So, I was going about my business, making a triple batch of chocolate chip cookies (plain, Heath, and a third, newfangled variety, marshmallow) when my arm got really tired of mixing and I took a break to tweet this:

Within seconds, someone retweeted me. And someone retweeted them. Then I got my first donation. Then another person said they’d pitch in $5. Then someone requested my PayPal address. Then two people said KitchenAid mixers are life changing and totally worth a donation.

Then the ChipIn button was born.

And cookie-loving angels everywhere bust into song.

I was going to do a birthday post but then I remembered that I Twittered my way through my birthday week and I really have nothing more to add!

• I took a half day on my birthday.
• Had the best pizza ever.
• Met friends for lunch at Texas Roadhouse.
• Went for a walk with my husband and dog.
• Decided to try and put together a NWI tweetup.
• Got some great birthday presents.

Oh, maybe I do have one more thing to say…thank you for all the birthday wishes and Twitters and presents! You guys are the bestestes.

Me digging into presents at my fourth birthday party.

Please note the fancy pants.

After having a chatty lunch with two fellow bloggers, Twitter enthusiasts, and Northwest Indiana residents, Natalie and Jennifer, we realized that there are a lot of great bloggers and Twitterers in our area, but we’ve yet to hear of a region tweet-up.

So, I’m proposing one in the near future. Preferably an establishment with a good drink special. Someplace in Merrillville? Don Pablos? Hooters? I’m taking suggestions on time and place. I’ll make sure the restaurant knows we plan on taking over and bring the nametags.

All bloggers and Twitter users are welcome. You’ll have more fun if you’re of legal drinking age. Are you up for it?

Spread the word and RT:

Are you ready for an NWI tweet-up? Suggest dates and times! http://tinyurl.com/dl7azy

It was a big week and this is a great Four Foods on Friday! First, it was St. Patrick’s Day, then it was my birthday, and green is my favorite color!

1. What’s your favorite green food?

Definitely, peas.

2. Do you eat anything special on St Patrick’s Day?

Corned beef and cabbage!

3. Do you drink any Irish beverages – tea, coffee, ale, beer, etc?

Do shamrock shakes count? I haven’t had one in years but I remember them being quite tasty.

4. Share a recipe for corned beef.

My mom is in charge of the corned beef preparation. Vienna has the beef packaged with all the spices, ready to simmer.

The last few days have been absolutely beautiful outside. The temps have ranged from 60 to almost 75 degrees with lots of sunshine. We even headed to the beach to take our dog for a walk along the shoreline, and along the way we saw lots of motorcycles out enjoying the first warm weekend.

Of course, after we passed the first few motorcycles, Mike said that we needed to get a bike, which means he’d be part of the metric motorcycle community, which is all about cruiser customizing. A place for bikers to discuss their rides, and share pictures and videos.

The first thing Mike would add to the bike? A sidecar for our dog.