ;).

      How did the apartment hunt go? Di you like it? Kinda reminds me of how much I miss moving and looking at apartments. I moved a few times when living in Boston and and although the whole thing was a hassle – I loved the change and the redecorating and all that.

      I’m so sorry that you guys are having so much trouble with the web dev company. As I told Gini down below – it really boggles my mind that in today’s day and age some people still remain so unprofessional and lack the communication skills they need to do a proper job. And most of all – do they not know about the power of blogging and a negative review?

      I will try to think of some folks we know in that industry who you could ask to GP for ya.

      I really wish you guys the best of luck with all that – but most of all – patience and solid nerves.

      Just told the flying waiter to bring you a pitcher of Martini’s, Sangria and Mojito’s. And once those are done, there’s a bottle of Bordeaux, St. Emilion waiting for ya.

      Hope you at least had a good weekend.
      Cheers Lisa

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  • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

    I wish I was on my laptop so I could copy and paste this into Word and see how many words you used to talk about nothing! I’m pretty sure my free association I’m feeling right now isn’t appropriate for any consumption. Our Spin Sucks Pro project manager was fired last night and they emailed (emailed – not called) to let me know. The kicker is I spent about four hours with him yesterday going through the punch list and now I have to repeat myself with a new team. Not a happy business owner. So there.

    • http://soulati.com/blog Soulati

       Because I’m trying to reply my own free association and having a hard time finding the comment box, I’m going to reply to you, Gin Blossom, and act like I’m concerned that Spin Sucks Pro is not perfect (well, I am concerned b/c I paid already and stuff), but what I really want to do is free associate about fatoush, falafel, hommous and baba ghanoush. That. Is. All.

      • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

        Four of my favorite foods!! I’m afraid it’s not going to be perfect for a couple more months (they’re using the term “stable”). But the good news is Lisa and I are releasing two new pieces of content each week that members will get for free while we live through this “unstable” period. So look for something on Tuesday!

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          I’m gonna’ make you the same promise I made Jayme up there regarding the cookbook thing. Plus – a couple of my friends are chef’s and wrote their own books so I’ll get you those as well :).

          That’s awfully good and generous of you to do that for your subscribers but then again – I would expect nothing less of you Gin :).

          Once again – sorry for the “unstable” BS thing! :( 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        Hola Jayme,

        How’s your weekend treating you so far?Why is everyone having trouble finding the comment box? Is it all the scrolling? haha Sorry, I meant Oooops lol 😉

        Why my dear Soulati you just mentioned some of my favs as well – and I’ll be honest in telling you that you haven’t tasted any of them yet until you’ve had them in the country that created them – home sweet home Lebanon :). Food always tastes different when you’re eating it in the country of origin I guess.

        Speaking of fatoush and hummus – I just had some last week while spending the day in Byblos (oldest port in the world) looking over the Mediterranean. What a sight – needless to say I had to wait an hour or so before getting up from my chair cause I ummmm….slightly ate too much hahaha.

        The day I know we’re gonna meet in person – I promise to bring you one of the authentic home-style cookbooks with all the yummy Lebanese dishes – you can hold me to that promise! :)

        Enjoy your weekend my dear.

        Cheers

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Alright Mrs. Modern Day Blogging Abacus,

      According to my WP which is currently housed in Beirut, Lebanon – the TOTAL word count on this post including the 2 PS’s and all – is 694 words! Ha! Well below a thousand and had I not included my 2 PS’s it would be even less lol :).

      That’s how much or how little I can talk about nothing but actually have it amount to something without even realizing that it did 😉 haha.

      I don’t even know what to say about all your troubles with your web dev company :(! And I’m very surprised by their lack of professionalism and even more so by their lack of communication with clients! Do they not know that you could pretty much crucify them by writing one measly post about your negative experience with them so far?

      You must be livid as is Lisa and your entire team and I’m so sorry that all your endless hours of hard work and dedication are being held back by something that you have no control over. I can only imagine your frustration and I do sincerely empathize with you. But know that your friends, followers and subscribers are still there and they know that the delay is NOT from YOUR end and that the information is still well worth waiting for!

      I know there’s not much I can say or do to make you feel better so I’m hoping the weekend wine might have helped you forget for just a little while – or even an hour!

      Let me know what happens next and good luck Gin. 

      Flying hugs and kisses from Beirut

      • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

         I’m with @Griddy:disqus on the flying hugs and kisses (from Canada).  And do keep us posted: we’re on your team:)

    • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

       @ginidietrich:disqus my heart bleeds for you girl!  How does s*#@ like this happen?!!!  I can give you the “that which does not defeat us makes us stronger” line (yeah, like that makes you feel better, right?) or the darkest hour is before dawn, or any number of other quotes, but I’ll just say: that SUCKS. Drink wine. Have fun at Blogworld. Know we’re here for you.  Sending you a cyber hug, Kaarina

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        I know what you mean by those Kaarina. Sometimes things tend to go in one ear and out the other – not because we don’t care but because there’s no excuse for it to happen in the first place!

        I’m hoping she took our advice and drank a little wine :). 

        • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

          @Griddy:disqus maybe we should run over to @ginidietrich:disqus ‘s with a case and help her drink it…you know…just being good friends:) 

  • http://twitter.com/TishaBerg Tisha Berg

    ahhh, having me free associate can be a very dangerous thing. not in terms of saying anything vulgar (and it kinda looks like that’s pretty well covered already here- just scrolling quickly through the comments on my way down to leave mine I saw fuck, testicles and damn! I can only imagine what I’ll see if if I examine further! LOL). Who knew I was such a prude?! Haha!

    Where was I? oh, yeah…dangerous because when I don’t have a subject in mind, I tend to write like I talk, sort of all over the place. Some people tell me they think it’s endearing, but I swear I think I was much more focused B.C. (before children) and yes, I use that phrase quite frequently. That and having “mommy brain”.
    Ain’t it a shame the stuff I use my kids as an excuse for? 
    Anyway…I’ll leave you with one last thought: crack is whack young lady – get off the pipe! LOL!

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hola Tisha,

      It seems free associating can turn out to be a dangerous yet delicious thing for many lol. And yes, there have been a few “baddish” words in the comments but I’m not one to edit. As long as they’re not targeted at anyone in particular and are not offensive to them in any way – then they’re good to stay!

      Heck, I used damn myself – but that one doesn’t really count haha.

      My dear Tisha – every single one of my blog posts here and elsewhere are written the way I talk in real life. Granted – some are more coherent than others lol but I’m hoping that they make sense nonetheless.

      I don’t have kids yet – but trust me – I’ve heard a ton of “kid” excuses and hey – you can never argue with them. They’re always valid hehe.

      I’m off the pipe but it seems the pipe has been passed on to most everyone here hehehe.

      Awesome of you to play along Tisha :). Thank you!

      Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
      Cheers

  • http://www.lifeasanexperiment.com James D. Burrell II

     Well, I’m 2 days removed from the celebration of my 26th birthday and I have learned a few very valuable lessons. First, iPhone cases are about as effective as wrapping your phone in cellophane — unless you purchase the incredibly burdensome, bulky ones. My phone fell from about 3 feet onto hardwood, shrouded in a case, and it still managed to break. Birthday disaster number 1. Secondly, it is far more painful to miss a tiny spot when applying sunscreen than to get burned all over. I small sliver of torched skin is concentrated pain, and I honestly regret applying my sunscreen instead of swallowing my manly pride and requesting a friend’s help. 

    Even with those two regrettable experiences, I’m thrilled to have such wonderful friends and family that despite my distance from them, still managed to make my birthday absolutely exceptional. 

    As I write this, I’ve finally mustered the courage to leave my bedroom after 36 hours’ recovery (too many adult diet cokes). I must dress to head to work, thus I have to wrap up this insignificant and wholly irrelevant free write, but a free write it was. Griddy, I hope you have a fabulous weekend, and I look forward to chatting with you soon. 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Jimbo,

      My apologies for the late reply – but I didn’t get a chance to do as much as I liked in regards to blogging this weekend :(. Ah, such is life!

      I can’t believe I missed your birthday!!!!!!! Grrrr……
      Happy Happy bday to ya Jamie. I hope you this year brings you tons of good things especially health, love, happiness and a boat load of success seeing all the hard work you continuously do!

      Sorry about your phone :( – Is it still working or no? Those cases are much more decorative than they are anything else. Mine case usually flies off when I drop my phone – so it’s only purpose is when I set my phone down – the back doesn’t get scratched, wet or whatever – and even then…

      Yikes for the lack of all round SPF and ouch! I know the feeling of being scorched and it’s not pleasant. A fried is always useful for those touch spots you can’t reach – no matter what sex you are haha.

      Happy to hear you had an amazing time at your bday with people you love and care about. It’s always the best way to celebrate. And seeing that you did just that and then some I presume – 36 hours of recovery time sounds just about right hehe.

      Happy bday again my dear friend. And I’m sorry it’s a belated one from my part but better late than never I suppose.

      Thanks for playing along here and for telling us what you’re thinking. I just loved this little exercise and I’m hoping others did as well. From the comment count – I can see that many did lol.

      We definitely have to catch up soon so shoot me an email when you’re free. Until then, enjoy being 26 cause it flies by even faster than 25!

      Have super week.
      Cheers 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Okay – this is just to let you know that I found my typo and fixed it hehehe
      JAMEY! Won’t happen again – eyes will be glued to keyboard next time 😉

  • http://twitter.com/skypulsemedia Howie at Sky Pulse Media

    I have nothing but admiration to anyone who can create worthwhile content on a regular schedule rain or shine. This goes from traditional to non-traditional. I struggle with finding the time or maybe managing my time properly to pump out what I want to share. That said I have also had the mental block of what to write…but I have to write.

    So I am blessed to know people like you Ingrid who has great stuff to share of your own without the ego to not promote/encourage others who do great work (Sunday Post Roundup!) I don’t know how so many do it. But when I can’t think of what to write…I know I never lack a quality read 8)

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Howie,
      I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting here – I didn’t get a chance to reply to many comments over the weekend :(.Much like you – I too admire folks who can continuously produce “good” stuff – it’s not easy and I know that I sometimes have a hard time. But I guess it all depends what and how “worthwhile” is interpreted. What may be great to you is less so to someone else – although I guess there is a median somewhere.Managing time is always a toughy especially when you have a day job. I guess that’s where I have an advantage at times since I work for myself and don’t have a set time schedule. Either I’m working restlessly to meet a deadline or I’m not. Day or night – doesn’t really make it a difference.It means a lot to me that you like this blog Howie – truly :). And I’m honored that you think I produce quality work (hopefully more often than not haha). But it’s people like you my friend that make it all the more worthwhile for me. It’s you guys who come over to join the conversation, to discuss ideas and learn from each other, to agree or disagree with me that make this the fun and vibrant place that it is.As for promoting others – well I think that’s only normal. People around here deserve a ton of credit for their minds and hard work. And I love acknowledging them in hopes that it will lead other to notice them as well. I’m a strong believer of positive reinforcement and encouragement and I’ll always try my best to give credit where credit is due.Anyhow – I think I’ve rambled enough – but luckily it sounds coherent…phewww lol ;)Thanks so much Howie for always being such a great sport and for all your encouragement and support since the first day I met ya. I appreciate you!Hope you have a great week ahead.Cheers 

  • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

     doijdfkjfdkj;dshf…….how’s that? I didn’t run the translator, but Bran will probably know what that said…..

    That sumbich lion’s breath mo fo Sheridan; it. is. ON. now. brother, you are going down and going down hard. I just signed up for auto-reply and I don’t care how early you get up you will NOT top my 1,000 comments this mo…………just sayin’……………..and nice try distracting for carpet bombing my post thinking I would forget to see Ms Griddy………..ha………..

    As I got about 1/2 way thru your post and you ask “are you still with me”? Well, here’s an experiment; do your next post entirely in French and you could say anything you want. With the exception of Falchetto most of us won’t have a clue what you are saying. I will bet you a dime to the dollar you will get as many comments as you are getting on this post……………….you think ‘no way’, but my bet stands……….

    I hope you are having a lovely day; I am going to the hockey game tonight in Tampa, Fl to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning play the Boston Bruins. I’m not a hockey fan per se, but these matches are electric. I absolutely love the energy from the crowd.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hahahahahaha and hahahahahaha and some more ahahahaha!
       
      This entire paragraph Bill – That sumbich lion’s breath mo fo Sheridan; it. is. ON. now. brother, you are going down and going down hard. I just signed up for auto-reply and I don’t care how early you get up you will NOT top my 1,000 comments this mo…………just sayin’……………..and nice try distracting for carpet bombing my post thinking I would forget to see Ms Griddy………..ha………..

      – IS PRICELESS!!!!! :)

      I’ll tell you what – maybe one day i will take you up on that and write a post in French – but I’ll be counting on you to keep your promise!!

      I’m having a pretty chilled day to tell you honestly – didn’t do much work – I kinda spent it answering comments here haha.

      I’m so jealous that you’re going to an NHL game! I’ve always wanted to go – and especially to see the Bruins play! You know that I grew up in Boston right? 

      So jealous grrr……
      Let me know who wins! Go BRUINS!

      • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

        For a southerner to like hockey who would have thought; but I tell you, it is crazy at these matches. The energy level is jacked up especially when the home team is winning and I’ll be with some good friends (who see me act like this all the time………….and still hang out w/ me).

        I also have a group of friends that we go and watch the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team that is even goofier than the people I’m hanging with tonight. Different atmosphere, but I love baseball. In fact, one of the kids I coached in AAU, Chris Sale is pitching for the Chicago White Sox; now how cool is that?

