Help!!!

I have no blogging skills. I have no time to post anything (except for today, of course). I need your help beautifying this space. I would love to know how to create links on the right side of the page. I have some, but if you click on them, they go to other places. I don't get it. I followed the instructions, but got lost on the way. I would also like to create lists and other things, but have no idea how to do so. If any of you could lend me a hand, that would be great. I'll buy you a coke. By the way, I'm going for a second tour of duty down to Gulfport for hurricane relief next week. I'll give a full report when I return, I promise.