A Bit Of History

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I've always been fascinated by old homes. The ones you can tell have a lot of life to them. They have been around a hundred years or more, and you know the walls have stories to tell. They might even have a few spirits around to tell them. I love historic places. I love going to visit them and walk through the hallways. I know it may sound silly to some, but I've always been a history buff. Just this week, I found out that there is Titanic exhibit at the Science Center here. The story of the ill fated ocean liner has always fascinated me, and I'd really love to go. I might just get that chance.

I don't know what it is that grabs me about historic places. Growing up, I was fascinated by the story of Pompeii, the ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano. I'd watch shows that would take me to places that I knew I would never have the chance to see myself. In Orange, Texas, there is an old house that takes us back to Victorian times. The W.H. Stark House has been restored to its former glory, and people can visit. They can walk through its walls, and learn about the history of this Texan historic landmark.

The house once belonged to William Henry Stark and his wife. The man was an important part of history in Texas, and he was involved in much of the financial dealings in his day. The house was restored during a ten year process beginning in 1971, and today it is open to the public, where they can tour the house. The fifteen rooms contain much of the original furnishings.You can take a walk back through time and see how life was lived back in the early 1900s. You have to wonder the stories those walls can tell.

The Week From Hell

Back on Sunday afternoon, my computer suffered one of those fatal errors. Explorer crashed and kept crashing. I was hit by some kind of virus. I did a restore of my system. Reinstalling all the programs I needed. I hadn't done one of these in nearly three years, so I guess it was time. Sunday night just before I could install my virus protection, I was hit again. Thought I got it all, but my explorer started crashing and reopening, and I had pop-ups up to my neck. Did another restore. And another because one of the sites I regularly visit was hacked and infected my Internet Explorer. I didn't realize that or what it was doing until after another restore.

Once I figured out the problem, I was able to disable the problem add-on, and I think I'm okay now. You don't realize how much you depend on your computer until you almost lose it. I think I'm okay now. Virus program installed. Spyware remove installed and running. For a minute there, I thought my computer might be toast, but some work on my part and a lot of late hours, things are now running smoothly. I hope. I'm crossing my fingers anyway. That explains my absence the last few days. I hope all are well.

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Do you ever ask yourself how you fill your days? Most of my necessary work is done early in the day, and you would think this would leave me the rest of the day to do things I need to do. I need to write. I have ideas, but no drive. I need to find it. I keep thinking I have, but I still don't do anything. This really needs to change. I keep saying that I'm working on it, but I don't see anything changing. That is my fault. I'm the one to blame. I take full responsibility. I had another strange dream last night, but I've already forgotten what it was about. I need to start writing these things down!

Here is this week's Thursday Threesome ::The Convenience of Extra Cash::

Onesome: The-- endless onslaught of junk snail mail: how much do you get each week? I'm thinking maybe we could use it as insulation in our houses... I've lost count on how many advertisements we get in the mail each week. There is two weekly groups that come in every Tuesday and Wednesday, and then you have the various singles that come in throughout the week. Most of it goes in the recycling can the management of our building has set up right in the mail area.

Twosome: Convenience of-- a quick in and out? Do you have a convenience store nearby that is really convenient for you?: There are actually three around. Two on one side, and one on the other. Both are within a ten minute walk, or even faster to get to by car.

Threesome: Extra cash--? When you need some, where do you get it? ...the ATM? ..."write for over" at the store? What is this 'cash' thing you speak of <g>? I typically have a good handle on my money. I have some saved in the bank, and some locked away in a box in my home for those extra special cash emergencies.


Checking Things Out

Yesterday I was bouncing around the forums and groups I participate in. I'm trying to get more involved with things. I'm trying to meet people and make more connections. When you write for the online world having connections is important. Having your name known and recognizable to people can only help you. That is if they don't know you as that evil person that did a, b or c. It all depends on what a, b or c is and just how bad it is.

We all know how to make friends as well as enemies. Some are just destined to never get along. I know I have people in this world that I've crossed paths with I never want to speak to ever again. If we all got along all of the time then I am of the opinion that this would be a very boring place. There are many ways to meet people. I've met people through blogging in one form or another in the past seven years. I've met some from the various sites I've joined and the emailing lists I've also been a member of.

Not too long ago I discovered the 3GB community. I've mentioned it briefly, and since then I've watched the community continue to grow. It now has over 600 members, and it keeps adding new features for its members to use and make new connections with. Now they have their own shoutcasts, and they want DJ's for it. It looks to me it is becoming a hopping community. If you want to take a look and possibly take part, head here to join 3gb community 3gb.biz.

