As a holiday gift to my readers I decided to change my blog template. I have received a lot of complaints about reading white text on a black background, so I wanted to find something easier on the eyes. And anyway, the running chick on my old background looked like she was running in a skirt. I detest running skirts.
The problem: There are very, very few usable blogger skins that have anything to do with swimming, biking, and running. Take Lance Armstrong and mountain bikes out of the equation and you have none.
I was about to give up, when I decided that I'd spent 2 hours searching for a template, if I didn't change anything, that would have been a waste of time. I like to finish what I've started. Sometimes. I realize that the picture at the top is of a BMX rider, and I've never even TOUCHED a BMX bike, but at least it was an attractive image involving a bicycle. And there was no black background.
The next problem: When I loaded the template, it deleted all my gadgets and sidebars. Fuck! That's really not good. And I've STILL never ridden a BMX bike. So I went through and I put them up AGAIN. I had to do my blogroll from memory, so check and see if your name is there. If it's not, I apologize. Please let me know and I'll put it back up. Nothing personal! (Note: I tend to only add people to my blogroll if they come by and comment often. If you want to be on my blogroll, help me get to know you and leave some comments! You are excluded from my blogroll if you do not have a blog. Sorry.)
Once I'd finished updating all my colors, themes, fonts, sidebars, etc., I looked at the page again. "Home," "Entries," "Comments," "Edit" at the top of the page... what the hell are those? How do I make them go away? What do I do with them?
Oh whatever, who cares?! I hope you like it. Maybe more cool features will appear later. But in the meantime, I hope the new skin is easier on all your tired eyes. Happy Holidays!
UPDATE:
Alright, I've been working at it all day, and I've finally got something that I'm half way satisfied with. Not all the way satisfied, but I'm tired of wrestling with blogger trying to change styles. I hate you, blogger! Why won't you just let me pick my own background color!
On the plus side, I have discovered some pretty cool scrapbooking tools on photobucket. Please let me know what you think of the new look. And if you know how to create your own blogger skins, please let me know.
13 comments:
Claire! I had purchased a really nice and lady-like, pink running skirt for Xmas and planned on giving it to you in Orlando...damn it! Now I will have to return it. Good thing I kept the receipt.
Oh, and I had a pink bike on layaway for you!!
:)
my eyes get tired looking at white backgrounds. I'm I old?
BMX?
Bike
My
Ax(ass)
hmmmm
Apparently I missed the BMX picture because all I get is a blue background. Hmm. I had the same issue with all of my gadgets getting deleted. I wound up finding all kinds of fairly good skins here: http://www.eblogtemplates.com/
Although nothing related to swimming, running or biking...
I take it back, I can see the BMX. Not my most favorite...
it's ok - i guess.
Hi Claire, my name is Melissa Caron. I am a friend of Mary's. I am looking to find some more interesting people to blog with while training for my upcoming halfiron in June (and one in August). So I thought I would stop by and say HI! . I'm from Mass. I"m kinda new to tris.. This will be my 2nd season.
Your blog is crazy!
Melisa
looks better...
I like it. The old one wasn't bad but I really didn't like the BMX bike. I am not so good with blog maintenance so I am no help there. Hell, I don't even post anymore :)
Better than the BMX bike
i like the pics, this is a good one.
you know what i cant figure out how to do and want? the damn tag cloud. i hate you, blogger! you confuse me...
:)
We had the same idea this week, I see. I'm plugging all of my widgets back in as well - it's way more time consuming than it should be.
I like the new look, though. I admit that the white on black thing generally bugs me. This is much better.
I think it's great. It's a good switch up. But I miss the silhouette of the runner.
FYI, when I was re-doing my site, I borrowed heavily from Bloggerbuster. Google it and you'll find it. Don't know if you feel like messing with it any further, but it might be a helpful resource for you.
Maybe the BMX thing is gone now? I've been away for a bit and catching up now. I like the blue actually and while the black didn't bother me too much, this seems more like you.
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