        Needless to say the people I hang with are fun and goofy but probably because I bring that out in them. My wife just wants me to grow up, but it’s not me; I don’t think I can ever be too serious. Good or bad, I don’t know but it’s me and that’s all I know how to be…..

        Boston, huh? Faneuil Hall rocks, I have been there twice and once when I was a young man single and free and had the best time ever. There are so many colleges right in that area; what a target rich environment……………….ok, I wasn’t ‘that guy’ but I sure did have fun.

        You really have been all over the globe and to me, that is so interesting. I really do hope we have the opportunity to meet IRL one day.

        Off to see my buds, see you soon.

        • http://twitter.com/skypulsemedia Howie at Sky Pulse Media

           Tell your wife you changed your title to Chief alien see what she says Bill! 8)

          • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

            Trust me bud, she already thinks I’m an alien……………..I put the chief tag to it, that will just be icing on the cake………….:) 

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Hey Bill,

          Hope you had fun at the game – who won?
          I’ve watched a ton of baseball games actually – mostly the Red Sox but still.

          Yup Boston – it’s where I went to college and grad school. And yeah – it’s probably the biggest college city ever – very international as well – and it’s amazing! I loved every minute I was there. And I have NO DOUBT that you had a hell of time 😉 haha.

          I hope we meet IRL one day too. That would be great :). The whole group in one place? WOW! Talk about fun!

          • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

            Well, your Bruins pulled one out. We had fun however and I probably had one beer too many and got up way too early this morning to play in a golf tournament.

            I had access to my phone, but could really only respond to tweets; it was kind of weird being out of the loop for a day (and I will be tomorrow too) but not bad, probably needed it.

            Hope you have plans for a great weekend. Talk to you soon. 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Yippeeee :)!

              Hmmmm….playing golf with a hangover. Sounds like something Adam Sandler would do haha. 

              Weekend is over and done with and now back to another Monday in hopes that Friday will be back again soon :).

              Have a great one Bill.

              Cheers

    • Anonymous

      i’ll understand too. just saying. Merci bien. 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        Merci a toi ma cher Lisa :). Amuse toi bien a BWENY. 

    • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

      Oooh hockey…almost as good as single malt.  I envy you Bill.  Cheers!  Kaarina

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        LOL! 

      • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

        It was a blast and if we can get past the Bruins (sorry Griddy) we will make at least one of the final games probably against Vancouver………single malt, huh? My kinda woman……….:)

        Yes Griddy, I am a ho; this was my 50th response for the month……………shameless……… 

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Hahahaha!

          I love how folks give names to themselves lol ;). A ho? As in a comment ho you mean – huh? hahaha

          You rock Bill! And you could leave another hundred of them and I’d still be smiling and replying ;).

          And GO BRUINS! Even though I’ve never watched them play live and I have no clue who the players are but it’s kinda my duty to cheer Boston on ;).

          • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

            Grrrr……………looks like the Bruins are in the Stanley Cup Final; I hope you are happy with yourself now…………….:)

            Have a great weekend.

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Okay – so I’m slightly late to replying to you here. My bad Bill. I took a couple days off where I was less active online and now I’m trying to catch up with a bunch of great comments on this post.

              And yes – I’m happy with myself muwahahaha ;)!

              You too my friend – enjoy your weekend!

  • Kerri

    I’m still with you!  Funny what we find interesting to read, and how different it is sometimes from what we think is interesting to write!  Thanks for the encouragement to give the inner critic a vacation and just write! 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Kerri,

      Hehe Glad you made it till the end :). Somehow what you said here makes a ton of sense and you’re right – I guess you never know until you’re done huh?!

      Thanks so much for joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts on this Kerri. Much appreciated :).

      Hope to see you around these parts more often.
      Cheers 

  • Anonymous

    Griddy, when have you ever been lost for words? 😉

    I recall an upcoming post I wrote for Danny at Firepole Marketing; it weighs in at 1100 words, and it took me an hour to write, edit and complete.

    How? By following the same technique you did, I just let my soul/heart/inner force take over and start writing. I didn’t stop, I didn’t look back, I just wrote and wrote and wrote until it was done. Boy was I proud!

    It’s the age old saying, “Got nothing to write about? Write about that instead.” 😉

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      Stu, I can’t let Marcus take the lead and I concur; Griddy at a loss for words? Nah……. 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        You’re killing me Bill :)! Hahaha
        I tell ya – I think Mufasa might come back with a Dorman vengeance here lol. 

        • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

          Yes ma’am, I’m afraid I might have poked the beast one too many times and I’m wearing antelope underwear. That’s ok, thanks for providing a forum that let’s me be silly and hopefully no one was offended.

          PS – I know how much you like the last word, but we’re good on this post, pay attention to your paying customers……….:); I have taken up all of your time but as John Falchetto would say ‘we all know who started this carpet bombing technique’. It was the Lion King………what, that’s not your name? when he started it on your post just to win some damn silly ribbon. Now that you’ve kicked it up to 50 responses and a $100 gift certificate, it is on like donkey kong ………….

          I will be totally defenseless tomorrow as I have to play in a golf tournament; yes, have to and set up for another one for Sat so I won’t even be close to a computer. If the Lion King had any honor at all he would at least wait until I get back before trying to strike at a poor, vulnerable little gazelle.

          Today was a good day in more ways than one; thanks for letting me into your community. 

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            Okay – no last word for me on this one haha!
            I just don’t like to keep you guys hanging that’s all – so I’m clicking on like and I’ll let Mufasa answer you himself hehe.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hiya Stu,

      Hahaha – you’re right my friend – but it does happen every so often – but somehow, I’ve been pretty lucky so far in finding a way around it lol ;).

      An hour to write 1100 words? That’s pretty impressive. I must confess that my longer posts do take me some time to finish – and then of course there’s the editing part and finding the “right” image to go with it.

      I do this style of writing quite often actually – but more so for myself and less on this blog. I have done it a few times here though – just didn’t admit to it haha. Funny thing is – I was kinda proud of this piece when I was done – as silly as it may be. I had no clue as to what I was gonna’ write about – I didn’t even have a title for this post until I typed the last word and read it over to see what came out of it.

      The age old saying is right! :)

      Hope all is well on your end.
      Did you get my email by the way? I tried to keep my answer nice and short but….uhhh…haha

      Cheers

      • Anonymous

         Griddy, I haven’t got your e-mail! Checked my junk as well but nothing, so sorry. Please try again, it’s unlockthedoor@hotmail.co.uk (just in case) 😉

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Crap – I missed this earlier – glad you tweeted me today :). Thanks Stu. Don’t be sorry – it’s totally my fault! As it is – I was the one who’s kept you waiting all this time. I will resend it to this address. Thanks.

    • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

      I was gonna say that! Here’s a free associate (so late to this party… sigh)… The day Griddy loses her finding of words is the day the world ends! Mark your next Rapture by it. 😉

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        Muwahahaha!
        You’d be surprised how often I find myself at a loss for words ;). But then again – I just find something, anything – kinda like I did this time round haha.

