Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Comet Holmes' Coma Expands
Here's the Astronomy Picture of the Day picture and info about that comet I mentioned before. Of course, I forgot to go outside and look. I think it was cloudy, anyway. Did anyone else get to see it? I wonder if tomorrow night is too late?
izea.com: the future of payperpost is here
The ultimate PayPerPost Postie has the scoop on the next generation of PayPerPost. Don't miss this one!
Yup, that's why Colleen makes the big bucks. She knows everything. :P I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. It just might be a wild ride.
read more | digg story
Yup, that's why Colleen makes the big bucks. She knows everything. :P I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. It just might be a wild ride.
read more | digg story
Does This Widget Work?
I saw this widget on Lady Banana, and thought it would be interesting to see it come up with some tags for my blog. I see that Diana has since taken it off her blog, but I think it was working on hers. Since I put the widget in my sidebar, it has just said that tags will be available soon. I guess their definition of soon and my definition of soon are really different.
I'm not completely giving up on this thing. I removed it from my sidebar, but I'm posting it here. Since I recently changed my blog to show the last 30 days of posts - however many that may be up to 999 - this widget will have 30 days to prove itself before it moves off the front page. I think I'm being rather generous.
Edit: (12/06/07) I have removed the stupid widget because it never did anything. I have visited other blogs where it did work, but nothing ever happened here.
I'm not completely giving up on this thing. I removed it from my sidebar, but I'm posting it here. Since I recently changed my blog to show the last 30 days of posts - however many that may be up to 999 - this widget will have 30 days to prove itself before it moves off the front page. I think I'm being rather generous.
Edit: (12/06/07) I have removed the stupid widget because it never did anything. I have visited other blogs where it did work, but nothing ever happened here.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
email test
Supposedly I can post to my blog via email. I have never tried it, so this is me - trying it just to see if it works.
Visit my blogs - more frequently updated than my email. 
_________________________________________________
ETA: Publishing to your blog by email is really easy. Here's how you do it - go to your dashboard. Choose 'settings' for your blog, and then go to the 'email' tab. There you can set up your 'Mail-to-Blogger address' and decide whether you want to have your emails published immediately or saved as a draft so you can edit and add tags and such before actually publishing. Then, all you have to do is compose and send an email to that 'Mail-to-Blogger address' - and you are posting by email.
_________________________________________________
My Kids Need More Sleep
According to this story on GMA this morning, our kids are not getting enough sleep. Teens are supposed to get 8.5 - 9.5 hours of sleep a night. Yeah, try convincing my kids of that. Bed times are always a hassle. As they get older, they think they should be allowed to stay up later, and bed times keep getting later. Of course, that translates into the parents going to bed later, too, and I could really use some more sleep! Morning comes way too early.
The story said that 15 minutes of sleep lost a night can turn an A student into a B student. Really? That wouldn't be any incentive to Beth, since she doesn't seem to care about grades all that much - except that it will save her some money, considering that her dad said he'd pay her car insurance if she maintains a B average. Cory might appreciate getting more sleep, but he has a hard time sleeping while everyone else is still up and making noise.
The story said that 15 minutes of sleep lost a night can turn an A student into a B student. Really? That wouldn't be any incentive to Beth, since she doesn't seem to care about grades all that much - except that it will save her some money, considering that her dad said he'd pay her car insurance if she maintains a B average. Cory might appreciate getting more sleep, but he has a hard time sleeping while everyone else is still up and making noise.
Monday, October 29, 2007
These Binoculars Take Pictures
It's time for bed, and I just realized I was supposed to go out and look at the sky tonight. There's some comet that is suddenly a million times brighter than it was just yesterday - or something like that. They were saying on the news that it was visible to the naked eye, but it would be especially nice to look at with binoculars. Jeffrey doesn't have super great binoculars, but he does have some. We used to go out and look at the stars all the time when we were dating. He'd try to point out the stars and constellations to me. I never could actually see them, once he quit pointing, but it was still fun to look at the stars.
