Lessons Learned

Be careful when passing other cars — don’t let this happen to you.

It has been said that, “We learn from experience — we gain experience from making mistakes.” I tend to agree with that view. At least it seems to work that way for me. Your mileage may vary.

One lesson I have to learn anew from time to time is the need to pay attention to my body. It is important to observe and learn how the body reacts to what one does. To what one eats. To what one drinks. Body reactions are clues that should be examined and acted upon.

After the weekend excitement, I’ve decided that some changes are necessary in my life. I’ll be changing what and how I eat. I’ll drink more water and less Pepsi (my vice of choice).

I will be more active. That means spending less time in this chair in front of the computer monitor.

That will result in changes here on Secondary Roads. I’m going to try to continue to post on a daily basis. I started this blog as a way to connect with my immediate family, and that is working. I wanted the discipline of writing on a regular basis. Again, I’m satisfied with the results.

Along the way, I got involved in Entrecard and Adgitize. Adgitize has paid me a bit of money — not much for the effort involved. Entrecard has brought a lot of traffic to the blog and through EC I have found several friends. I spend a very significant portion of my day clicking on Adgitize ads and on Entrecards.

I have become aware that extra time on the computer adds stress in my life. I don’t understand the logic, if there is any, it just happens. I need to spend less time here. I left Adgitize once, but returned. Twice, I stopped accepting ads, gave away my EC credits and prepared to leave Entrecard. I never did leave.

After careful consideration, a talk with Sylvia and with my sister, Clara, I have decided to drop Entrecard and Adgitize. The widgets should be gone by the end of this week. I have talked about this with my two sons earlier.

This is a bit scary, but friends have left Entrecard and have told me that they do not regret their decision. Thanks Rita T, PJ and Colleen your help and encouragement is greatly appreciated.

If you visit only to drop, I’ll miss you. For the others, I do hope you’ll visit regularly and leave a comment so I’ll know you’ve driven down these Secondary Roads. Many of you regulars are already in my Firefox bookmark folders. I’ll add some more of you in the next few days. In enjoy reading your blogs, and I don’t want to give that up!

There are several programs waiting for me on the DVR and the recliner is calling my name. I’ll BCNU.

Still Struggling?

Still struggling with your relationship to Entrecard? Here are a couple of sites worth visiting:

Blog Back Time — It was there that I learned of a Yahoo group and the next blog, which should be of particular interest.

and

Entrewas — This blog has the subtitle: Where former and present Entrecard members meet.

I have filed a request to join the Yahoo group and am waiting approval. I have opted to receive a daily digest of messages. I do this with other groups so that I’m not buried in a flurry of individual messages. It’s easier to read them all in a batch.

Do check these sites and let me know what is happening with you. Best wishes and happy blogging, Chuck

Quo Vadis Entrecard?

I had planned to be gone from the Entrecard scene by now. However, enough of you, my friends, have kept on dropping your card on my widget that I couldn’t ignore you. I’ve stuck around and kept the widget on this blog.

The sponsor ads program started today. They are calling it a beta launch of the program. From the dashboard you can click on “Sponsor Ads” and from there you can reject one of the two ads. As they have backed off, I have decided to postpone my exit as well.

Some folks have asked about Entrecard. The best way to learn about them is to visit their Website and read about it. I found that it did put in touch with a lot of other bloggers. Some of them were wonderful folk, and some were not. It’s like going out in public where you’ll find all kinds of people and blogs.

A lot of the traffic is there for the drops, but some will stop and read. If you provide the content, they will even come back. I met many of my favorite blogger buds through Entrecard.

I’ve been on the 300 drops/day treadmill. That is not fun! 

Bottom Line: I’m sticking around for a bit longer. How long? Can’t say.

Saturday Song ~ Wilson Phillips

I was fascinated by Wilson Phillips the first time I heard them sing. The harmony and the blend of their voices are wonderful. They are here by special request today.

Entrecard has announced a change to go into effect on Monday 9/28. I do not support the way the change is being implemented. They have left me, and the previous song is for the corporate entity — not the bloggers. I found so many of you through Entrecard and you have been wonderful. So the following is also only for the corporate entity — not for you. I do extend my thanks and ask you to keep visiting.


Even though my relationship with Entrecard is ending, I will still be here on this same dirt road. It has been a wonderful run with Entrecard, and I’d do it again.