        Seriously though – my brain does shut down every so often :(.

  • http://www.TrafficGenerationCafe.com/ Traffic Generation Cafe

     When I am inspired, I write a bunch of posts in one day and schedule them for the following number of days. This is helpful for the days when I am less inspired and I don’t leave my readers high and dry. Another thing that really helps is to have guest bloggers post on my site. 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Tzarina :),

      I think that’s an excellent technique – taking advantage of when we’re in the zone. Just because you finish one post it doesn’t mean you can’t go ahead on start on the next if you’re on a roll and your thoughts are pouring in with sense and ideas. This will definitely come in handy for those days when we’re stuck on what to say!

      Great point and suggestion!

      And yes – having guest bloggers is a great advantage as well. Of course – it’s also important to they be in tune with your blog and theme and that you like and find some kind of value for your readers in what they wrote. I haven’t opened this blog up yet for guest posts but I will be very soon. I was thinking of maybe having a maximum of 2 or per a month when I do.

      Thanks so much for sharing your input here Ana. I always appreciate the value you have to add to the conversation.

      Enjoy your Thursday.
      Cheers 

  • http://twitter.com/janesheeba Jane Sheeba

    Hey Ingrid,

    I do this regularly once is a week, but have never published. I usually do dump my thoughts on a word file I got this idea from Celestine Chua. So I simply let go off my thoughts through my fingers and just save the file. I have a folder for this on my computer. But you know what, most of those files serve as ideas for great blog posts :)

    I have not tried publishing something directly like this, I should try.

    Cheers,
    Jane.

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      Hi Jane, my name is Bill; I like to watch my neighbors watch TV……….

      Welcome to Griddy’s place; don’t mind me. 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        LMBOHAMJHN!
        Okay so I tried to be like Davina @3hatscomm on this one but even I’m not sure of the letters. What I meant with my sorry acronym was: Laughing My Butt Off Hysterically and My Jaw Hurts Now! LOL 😉

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

         LMBOHAMJHN!
        Okay so I tried to be like Davina @3hatscomm:disqus on this one but even I’m not sure of the letters. What I meant with my sorry acronym was: Laughing My Butt Off Hysterically and My Jaw Hurts Now! LOL 😉

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Jane,

      It’s funny as I do this quite often as well – but much like you I don’t publish them as I do it the old fashioned way with pencil and paper lol. And not to sound like a copy cat or anything but I TOO have a file on my PC called “thoughts” but shhhhh…don’t tell anyone hehe.

      I hope you do turn that file into blog posts one day – I’m sure it would make for some great reading. Heck, I didn’t expect for this little post to be this decent but somehow it created quite the conversation and I couldn’t be more happy about that :).

      Great of you to share this with us Jane. Always a pleasure to see you here.

      Wishing you a great evening.
      Cheers 

  • http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes Vernessa Taylor

    Hey Griddy,

    Uh, no! I do the free association thing when I write in my text editor (hate that html thing in WP), then I re-think, over-think, and create some graphics before I post. Then I think some more, and use up my time.  I probably need to use one of the timers I recently wrote about … or at least use a cook timer like @AussieSire!  BUT when I write poetry (which I haven’t ever published on any of my blogs … unlike @DragonBlogger:disqus  who is quite talented by the way – darn! forgot to put the ending parenthesis … ok, here it is)

    How’s that, Griddy!

    See, I hit publish before I said this little bit … Great post girl!

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Vernessa,

      LOL ;)! Yes, I do a lot of that thinking stuff too – but somehow, whenever I do my little free association thing – and I do it once in a while actually without even realizing – I just let myself go. I even try and wait till the end before I edit or fix any typos just so that I don’t lose my train of thought – and that’s pretty tough when you’re as anal as I am haha.

      Funny – I never type on the HTML in WP. I leave on visual cause I’m slightly challenged with all things HTML and techie abbreviations of the sort lol.

      I love poetry! It’s the main reason for how I fell in love with writing way back when. Actually, I have pages and pages and pages of poems that I wrote and I can’t tell you how many I use to have memorized – from Shakespeare, Poe and others.

      I had no clue that Justin wrote poetry – you see, we always learn something new about each other :). Thanks for letting me know.

      I think you kicked-butt on your free associated (if that’s a word lol) reply here! Loved the parenthesis statement haha.

      Thanks so much for playing along. Very cool of you :).

      Enjoy the rest of your week.
      Cheers

  • http://getbusylivingblog.com Benny Hsu

    I have tried it before but never published anything using it. I like to use it to solve problems too or brainstorm ideas. I’ll let my fingers go. I’ll type hmmmmm if I don’t know what to say. The key is to not stop!! Then later I’ll go back and look and find some nuggets of good stuff in there.

    Ok that paragraph was done just that way. :)

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Benny,
      Well I guess you just did publish something using free association :). See – easy peasy hehe.You’re right about how we can find some good nuggets once we’re done. Heck, we often surprise ourselves with those. I had no idea what I was gonna’ write about when I wrote this post – until I was done. I didn’t even know that I had turned it into a Bring IT! post either – but I’m glad it worked out :).Thanks for playing along Benny. Very cool of you.Cheers 

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      I’ve already got crickets, if I tried this they would have to bring paddles………….. 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        Paddles hahahaha! 

  • http://www.techwork.dk Thomas

    Even when you have nothing to say you just keep
    talking :-) Have you considering going into politics? 😉

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Haha!
      Oh you’d be surprised by how many times I considered that as a kid – even as an adult sometimes :). But I know better lol! 

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      Hey that’s my MO; half the time I have nothing to say but I sure can keep talkin’………. 

  • http://courtcan.com Courtney Cantrell

    Great post, Griddy! I’ve done free association writing before and have always found it to have awesome results. Two years ago, for about three months, I did free association journaling for half an hour every morning before I got out of bed. It was a crazy time — a lot of really weird stuff came pouring out! But it was great because I got a lot of baggage out of my head that had been blocking my creativity — and let’s face it, it was blocking my life, too!

    Anyway, free association writing got all of that crap out and left me free to do what I was feeling called to do (which was write books and books and more books).

    Also, I’m currently packing to move, and I can feel the cardboard boxes staring at me from the other side of the room.  That means I should go pack something, I know — but I’ll probably just sit here and finish my coffee and go play on Twitter somemore. ; )

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      Journaling……..before you got out of bed; tell me more. Is this just thinking or actually writing something down? 

      • http://courtcan.com Courtney Cantrell

        Actually writing something down! By hand. With a pen.  In a journal with paper pages.  ; )  It was wonderfully therapeutic.