What I really needed was some of these digital binoculars. These integrated digital camera binoculars not only bring objects closer, they let you take digital pictures. I didn't know that was possible. Having a picture might help me remember what I'm looking at, even after Jeffrey stops pointing. These binoculars are so cool, and the prices aren't bad at all. Besides these digital camera binoculars, OpticsPlanet.com has a wide selection of high quality binoculars for all uses. They also offer free shipping on orders over $29.
What I really needed was some of these digital binoculars. These integrated digital camera binoculars not only bring objects closer, they let you take digital pictures. I didn't know that was possible. Having a picture might help me remember what I'm looking at, even after Jeffrey stops pointing. These binoculars are so cool, and the prices aren't bad at all. Besides these digital camera binoculars, OpticsPlanet.com has a wide selection of high quality binoculars for all uses. They also offer free shipping on orders over $29.
Heads or Tails - Scary, Spooky Fun
Barb at Skittles' Place has started a little meme called Heads or Tails. This week's theme is Spooky or Scary.One of my favorite authors is Stephen King. I have a whole collection of his books. I haven't read all of his books, but I've read quite a few. In fact, I'm thinking that I should make a point of reading one real soon.
What I like about Stephen King is that he can take something that could never actually happen, and make it seem so real and so probable that you start thinking that it actually could happen. The stories that seem to scare other people, don't scare me so much - like Pet Sematary, for instance. Once I was reading that while Jeffrey was gone overnight on business. He mentioned it to someone, and they couldn't believe I was home alone at night reading that, and I wasn't all freaked out. I guess this same person had read the book and found it really, really scary. But take The Long Walk, now that really scared me. I think because it really could happen, and Stephen King made it feel like it was happening - to people I actually knew. I could not put that book down until I finished it, and, even after I finished it, I had dreams about it. Now, that's what I call scary.
Check out other Heads or Tails participants.
Darkyria - Love Different
Are you single and having trouble finding someone to share your interests? If your interests happen to be dark and metal music, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, then Darkyria might be for you. Hey, I like sci-fi and fantasy! Oh wait - I'm not single. I'll have to send this link to my brother.
Darkyria is the darkest friendship and matching coven for people like him, and you. You can register for free, create a profile, upload pictures, and use their matchmaker engine, called Cupid Angel. Cupid Angel helps you find out about other Darkyria members before you contact them. If you see someone you like, you can 'send them a wink' to let them know you are interested. Then send email or log on to a free video chat.
Darkyria.com : Love Different - for those looking to explore the dark side of love.
Darkyria is the darkest friendship and matching coven for people like him, and you. You can register for free, create a profile, upload pictures, and use their matchmaker engine, called Cupid Angel. Cupid Angel helps you find out about other Darkyria members before you contact them. If you see someone you like, you can 'send them a wink' to let them know you are interested. Then send email or log on to a free video chat.
Darkyria.com : Love Different - for those looking to explore the dark side of love.
State Competition at Whitewater
Speaking of the band - they did really well at the State Competition last weekend. As you can see from the picture, it was a beautiful day. For those of you who were there last year, you know how much nice weather is appreciated!I was planning to post the results and scores last week when I got them, but then I was hoping to do something with pictures first, which I haven't done yet. If I wait to put the pictures together like I want to, well, who knows how long that will be. So, results now and pictures later - one of these days.
Our band came in 4th! That is up from coming in 5th for the last two years, so that is good. And, they were only .55 points out of 3rd place. In percussion and visual presentation, they did rank 3rd, 4th in musical presentation, and auxiliary, well, that could have been better. Overall, the band did an outstanding job, and we're really proud of them. Their overall score was 65.45, which was even higher than the band director was hoping for. Go, Band!
Official results and recap
Police Gear
Like I mentioned before, the high school marching band program this year was music of the doors. The drum major dressed as Jim Morrison, 2nd drum major dressed as a police officer, and the pit crew dressed as security guards. I'm not sure where they got the clothes they used for the police uniform and security uniforms.