Just A Push

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The past few weeks I haven't been feeling my best at all. I've been sick on and off, and it has made me tired and cranky. This weekend was the worst of it, and Monday was just horrible. I couldn't sleep at all the night before, so I woke up on Monday morning not ready to face the day at all. Some thing good did happen that day though. I received my first royalty check from the release of my short story, The Real Deal. People actually bought my story. I know that might make people laugh when I say it, but as a new fiction author you wonder if people will actually buy what you write.

Apparently, quite a few did. I won't get into exact numbers because that is for me to know, but I'm pleased, and it is making me want to write more. I just need to get over whatever this bug I have. It keeps draining my energy. That makes it hard to write. I'm still waiting to hear back from the Desdmona contest as well. The announcement of who won there is being delayed until next Tuesday. I'm anxiously waiting the news there. I'm not sure I'll do well, but I'd like to. I have my fingers crossed for it anyway. My mind is just in a different place when it comes to my writing. I want to really move forward with it now. Seeing that check in my hand gave me a little push. If I do well in the contest, that would be an even bigger push. Sometimes all you need is some motivation.

Upgrading!

Friday, April 18, 2008

For the past few weeks, I have been wanting to buy a new mouse and keyboard. I had a nice wireless set, but the keys on the keyboard had long since faded away to nothing, and I told myself if I ever saw a good deal on a new set I would buy it. Today was that day. I took a ride up to Staples, and they had a Microsoft set on sale for almost half off. I decided to grab it, and I'm using it now. I'd been looking at this site for a long time, and I couldn't resist grabbing it. Now comes the adjustment time to it.

My dad is on his way home from work, and I saw a deal he might be interested in. My family has been talking about getting my father his own cell phone, and after our little scare last night, I've been thinking about it again. He works, and he is an active senior. Just because he is 83 years old, he hasn't stopped living his life now. A cell phone would be ideal for him, and there is a new cell phone company that is marketing themselves to seniors, Jitterbug. They have a number of monthly and pre-paid plans that look reasonable and are less than other providers.

Sitting here watching my dad walk in the door, he isn't as fast as he used to be, and I know doing the simple tasks are getting harder for him to do. It would be nice to know he has less to think about if something were to happen.

It's Friday!

Another week is coming to a close. They seem to move so quickly at times. This week has been a bit on the insane side with a few things that happened, but everything came out okay in the end. Last night, my dad was having problems, and we thought we might have to take him to the emergency room. We didn't, but we're keeping an eye on him now. When you hit over eighty, any problem that pops up health wise, you need to keep an eye on it. I want my dad around a few more years.

Today, I received another one of my review items, and this one is impressing me in how it looks. They sent me a full on press kit that is attractive looking. I'm looking forward to going through it and watching the movie which hits televisions next month on A & E. Just the cast for The Andromeda Strain looks impressive. I slept in this morning, so I'm feeling a bit on the groggy side. 9am is sleeping in to me these days. I feel like I wasted my morning away, but it is a light morning. Friday always is.

Since its Friday, here is my feast for today:

Appetizer

Name a color you find soothing. - I never really thought about this. I'm thinking yellow, sunshine yellow actually.

Soup

Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience. - I don't like to drive, and I'm pretty sure my first experience scared me witless. I don't have a driver's license to this day. I'm just not a driver.

Salad

What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of? - Everything I own is either cotton or denim.

Main Course

Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see? - I honestly don't think I'd wait outside for anyone. Not even my favorite groups. Not these days anyway when you can go online and buy tickets the minute they go on sale. I do remember going at 6am one morning to wait for *Nsync tickets to go on sale, and I didn't even get great seats then. I'll just buy online.

Dessert

What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)? - I have three A's in my name.

Have a great day everyone.



Are you ready for some football?

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Yes, I know it is barely April, but people are already starting to talk about the football season ahead This week the schedule for next season was announced, and the first game will be played on September 4th, and the season will end on December 28th. It was nice having the Super Bowl here in Phoenix this year. When I went to the concert last week, we drove by the football stadium, and it is just massive. I'd love to go see a game this year if the Cardinals can get their act somewhat together. The draft is next weekend, so I'm sure we will have some buzz from that too.

Once we have a better idea on teams and who is going where, people can start planning their seasons and making their nfl picks. Fantasy football players can start getting the action soon too. I play a bit of fantasy football myself. Mostly on the free games. I just don't see the need to pay money to have a little bit of fun, even if my brother is always telling me that we should jump into a paid game. Maybe we'll give it a try one of these years. It all depends on the cost of it, and what is involved. I like the simplicity of the free games I've found.

I Will Never Understand ...