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Hey I still do that :))!
          I’m one of those peeps who still loves to write with a pencil (yup, not a pen) on a notepad. Actually – don’t tell anyone – but I usually carry a little notepad with me to jot down ideas when they come to me hehe. But Shhhhhh… 😉

        • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

          Interesting because I definitely go ‘old school’ at times and just write page after page on legal pad. My challenge is sometimes when I’m the most inspired I can’t get it down to writing and then a day later it just doesn’t seem to give me the same initial charge I had………

          My other challenge is ‘when to shut it off’. I can start going down a road and then another and then another it’s like ‘ok, let’s wrap this up’. 

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            I know exactly what you mean Bill! 

            I still love to write on a notepad – and I get all happy when I see page after page of my own handwriting. I know it sounds silly but it’s true lol. 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Courtney,

      I love the free association journaling thing and although I may not do it regularly – I do it quite often and like you with pencil and paper. I still love to write the old fashioned way and I often jot down my notes that way before writing a blog post here. 

      And you’re right in that it IS therapeutic in many ways. I spent my childhood writing – whether my thoughts or poems and I found that it was a great way for me to express myself and think freely.

      Best of luck to you on your move. Hope it’s not a very stressful one. And it’s totally cool that you’re here procrastinating hehehe. I’m kinda good at that too and Twitter is a fantastic way to do that!

      Do you have a book coming out soon? Do let us know when you do please :).

      Thanks so much for joining the conversation here and it’s great to know that we share this writing style in common. I love it! And sometimes – you create something that you didn’t know would amount to anything until you actually stop and read it out loud. Now I kinda feel like heading over to my desk and getting all my little notebooks and journals out hehe.

      Have a great evening. And you know where to find us when you need a break from packing.

      Cheers

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

     Free association is how I write almost every one of my posts.I just sit down and start typing and let the letters take me wherever they will.

    I have three guest posts that I have to write and I am having trouble trying to decide what to write about. This troubles me because I rarely if ever suffer from writer’s block. I suspect that I am over thinking it so I am going to just write and stop worrying about if it is good.

    I am in desperate need of vacation and given the chance I think that I might hop on a plane to Jerusalem and visit family and friends. On the other hand Hawaii is a lot closer and I don’t lose as much time to travel.

    My son is on a plane now. He is ten years-old and on a school trip. It is kind of surreal to me to think that my guy is flying without me because that hasn’t ever happened before. It is sometimes hard enough to believe that I am old enough to be a father because even though my birth certificate says otherwise, I am sure that I can’t be more than about 20.

    Ok, my body doesn’t look like it used to at 20 but it could. Really, some movie producer could discover me and decide that I need to be the lead in some blockbuster. And of course the film budget would include money to hire a personal chef and trainer for me. Not to mention that I would be given time to get into shape.

    It could happen. Keanu Reeves isn’t much of an actor so why I can’t I do it. I can yell “Excellent” or pretend to be fighting some dudes in the Matrix.

    I probably should end this here because it is getting long but when you say bring it and offer the chance to just write you are serving me my meat and potatoes. If this were baseball it would be a fastball, waist high and I would send that sucker screaming over the centerfield wall. 

    This is among my favorite ways to write. It is easy, enjoyable and calorie free.

    • http://www.realityburst.com Eugene Farber

       “Keanu Reeves isn’t much of an actor so why I can’t I do it.”  haha. priceless.

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

         Speed 1 and 2 – seriously – Oscar stuff! Muwahaha 😉

      • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

        @EugeneFarber:disqus  Really, I like some of his movies because they are fun but I don’t go because of his skills as an actor. Damn, I can do what he does and for much less. I don’t need $7 million a picture. give me $2.5 and we’ll call it a nice starting point.

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          I don’t mean to sound cheap or anything – cause God knows I’m not haha – but I’d even accept a million – but not a penny less! 😉 lol

      • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

        Ah contraire, he is the ‘One’………………….didn’t you know? Matrix…………….hello………….

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          I would say Morpheus was pretty cool in that one too :). But at least Keanu is perrrty – I guess lol. I think he was born and raised here in Beirut too – I remember reading that somewhere. 

          • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

            Oops, I misspelled the dang French word and here I had you believing I was all international and stuff………y’all…………au contraire……………… 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Hehe! No worries – I still believe it 😉 

    • Anonymous

       “Easy, enjoyable and calorie-free”? I have a tendency to eat a biscuit when writing, guess I need my writing calories 😉

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

         Definitely easy and enjoyable – but like you – not so much calorie free. I’m usually all over the chocolate chip cookies when in deep thought haha. 

      • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

         Hey now, those writing calories can sneak up on you. Sure, when you are in your twenties they don’t seem to matter but later it is a swift and sudden attack.

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          But of course we wouldn’t know anything about that right Jack?! Cause we’re still in our twenties – very early ones ;). 

          • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

            Absolutely. I like to think that I just started them over. 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              LOL! 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Jack this is just incredible!!! Seriously, you rocked the free association thing :)!

      Oddly enough I have the same little problem as you right now with the guest posts that I need to write. You’d think for someone who can free associate it should be easier but when it’s not for your blog you want to give it all you got and write something that’s worthy of your host’s site and theme. But I’m gonna’ try and do what you said – and just write the way I usually do without worrying too much.

      Funny thing is that much like yours – my birth certificate has it all wrong as well lol ;). I could have sworn I was no older than 21. Must be a great experience for your son to be travelling alone for the first time. Did they put those Unaccompanied Minor tags on him? Did he have a good trip? I hope so :). But I speak from experience in saying that flying alone at a young age kinda teaches you to become more independent and rely on yourself. I think the first time I did I must have been around 7.

      I think you’re definitely on to something there – heck, if Keanu can do it – maybe anyone can lol. But make sure to specify that you want a worldly chef who can cool a multitude of things and not just Italian or French or something! I mean – with all the shooting and directing – you’re gonna be in the mood for different tastes lol.

      I’m so happy you enjoyed this little exercise and I must say that you kick-ass at it! Oh, and you never need worry about the length of your comment on this blog – heck, have you seen my usual ones? There usually somewhere between and eBook and a novella haha. 

      And Jack – if this were baseball I would have opted for a change-up, right down the middle – maybe a bit high – so I could smack the stitches off the damn thing ;). And seeing that I would have probably swung early – I’d be waving at the left fielder.

      Ummm…yeah – if that wasn’t clear – I use to play haha.

      Thanks again for being such an awesome sport and playing along. You certainly brought it and then some!

      Have a great week.
      Cheers

      • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

        Hi Ingrid,

        You are absolutely right about feeling a need to do a bang up job on the guest posts. When I take my work on the road I want it to shine and sparkle on its own.

        My son hasn’t returned yet but since it is an overnight trip I will be picking him up later this evening.I am looking forward to “interrogating”  him about his trip so that I can find out what he did. Fortunately the school has emailed information so that I can fill in the blanks between the short comments that he’ll provide.

        Not that I really should expect otherwise because my parents never did get much more than that from me. Actually I am told now by many people that I don’t say much or that I say too much. Sort of wish that they could make up their minds about that. Do they want brevity or do they prefer something closer to War and Peace.

