« November 2008 |
Main
| September 2008 »
Happy Halloween!
I love Halloween! As long as I can paint my face and not be me.
And get lots of candy!!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Woo-hoo! Health!
It's worth repeating! Woo-hoo!
I woke up today and felt better. That's actually an understatement, because I felt
better several days ago; as in not drowning in phlegm and mucus, occasionally able to breathe. No, this
is different!
It took me a while to realize that my lungs weren't full of fluid and my head wasn't overinflated - I've felt so bad for so long it had become normal. But today I'm clear-headed - I can actually function. And I haven't coughed up a lung all morning.
Still don't know what I had, or where I got it. Doesn't matter now - IT'S GONE! Hip, hip, Hooray!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Computer Parts
Well, we're shopping for computer parts again.
Mark's having trouble - actually it's broken - with his wireless antenna. Since we no longer have our own service, we're desperately dependent on picking up the wireless signal from the office. The difference in products and prices is incredibly frustrating. And none of the ones we've found so far have software to help with the connection.
Then, there's the
hard drive issue. When we got the desktop, it had a smaller drive than the old one, but the old one doesn't seem to want to run with the new one. (Mark's been trying all sorts of options, only to go back to the little drive.)
Now, if that weren't enough - the 'M' on my laptop keyboard isn't connecting properly. I have to stop, firmly press the key, and hope that I don't post anything before I check for missing letters.
If it isn't one thing - it's ten others! Sheesh!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Another Laptop?
Would someone please tell me if it's possible to be a
laptop jinx? Because I'm having trouble with this - my 3rd laptop in 4 years. It's beginning to hurt my feelings!
It's not that they were particularly inexpensive or odd-brands. The first (purchased new) was a Compaq model which, we found out later, had a habit of overheating. No kidding! It got so
warm that it actually melted the AC connection.
The second laptop, also purchased new, was an Acer with a decent (we were told) reputation for reliability. In self-defense, we bought a cooling pad. But this computer had a habit of crashing the hard drive - and it was never recoverable. After mailing it back for replacements - twice - the monitor failed. (Granted, the laptop got bounced off the bed. So, I'm pretty sure that we contributed to the monitor problem.)
Now, I am being tormented by a refurbished Dell. This puppy has had some minor problems since it walked in the door - the AC adapter connection is loose and the battery doesn't charge. The battery isn't a huge issue, since I rarely move the laptop from where I sit, but if the power goes out - not so good.
However, the loose AC adapter has become a serious pain in the neck. I use the laptop as a true laptop 95% of the time. This means that, with a loose power connection, if I sneeze or wiggle or move wrong - the laptop unplugs! No biggy when I'm playing a game. But, 500 words into a 600 word article or 2 sentences from the end of a blog post . . .
Let's just say I've developed a keen ability to make up curse words when the need arises.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
So Sick of Being Sick!
Okay, it has been eleven days since I started sniffling and snuffling. You'd think, even for me, that would be the standard allergy run. But . . . nooooo!
First, I had the sneezes. Not really out of the ordinary, cuz I sneeze
at least every day - once, twice or twenty times; just depends on what's blooming. This sneezing, however, was only the beginning - followed shortly by sinus inflammation and (you'll pardon the details) the development of a mucus factory in my poor aching head.
It didn't take long for the crud to migrate to my lungs - complete with a fever of 102+! At this point, after a week of gurgling and rattling, I am beginning to think that I'll never breathe normally again.
And don't EVEN ask about the headaches! Or the virtual deafness - even blowing my nose 500 times a day will not open up my ears!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Have you seen this show? Do you own the DVD?
Years ago I fell in love with
Jesus Christ Superstar - much to the dismay of some of my family. I didn't see that the play/movie was much different from the biblical story.
Now, years later - I am presented with 'Joseph'. And I find that I am upset by the telling of the story.
Where
Jesus Christ Superstar seemed an honest representation,
Joseph seems to take liberties with the biblical history that I was taught - starting with the source of the coat.
Am I wrong?
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Logging On and Off . . .
And on and off . . . and -- Well, you get the idea.
If you've noticed us logging on and off lately, don't worry. We aren't nuts, just limited by our wireless connection.
