Custom Blogger Templates?

Well...I have updated the look of my blog, but I can't say that I like it one bit.
I am looking for a new and exciting template in which I can include some sort of background!
I would do it myself by downloading the XML template, but I don't have the new MSWord to edit it in, as it fucks with other documents that are older.
What a predicament.
If anyone can give me any tips on how to customise, and I really mean customise my blog template, I would be extremely grateful!
And if there is no way to include a background, someone notify me!
I don't want to embark on a fruitless journey.

And I realise that I face yet another predicament...no one reads this blog, so no one is going to be able to give any advice.
Boo.

Am I the only one that wants a nice and coordinating background that I can change at will which corresponds to my mood?
Does anyone else think that it is a bit boring without this option?

Moving on...I have hatched a rather devious plan to attract people to my blog.
I can't say that it will work, but all I can do is try...