My sleep habits. I seem to go back and forth from staying up late and going to bed early. The earlier I go to bed the more of a chance I have of waking up during the night at least once and bouncing online for an hour. If I go to bed later, I seem to sleep in. That is if you call 7am sleeping in at all. For me it is, but that is because I am the one that somehow always wakes up at 4am and sits there for an hour. 7am is much better than 4am. I'm sure many would agree.

I woke up to some good news on the television front that I'm about to post about over on Teevieo. There might be hope for The Sarah Connor Chronicles coming back next season. Fox has been really quiet on that front. A lot of my favorite shows seem to be still up in the air. I've been wondering on the fate of The Unit all week, but there has been no word on it at all since the strike was on. I hope it comes back.

But we have success!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

For the past few days, I've had to go looking for a new fan for my computer. As I mentioned earlier, there was a small mishap during cleaning last week. My CPU fan is non-standard, so I needed to hunt for a replacement part. The first place I called said I might need to hold while she called China. That is insane, but if there was no other way to get the part then it would have to work. Unfortunately, I couldn't call China myself. Last year, my dad cut off the long distance on our house line. None of us here call long distance much, and my brother has a cell phone that covers long distance in the US for free, but China is not in the US last time I looked.

There are ways to call long distance without having long distance on your line though. There are prepaid phone cards, which I have bought a great many of in the past. I think I lived off of phone cards when I was in college. With phone cards, you can call just about anywhere in the world. They come in handy I think. Different phone card companies have different prices, but they all seem to be lower than what you pay through the big name phone companies. Right now, I don't have to call China. The new fan came this morning, and after spending some time trying to figure out how to install it, the new fan is in. I had a few distressing moments trying to figure it out, but I finally did. That is the important thing!

The Importance Of Backing Up

I think if there is anything I've learned this week is that it is so important to back up your data on your computer. Anything can happen at anytime. Hard drives can fail. Your CPU can burn out. I had problems with my CPU fan last week, so I decided to give it a small cleaning. It wouldn't go back in properly with the screws when I was done, and there was a small accident, and two of the fins broke. It's working okay now, but I have a new fan on the way. It should be here sometime today. If the fan didn't work at all, or it worked too hot I might have had problems. It is good I was able to find a replacement fan because the fan I bought at Staples was too big to fit my system. You have to love non-standard equipment. I was able to find one from my computer manufacture though.

Just yesterday, one of the sites I work on had a complete shut down. The hosting company took the site off line. I think there was some disagreement there, but it is hard to tell. At first the hosting company was keeping the databases with all the sites information and not returning them at all. This would have made the site admin use a month old database to get the site back up and running. That means anything that had occurred on the site in the last month would have been completely lost. I looked at the items I had posted on that site in the last month, and I had a small panic moment because I didn't have much of the last month backed up at all. It looks like the current databases are being returned, but it still shows the importance of keeping your data in check and backed up. More than monthly too possibly. You just don't know what could happen and when.

Meeting people online

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

It seems more and more people are jumping into the Internet and exploring the information superhighway. It is becoming a tool for meet and interact with each other on a daily basis. People can do this in a variety of ways. There is email, which I'm sure everyone who is on the Internet has by now. Then you have instant messenger programs and email groups that put you in touch with a huge amount of people that all share your same interests. Forums are also popular, and they work in a similar fashion to email groups. The only difference is you go to them, and read instead of having your email inbox filled with messages. You can receive emails though of topics you are interested in following or topics you have jumped in on and talked about personally. If you just take a quick look for yourself you'll find groups or forums for just about any possible topic you may be interested in. I belong to a few myself, mostly in writing related communities.

These days there is yet another way to meet and get to know other people online. These are social network sites. If you have a blog, there are several out there. With some you don't need a blog. You just join and start to mingle and talk to people. There is one new social network I've found. When you join 3gb community you can upload photos, post blogs, and chat with people. Make some new friends, and maybe find some of your old ones in the process. The site looks new, but it is looks to be hopping a bit already with just under five hundred members already signed up and chatting away. That might seem like a small number, but some of these sites stay small in order to make it easier to interact and meet new people. I've even known people that have met and falling in love with people they have met online. That is a story for another time though. If you are looking for a new place to mingle check out www.3gb.biz.

Dreams and 10 on Tuesday

Have you ever had one of those dreams that just stick with you? I have all of the time, and I keep telling myself that I should write about some of the more vivid ones in here, so I remember them later. Mine usually have a celebrity face in them. I think it is just so that I have some familiarity with the person in my dream, but it isn't one of those oh my God I met so and so kind of dreams. They usually have some type of plot to them. Almost like a story, and I am never the female in them either. Sometimes there is dialog and a story involved, and I could probably take my dreams and turn them into stories, but I haven't tried yet.

