Today's post is brought to you by the number 3.

This is my 300th blog post in my 33 months of blogging! 

Blogging as a hobby, I usually save the stats analysis for the websites I have to maintain at work, but the other day I received a comment from a random visitor and wondered how she stumbled upon my blog. This led to a humorous discovery of keyword searches that have directed unknowing victims to my blog in the past six months, and of course, I can't keep it to myself.

Okay, I get the actor and character searches because of those girlie lists I made. But WHO are all these people searching for Spice Girls lollipops, and why does MY blog come up in their search? After quickly Googling on my own, I found that - yikes! - yes, I did indeed blog about them once. Busted.

Other visitors have found my blog through weirder means.

c. thomas howell "deleted scene" "outsiders" "underwear"

If you want to see an outsider in his underwear, C. Thomas Howell is not the one I'd choose.

I know I've talked quite a bit about Patrick Swayze in The Outsiders, and I've even talked about my own unmentionables (wow, that Girl Talk group really got me into trouble), but how this particular search resulted in my blog - not once, but twice - is beyond me. Furthermore, when one puts this combination of terms into a search engine, my blog pops up in the top ten results. Awesome.

how long does a sprained thumb last

Never having had a sprained thumb, and given the fact that I have no idea how long one lasts, I hope this searcher finally made his or her way to WebMD.

Then there's this gem that brought a lone visitor:

telling off quotes with

What does that even MEAN? Who am I telling off, and why am I using quotes? 

Wait a minute. *Gasp*! Does all this blogging about these searches mean that more Spice Girls lollipop sucking C. Thomas Howell fans with sprained thumbs are going to visit my blog in the next six months?! If this describes you, please leave me a comment and let me know who you are. I want to meet you.

***
If you've made it through this post, or any of my other 299 posts for that matter, you deserve a medal. Being that I'm a part-time employee for a non-profit organization, though, I can afford just one. So you'll have to fight for it. Actually, how 'bout we skip telling each other off with quotes, and I'll randomly pick a winner instead. Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm EST on Monday, July 9th. The winner will be announced during Tuesday's post (7/10).

What are you playing for? A $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Good luck!

If you're new to this corner of the blogosphere and want to check out more, here are the three posts that people most frequently take a Second Glantz at:

Another List

Still Alive, Still Obsessed

The creature from the hall floorboard

RIPPER launch & giveaway (updated with winner)

My friend, Amy Carol Reeves, is having an extra special Easter Sunday as today is also the official release day for her debut young adult novel, Ripper. (Congratulations, Amy!)

A Jack-the-Ripper mystery with a paranormal twist that I never saw coming, Ripper is the beautifully written story of Arabella Sharp, a strong, independent young woman who is well ahead of her Victorian time. As Abbie tries to figure out who the Ripper is while also trying to protect herself and those she cares about, she discovers the truth about her mother and herself (oh, and also falls in love with two hotties along the way). Amy strikes a perfect balance between fast-paced action that kept me turning the page and detailed, imagery-filled settings that made me feel as though I were seeing the world through Abbie's eyes. My only complaint about the book is that it ended... good thing Amy has been hard at work on the sequel!

One lucky reader will receive a SIGNED copy of Ripper (shipped after the signing on April 21; U.S. residents only). Each of the following will enter you into the giveaway, for a total of seven entries. To complete your entry(s), leave me a comment on this post letting me know which of the following you have done; please include your handles/usernames as appropriate.

• Like Amy on Facebook.
• Follow Amy on Twitter.
• Like Ripper on Facebook.
• Subscribe to Amy's blog.
• Become a fan of Amy on Goodreads.
• Tweet about Ripper.
• Post about Ripper on Facebook.

Entries must be received by noon EST on Sunday, April 15. The winner will be chosen and announced later that day. Good luck!

Entries are now closed. The winner is the sixth entry, belonging to Sarabeth - congratulations!

Look who's turning two!

This post is brought to you today by the number two.

image source

Break out the cake! It is not only my second blogoversary, but also my 222nd post. I wish I could say I planned that, but I'm an English major, remember?