Our apartment complex supplies our internet service, but there's a lot of noise in the connection. Just when I thought I was cruising along, the signal disappeared.
I always wondered when I saw notices in the lower corner of my screen of friends going online and offline. Now I know.
They have iffy signals, too.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Test Post
Now that I've changed webhosts, nothing is posting right again.
The new host uses a totally different ftp process from the previous host. Nothing I try seems to work right. Beginning to upset me. Ya know!?
Happy Updates!: I managed to finally update all of the stuff that had to be updated - and, as you can tell, we are posting again! WooHoo!!Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at ZazzleWe also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent DesignersWe look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Great Vacation Spot
I wasn't looking for one, but I think I've found the perfect spot for a family vacation . . . the
Outer Banks!
There is a cottage - if you can call it that - in Duck, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, video and kids' room, a private pool, whirlpool, and fireplace just 400 yards from beach access. The 2-story house has porches on both levels. I just fell in love the minute I saw it. And you just can't beat the price.
The only problem is - with all of the TVs, VCRs, DVD players, and high-speed Internet - I'd never get anyone to the beach!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Blog Action Day 08 - Poverty
If you have a blog, this is a wonderful use of your time and energy. I participated last year and am excited about posting again this year.
This is a perfect opportunity to share with your readers - what you know, how you help, and what they can do. There is no single way or perfect answer. Together all things are possible.
One huge misconception is that it takes legislators and laws to make a difference. Another is that it takes huge amounts of money to have an impact. The truth is much simpler.
On October 15th, join thousands of bloggers, and tens of thousands of their readers, in bringing the issue of poverty - in your country and around the world - to the forefront.
Read and write about truths, myths, and ideas. Contribute your energy and, if you can, more.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Finding the Right Way to Lose Weight
Those of you who faithfully read my
musings know that I am battling a changed metabolism and reduced activity level - in other words, I've put on weight in the last few years.
I recently managed to lose a few pounds, which I am thrilled about. But I still need to shed a few more, as well as think about getting more (okay, some) regular exercise. Which leads me to the point of this post.....
Using
diet pills is not a - pardon the pun - magic pill to fix bad eating habits and inactivity. Or, even more importantly, to 'cure' physical problems that contribute to weight gain - such as thyroid or other metabolic issues.
Some of the
detox-type options are intriguing. I know that, being a smoker and living near 2 major roadways, my system is undoubtedly full of toxins. Ideally, I'd quit smoking and move to the country.
Realistically, I should quit smoking, eat organic foods, vacuum more often, bathe the cat, and keep my air filters cleaner. Oh, and exercise.
Where was that detox pill again?!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Sore Feet!
Messaged
the Chef this morning. The job is good, but his feet are
really sore! I can remember those days.
I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I got my first office job. Wouldn't be spending 8+ hours on my feet anymore. It was just wonderful!
The worst (on my feet) job I had in my youth was at the cheese shop at the local mall. Vanity had me in heels; but the shop had a cement floor behind the counter, for health reasons. I don't think my feet
ever hurt as badly as they did after all day standing on that floor. The steakhouse had a concrete floor, too. But I wore more sensible shoes in those days.
So, I'm sure that he's spending his entire shift on the same type of floor. If nothing else, I know what to get him for Christmas . . .
Air pillow insoles and a foot massager!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Backyard Fire Pit
Well, since I'm house-hunting again, I might as well do a little decorating, too. The lighting hunt isn't going too well, so I think I'll do some outdoor shopping.
With an above-ground pool and 1.2 acres, the home near Wilmington just cries for some landscaping. And, of course, one of the first things I decided to look for were
fire pits. You know - the
citified version of a bonfire in the backyard?
It didn't take me long to find the perfect item, either. Almost 4' in diameter, accented with mosaic tile and wrought-iron legs - I can already imagine roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, after a day at the pool.
Eventually, I'll need to add a lawn and walkway (nobody loves a muddy yard), but not today!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Wilmington Real Estate
The housing / mortgage crunch notwithstanding, I can't help house-hunting. Some day we will be moving and it's important to know what's available and where and at what price.