This morning I woke up quite early from one of these dreams. The man in it looked like Vin Diesel, and the dream had this whole plot to it. His best friend told him she loved him and she wanted him, and they were about to have sex when I woke up. Some might say okay pervert! But I write romance and erotica, sex usually comes along with those types of stories. There was more to the plot of course, but I'm not giving away everything here. I might be able to work it into something though. I'll have to see. It's nearly four hours later, and it is still stuck in my head.

Anyway, since that woke me up earlier than normal today, I've been looking for things to do. I might go for a walk in a bit. Right now, here is my 10 on Tuesday. This week's topic is your ten favorite movie comedies. I am a big fan of comedies, but I like the older comedies more than the ones of today. Some just aren't funny. I'm thinking comedy is changing with the times just like everything else. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order!

1. Spaceballs.
2. Knocked Up.
3. Arthur.
4. The Birdcage.
5. Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
6. My Cousin Vinny
7. Hot Shots.
8. Ghostbusters.
9. Sister Act.
10. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.

A Crazy Day

Monday, April 14, 2008

Today has been a bit crazy, and it is barely after one in the afternoon. For the past few weeks, they have been working on the patios and decks of our building. Today, they are redoing the middle landing of our stairwell. They poured new cement about an hour ago, and it will take about five hours to dry. My brother keeps getting emails about the tournament he is running with his sports club this weekend, and my printer is running on overtime. I've been telling him for weeks now that we need a new ink cartridge for my printer, a color one, because the printer isn't printing as clear when color is involved anymore, but he still hasn't picked one up. He does this. I should be used to it by now, but most of the printing on my printer is for him. It is only fair he picks up the tab for the ink costs.

Ink can be so expensive these days though. Things only seem to keep going up in price. Not just with ink, but with everything. When you can find a deal on something you need, you go for it. With the Internet, you can find cheap laser toner and ink cartridge refill if you look hard enough. Some sites even have other information on how to solve problems with your ink cartridges, or how to save ink. My printer gets a lot of use these days, so both would be good to know for me. I checked out the prices for ink for my HP printer, and they seem to have some good deals on the cartridge I need. I might need to just go on ahead and buy my own ink cartridge. I'll keep checking for good prices, and see what I can find.

I Love My Competition Shows

Who is watching American Idol and Dancing With The Stars this season? I watch both weekly. I always skip the audition rounds in Idol, and then watch it once it hits Hollywood week. Sitting through four weeks of auditions is just boring to me. Things are starting to really heat up now as we hit the final seven. Michael Johns was eliminated last week after singing one of my favorite songs by Aerosmith, Dream On. I see him going on from this experience though. I think my favorite of those left now is David Cook. I'd like to see him win, but who knows if he will.

As for Dancing With The Stars, Marlee Matlin just amazes me each and every week. She can't hear one beat of the music, but she is still spot on with her dance moves. Jason Taylor and Mario are also impressive. This competition is wide open really. Any of the celebrities can win this season. I'd love to see Marlee win though. She is so spunky and great.

Building Web Presence

Authors on line are always told that you need to have some web presence if you're going to jump into writing e-books. People need to know who you are. The more people know who you are, the more likely they will buy your books when they come out. I've just sold my first short e-book in the last few months, and it was published in March. It was an exciting time for me. It still is. I've had this blog since March 2005, and I think it has a good web presence, but more never hurts. There are many ways to gain web presence and promote yourself on line.

If you have a blog like me, you can submit your site to various directories. Many of them are free, and they will help you get noticed some. You can find free web directories to submit your sites and blogs too all over the Internet. It can be a bit time consuming searching out and finding these directories, but once you do it doesn't take long to submit your site to them. There are directories out there that focus on specific topics and themes, so there is bound to be one that fits you. If not, there are always more generalized directories to be found too. You just need to look!

A New Week Begins

Here we are on Monday, and it is the start of a brand new week. Have you ever noticed how quickly time seems to move when you're not waiting for something to happen? Since November, I'd been waiting for the Bon Jovi concert, and then it was here and I went on Friday night. It was a great concert, and I had such a good seat for it. I was fourth row in the first side section, so I was level with the stage, and the guys were not more than 30 feet away from me for most of the night. Daughtry opened the show with a hot forty-five minute set, and Chris Daughtry came back out to sing a song with Jon halfway through the show, Blaze of Glory. I've always loved this song, and it was a great duet.

Jon always knows how to put on a good show, and he didn't disappoint here. He was on stage for almost two and a half hours, and he knew how much we all paid to see him. Concert tickets are so outrageously priced these days. My ticket cost me one hundred and fifty, and concessions at the event were even high. A beer was a little over seven, and that was just for domestic. If you wanted imported, that cost you eleven. I had such a great time at the concert. It was definitely worth the wait, and I hope it isn't four more years before he makes it back out here. I'd go all over again next time they make it in town.