I’ll tell you more about it on Monday as I participate in “I Did It! – Monday.” Do come back. Meanwhile, check out the “I Did It!” meme.

Top EC Droppers ~ August ’09

With much thanks to top droppers on my blog — August:


BetterSpinesA Chiropractor’s views on health and fitness; a diabetic with a dodgy heart; things that interest me.

Mutual LoveSharing tender loving care and make this world a better place to stay.

Everyday LivingWeight-loss tips and stories, mixed together with humor and fun. All this and more, to help you get through the journey of Everyday Living.

Fledgling BloggerAwesome blogging experience!

BeadedTailAntics of two cats and a dog! Plus, we make jewelry for animal lovers with proceeds benefiting animal charities! We’re making tails wag one bead at a time!

Learning CornerCenter for Personal Development, Professional Learning and Education, Finance, Smart Investment, Business Management, Business Strategy, Leadership, Business Success, Computer, Technology Update, Lifestyle Improvement.

Business SphereA blog on business advice, entrepreneurship ideas and consulting for business.

Photography by KMLPhotography by KML features the fine art and stock images of photographer, Kathy Libby. KML specializes in Landscape and Nature photos. The stock photos include concepts, food, backgrounds, abstracts, sports, architecture, transportation, and people.

Lainy’s MusingsA blog showcasing my mutterings, random rants, raves and whinings on life’s daily maneuvers.

Proud MommyProud Mommy of two wonderful kids and a wifey to a very responsible man. A day to day account of a full time mom and wife.

Is a mans world
Blogging about Techonology,Gadgets including Big Boys Toys and more.

Serian ManSome thoughts on teaching and the exploration of the land of the hornbills, my beloved Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.

AsTheCrackerheadCrumblesThe purpose of this blog is to help clear-up much of the confusion that now exists concerning our Heavenly Father and the righteousness of all of His most awesome ways.

Duck and Wheel With StringA potpourri of writing, photos, and thoughts from the life known as mine. You never know what you’re going to get!

The Cooling Stream
rambling thoughts and reflections on life issues and faith.

PJ’s ProseLife, love, happiness, along with the death, sorrow, and sadness that happens every day.

Computer AidInteresting PC problems encountered by a Computer Tech. Plus some other stuff 🙂

Paperkraft.netPopular blog about free video game, anime, manga, and cartoon related paper crafts. Includes links to hundreds of web sites on 3D paper models, origami, dioramas, paper automata, paper art, paper toys and pop-up cards.

WillOaks StudioAn artist’s blog about living the creative life in a beautiful rural part of Northern Illinois. Equal parts art and gardening, jewelry and nature all pulled together with lots of photography. No paid ads!

EzGreatLifeThis site is about life, family and getting fit, both physically and financially. Discussing any and all aspects of attaining a great life.

Daily lifeAll what a Internet user should know!

Jean sQuaredSometimes it’s the smallest decision that can change your life forever…

Business & Life SuccessCenter for Business Success, Life Success, Management Success and Career Success

lunaticg banknote & coinBlog about antique coins, auction selling, banknotes, coin, coin collection, numismatic, selling coins,rare coins and coin dealer in Malaysia.

Symphony of LoveBringing you Love and Inspiration!

My July Top EC Droppers ~ Thanks!

These are my top droppers for last month as reported by Entrecard. I encourage you to visit them.

Family Health Avenue
60 Were Enough
Photography by KML
sound of a soft breath
Stock Recomendations
NARESH
Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice
Computer Aid
Bulgarian Scrapbook
Symphony of Love
Rambling stuff
Learning Corner
Split Rock Ranch
AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles
Hello Kitty Gifts
AddYours®
PJ’s Prose
Mutual Love
The Ad Master
WillOaks Studio
Coming Back to Life
Daily life
atenean101 @ Blogspot
Mariamichelle’s Furkids and Animal Rescue
Singapore Draws

6 Months Later ~ Thank You!


It was January 2, 2009 that I posted my first offering on this blog. Since then, I’ve not missed a day. This is my 187th posting.

I started with a list of topics that I would visit. Some of those remain on the list while others have been treated with benign neglect. Your feedback has helped guide the direction I have taken.

My sister Clara has been a big help providing tips and insights that have greatly shortened the learning curve. It is a real blessing to have a sister who is as big a nerd as I am. Thanks Sis!

By the end of January, I had started with Entrecard and through that have found a lot of nice friends with neat blogs. Yesterday, I registered with Adgitize. That is also enlarging my world.