Kelly from The Miller Mix asked an interesting question the other day: How has blogging changed who you are or how you see yourself? As I was looking through my own posts last night, awed by how much has happened in only one year, I concluded that while my blog doesn't define me, it's a great reflection of who I am. I'm a teacher and a dreamer. I may worry, but I have faith, no matter how big, or silly, my fears are. I'm a 30+ fangirl, and my blog has helped me to not take myself too seriously. It has taught me to be grateful and has helped me to heal. It reminds me to cherish the moments, both big and small. My blog has also helped me to realize dreams, from opening an Etsy store to becoming a published writer. Most importantly, it has connected me with all of you. Thank you for continuing on this journey with me.

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

My lovely and gracious bloggy friend, Erin, is hosting a giveaway for Second Glantz Crafts through May 3.

Click here for the deets.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

See you back here in a few days for Set It Sunday!

Getting back on track

Yesterday I got an email that said, "Congratulations on your sale at Etsy!" I looked at the computer screen blankly, a "Huh?" forming on my lips. And then I remembered a day not that long ago (which feels like an eternity) when I decided that this was a good idea.

To be fair, it was a good idea. I sold four pieces in one week, and only two of them were to my mother. I closed my shop for Chrismukkah break, excited to reopen in 2010 with a plethora (I love that word) of new items. But then this happened, and rocking yourself in a fetal position in the corner of the room for a month does not for great productivity make. Unless you want to make things out of snotty tissues. I also couldn't justify spending money on craft supplies when I was worried about how we would afford takeout groceries once my paychecks stopped.

I'm happy to announce that I'm not only coming out of my cave, but also getting back on track because I GOT A JOB! Cue happy happy, joy joy dance [video link]. For those of you who are new to the mundane details of my life (lucky you), I've been working as an English-Language Arts/Literacy Curriculum Developer for three years for a national educational publisher. I'm incredibly lucky that another division of the company picked me up to do pretty much the same job. The biggest difference is that instead of print, I'll be working on online curriculum, which greatly excites my inner geek. And yes, my commute from the bed to the desk is the same. ☺

To follow up on my previous promise of a prezzie, and to celebrate both my new job and my mission to Etsy it up, I'm giving away a set of Girlfriend Drink Charms to one of you.

Though the original purpose of these is to mark your wine, iced tea, or martini glass, you can also use these as gift ties. All you have to do to win is leave me a comment on this post before Sunday, February 28, 11:59 pm. Comments submitted after then will not be included in the drawing. On Monday (my first day of the new job), I'll randomly draw and announce the winner. Good luck, and many thanks to everyone for being so supportive. ❤

train track image source

Breaking the rules

Since all I have for you today are random thoughts, I decided to break the rules and play Friday Fragments on Sunday. I'm such a rebel!

*And speaking of memes (and doing them on the wrong day), Saturdays have a new meme from knitpurlgurl: Saturday Word Wall.

I actually created this on the right day but neglected to post it, so here it is a day late.

What a fun way to recap your day!

*My girl Jenny has a fabulous giveaway on her blog right now. Check her out for a chance to win an 18x24 custom poster!

*My Patrick Swayze marathon continued today with The Outsiders (the complete novel version) and Dirty Dancing (the 20th anniversary edition). While I've seen these movies countless times, what I hadn't yet watched were the Dirty Dancing special features. O.M.G. There is one deleted scene (do not click if you are at work or have children with you) that had it been included, I'm pretty sure the movie would have required a rating higher than PG-13. *swoon*

*I am first catching up on all the TV I missed while I was in Portugal. One of the shows I DVR'd was the Daytime Emmy Awards. Sesame Street was celebrating their 40th year of broadcasting (WOW). By far the best moment of the show (although I was super excited that Susan Haskell won Outstanding Lead Actress) was seeing the Sesame Street cast's acceptance of their Lifetime Achievement award. Enjoy a stroll down memory lane with Big Bird and crew. And have a great night!

Thank you!