The Little Guy

Saturday, April 12, 2008

When I go shopping these days, I always seem to go to the big chain stores. I know they are everywhere around the country, or at the very least my state. There are smaller stores though. Back when I used to live in California, I used to see more smaller chain stores. I don't see them as much out here in Arizona. Smaller chain stores are usually family run, and they typically have more personal service and give the customer full attention. One such chain store is Spears Appliance - Family Owned & Operated Since 1929. The store is in its third generation, and it has been open almost as long as my father has been alive. So many stores come and go, but here you know they will be there for you if something happens with your purchase. I know I like that. Sometimes it isn't a bad idea to go with the little guy.

Friday Feast #10

Friday, April 11, 2008

The chef is taking a break this week from the Friday Feast, but another posted some questions for us! These are my answers.

Appetizer

What is your favorite vacation spot in the United States?: Thia one is hard for me I've not been too many places in the US. For spring break one year I took a trip to Maui that I loved, and I'm always a fan of quick trips to Las Vegas too. I'll be heading there hopefully this summer.

Soup

If someone else (friend, co-worker, family) brings up a religious or political topic, how likely are you to join the conversation, on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = not likely, 10=very likely).: This is probably at a 2 for me. I've had too many fights over both topics over the years. Some have ended friendships. It just isn't worth it to me.

Salad

What song do you listen to when you feel very sad?: Sometimes Evanescence. I don't know why, but that group or Linkin Park seem to be put on the most by me when I'm sad or upset.

Main Course

Someone you really admire is coming over for a home-cooked dinner.  What do you serve him/her?: I'd order take out! Seriously. I'm not a very great cook. I can cook, but I don't have a large menu of items I can make.

Dessert

If the only form of transportation left in the world is by animal (horse, mule, camel, etc), where would you live?: Hmm. This one is hard. Somewhere in the mountains. I've always loved Big Bear, CA.


Friday Ramblings

Today is a good day. I've been waiting for this day for the last six months, and it is finally here. Today is the day of Bon Jovi concert here. I've had my ticket since November, and I've been more than excited for it. I have what looks to be a great seat in the fourth row in the first side section next to stage. As long as nothing is blocking my view I should be alright. I won't know until I get there. The only other seats I could find were on the floor forty rows back. I took a chance with this seat. I haven't been this close in a concert since the Bon Jovi show in 1995. Daughty is opening tonight, and he's another favorite of mine.

My computer has been bugging me since this morning. It was making a strange buzzing noise earlier this morning when I brought it out of hibernation. I checked some pages through Google, and it said it might be some dust rubbing against something. Dusted the inside out, and it still made the sound this morning until I checked the CD-ROM drive. There was so much dust in there, and a CD in the drive too. Took that out, and the noise stopped immediately. I think that might be the source of my problems, but I'll keep an eye on the problem for now. I don't want it to be the power source or cooling fan going bad, but if it is I can replace them before any serious damage is done.

Last night, I was looking for something to watch, and I keep coming across this one animated feature on Starz. I always stop to look at cartoons. It is the kid in me. This one caught my eye because Daniel Craig is one of the voices. It seems more and more celebrities are lending their voices to cartoons. Animated movies have changed so much since the days of old black and white cartoons. They do more than entertain now. They are also used to teach. One customer service telephone creates animated software products to teach employees various tasks. I've also seen animated software used in the classroom and at home by parents wanting their children to learn. With animation and computers expanding and growing, the uses for them are limitless. I'm not even sure what I would do without mine. If something did happen to it, I'd have to buy a new one right away.

Thursday Threesome #6

Thursday, April 10, 2008

This week's Thursday Threesome is  ::Kitchen Gadget Store::

Onesome: Kitchen- What's your favorite room at your place? Do you migrate towards the kitchen, or prefer to cozy up in the living room? ...or do you prefer the patio? ...or even the back porch <g>!?: I think my favorite in my house is my room. It is definitely where I spend the majority of my time. It may be really messy, but it is mine. I have my stereo, my television and my computer all right there. My posters on the walls. I'm actually thinking I need to clean my room a bit though, which might shock anyone that knows me. It is too dirty even for me.

Twosome: Gadget- What's your favorite gadget type item and why?: I think it might be my new MP3 player. I'm not sure if it falls under the term of gadget, but since I bought it I use it every day. I even grab it when I'm just walking to get the mail now, and that is not even a five minute walk. I'm so glad I went back and bought the better one when the old one broke. That little error gave me a much product. I had so many headaches with the first one I bought. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be cheap. That is the second time that is happened this year. The first being with the stereo I bought cheap online from Wal-Mart. It arrived broke, and I bought a higher priced one when I took it back.