        You should do this free association stuff more frequently. If I know about it I will always show up and comment…frequently. It is an easy way to move up the chain and become one of the top commenters.

        Speaking of comments the easiest way for me to get comments on my blog is to blog about blogging. That always brings people out. Although I don’t really blog for comments so I suppose that is sort of problematic.

        Or maybe the bigger problem is that I update so frequently people have trouble keeping up with me. I have received more than a couple of comments about being prolific.

        So let’s end this comment here with a short review of what we have discussed. We feel the need to work harder on guest posts. Flying alone at a young age helps kids grow. You like changeup and I prefer fastballs (although truth be told I destroy changeups too) and this free association stuff is pretty damn cool.

        Enjoy the rest of your week and if I don’t see you before, your weekend too. :)

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

           First and foremost – happy belated birthday Jack :)! I’m sorry that your birthday wasn’t what you would have liked it to be but I can’t tell you how moved I was when I read your post. I’m actually over there now reading “dealing with divorce” so you’ll have to forgive me for keeping this reply shorter than I would have liked. 

          You have such a way with words and I’m happy that I took the time to go over to your blog and learn a little more about you.

          What I will say though – is that I would be happy to do this little free association thing more often if it means I get to have you stop by here and share bits and pieces of your mind with us ;).

          As for getting more comments when you blog about blogging – like you said – you don’t blog for the comments and neither do I. I’m pretty sure that you blog because you love to write as do I. Yes – I LOVE getting people’s comments and having them start a conversation here with each other but I know that I write for me first – and I write about whatever I like and feel like it! I know my audience which makes a difference and I do have them in mind when I write – but I have to like what I’m writing – it has to sound good to me before it does to anyone else – I hope that makes sense to you.

          Anyways – I’m headed back to your blog for a bit before I call it a night – I’m trying to sleep earlier than usual (which is 5 and 6 am normally). 

          Anyhow – I can’t thank you enough for all your contributions here today. You really are great.

          Wishing you a wonderful Friday. And I hope you’re back here again soon.

          Cheers

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Oh, and I just subscribed via RSS to your blog :). Truly inspiring! I meant that! 

        • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

          Same.. same on the pressure of doing a guest post, trying that much harder to be funnier, smarter, better. Just ditto.

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            I couldn’t agree with you more. It takes me forever to whip up guest posts! I always feel bad to keep my host waiting but I just don’t want to give them something crappy!

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      But Jack I have to believe you have an arsenal in reserve the way you crank stuff out and it’s all quality. 

      • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

        I don’t know about quality but I can crank it out quickly. Been doing this for so long I have a ton of a material to work with.

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          I gotta’ tell ya – I’m still love your train of thought on that one :). 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        I honestly think it came naturally to him :). No reserves, no nothing – all brains ;)! 

        • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

          I know how filibuster. I can write and or speak about anything while saying nothing for days upon end. Unfortunately that skill doesn’t seem to be one that pays well. 

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            Hear, Hear Jack! 😉 

  • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

    I have those days, too, Ingrid. I blame them for why I rank exceptionally well for silly shit like “SEO balls” and “SEO hell”. Thank you, @MarcusSheridan:disqus , for mentioning cojones and reminding me of my balls. Oh, and yes, I think @Griddy:disqus’s rambling is probably at least partially crack-induced … or not, but then that is the free association thing kicking in. Do you watch football? I used to like kicking balls as a kid. They said I was hyperactive, and I guess I was kind of like a crackhead as a little boy. At least I was generally well behaved in church, so if I do actually end up in hell, it will probably be because of the SEO and not because of the hyperactivity. I wonder if they have associations to help people like that? A hyperactive association would probably be a good way to meet others, and perhaps even cost less than professional counseling … maybe even free. A free association … that would be cool.
    OK, how’s that for your free association? 😛

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      LMAO!!!
      This rocks – you rock – awesome!

      So many words here that I like – crackhead, hyperactive association, kicking balls, SEO hell – I mean you name em hehe ;)!

      I don’t watch football – but I did use to play soccer as a kid…
      I couldn’t even reply to this if I tried Mark – so all I can see is you just kicked free association’s ass or if you prefer – cojones!

      Thanks for playing along my friend.

      Cheers

      • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

        Well, now I am getting that writers block you were struggling with. I’m back to my SEO hell, I guess. 

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Ooooops sorry lol 😉 

          • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

            Yeah, and it is lingering, too! Now everything that comes out is bitchy and I am probably going to end up insulting somebody who would otherwise spend a squillion dollars with me. I’m sending you the bills when they come, chickie! 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Hey don’t look at me. I had nothing to do with it. I think it’s @a76049f6a32a1e633a732b81bafb98c9:disqus fault! Haha

              • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

                Nah, you are easier to blame than @a76049f6a32a1e633a732b81bafb98c9:disqus .

                • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

                  Says who?!!! haha 😉 

        • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

          A sad day indeed………… 

          • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

            Beer! I am about to resort to beer! 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              They say Whiskey or Vodka stimulates brain cells – I’m not sure who says it – but it sounds better if I say – “they say” haha.

              • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

                I would have to kindly agree with “them” (you). 

            • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

              I’m getting ready to go to a playoff hockey game between Tampa and Boston and I’m sure I will have at least one beer…………….maybe two………….. 

              • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

                Lucky devil! 😉 

              • http://www.awebguy.com/ Mark Aaron Murnahan

                It must be a short drive. I hope you had time for more once you got there. 😀

  • Anonymous

     It works! And I’m not a psych major, but I’ve made it work for me once or twice, too, lol.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      It works regardless of your major Shakirah haha.
      I was doing it well before college and even after I forgot most of what I learned about Psychology haha.

      Good to hear though :).
      Thanks for dropping by.

      Cheers

  • http://www.unleashingthetiger.com Dean Carlton

    Holy crap! That’s one way to get rid of writers block completely – if a little scarily. mind you I guess we do this in conversation all the time – some people never know when to shut up.

    Fells a bit weird actually, normally we would be a bit more thoughtful about what the hell we were writing on someones blog – we want to be pithy, informative, helpful, right?

    As a technique for removing writers block – if ever i write enough to hit that wall – this one is definately going in the toolbox for future use!

    Hey, I’m not even stopping to correct any typos! I feel free! Actually, maybe you have something here, Griddy!

    You get todays award for the ‘Biggest Cajones’ – BRING IT!!!  😉

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hey Dean,

      Awesome of you to join in here :).

      You’re right in that we do this all the time – where we just follow our stream of consciousness but like you said – we tend to run on and on and …. lol

      On this blog – all comments are welcome – they can be insightful, valuable, long, funny, witty, pithy…they can be whatever you wan them to be – as long as they’re respectful towards the person they’re addressed to – and that doesn’t mean just me. What I love about this blog is the engagement that takes place in the comments. It’s where all the gold is and where the learning takes place, the friendships begin, the fun happens… And most of the comments are usually threaded discussions between other commenters and not simply with the author. And that’s what makes this community as well as some others so special.

