Praise and Thanks to - CrazyAsianGal

Another day went by, and no new followers (that box in the center sidebar with all the little faces) signed up to take a look at my blog. That's a terrible thing for my ego, but a great opportunity to recognize one of my favorite bloggers. A long overdue post about a wonderful friend to bloggers, one of my very early followers, frequent commenter on my posts and encourages me in many ways...

I have mentioned before about my writing style. I try to be conversational, and it helps to imagine that I am having coffee and talking over my post with a few people. Facts are, there are 3 ladies at my imaginary table (don't tell my wife). Two of the gals I have already identified, GirliChef and ReTorte. The third is an odd choice for a grilling specialist to invite to the table. CRAZY ASIAN GAL, who calls herself Palidor, and has not yet complained when I call her Pal; has admitted to not even owning a grill. Of the thousands of foodie blogrolls, I really have no idea why she choose to be a regular on my blog, but I sure am glad that she is. When I plan my postings, she reminds me that I am not just talking to hairy knuckled back yard grilling neanderthals (insert grunt grunt noises) ((and truth is, no regular grilling neanderthal has much hair left on their forearms, let alone their knuckles... but I digress)). Because she chose to follow me, because she chooses to comment frequently, I write for an audience I never anticipated. Because of Pal, I try to explain in a little more detail, I try to use photo images more often and I try to add tips that relate to cooks in general, not just hairy knuckled neanderthals that already know more than I do about grilling.

So, thanks for your early encouragement, thanks for looking in on me and I just wanted to let you know that I am a better blogger today because you look in on this blog.


So, let me tell you a little bit about CRAZY ASIAN GAL... You can find her blog by clicking HERE. She crams a lot of mental images in her profile... She claims to be 29, but when I was 29 I lied about being older, and when I was 30-35, I lied about being 29, so I take that with a grain of salt. She is an unemployed lawyer (insert your lawyer joke here, everyone has a favorite), but don't hold the lawyer part against her. The unemployment thing is tragic, and I certainly hope that situation improves soon. BUT, she has never made that situation a downer part of her blog. Her blog is always upbeat and her comments are equally a joy to find in your inbox.

It is amazing how many food bloggers are cat people (like me) as opposed to dog people. Palidor owns two, and they are frequent guests in her posts. Misty and Minky are lucky cats indeed. Recently I did a post featuring just one of my two cats. She remembered that I have two and asked me to post a shot of my other cat. While Chang and Eng could be memorable names (the original Siamese Twins, and the biography my wife was reading when they adopted us), it takes a special reader to remember that I own a cat, let alone two and let alone remember the name of the one I didn't include in the post. So Pal, here's a shot of Chang lifting her head just long enough to say HI, prior to going back to sleep.

She is a runner (Crazy Asian Gal, not Chang), who strength trains and maintains physical fitness. A rare combination in food bloggers, and a bit of encouragement to me (just a bit).

Her blog is a work of art. Occasionally she discusses Asian influenced ingredients that I have never heard of. But mostly she cooks "normal" (sorry, wrong word, but couldn't think of a better word...maybe "western", could be "good old American" (but she is Canadian), so let's just say "normal", and you all know it is not the word I wanted to use) food with an Asian influence. Her sidebar has her recipes divided into categories so they are easy to find and navigate. She does several photos per post, offers very clear instructions to recipes that you know she tries herself before posting. If it is on her blog, you know it is the real deal. Most of her posts have a couple dozen comments, so you know she is well liked.

One thing I noticed, she makes no attempt to monetize her blog at all. No links to Amazon.com, no Google ads, no sponsors, no FOODBUZZ, none of the standard ways that many bloggers try to guide (trick) our readers into giving us a $10 a month stipend towards our food budget. She is truly one of the good guys that blogs for the fun of blogging. HMMMM, a lawyer who makes no attempt to be a money grubbing whore like the rest of us... If I were cruel, I would insert a joke like "no wonder she is an unemployed lawyer", but I would never want to make a joke at her expense. At lawyers in general, I have no problem. But no jokes at her specific expense.

Someday, she will own a grill and I hope the time she puts into visiting me pays off, but until then, I am sure I get more from her than she does from me. I am humbled that she is a follower.

So, there you go. I have voices in my head. Three of them specifically make me a better blogger. Anytime you come back, picture me, Palidor, Coyote and a Girlichef from South Bend, IN (incorrectly moved her 50 miles down the road yesterday). Each of these bloggers contribute in a huge way to anything you read here. Even when it is just voices in my head telling me there are real people out there.

Thanks Pal.

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I have said it before, and I will say it again... I LOVE Blogging and Bloggers. Having followers is a great way to let me know that you are out there. My blog improves with each new follower. I feel a connection, as well as an obligation to be witty, entertaining, informative, accurate and consistent. Knowing that I am being looked at makes me a better blogger and I hope you will be patient as I continue to improve. Looking at all these terrific sites shows me how far I have to come, but gives me great ideas from everyone!

Take a look at these guys. If you like what they have to say, come back for more. Drop em a note (comment) of encouragement. Newer bloggers need to know someone is out there, and older bloggers need fresh blood to feed on, let em know you were directed to their site from me and you may make a new cyber friend too.