Threesome: Store- What's your favorite store to browse, even if you never actually buy anything there?: Any and all bookstores. I love bookstores. I can spend hours just looking through titles and picking up books to take home. I have my favorite one, Bookman's. It is a used bookstore not far from me. They also have used DVD's and Cd's, and it is one of my favorite places to go.

Seems like linkies is down for the moment. I'll edit them in later, but if you are participating this week just leave me a comment! I do check out every one that stops by when I do these things. Sometimes I just forget to comment.

Cyber Monday?

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

What in the world is this? Seems they keep finding days to name. Cyber Monday is another one of those shopping holidays. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and cyber monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving. The holidays are far off still, but it does seem like time only moves faster as the year goes on. Six months ago I was waiting for the holidays because I had just bought a concert ticket that was in April. Now here it is April, and the concert is on Friday. Time does seem to fly, and before we know it the holidays will be here, and it will be time to start shopping for Christmas.

With more people shopping online as I do regularly myself, retailers are starting to make even better deals for holiday shopping online. That is what Cyber Monday is all about. I know I found some great deals online during my holiday shopping. The Internet is also making it easier to know where to shop to get the best deals. With store websites, you can plan out your shopping in advance, and know where to hit. I remember when I was younger and had to go from store to store shopping for the holidays. My mom used to buy gifts for everyone she knew. She was a power shopper, and she would start first thing in the morning, and we'd be walking around the stores all day.

She had this amazing way of knowing where to go, and how to find the best deals. There was no Internet, no cyber Monday. We had Black Friday though. We've always had that. A lot of stores are making deals for the shopping holiday. I know last year Wal-Mart had a special sale online just for cyber Monday. Times are just changing it seems. Ten years ago we wouldn't even be thinking about shopping online as much as we do now. Now it part of our way of living.

Reading Books On Your Computer?

This is something I've done in the past. E-books aren't exactly new. Earlier I mentioned looking for a copy of Twilight, and I wanted it now. I can get the others later. After searching around online, I found it in e-book form for only 3.39. Not a bad deal. No, I don't have the physical book in my hand. I do have it though. Over on the one site I usually buy from, they have it in electronic form too, but you need their special reader. I thought it was something cheap. Maybe a software program, but it is a four hundred dollar item. Just to read e-books? Now that is asking for a bit much. Way too much really. I'm looking forward to reading Twilight though.

Deals For April 9th

Here am I shopping online yet again. I am trying to find a set of Twilight books for a reasonable price in paperback form. That might take me a bit because all the sets I found on eBay are hardcover and going for way too much. More than I can spend. I might need to end up going to my favorite discount book store to find used copies, but we'll see if that ends up happening. I plan to keep looking, but while I look I always seem to find other deals. Today I found this site where you can browse the best discounts and newest specials on laptop computers from HP, Dell, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Apple Store. My brother wants to buy a laptop still, but he keeps putting it off. They have other deals though.

I seem to be always drawn to my favorite stores when I look through coupons. Last week, I went to the new Wal-Mart super center they opened not far from my house. They plan to open another even closer within the next year or so, but this one I went to was huge. I thought I had gone to the mall. Right now, they have coupons for shipping on books and DVD's. Maybe they have the Twilight series? I next decided to check out for deals at Best Buy. I'm looking to buy a new wireless keyboard and mouse set, but I want a good deal on it. I've always had luck at Best Buy when it comes to computer stuff. I bought my computer there five years ago almost. I can never seem to get away from buying DVD's when I'm shopping online, and today I found a new place to do that with some deals on shipping called DVD Planet. I just picked up a couple of DVD's on sale cheap at one of my local video stores. I'm so bad when it comes to those really. I am just addicted to shopping online!

Ten on Tuesday #3

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

This week's Ten on Tuesday is your ten favorite actors and actresses. I think for me this changes over time. There are some that always remain the same, but as you watch new things you tend to change the ones you like. I'm always watching television and movies, so this changes a lot. Minus my all time favorites of course.

1. Eric Bana - There isn't a thing this man has done that I haven't liked.
2. Scarlett Johansson - A new favorite of mine.
3. Kate Hudson - She is just so adorable I can't help but love her.
4. Brad Pitt - Good looking, great all around good guy.
5. Drew Barrymore - I've loved her since E.T.
6. Jennifer Connelly - She is just so amazingly talented, and so underrated.
7. Alex O'Loughlin - I can't wait for Moonlight to come back.
8. Josh Holloway - One of the main reasons I watch Lost.
9. Hugh Jackman - I've been a fan since the first X-men movie.
10. Leonardo Dicaprio - Titanic anyone?