With the kids gone, we have the luxury of looking everywhere and anywhere. Today, I found an interesting site for
Wilmington NC real estate. I really liked some of the options.
For example, there is a small community north of Wilmington. The zip code only has about 4,000 people. Just what we've been looking for. And the housing prices are pretty nice, too.
For $112,000, we could get a 1,700+ square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom on 1.2 acres. Now that's affordable!
Granted, we'd have to be closer to a VA hospital and the climate would be seriously hard on Mark's lungs. But I have to admit, it's a good start to the hunt.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Housing Market Has to Mend?
Okay - this is a real 'Duh!?' moment. I was reading the AP article about how, for the bailout to work, the housing market has to
mend. Maybe I don't get it. (Wouldn't be the first time.)
There's $700 billion (big
B) designated to pull Wall Street's head out of its
ahem and it may be next year - or later - before the bucks start to flow?
Wrong Answer people! Let's get that money where it needs to be - and do it now!
Now, at the risk of shining a light on my lack of understanding, this is what I see: We know which lenders and financial institutions habitually took advantage of consumers, right? These consumers were talked into more house or more mortgage than they could afford, right? Well, isn't that where we start?
You see, that is what I have never understood - through this entire housing crisis. When a mortgagee has trouble making payments, few banks will work with them - even in the face of artificially inflated property values. Instead they foreclose, evict a family, and -
find any logic here, I dare you - auction off the home for a fraction of the mortgage value, writing off the difference!!
Take some of that pretty bailout money - and rewrite those mortgages. (Someone somewhere is holding the paper from these lenders.) Home values have consistently dropped for months now - so adjust the value of the mortgage to reflect the value of the home. Apply a realistic finance rate - and keep these families in their homes!
Of course, for speculators and 'flippers' this refi does not apply.
You tried to make money in an inflated market - if you lost your shirt, you'll just have to play for the skins.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
The Hunt for Lighting
For those of you who have been following my
lighting battle - all I can say is . . . I'm
still looking.
You would think that I could find something I like, given all of the online stores. But there are so many things to take into consideration.
The torchieres have to be sturdy - as well as attractive - because Paka-the-speed-demon loves to do laps through the living room. Even though he's feline, he's not all that graceful and has been known to run into / bounce off of the furniture. (Heck, he's even fallen off the shelf in front of the window. But that's a whole 'nother post.)
Oddly enough, it's not the living room lamps that are giving me the most trouble. That distinction goes to the bathroom fixture, over the sink. Either I am
incredibly picky or my taste is so horribly outdated that there hasn't been anything I'd like on the market in 25 years.
Either way . . . I'm
still looking.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
WooHoo! We Have a Chef in the Family!
We got the good news a couple of days ago. Our oldest is officially a prep cook for one of the local casinos. In fact, his first day was yesterday.
I haven't had a chance to talk to him, yet. And I know he'll probably be working all weekend, so it'll be a while until I can get all the details. I really hope he loves it!
Kinda takes me back to my first job - bussing tables at a local cafeteria in the (very) small town I grew up in. Definitely not as much fun as working in the kitchen, but much better than washing dishes.
Oh to be young again!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Safety Products
During a web search for something totally unrelated, I ran across a website for
self defense products. Honestly? Most of them scare me. Mace, pepper spray, and stun guns - I just don't like the idea.
Not all self-protection items involve pseudo-weapons, though. There are motion sensors, alarmed doorstops, and - my personal favorites - diversion safes.
You've seen them. They look like rocks and soda cans (and more), but they hold cash or other valuables - hiding them in plain sight. What burglar is going to take the time to go through every can in the pantry or refrigerator? Especially if a motion detector started screeching the minute they tried to open the door.
Best of all? The prices are reasonable and, depending on what you order, shipping may be free.
Now, I just have to remember what I was searching for to begin with.
(After I order a couple of safes and a door jam, that is.)
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
JMark Afghans' Newsletter
We're getting our latest newsletter ready.
If you're not on our mailing list, you could be missing out on new products, contests, special savings, and much more. Be sure to sign up today.