A huge thank you to everyone for both your financial and emotional support as I (and Hubby) geared up for today's Memory Walk.

We doubled our original goal and quadrupled the amount from the first time we walked, raising $823 this year. WOW.

To say we're pleased is an understatement, but we're not stopping there. It's our hope that we can grow our team next year and raise even more money. We'd also like to encourage you to take a moment and let Congress know that you support increased research funding of Alzheimer's programs. Again, thank you.

Another thank you is in order for helping me to reach a bloggy milestone: 100 posts and 25 followers. What started out as just "something to try" has turned out to be a passion, and that's largely thanks to all the friendships I've made in the blogosphere. So as a surprise thank you, I'd like to reward the first commenter on today's post with a little goodie. ☺ (And speaking of goodies: Jenny & Kristen- your blogoversary gifts are on their way; Teena- please email your address to me.)

Oh, and one more thing... GO GATORS!

Great Escape Meme Contest

I thought these meme questions were super fun (and of course, it's a great giveaway!) PS. Even if you're not a scrapbooker, the Cricut is a *great* machine to have on hand (think: school projects, posters, etc.).

This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site!

(If you decide to play along, be sure to include the above text and links in your post for your contest entry to be counted. Post and answer the meme questions on your blog and then send a link to your post via email (info@todaysmama.com) with “Cricut Meme” in the subject line.)

Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be?

Greek Isles
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car?

I often indulge in "bad" old school (80s/90s) pop (or sometimes rap... Salt & Peppa, anyone?)
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do?

fly to NYC for dinner and a Broadway show
4. What is your guilty pleasure?

bad TV, specifically soap operas and reality shows
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home?

Israel
6. Last book that you couldn't put down?

the last Harry Potter book
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch?

Are we talking a real time? If so, The Other Boleyn Girl. If not, Lord of the Rings.
8. What is your favorite local escape?

Westwood Plaza Theatre & Cafe
9. How do you escape on a budget?

read, watch TV, or scrapbook (or scrapbook while watching TV)
10.Best food you've ever had while on vacation.

midnight buffet on Royal Carribean cruise my junior year of high school

Let me know if you decide to play along!

Blogoversary winners

Thanks to everyone for participating in my blogoversary giveaway! And now the moment you've been waiting for. Drumroll please...

Congratulations, Kristen, Jenny, and Teena!

Ladies, email me at second_glantz [at] yahoo [dot] com with your address and the order of your prize pack preference.

I'll be back later today with a tribute to Patrick Swayze. *sniff* Now to attempt getting back to my regular routine...

Happy blogoversary to me!

To all of you who have indulged my thoughts - no matter how random, silly, or vain - this past year, THANK YOU!

I wrote my first post in January 2007, but being a perfectionist, it was another 20 months before I made my public entrance into the blogosphere. When I created this blog, I was mulling over the idea of starting a small custom scrapbooking business (I got only as far as creating the website), so I thought this would serve as a "behind the scenes" look. Putting my business idea aside for the time being, I didn't know what the blog would morph into. Should it be a scrapbooking blog? A "life update" blog? I felt pressure to force it into a niche, much in the way I felt obligated to post regularly. But the flip side of that was I didn't want to feel pigeon-holed. Ultimately I threw the blogging "rules" out the window and decided to post what I want when I want. Free of limitations and obligations, I'm a much happier blogger. J

So now it's time to celebrate! I have three fabulous gift packs to give away that I think represent my interests nicely, and each comes with a surprise gift. Enter stage right: a pretty-handed home shopping lady...

1. The "Green" Gift includes:

-a reusable coffee cozy from Two Florida Girls

Here's a close-up of the pattern:

Fold this cozy up, stick it in your purse, and use it whenever you go to Starbucks. Fashionable and environmentally conscious. Love it! (This one is so hard to give away because I love the colors, but I cannot forsake my Gator coffee cozy.)

-a reusable canvas bag from Hot Topic

This bag is nice and roomy for a quick trip to the store, and it has a long enough strap that you can carry it on your shoulder. And the best part about the bag is that the proceeds from purchasing it go to helping keep art and music programs in schools, a cause near and dear to my heart.