Pondering things

I'm trying to get back into gear with my writing. I have calls for submissions and I have ideas in my head to go with those calls. One of my works in progress is set in Los Angeles, and it might help to check into police related things. Research is the part of any story, and it is an important part of it. Today, I found this tactical site that has a lot of the items police use on the job. You know Dorothy isn't in Kansas anymore when the first thing you see are ads for guns and knives. Not sure if this is exactly what I'm looking for research wise, but it was still interesting to take a quick look anyway.

Customer Service Woes Made Right

Monday, April 07, 2008

About a month ago, I ordered a poster on eBay. I am an avid eBay shopper, and I hadn't had one problem receiving any item I had ordered from eBay yet. This might have been the first. I ordered a poster from the film Troy. I waited for it to arrive, and it didn't. Waited almost two weeks, and it still hadn't. I contacted the seller, and they said it had been sent. If it didn't arrive by that weekend, let them know. No poster by that weekend, and I contacted them again. They tried to push some of the blame onto the fact I live in an apartment building, but the building and its staff have a strong system in place with the postal service here.

Something wasn't right, and we finally picked up on it. They said I ordered two posters when I had only ordered one. Made them aware of the fact, and they discovered my poster was more than likely sent with another Troy order going to France. They promised me to get me a new shipment in the mail immediately, and today I am happy to say I have my poster and a second one free for the mix up. Both are in excellent condition, and they look great on my walls. By sending the second poster at no charge, the seller made me a happy customer.

What is Collodial Silver?


The other day I talked about skin care. Taking care of the outside is important, but taking care of the inside is just as important. The last few months have been hard. Flu season strikes every year, and I think everyone had it this year in my house. My brother had it the hardest out of the three of us. There are different ways to take care of yourself. Before you get sick there are vitamins. My dad takes them everyday. I watch him take them every morning before he goes to work. He's in his eighties, and he is still healthy.

Once you get sick though, there are things you can take as well. Antibiotics are big, and some are even calling colloidal silver nature's own antibiotic. What is it though? Some believe that small particals of silver can help kill infectious bacteria. It is a particular science, but it is being said to work. I'm not too sure about colloidal silver though. They say drinking it can help improve your health. It is metallic though. Do I want metal flowing through my bloodstream? In the past, collodial silver had been used by doctors as an antibiotic. Today, it is used as a disinfectant in hospitals.That's an interesting little fact actually. I guess this is one of those things to make you go hmm.

Crazy Sunday!

Yesterday was our church's yearly festival. It is a small event with mostly food as the main attraction. There is a book fair, bake sale and also a silent auction with a car on raffle for the cost of a hundred dollar ticket. My dad and I always end up going each year. This year we had a few problems. We still have only one car in the house, and my brother had a tournament this weekend. He said he would be back in time for us to go, but he never made it. He says he called to let us know he wouldn't, but we were both up around the time he says he called and the phone never rang.

We did make it to the event though. My dad and I ended up taking the bus the two miles we needed to. We had a good time. The only thing that amused me is that it cost less to buy alcohol at the festival than it did to buy some of the food items. Usually it is the other way around. It was two dollars for a beer, three for a margarita and four dollars for a hamburger. Even more for an italian sausage sandwich. It all went to the church though. That's a good thing. It just amazes me how fast a year moves. It feels like we just went last year.

Thinking Back

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Growing up, I would always look at my mother, and I would wonder how she managed to look so young. When she passed on, she was a woman in her fifties that looked much younger than that. Up until the last couple of years before her death, she was able to turn the head of many a man. She would always get told how pretty she was. She really took care of herself. No plastic surgery. She would never even think about it, but I remember she used to have all these creams she would use for her face and skin. To her, skin care was important. She tried to get me started taking care of my own skin at a young age, but it never caught. I still look young for my age. At the age of 32, I was carded to buy alcohol just a few months ago. That one made me laugh.

These days there are various products to take care of your skin. Some companies such as Borba even offer programs where they ship you the product you order to you automacially when they know you'll need more. This makes life just a bit convenient for you. You don't need to remember to order new shipments. Every couple of months, my mom was always going to buy more, and sometimes it was out of stock. That made it an extra hassle. We would need to go from place to place to look for her specific products she liked using. Today you have Age Defying Complete Skin care Solution. I'm not sure how you can defy aging. It is a natural process, but it seems you can at least help yourself look younger than your years. In time, they might be able to make it that you never look a day older than you want, and then they will work on raising the age of death to near immortal levels. That is a long way down the road I think. I'm not sure if I would want to live forever. Would you?