It couldn't be easier: Simply add your information and {Subscribe}.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Open Letter to my Friends
I recently sent pictures from my daughter's wedding to my aunt. Almost as an afterthought, I threw in a fairly current picture of me. It surprised me to hear that she felt I had changed so much she wouldn't have recognized me on the street.
Looking in the mirror everyday, we don't realize how much we change. Over the years, I've lost my yearbooks and personal pictures, so I don't really know if or how much I might have changed. (Other than wrinkles and cellulite.)
To anyone who knew me back when, if you have any pictures from the old days - please forward them. As long as they aren't from 7th grade.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Health Concerns
Apparently, I'm on a health kick. Everything that comes to mind or that pops up in the news - grabbing my attention - seems to be health-related. But this one has me more than a bit wound up!
Reading about:
Cold Meds for Kids Back in the Spotlight ticked me off.
Yes, there are far too many young children in emergency rooms due to incorrect doses of OTC cold medications. But don't we have enough legislation in our lives? Since do we
legislate against ignorance? Especially when most of the legislature is what's ignorant!
Personal opinion - most children 2 and under don't need OTC meds. A cold will work itself out, as it were, in a matter of days and young children rarely have the extreme symptoms that older kids and adults experience.
What about reading and following the directions on the bottle? When did that become unusual? I guess about the time that irons started sporting - "Do not iron clothes while wearing" - alerts.
Ask yourself this question - do you
really want the government that brought you the Iraq War, the Wall Street bailout, and Dick Cheney to tell you what you can and can't give to your sick child?
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Orovo Detox
Okay, I've actually lost seven pounds in the last month. No fancy diet pills or fad diets. Basically, I've destressed and cut way back on the empty calories. Amazing how many of those there are until you start paying attention.
I don't know if I'll continue to lose or even keep off what I've lost, so I've been doing more research. Honestly, some of the products are a little scary to me. I did find an interesting one, though.
Orovo Detox is, conceptually, a fascinating idea. It can't hurt to detox your body. Heaven knows what we
eat, drink, and breathe can have a lot of hidden toxins. (Doing research on Breast Cancer Awareness showed me that there are a lot more risks in everyday life than are apparent at first blush.)
Hmmmm. Maybe detox is an idea I need to embrace. What do you think?
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For many years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has promoted early detection and treatment. Absolutely nothing wrong with regular check-ups. Cancer, if curable, is most curable in the early stages. (We learned that with Mark's lung cancer.)
Several well-established organizations have questioned the actions and motives of NBCAM and the pharmaceutical company behind it. I guess that it's a bit iffy when the company that makes the primary drugs approved for treating breast cancer is busily pushing
'think pink' activities. Rumor has it that more money is spent promoting these events than are actually contributed to research.
Personally, I don't know what to think. Several organizations question the apparent philanthropy that masks corporate greed.
Ask the right questions before arbitarily accepting that the latest promotion is helping more than a corporate image and bottom line.
There are problems that are not being publicized by NBCAM. For example,
Yoplait and rBGH, or cosmetic companies claiming to contribute a portion of the sales of their products, many of which contain estrogen-like ingredients that may actually increase the risk.
This month - and every month - make it your goal to get educated about the risks we all face everyday. Men are not immune to breast cancer, you know.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Used Cisco Equipment
There are a lot of caveats to buying used computer equipment; especially when you're purchasing over the Internet. It's not like you can drive back to the store and demand satisfaction, if something goes wrong. And, unless you've got a laptop, even that isn't a convenient option.
When it works out-of-the-box, how long will it work? tends to be the next question. Not much point spending hard earned dollars only to have the system crash within the first month - and no remedy for the problem. (Although, some days even the new systems let you down.) And, what about appearance? Does a used system look like it's been beaten and bounced around? Not good, regardless of price.
I recently found a site that sells, among other brands,
used Cisco systems. They provide a 90-day warranty and guarantee that the used/refurbished equipment will qualify for a service contract through the manufacturer.
They even extend their refurbishing attention to the appearance - which really impressed me. I don't mind buying used - if it's a reliable unit - but I shouldn't have to put up with a computer or system that looks bad. (My latest laptop has many of the keyboard markings rubbed off, not to mention a good number of dings and scratches on the case.)
It's nice to know that there are sellers with an interest in quality.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