They might have been able to find some things at this new website for police gear - 511TacticalOutdoors.com. They have 5.11 Tactical Pants, 5.11 Tactical shirts, footwear, outerwear, and accessories. The 5.11 Tactical Series features superior products that enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals. Most orders ship in 24 hours, and shipping is free on orders over $50.
For the band, this 5.11 Tactical Packable Jacket (available preprinted with POLICE, SHERIFF or SECURITY on the front left chest and back) would have been nice - especially on those cold, rainy days and nights when the band had to perform.
They might have been able to find some things at this new website for police gear - 511TacticalOutdoors.com. They have 5.11 Tactical Pants, 5.11 Tactical shirts, footwear, outerwear, and accessories. The 5.11 Tactical Series features superior products that enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals. Most orders ship in 24 hours, and shipping is free on orders over $50.
For the band, this 5.11 Tactical Packable Jacket (available preprinted with POLICE, SHERIFF or SECURITY on the front left chest and back) would have been nice - especially on those cold, rainy days and nights when the band had to perform.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
A Big Bag of Candy
Cory went out fund raising / begging for candy the other night. He came home with a big bag of candy and one item sold. That's better than nothing, I suppose. At least he planned ahead (because I suggested it) and had little slips of paper with the information and the website printed on them. For all the people who seemed interested or didn't have time to look - and for the people who wanted him to come back the next day, he could just hand them the slip of paper and tell them they can go online and shop at their convenience. I don't know if anyone will actually do it, but at least he gave them the option.
Tonight he went out begging for candy again, with a friend this time. I don't know why, but they schedule double trick or treat times around here - Thursday night was for the subdivision, and tonight was for the village. Why exactly they need two, I haven't yet figured out. Anyway, Cory went out and came back with another big bag of candy. I asked him if he sold anything, and he said that he didn't even try - since he only sold one thing on Thursday. He at least could have handed out the slips!
Speaking of the fundraiser, orders can be placed through November 5.
Tonight he went out begging for candy again, with a friend this time. I don't know why, but they schedule double trick or treat times around here - Thursday night was for the subdivision, and tonight was for the village. Why exactly they need two, I haven't yet figured out. Anyway, Cory went out and came back with another big bag of candy. I asked him if he sold anything, and he said that he didn't even try - since he only sold one thing on Thursday. He at least could have handed out the slips!
Speaking of the fundraiser, orders can be placed through November 5.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Web Content Writing Services
When I was in college, I got an A+ on my term paper. Of course, I can't prove that now. My room mate borrowed it when it was time to write her paper, so she could see how to do it. And she lost it. I never saw that paper again, and, of course, I didn't have another copy. I had to write that thing by hand and then type it up using a typewriter. At least it was electric, but there was no such thing as a computer file for backup.
Nowadays, students have computers and the Internet and so many more resources, making it easier to write papers. In fact, sometimes, they don't even have to write their own papers. I would hope this isn't an all the time thing, but sometimes life gets in the way, and there just isn't time to write a proper paper. Enter MasterPapers.com - they can do the writing for you. They not only do term papers, but essays and research papers, and also provide Web Content Writing Services
. They guarantee 100% satisfaction, and 24/7 online customer service. All of their writers are competent and experienced professionals, who do their best to make sure your project expresses your message in the way you would have, if only you had the time.
Nowadays, students have computers and the Internet and so many more resources, making it easier to write papers. In fact, sometimes, they don't even have to write their own papers. I would hope this isn't an all the time thing, but sometimes life gets in the way, and there just isn't time to write a proper paper. Enter MasterPapers.com - they can do the writing for you. They not only do term papers, but essays and research papers, and also provide Web Content Writing Services
I Should Be an Artist
Yeah, right. I couldn't help but laugh when I read this. Supposedly by choosing the image that most appeals to me, I can find out what I should be when I grow up. Since I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, I thought it would be worth a try. Here are my results:
The only part in that whole thing that is right is that I do best when I can work by myself. Try it and see if it works for you.