-a surprise green gift J

2. The Scrapbook Gift includes:

-Pink Paislee Office Lingo Clear Stamps

I absolutely love the stamp that says, "This memory is one of a kind and will never be duplicated. Keep it close to your heart." And isn't that what scrapbooking is all about?

-American Crafts Remarks Sticker Book (Accents Book 1, Color Sets 1 & 3)

So many shapes and sizes, and the colors are awesome!

I purchased these scrapbooking goodies from Peachy Cheap- a site I'm totally addicted to. Their prices are unbelievably low!

-a surprise scrapbooking gift J

3. The Vampire Gift includes:

-a set of Twilight Trading Cards

Did you really think I could have a giveaway without showing some Twilight love?

-a True Blood keychain, featuring Eric Northman (handmade by yours truly)

(front & back pictured)

Note to self: make one of these for me.

-a surprise EDWARD gift J

How to Enter

There are SIX chances to win! For each of the following you do (or have already done--some of you are ahead of the curve), leave me a comment. Each comment is an entry into the drawing, meaning if you do all six things, you need to leave me six comments on this post. Winners will be drawn by random; the first person selected will get first pick and so on. Comments after 11:59 pm EST on Monday, September 14 will not be counted. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 15.

1. Tell me what your favorite post is, or just leave me a random comment.
2. Tweet about the giveaway.
3. Blog about the giveaway.
4. Add me to your blog roll.
5. Become a follower or subscribe.
6. Add my button to your blog's sidebar.

*If you tweet or blog, leave me your Twitter name or blog address so I can follow you back if I'm not already. J

And for those of you who are newer readers of my blog, here's a trip down memory lane with my top 10 non-scrapbook related posts (in chronological order because I'm OCD like that) that will help you get to know me a bit better:

Mimi, I've a feeling we're not in Florida anymore

The FL girl and her northern challenges

I figured out Victoria's Secret

I've been tagged

What do a vampire and a castaway have in common?

My name is Cheryl, and I'm addicted to bad TV

It could always be worse

On turning 30

Dear Neighbor

Rock on!

And if you made it this far in the post, you should win a prize just for that. J Thanks for your continued reading. Here's to another great year!

Did someone say free books?

I'm really excited to have found Read Now Sleep Later, a blog about books. Having no more Twilight, Harry Potter, or Sookie Stackhouse books to read (insert whine), I am on high alert for recommendations, and so far, it sounds like frootjoos and I have similar tastes.

Even better, there is a BIG contest going on right now. Check it out here, and you could win a free book!

Glantzing ahead...

Stop rolling your eyes-- I haven't used the pun in a really long time!

Fun & exciting things are coming your way, so I thought I'd take a minute to give you a sneak peek.

*September 4–6, my bloggy friend Sara is hosting a blog hop, inspired by Operation Nice. I'll be a stop along the tour, and your blog can be, too. Just click the button below for details. Several participating blogs will be giving away blog candy, so be sure to check back next weekend to do a little hopping.

*September 8 will be my first blogoversary. (singing)Happy blogoversary, happy blogoversary...To celebrate and say thanks to those of you who put up with all my puns, I'll be giving away a few gifts. Winners will be drawn on September 15, so you'll have a whole week to rack up entries (details will be posted on 9/8).

In case you need your appetite whetted... someone will receive a gift from one of my favorite Etsy shops.

And of course, there will be a scrapbooking gift among others.

*And last, but perhaps most excitedly (for me, at least), is that I will be blogging from overseas starting September 5. I'm saying goodbye to Hubby, Mimi, and my job for a while to visit my dad in Portugal and finally step foot into Spain (which has been a dream of mine for the past 15 years). I've bought every adapter and converter known to man (more to be said about that later) so that I can share my travel adventures with you.

photo "courtesy" of my dad

(Daddy, do you mind if I swipe one of your photos? Thanks!)

So if I'm off the grid for a little while, you can see that I have a lot to prepare for! Talk to you next weekend if not before. J