Friday's Feast #9

Friday, April 04, 2008

Appetizer
Invent a new flower; give it a name and describe it.: I am never good with these type questions. I never know if the ones I invent already exist or not, but here goes nothing. A moonflower is white with a dark blue center and tiny leaves.

Soup
Name someone whom you think has a wonderful voice.: Celine Dion has always been a favorite of mine. Some people make fun of her, but I think she is an incredibly talented singer.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how clean do you keep your car?: I don't have a car! My dad is probably at an eight with his.

Main Course
How do you feel about poetry?: I love poetry. Always have. As a writer, I have tried to write some, but my attempts were laughable. I can appreciate it though. A good poem is a wonderful thing.

Dessert
What was the last person/place/thing you took a picture of?: My cat about a week ago with my new digital camera. I posted the picture on this blog.

Giving Back

I always like to hear about people giving back to the community. Some are just so focused on their own lives that they never seem to give back to the world around them. I love hearing stories about people doing good deeds. If they have it, they should give back. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are two big names that immediately come to mind. They give so much back. They are big names with a lot of drama surrounding them, but they always help when they can. The rent to own industry is helping out where it can with people that lost their homes in the floods in Washington. Brad Pitt has been helping out in New Orleans as well with his Make It Right foundation following the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

I've always wondered about renting to own. It seems rents just keep going up higher. I have seen this myself with a hundred dollar price hike in my own rent this year. It would be nice to see that money going into a property instead of just disappearing every month. I know each state is different, and there are always changes in the industry, as there is with anything new. You can always check out for information through rent to own state associations or try to keep up on rent to own news. I'd love to own my own home one day, but I don't see that happening for quite some time. Renting to own might be the way to go though.

Thursday Threesome #5

Thursday, April 03, 2008

This week's Thursday Threesome is ::State Fair and Rodeo::

Onesome- State: What state (or territory) do you live in? Have you lived in any other(s)? Where would you like to live? And as a bonus: Any idea what year your state became a state?: Currently, I live in Arizona. I've lived here since 1994. Before then, I was in Calfornia, and that is where I was born and raised. I think someday I'd like to live in Hawaii or maybe spend a year in New York. I have no idea when Arizona became a state.

Twosome- Fair: Or amusement parks: Did you enjoy them as a kid? What was your favorite ride? How do you feel about them now? Ready to go wander around one again, sampling funnel cakes and corn dogs and riding rides until you're sick? ...or would you rather just enjoy the entertainment or stay home and avoid the crowds?: I used to go to them all the time. Growing up in Southern California, I was surrounded by them, and I'd go to them a lot. Universal Studios was right up the street from me and Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm were less than an hour away in one direction, and Magic Mountain was about thirty minutes in the other direction. I love the rides and the games.

Threesome- And Rodeo: Have you ever been to or watched a rodeo on TV? Did you enjoy it or consider it a barbaric spectacle? If you liked it, what was your favorite event? Ever tempted to race barrels or ride a bull yourself?: I've only seen the rodeo depicted in movies. I've been to the state fair here, and I could have seen some of the events, but it just has never interested me at all.

Late night TV Reminiscing

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

I'm up again. I don't know what it is in me that has my body clock so out of whack. I went to bed at 10, and here I am up at 3:45 in the morning. I will go back to bed here in a bit, but I never let myself lay there when I wake up and can't immediately go back to sleep. I either get on the computer or turn the television on. There is hardly anything on at this hour that isn't bad porn or Nick @ Nite. It's true . That is pretty much your selection at this time of night. It is making me miss my television.

I want Lost back already. I want Moonlight back. I want my Grey's Anatomy back. I've been going through withdrawals without that show the last couple of months. Lost and Grey's are my favorites on television. I started watching Grey's Anatomy for Katherine Heigl. She has always been a favorite of mine. Ever since the Roswell days. Her and Emilie de Ravin have done quite well for themselves. Katherine has jumped into movies and found some success there, and she even has her own line of medical scrubs inspired by the ones she wears for her character Izzie.

I remember when they came out a few months ago. I actually laughed a little because it was amusing that she had the line out. Some actresses make clothing or perfume, but she is the first to make cherokee medical scrubs. At least the first that I know of. Her line is fun though, and her various scrubs including her dickies scrubs and Barco metro scrubs have been well received by those in the medical industry that need to wear scrubs on a daily basis. It allows them to put a little flair into their daily attire. I guess it still amuses me that she put a line of scrubs though. It is kind of hard for it not too!

 
 
 
 
Copyright © Inside My Wild Mind