You Should Be an Artist |
 You are incredibly creative, spontaneous, and unique. No one can guess what you're going to do next, but it's usually something amazing. You can't deal with routine, rules, or structure. You're easily bored. As long as you are able to innovate and break the rules, you are extremely successful. You do best when you: - Can work by yourself - Can express your personality in your work You would also be a good journalist or actor. |
The only part in that whole thing that is right is that I do best when I can work by myself. Try it and see if it works for you.
Faucet Options
Yesterday my shower puff came apart. I've never had that happen before. I tried fixing it, but it fell apart in the shower again today. I will have to do a better job of fixing it this time.
What does that have to do with anything? Nothing really, except it got me thinking of showers and faucets and plumbing. Weird how my mind works. Anyway, when we had this house built, we really didn't get much of a choice on which faucets they put in. They sent us to a showroom somewhere, they let us choose between 3 or 4 choices, and that was it. I never really thought to question it at the time. That's just the way they did it. They installed all faucets from a certain Wisconsin based company. We live in Wisconsin. I guess that makes sense, but I haven't been extremely pleased with these faucets. For instance, my kitchen faucet has broken at least twice. The handle came right off and could not be fixed without a new piece. Yes, there's a lifetime warranty, but I still had to live without a working kitchen sink for an entire day or two, until the original installer could come and fix it.
One of these days we may decide to upgrade all the faucets and get something we actually like. Maybe a Delta faucet will be better than what we already have. I can browse the website at faucet.com and choose from way more than 3 or 4 choices.
I like this one:
and this one: 
and this one: 
and, well, you get the idea. They have a large selection with many styles and finishes to choose from.
They also offer fast delivery, great prices, and the all-important free shipping. So, if my kitchen faucet dares to break again... I have options.
What does that have to do with anything? Nothing really, except it got me thinking of showers and faucets and plumbing. Weird how my mind works. Anyway, when we had this house built, we really didn't get much of a choice on which faucets they put in. They sent us to a showroom somewhere, they let us choose between 3 or 4 choices, and that was it. I never really thought to question it at the time. That's just the way they did it. They installed all faucets from a certain Wisconsin based company. We live in Wisconsin. I guess that makes sense, but I haven't been extremely pleased with these faucets. For instance, my kitchen faucet has broken at least twice. The handle came right off and could not be fixed without a new piece. Yes, there's a lifetime warranty, but I still had to live without a working kitchen sink for an entire day or two, until the original installer could come and fix it.
One of these days we may decide to upgrade all the faucets and get something we actually like. Maybe a Delta faucet will be better than what we already have. I can browse the website at faucet.com and choose from way more than 3 or 4 choices.
I like this one:
and this one: and this one: and, well, you get the idea. They have a large selection with many styles and finishes to choose from.They also offer fast delivery, great prices, and the all-important free shipping. So, if my kitchen faucet dares to break again... I have options.
Friday's Feast #166
Appetizer
Name a great website you would recommend to others. I love Astronomy Picture of the Day, though I don't always remember to visit every day. That's why I added it to my friends page on LiveJournal.
Soup
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night? Probably a 4.
Salad
Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name? We had a dog named Mutt. He was just that, a mutt, but we loved him.
Main Course
If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise? It would have to be something I like and believe in, but I'm having a hard time figuring it out. Maybe comfortable exercise clothes, or digital cameras.
Dessert
What is your favorite kind of hard candy? Werther's Original
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Free E-Cards
Jeffrey and I are so romantic. Instead of buying each other cards for our anniversary, sometimes we'll just shop the card section of the store together. When I find a card I like for him, I hand it to him. He reads it, and then I put it back. No need to actually buy the card. And he does the same for me. I'm ok with that. I'm not one of those mushy gushy romantic girls. I don't even like getting flowers - because they're just going to die anyway.
Besides just reading cards in the store, I like free e-cards, too. I think they are plenty romantic. And they're really good for those times when I don't get out anywhere to actually buy a card, and don't have time to actually get it in the mail. At e-romance, I can send fun and animated cards. they don't have to be all sentimental and gushy, but they're a great way to let someone know I'm thinking of them - and hopefully make them smile.
