Friday, September 16, 2011

Lemon-Aid


I know, I know... I have been on the run and not blogging much this past month-- or two, or three. But life got in the way as they say and, well, I sort of feel like I've been cheating on you a bit.

True confession time--

In addition to four trips back home to Ohio in three months with another one scheduled in two weeks, the very sad and unexpected passing of my sweet step-dad, Dave, and running around like a chicken with my head cut off all summer, I've also been helping the good folks at the non-profit Lupus International launch a new blog.

When I was first diagnosed with lupus (a hundred years ago) I turned to this organization for education and support. They were so great to me that I've been volunteering with them ever since.

So when the call came asking for help with their new blog, it was hard to say no. It's taken a lot of my spare blog time but now that I have two posts over there under my belt.... and figured out the new Blogger design system (Oy!), I should be back in my usual routine of spending way too much time reading your blogs and hanging out in front of my computer again. Ahhh, it sounds like paradise!

Please take a minute to check out the new blog and my current post which tells you a little bit about my "invisible illness". I'd really appreciate your input on the design and any pointers or tips you might have on the new Blogger design system. (Newblog name is-- Lupus Lemon-Aid)

Thanks a million. You are all the best!
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Photo Credit: (c) Taffi Fotolia.com #32666488

34 comments:

  1. non-blogger don't understand blog friendships and connections do they? You felt like you were cheating says much about how strong that connection can be.
    I'll check out your blog post.
    Don't be a headless chicken or a crackling hen. Sometimes we are all turkeys though.

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  2. smiles. its always good to see you JJ...life happens...will go check out the new blog...

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  3. I love the look of the new blog! You did that? That´s awesome. I will snoop around some more.

    I´m glad for your mom that you are going to visit a lot. I bet she appreciates it.

    Have a good weekend Joanna!

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  4. You have been missed my friend!! But with understanding....busy girl!

    Off to check on the new blog...such a wonderful cause education is the key to understanding!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  5. So nice to hear from you Joanna. Will go check out the new blog.

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  6. where's the link to the new blog Joanna?

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  7. Wow! The blog looks terrific! You put a lot into it. How did I miss Bill Medley???? Actually, I have been singing "You've Lost That Lovin Feeling" in my head for the last week! Coinkydink, huh?

    Hope all is well with you. We have a Jenkins at my school and everytime I come across her name I think of you!

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  8. I will check out the new blog! Thanks for the updates. So sorry for your loss; hugs to you and yours.

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  9. That's wonderful that you helped them with the site. My SIL and her 2 sisters all suffer from lupus so I totally see the value in that resource.

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  10. It sounds like you have been using your time well...I will go have a look right now. You have, of course, been missed.

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  11. I do not know much about Lupus but I have a little understanding from beautiful Shaista. I'm heading over, but what you are doing is great Joanna and I absolutely love the name of the blog!

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  12. I have a friend who suffers from the silent disease of lupus and is doing well, like you. I'll head over there to read it, and thanks for the nice comment on my blog!

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  13. I just looked at the Lupus blog. Nice job and learned a thing or two from your story. Good work!!!

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  14. I've missed you. It is good to see you. I will go check out your new blog site.

    My grandfather had lupus. It is an interesting disease that hits people in different ways.

    I am going to see what you have written about it.

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  15. My condolences once again on the passing of your step-dad.

    I'm on Wordpress so do not have to battle with Blogger, thank goodness.

    And yes - I like the name of the new blog and am going over there to check it out.

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  16. I just read your lupus blog and think it's terrific! I learned so much in that short post! I've known people with lupus and never knew exactly what they were going through. This new blog is a great education tool for all of us!

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  17. Love the new blog! You did a fabulous job! And your info was fantastic too!!
    Have a great weekend!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  18. I like it! It's bright, cheery and informative. So, does this mean you're doing two blogs, or are you giving up Fifty Factor to work solely on Lemon Aid (I like the name btw)?

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  19. Joanna, I will be thinking of you as you travel to Ohio again in two weeks. How is your mom? All settled in yet?

    I left a message at the Lupus International blog. It makes me proud to know you.

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  20. Hi hon...wow that is cool I will go off to check it out! I totally understand what you are saying..I feel like the last couple months have flown by!
    Thank you for checking in on me...OMG two weeks..I gotta post something. Geesh hon. Yes am fine...lots of school and then the kids school and art and kids and Jim was here (which was heavenly) then more tests for me...I guess I didn't realize it had been so long. Will post somthing fun tomorrow!!
    So glad you are back hon...so sorry about your Step Dad...is so hard to lose them hon..huge hugs, Sarah

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  21. Going over to check it out and learn more!

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  22. I'm glad you are back! And are as OK as you can be. I'm going right from here to check out the new blog. What a catchy title! Did you come up with it??

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  23. Hi JJ I am going over to check on it now. Joanna I only have the one blog now. I just don't want to lose touch with you. hugs sending love your way.

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  24. Joanna, I will try to check out Lupus Lemon-aid soon. I'm in a frenzy, worried that I'll never get everything done for my India departure!

    My mother was diagnosed with lupus many years ago, took an injection of methotrexate weekly, I think but, since her stroke and admission to extended care, I don't believe she has gotten any of that. I'll have to have my brother check.

    You're the best, you know!

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  25. Wonderfully done. I left you a comment over there. Don't you worry about this blog while you're busy doing such a fine job on the new site. You know we'll all find you whenever you post.

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  26. I have always thrived on the lemon~aid life theory. I too am tryin' to activate my bloggin' skills again. I sure have missed ya'll this summer.

    I'm jumpin' over right now to check out the new blog. I'm sure it's fantastic...just like you.

    God bless and have a terrific day sweetie!

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  27. My goodness, what a demanding, busy and active summer this has been for you, hon - I have NO IDEA how you've managed to achieve so much, I'm tired just reading about it!

    I'm off to check out this new blog you're in..

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  28. Hey there sweetie,
    I read your article before work yesterday, but didn't have time to leave a proper comment. It's a very sweet and positive list that you've put together, which I think shows what a wonderful gal you are.

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  29. I love that you're spending time helping out organizations like that where they mean something to you and in a capacity where you have expertise. It's amazing how small and easy it can be to help out!

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  30. I love it when you are here - and I miss you when you are gone! Not really gone - just busy!

    xoxoxo!

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  31. Will check out the blog dearest...and know how much you miss Dave...keep doing whatever gives you and those around you the most joy...

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  32. I really do like the blog. Great title too....
    You certainly have been a busy worker. I congratulate you on your hard work for the lupus foundation.
    Glad to see you back.
    Hugs and blessings
    Shug

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  33. Well done you.

    And yes, its is so hard to keep the blog momentum going at times but there are important things like your new venture which are very importnat. You are very qualified in more ways than one to do the blog too and I have to go and have a look now.

    I am very sorry to hear about your step father by the way. It will be a big loss and I hope your mother is doing ok. I feel like I am just six months ahead of what you are going through, family wise..

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