Here in the blogosphere, I have found a community of supportive and friendly folks. Many have become friends, and I enjoy my daily visits to their blogs and the comments that they leave here. I thank each of you and appreciate you all.

More Top Droppers

Yesterday, I discovered how to find more than my top ten droppers. There are many of you who visit every day or almost everyday and each one of you is deeply appreciated. It turns out that on the EC Statistics page beside the list of top ten droppers there is an icon that I associate with RSS feeds. When I clicked on that, I was able to see this more complete list. Some of my friends and regular visitors don’t do EC, but they visit, comment and are also very welcome. Here is my EC droppers list for last month:

Positive menBeing positive in all aspects of our lives can bring wonder to ourselves and others.

Family Health AvenueHealth is The Family’s Ultimate Wealth

Cacai’s Step and JourneyMy personal blog talks about my own wits, views, reviews, thoughts, beliefs, happiness, and my day to day experiences in this beautiful world we’re living in, of good quality standard for which everyone of all ages is welcome.

Hello Kitty GiftsBlog of News & Trips of my Hello Kitty and Limited Edition & Special Edition Hello Kitty Gifts for All Occasions and Everyone!

The Cooling StreamLife is less stressful if we enjoy everything we do.

Prove Me WrongProving me wrong does not make me less intelligent or smart…But in so doing, my world will be a lot easier to understand and I’d be able to share to the rest of the world everyone’s wisdom…Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.

60 Were Enough60 Were Enough bolog about Music, Artists, Mp3 and 60 Were Enough News.

My Reflections and ImpressionsReligion, Christianity, Politics, Sports and just about anything….

Stuff and NonsenseSome of the nonsense in Joel Klebanoff’s brain is funny. Some of it is not. Stuff & Nonsense contains mostly the former.

vanillaseven.comShowcases of photography, idea, concept, design, graphic, environment, architecture, interior and art.

Grampy and You!A Christian Grampy Blog. Almost retired finding new projects to do and share.

Frugal Healthy ChoicesFollow along as I discover the right choices for a healthy lifestyle on a shoe-string budget.

Serian ManSome thoughts on teaching and the exploration of the land of the hornbills, my beloved Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.

AsTheCrackerheadCrumblesThe purpose of this blog is to help clear-up much of the confusion that now exists concerning our Heavenly Father and the righteousness of all of His most awesome ways.

Duck and Wheel With StringA potpourri of writing, photos, and thoughts from the life known as mine. You never know what you’re going to get! [This blog is a must visit!]

Black holes and AstrostuffAnything to do with amateur astronomy and current events of astronomy.

Rambling Thoughts in SMK Serian
My rambling thoughts and personal musings in a school where I learn and teach.

BeadedTailAntics of two cats and a dog! Plus, we make jewelry for animal lovers with proceeds benefiting animal charities! We’re making tails wag one bead at a time!

eastcoastlifeTurned away, threatened, silenced…. a woman’s determination to save her only son and expose the dark side of the civil service!

Moms LifestyleThis blog is all about the family life style and love of family.

comatised Dreaming in digital

Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice
Italian American comfort food using fresh ingredients.

Computer AidInteresting PC problems encountered by a Computer Tech. Plus some other stuff.

Mutual LoveSharing tender loving care and make this world a better place to stay.

The Ad MasterTons of Tips and Tricks to help you advertise online. From lists of free traffic resources to advice on keyword placement and linkbuilding.

Congrats & Thanks


Congratulations to Briana. It is confirmed, she is officially Academic All State. Others from her team that made the honor are: Gabrielle, Sara, Stephenie & Stephanie. (Yes two of them.) It was an excellent year for #7 as co-captain and the team’s top scorer. She was given the Coach’s Award and now this high honor for outstanding academic achievement. We (Sylvia and I) are very proud of our granddaughter and of her parents too.

Top Droppers for May

Thanks to the many friends who regularly visit us here on the Secondary Roads and drop their ECs. I’m hesitant to list the top ten, because there are many others that came very close. Please understand that you are all appreciated. Here then are my top ten droppers:


Family Health Avenue 31
Cacai’s Step and Journey 31
Hello Kitty Gifts 31
eastcoastlife 31
Prove Me Wrong 31
Positive men 30
60 Were Enough 30
vanillaseven.com 30
Serian Man 30
AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles 30


Y’all come back now. Ya hear?