      And like I said – for this post – or for any really – I’m not here to judge. And I’m thrilled that you decided to play along and even more thrilled that you didn’t correct any typos haha. I will admit to having gone back and read what I wrote before I clicked published – but I didn’t do much editing – that’s for sure! 

      You seem to have liked this idea and I hope you’ll give it a go more often. It’s really quite leberating to tell you honestly and yes – it does help with writer’s block – unless you have to stick to a particular topic then that might be different. I’m sure Unleashing the Tiger could handle one of those posts – don’t you think?

      Anyways – thanks for sharing your thoughts and welcome to the community Dean. I hope to see you around these parts more often.

      And I LOVE my “biggest cojones” award WOOHOOO! lol :))
      Thank you!

      Cheers

       

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      But do you think we get hung up on writing the perfect post when sometimes free style might be your best stuff………. 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        I figured I wouldn’t be a polite host if I didn’t at least try to respond to your 999 comments on this blog post hahaha. But yes – I do think free style can sometimes crank out the good stuff – without even realizing it. It’s all about letting the stream of consciousness lead us…. 😉 

        • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

          I didn’t mean to drag you down into this sordid bucket of ooze…………it’s me an’ Marcus, gloves off bare knuckle time now baby; I even went out and got a tat saying I OWN the month of May. 

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            Are you kidding me?!!!! I love this! Plus I’m having a blast laughing with you. I can’t wait to see Mufasa’s face when he’s back online later on or tomorrow lol. 

  • http://www.WaxingUnLyrical.com Shonali Burke

    Bloddy hell, for once I actually see Griddy’s post when it’s been published less than 30 minutes ago, and I’m STILL not the first commenter. Oh well. I’ll probably never win *that* prize. But Griddy knows I love her… don’t you Griddy? 

    Everyone’s probably wondering why I’m writing in the 3rd person. ‘Cos I’m typing as I’m thinking. Trying to do this free association stuff. I would really like for it not to rain today, but chances are, that won’t happen. Oh well, at least my car is ok and not leaking anymore. Wonder if they make car diapers? Now, wouldn’t that be an interesting blog post to write… hmm…

    • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

       It’s raining there too Shonali? Ugly in Va. today. Dreary actually. Blah….But I enjoyed your free associating mind, gave me a good smile 😉

      Marcus

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        It must be raining everywhere I guess – this whole weather thing is just so messed up and gets worse each year! People have been at the beach here the last 2 weeks and now all of a sudden it’s windy and raining again – so strange but oh well….

        Loved Shonali’s FA as well :).

      • http://www.WaxingUnLyrical.com Shonali Burke

        I’ll have to try to do that more often, then. But you guys might all run away and never come visit again! 

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Never visit again?!!!!!!!! Not a chance my dear – you’re stuck with me for a long while 😉 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hahahaha Shonali!
      You’re the best and I love this your free thoughts :).

      And yes I know you love moi :)!

      Totally cool to free associate in the 3rd person – I often do that too and I refer to myself as her highness too but I would sound kinda silly if I went ahead and wrote my thoughts out loud for others to see – so it’s probably best I not mention this to anyone ;).

      Now why would you want rain when you’re so close to summer and sun and tan and beach and mojito’s and stuff.

      Oh how I would love to see you take on a post about car diapers. I would make sure to try and be the first to comment on that one hahaha!

      Thanks for playing along Shonali. Awesome!

      • http://www.WaxingUnLyrical.com Shonali Burke

        This was such a fun one, Griddy, thanks for getting it started. Car diapers… hmm… 

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          Glad you enjoyed it Shonali :). 
          Now about them car diapers…were you thinking Huggies for Honda’s, Luv’s for Lexus’s or Pampers for Porsche’s Hihihihi?

          • http://www.WaxingUnLyrical.com Shonali Burke

            Brain’s workin, Griddy…!! 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              Mine or yours? Hahaha
              Cause I’m kinda worried about how mine are on this one lol 😉 

        • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

          Where’s my blue key? Oh, I guess I better pay the $5, huh? 

          • http://www.WaxingUnLyrical.com Shonali Burke

            I need your mailing address for that! 

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              What blue key? What did I miss! I want a blue key now too :). Actually wait…no…make it a red one. whatever it’s for – I want it in red – I think. Or maybe a fluorescent yellow – hmmm…. 😉 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hahahaha Shonali!
      You’re the best and I love this your free thoughts :).

      And yes I know you love moi :)!

      Totally cool to free associate in the 3rd person – I often do that too and I refer to myself as her highness too but I would sound kinda silly if I went ahead and wrote my thoughts out loud for others to see – so it’s probably best I not mention this to anyone ;).

      Now why would you want rain when you’re so close to summer and sun and tan and beach and mojito’s and stuff.

      Oh how I would love to see you take on a post about car diapers. I would make sure to try and be the first to comment on that one hahaha!

      Thanks for playing along Shonali. Awesome!

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      No, that’s bloody ‘ell; you’ve got to do the American Brit mimic………… 

    • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

      I’m like a week late to this party Shonali, if that makes you feel any better. 😉

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        Ummmm…I was kinda like a week late as well to replying to you and others ;). But then again – this party is always open house!

  • http://trafficcoleman.com/blog/official-black-seo-guy/ Black Seo Guy

    You know what? This was a great way to write a post because I keep reading and couldn’t grasp that I made it to the end..great post about saying nothing..LOL

    “Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”

  • http://trafficcoleman.com/blog/official-black-seo-guy/ Black Seo Guy

    You know what? This was a great way to write a post because I keep reading and couldn’t grasp that I made it to the end..great post about saying nothing..LOL

    “Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Ha! Black SEO Guy is here :). I’ve been seeing you around and needless to say your 2 liner comments and signature have caught my attention.

      Glad you enjoyed this piece and that you make it till the end.
      Cheers 

  • http://www.itinerantentrepreneur.com/journal/ Robert Dempsey

    I was thinking roughly this same thing today as I was working on my sales pages. Ultimately I wrote some bullet points and played some video games. After a few hours of that, and some coffee, I was able to get back to work. Sometimes though the mind just needs a break, for a few days.

  • http://www.itinerantentrepreneur.com/journal/ Robert Dempsey

    I was thinking roughly this same thing today as I was working on my sales pages. Ultimately I wrote some bullet points and played some video games. After a few hours of that, and some coffee, I was able to get back to work. Sometimes though the mind just needs a break, for a few days.

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Ha! Your day sounds so familiar to many of mine – except the video games – I don’t do much of those although I do enjoy them – hmmm…maybe I should then lol ;). But hey – it happens tot he bet of us right? 

      Hope you’re back on track – and if you’re not – then there’s always tomorrow when your mind is nice and refreshed. 

      Like you said – we all need a break!

