Gretch-a-sketch (old)

One of the traits I inherited from my dad is a restless need for change in environment. (This is in addition to a love for M*A*S*H and weird snacking habits--fritos and bleu cheese dressing at midnight, anyone?) 
Don't worry, though. It's the good kind of change, like quarters are to college students.

The long and short of it is that I made the move to a self-hosted blog. The "Gretch-a-sketch" name and theme will remain the same, but from now on you can find me at http://www.gretchenalice.com.
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I'm still working on my blogroll, but it will most definitely be up-to-date. Speaking of blogrolls, if you would be so kind as to update yours with my new address, I would be grateful FOR-EV-ER. Seriously, in the eternities I will find you and personally thank you. Oh, and you can also join my Facebook blog network!

The last few days, I've been reading a book that I probably wouldn't have read a year ago. The key factor was that it recieved numerous glowing reviews from my fellow bloggers and so far I'm loving every page. I got to thinking (it's a bad habit of mine) about the ways that my reading habits have changed since I started blogging. Without divulging my thoughts on the subject, I'd first like to hear from you all.

Consider the following (Holla for Bill Nye!)
1. Have you noticed a change in your reading habits since you started blogging or reading blogs?
2. Do you read more or less?
3. Has there been a difference in the ratio of fiction to non-fiction that you read?
4. Have you read any books that you might not otherwise have considered reading due to a blogger's recommendation?

Help a sister out!

Um...so remember how I said I was going to start a review blog? I was planning on bringing it out in the open this week until I had an epiphany. I've really got too much going on in my life right now to maintain a second blog. (Remember my now-defunct word blog? That was actually pretty funny while it lasted.) I even had an email account set up and the layout was semi-decent, but it's important that I stay, you know, sane. Maybe at some point in the future, but just not for now.

One of my favorite/least-favorite things about myself is that I'm deeply rooted in so many interests. I could easily start a blog devoted to photography, fashion, webcomics, indie music, books, writing, cooking, or TV. The only issue is deciding which of those I'd write about, since I feel so strongly about each of them. Hence, most of it gets directed here. There is always an underlying theme about things that matter to me in my posts, but otherwise it's all very hodge-podge.

BUT. I can't let go of the review concept yet, so instead I'm starting a weekly feature on this blog. It'll be called "Proselytizers of Pop" from this fantasticly true quote from David Palladino.

"They are proselytizers of pop, as all rock 'n' roll lovers are, because when you love a band or a song, you want others to love it too, you need them to love it, they've got to love it, or else, or else--well, or else you'll try again another time with a band that you have to share with them. Once you get caught up in this never-ending cycle of proselytizing, you never get out. You don't want to get out. Not until the word's been spread."
Gilmore Girls Soundtrack Liner Notes

The feature will usually run on Tuesdays, starting this next week. I'll give brief reviews of all the books, CDs, TV, and movies I've consumed during the past week. This will allow my inner-critic to be let loose a little more often and maybe some of the recommendations will pique your interest.

Next week, you can expect to see mini-reviews of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, She & Him's "Volume One," Joshua Radin's "Simple Times," and 3o Rock Season Two.

I also plan on writing recaps for The Office once it starts up again. (Did you see those new promos? Wowzer! That show can't come back soon enough.)

If all that meta-blogging was too boring (don't worry, I know it was), will a funny cat video make it up to you? (Via Daily C)

I'm still not at full YEAH! capacity (/Lloyd Dobler) but I'm feeling much better.

Okay, random but hilarious side story: When I was getting my cavities done recently, my dentist says to me, "All done! Isn't that a good filling? I mean, feeling?" groan...

Anyhow, before the vacation recap tomorrow (finally!), I thought I'd introduce the newest member of the Gretch-a-sketch family...

Ink in my Veins: A Tumble Blog


If you look at the archives, you'll notice it's been up for a couple months now. Your name vote was actually perfect because I didn't have to change a thing.

I'll update it whenever I get the fancy, with pictures and links and all manner of AWESOMENESS. Subscribe and/or follow me!

Do any of you have tumblr blogs or any good tumblr recommendations?

From: Blog Headquarters
To: My fabulous readers
Date: July 13, 2008
Time: 6:00 PM

Subject: Sometimes change is a good thing

Dear readers,

This is a big week for me.

Monday: Neuroscience presentation, Bastille Day
Tuesday: The premiere of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Wednesday: Final neuro paper due
Thursday: New Office webisode, Abnormal Psych final, Ethics paper due (or is that Friday? I'd better find out so I can know how long to procrastinate.)
Friday: The Dark Knight! Mamma Mia! ... Oh yeah, and graduation, I guess.
Saturday: Drive home for good!

But unlike last semester, this isn't my notice that I'm disappearing from the blogging world for a week. Actually, I've got some really fun stuff planned, especially tomorrow. You'll see. ;)

Vague promises aside, this is just to inform you of a few things going on here at Gretch-a-sketch. You might remember that a while back I considered making the switch to wordpress. I gave that a shot, even going so far as to make a really spiffy new header and everything. I liked most of the features, but for the time being I'm going to stick with blogger.

Therefore, I've made a few changes to the site to make it more appealing and user-friendly. It's now three-columns and there's also a slightly altered color palette. I've added links on the left for all the important stuff, including a new About page and Links page. The links list was highly laborious, but worth it. There is some true quality contained in that page. Now you can see just why the internet makes me so un-productive. Also, I updated my blog roll. It's insanely long, but if I left you off, please let me know and I'll add you! Seriously, praises be to Google Reader for allowing me to keep up with you. I deleted the Navigation Bar at the top and added a search form on the left side. There's still tweaking to be done, but that's the brunt of it.

Lastly, I'm going on vacation from the 23rd to the 30th. I wish I could say that meant I was going to either BlogHer or ComicCon (I'm not really picky), but I'll be at the OPPOSITE END OF THE COUNTRY. Ohio and upstate New York, to be exact. I'm really quite thrilled. Honest! I bet you can guess where this is going... If you're interested in guest blogging, either leave me a comment or shoot me an email at lady.luck.05(@)gmail.com. Help a sister out? Pretty please? I'll bring back souvenirs for you!

I think that about wraps it up--back to our regularly scheduled discussion of random lists, awesome media, and why Jim Halpert looks good in sweaters.

Best,
Blog HQ