Since it's my friend Tammy's birthday, and I didn't know until right now, I think I'll go send her some Virtual Flowers. I bet she'll appreciate knowing I'm thinking of her.
Besides just reading cards in the store, I like free e-cards, too. I think they are plenty romantic. And they're really good for those times when I don't get out anywhere to actually buy a card, and don't have time to actually get it in the mail. At e-romance, I can send fun and animated cards. they don't have to be all sentimental and gushy, but they're a great way to let someone know I'm thinking of them - and hopefully make them smile.
Since it's my friend Tammy's birthday, and I didn't know until right now, I think I'll go send her some Virtual Flowers. I bet she'll appreciate knowing I'm thinking of her.
Community Blogger Award
Holly at Mama Pajama gave me a Community Blogger award. This award celebrates people who reach out and make the blogger community a better one. Thank you, Holly! In the spirit of community, I pass this award on to the following people who truly make the blogger community a better one:- Tammy at Mom Knows Everything
- David at authorblog
- Vic Grace at Cariboo Ponderer
- Deb at Mom of 3 Girls
Where are the People I Used to Know?
I sign up for all kinds of things on the Internet. If it's out there, and it's free, then I will most likely sign up for it. That means I'm spread all over the Internet, and do you know how many people I went to school with or worked with in the past have found me? One. I think there was one, and, unfortunately, after we re-connected, we lost touch again. I have also looked for people I used to know - and haven't had much luck finding any of them. Where are these people? I realize we didn't have computers or the Internet back when we were in school, but everyone is online now. Shouldn't there be some kind of online presence? And I don't mean those classmates or school reunion sites that let you register and let people see your name, but don't let you contact anyone without paying a fee. That is no fun. I've tried getting around that and posting hints for people so they could find me if they really wanted to, but so far no luck.
Today I found this new people search site called Spock. When I searched for myself, I came up first on the list! Anyway, Spock searches for information on bio pages, social networks, news sites, blogs, directories ...pretty much every place imaginable on the internet, and then groups it all together. Then, Spock users can add to that information - add pictures, add tags, and add links - all to make it easier for people to find people. I love the idea that I don't have to search the entire Internet to find people I'm looking for, because it's not working for me. In just a few minutes on Spock, by searching for the town I grew up in and for people in my approximate age range, I found a guy I went to high school with and found out that he has a MySpace page. Unfortunately, he hasn't logged in since June of last year.
Still, I have high hopes for this site. Eventually I will connect with someone I used to know. They have to be out there somewhere.
Today I found this new people search site called Spock. When I searched for myself, I came up first on the list! Anyway, Spock searches for information on bio pages, social networks, news sites, blogs, directories ...pretty much every place imaginable on the internet, and then groups it all together. Then, Spock users can add to that information - add pictures, add tags, and add links - all to make it easier for people to find people. I love the idea that I don't have to search the entire Internet to find people I'm looking for, because it's not working for me. In just a few minutes on Spock, by searching for the town I grew up in and for people in my approximate age range, I found a guy I went to high school with and found out that he has a MySpace page. Unfortunately, he hasn't logged in since June of last year.
Still, I have high hopes for this site. Eventually I will connect with someone I used to know. They have to be out there somewhere.
Fund Raising and Free Candy
A couple years ago Cory went out with his fund raiser sheets and sold lots of things, at the same time all the kids in the neighborhood were out trick or treating. It worked really well. People who are at home and expecting people to show up at their door have their front lights turned on. So it's easy to tell who is there. A side benefit of asking them if they'll buy something is the free candy. He ended up selling quite a bit by doing it that way. After that, we never could get him motivated to go out and sell stuff. I guess not having the added benefit of candy just didn't make it worth it?