  • http://twitter.com/livefamilylife Daca

    Great article, you have managed to create something! And it’s something quite good. Very brave and refreshing. At least I like it. Thanks for this advice. 

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Thanks Daca,
      Glad you enjoyed it :).
      Let me know if you decide to try it out.

      Cheers 

  • http://twitter.com/livefamilylife Daca

    Great article, you have managed to create something! And it’s something quite good. Very brave and refreshing. At least I like it. Thanks for this advice. 

  • http://twitter.com/NancyD68 Nancy Davis

     I was listening to “Is This Love” by Whitesnake when I was reading this – here goes – I don’t believe in God. I also don’t believe in love.

    There! Don’t judge me for my cynicism. I earned the right to be highly mistrustful.

    I think I may be falling for someone but I am too big of a chicken to tell him that.

    I fear loving the wrong person and being wrong (again)

    I have told myself again and again that there is nothing to be afraid of except fear itself

    Maybe I will blog about being an emotional chicken

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Well hello again Nancy,

      I was actually just replying to you over at my BA post so you can imagine my smile when I come over here to see that you’ve shared your thoughts on this little piece as well :). 

      Thank you for playing along and for being such a super commenter and converstaionalist.

      And WOW to the blast from the past with Whitesnake haha! I use to love them. Damn, where is that CD? I hope I have them in iTunes at least!Like I said – I don’t judge – it’s not my place to. Whatever your beliefs – they will be respected by me and others here!

      I can actually relate to a couple of your thoughts here :). And it’s very honest and courageous of you to come out and say them. I appreciate that a lot!

      Whether you decide to chicken out and not tell him or whether you just go for it and think what have you go to to lose – I wish you the best of luck!

      But I will say this and I speak for myself and maybe some others: we are often afraid to love again – especially when we’ve been hurt. We’re always hesitant to get into something new out of fear that he won’t be the right one – the one you want to give a part of yourself too – and mostly the one you want to give your time, your months, your years too.

      But at the end of the day – we follow our gut. If your gut says he might be a good thing – then go for it. If you’re hesitant but you know why – things that actually pertain to him and no to love in general – then there’s a reason you’re not going for it.

      There’s only 2 ways to find out if he likes you back or not. You can either wait until he says or does something – or maybe until you feel that he feels something whether through his words or gestures and actions – or you can go for it and say what the hell! 

      But that part – is completely up to you :).

      I hope that whatever happens – happens for the best and that it makes you happy. That’s all that matters – that and being convinced.

      Cheers

      PS – I’m far from being an expert though ;).

      • http://twitter.com/NancyD68 Nancy Davis

         I am so far from an expert that I could write a book called “How to Fuck Up a Relationship Beyond Belief”

        I listen to Whitesnake on Pandora. They keep me company most days. They have new music out. Unfortunately, David Coverdale has not aged well. (Now I am showing my age a bit)

        Oh well! Maybe I will swallow my pride and say something.

        I do plan to ask the question “Are YOU an Emotional Chicken?” on my blog for Friday. thanks for the idea. :)

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          LOL!
          Oddly enough – I’ve never used Pandora – but that’s because they only work inside the US :(. Oh well…

          Maybe if I ever move back to the States ;).

          I do sincerely hope that you get what you want and that things work out for you.

          As for the emotional chicken idea – that was all you ma dear :). I do look forward to reading that post though!

  • http://twitter.com/NancyD68 Nancy Davis

     I was listening to “Is This Love” by Whitesnake when I was reading this – here goes – I don’t believe in God. I also don’t believe in love.

    There! Don’t judge me for my cynicism. I earned the right to be highly mistrustful.

    I think I may be falling for someone but I am too big of a chicken to tell him that.

    I fear loving the wrong person and being wrong (again)

    I have told myself again and again that there is nothing to be afraid of except fear itself

    Maybe I will blog about being an emotional chicken

  • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

    Things I’m thinking this moment:

    1. Hmmm, Griddy is apparently on crack today.
    2. Griddy needs more sleep
    3. Griddy said ‘cajones’
    4. I need to write more comments here because that sick freak  B Dorman  is in the lead!
    5. I’m sure I’ll be back to see what in the world other crazy members of the internet’s version of Central Perk will come up with.

    :)

  • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

    Things I’m thinking this moment:

    1. Hmmm, Griddy is apparently on crack today.
    2. Griddy needs more sleep
    3. Griddy said ‘cajones’
    4. I need to write more comments here because that sick freak  B Dorman  is in the lead!
    5. I’m sure I’ll be back to see what in the world other crazy members of the internet’s version of Central Perk will come up with.

    :)

    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

      Hahahaha!
      Damn I knew you’d guess it was crack! lol 😉

      And hey – I’ve said cojones about 2 or 3 times on this blog already. Now I’m building the cojones to say the other synonyms! haha

      And yes – Bill Dorman is in the lead my friend! But it’s a close one with you 3!

      Loved this Mufasa!
      You da man!
      ttyl t..d 

      • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

        Cojones  is a vulgar Spanish word for testicles, denoting courage
        when used in the phrase “tener cojones” (equivalent to English “have
        the balls to”) . It is considered a curse word when use by itself as an
        expletive in Spanish. In English, as a loanword, it means courage, brazenness, “nerve”, “guts”, etc —-This is free association combined with Wikipedia :))))

        • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

          I so want to say that you’re a t….d right now, but I’ll stick to nerd instead! Hahaha
          Thank you – next time I will use “family jewels” 😉 

          • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

             Admit it, the Lion is awesome and you think he rocks. C’mon, you’re not supposed to be lying when ‘Free Associating’ G :)))

            • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 
              The Lion is awesome and I think he rocks. 

              How’s that for a blackboard of free associating? 😉 lol

              • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

                Never have truer and more transparent words been spoken here at Central Perk ladies and gents :))))))

                You’re too fun G….guess I’ll get back to work now….especially considering I’m back in the comment lead! LOL

                • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

                  Hahahaha!
                  Bill isn’t gonna’ be happy about that! I can tell you that much lol.

                  • Anonymous

                     Jesus Christ, instead of “Leave a comment” Griddy, it should be “Join the chatroom” 😉

                    • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

                      Hahaha!
                      Funny you should mention that Stu :). Cause recently I’ve been calling my comments section the little version of “Central Perk” (Marcus calls it the chat room as well lol) so I was actually hoping to do something along those lines in my upcoming re-design of this blog – as minor as it may be.

        • http://www.3hatscommunications.com/blog/ davinabrewer

          Hey. Isn’t using Wikipedia cheating?! 😉

          • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

            LOL!
            I think it is Davina!
            I think he copy/pasted too! Isn’t that like plagiarism? hehe

    • http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

      Say your prayers pal; it’s dirt nap time…………. 

      • http://nittygriddy.com/ Ingrid Abboud

        LMAO!!!! You guys are too funny!
        I wish this was a live recording or something.