Finally tonight he's out selling again, for this fund raiser I posted about last night. He also printed out the web page and information so he can give that out to people who might not be ready to order and pay tonight. I'm interested to see how it all works out. He should be home pretty soon, because he's got a birthday party to go to. It's quite the busy week for him - a party last night, a party tonight, and then another birthday this weekend. It sounds like he's having fun.
Finally tonight he's out selling again, for this fund raiser I posted about last night. He also printed out the web page and information so he can give that out to people who might not be ready to order and pay tonight. I'm interested to see how it all works out. He should be home pretty soon, because he's got a birthday party to go to. It's quite the busy week for him - a party last night, a party tonight, and then another birthday this weekend. It sounds like he's having fun.
Uptown Saturday Night
The last Saturday night of the month, which is this coming Saturday, October 27th, is Uptown Saturday Night in St. Augustine, Florida. What does that mean? The Uptown San Marco Shopping District remains open from 5-9pm. Parking and admission are free, and each participating shop features an open house with wine and refreshments. There is live music and an overall festive night time atmosphere. Yes, a party atmosphere with shopping. I don't know exactly why, but there is something special about a warm evening (I checked the forecast, and it's supposed to be in the 70's) all lit up and sparkling with lights. The last time we were in Florida, I even got excited about the mall. It was all outdoor, and they had strings of lights wrapped around the palm trees and music playing. I wasn't really all that interested in shopping. I just liked being there.
For the Uptown Saturday Night events in St. Augustine, the book stores bring in local authors for book readings and book signings. Now, that I would be interested in, and it would be so much fun to browse through the used book stores to see what we could find. At least Cory and I would be interested in the books. The other half of the family would have to find something else to do, since they're not so interested in books. With all of the Events in St. Augustine and other activities going on for Uptown Saturday Night, they would surely find something to do. I read something about train tours...
Next month's Uptown Saturday Night is November 24th.
For the Uptown Saturday Night events in St. Augustine, the book stores bring in local authors for book readings and book signings. Now, that I would be interested in, and it would be so much fun to browse through the used book stores to see what we could find. At least Cory and I would be interested in the books. The other half of the family would have to find something else to do, since they're not so interested in books. With all of the Events in St. Augustine and other activities going on for Uptown Saturday Night, they would surely find something to do. I read something about train tours...
Next month's Uptown Saturday Night is November 24th.
No School
The kids are out of school today and tomorrow because of the State Teacher Convention. I'm not sure what the teachers do, and I know the kids don't care. They're just glad to be out of school. Of course, that means I have them home and have to figure out what to do with them. Cory has a couple birthday parties in the next few days, so he wants to go to Walmart to buy presents. I guess that means we're going to Walmart, at least for a little while. Like it's possible to go to Walmart just for a little while! Ever since we got the Super Walmart, I just cannot get out of there. The store is too big.
Also, sometime today or tomorrow, Beth needs to look for a new job. She got her hours cut way down at her job, and she's not making any money - just when she's got extra expenses like a speeding ticket. And she has to pay for her insurance (unless she surprises us and pulls out the B average) and will need to get the kitty fixed and declawed in December. Life's not cheap, is it?
Also, sometime today or tomorrow, Beth needs to look for a new job. She got her hours cut way down at her job, and she's not making any money - just when she's got extra expenses like a speeding ticket. And she has to pay for her insurance (unless she surprises us and pulls out the B average) and will need to get the kitty fixed and declawed in December. Life's not cheap, is it?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Alpaca Yarn
Time for a Fund Raiser
Cory went on the band trip to Boston last year. It was a really good experience for him, but these trips are not cheap. We told him that, if he wants to go on any more band trips, he will have to raise the money. Maybe not all of it, but a good portion. If he wants to go, he needs to put forth the effort. Today, he came home with fund raiser information. This one is pretty cool, because people can order online and the order is shipped right to them. Cory sent an email out to all his friends, posted a bulletin on MySpace, and asked me to post this on my blog. Here's the email from Cory:
Hi! As most of you probably knowI am a Band Geek. Well, my band is traveling to St. Louis, Missouri this year, and I have to save up for it somehow! So here's the deal. Whatever I sell I get 40% of the profit put into my band account towards my trip. So I'd really appreciate if you would help me out. And all of the items are delivered right to you in 4-6 weeks! My goal is to make all the money needed for the trip, but that's a long shot, So please help me out!
All you have to do is go here and shop away.
If it doesn't already say:
PALMYRA-EAGLE HS/MS MUSIC- PALMYRA
You are supporting: Cory Hagen
then please fill in this info:
Seller: Cory Hagen
Seller ID: pae2977
Like I said before it is shipped right to you so you don't have to worry about living near me. The only catch is that you have to live in the United States for them to ship it to you so please only order if you live in the continental U.S. And please send this on to your friends. This will really help me!
Thank you for your support.
- Prices include all delivery charges
- All products come with 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Place your order by November 5, 2007
Too Much Stuff
How do we manage to collect so much stuff? Besides the obvious - that we buy stuff and don't get rid of the stuff we already have. Luckily we have a basement, so we have room for all this stuff. But then again, maybe that's not so good because now we have no incentive to throw some of it away, or donate it to Goodwill or someone who can use it.
If we didn't have the basement, and we still didn't want to get rid of stuff, we'd have to find something like this wilmington nc self storage - Extra Attic. If you don't have enough room in your house for all the stuff, you can rent storage space there. They have a really handy storage guide to help figure out how much storage space you actually need and also some helpful tips on packing and preparing your items for storage. Extra Attic offers a secure, clean, and affordable solution to extra storage dilemmas. Plus - they have weathered all hurricanes without any leaks or water damage. After being in Florida following a hurricane, I've seen how important that can be!
If we didn't have the basement, and we still didn't want to get rid of stuff, we'd have to find something like this wilmington nc self storage - Extra Attic. If you don't have enough room in your house for all the stuff, you can rent storage space there. They have a really handy storage guide to help figure out how much storage space you actually need and also some helpful tips on packing and preparing your items for storage. Extra Attic offers a secure, clean, and affordable solution to extra storage dilemmas. Plus - they have weathered all hurricanes without any leaks or water damage. After being in Florida following a hurricane, I've seen how important that can be!
We Didn't Think
Beth didn't get to give blood today after all. She called today from school to find out the name of the antibiotic she is taking. She's got a bladder infection and just got the prescription yesterday - and just started taking it this morning. Neither one of us thought about it interfering with her ability to give blood. She could have waited until this evening to start taking it. Maybe a bladder infection is bad, too?
This page gives some blood donation guidelines. We just didn't think to look it up or read it before. I also learned that only 6% of all people have my blood type, A-. Does that mean they need more of my type of blood or not?
This page gives some blood donation guidelines. We just didn't think to look it up or read it before. I also learned that only 6% of all people have my blood type, A-. Does that mean they need more of my type of blood or not?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Roller Coasters!
I love this view:
Jeffrey and I love Theme Parks, just for the roller coasters. We never go on anything that spins us in circles or waste our time on anything tame. Our kids must belong to someone else, because they don't like roller coasters. Well, actually, my dad never liked roller coasters, so I guess they're related to him. I think it would be so much fun to visit as many theme parks as possible and ride every roller coaster imaginable. Of course, we'd have to leave the kids at home.
The U.K.'s oldest theme park, Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, has some rides that I wouldn't mind trying. There's one called the Pepsi Max Big One - '235ft high and over one mile of twisting and turning at speeds of up to 87mph.' Unfortunately the video was a little choppy, so I didn't get a feel for the speed, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to try it in real life. They have quite a list of what they call Major Rides, and most of them look like fun, but I'm going to have to pass on Bling. It looks like too much spinning for me - that makes me feel sick. They also have a wooden roller coaster that World record roller coaster marathon rider Richard Rodriguez rode for an incredible three months non-stop, day and night! I'd be happy if I could just ride it 3 or 4, or 5 or 6, times in a row without waiting in line again. Do you think they'd let me do that?
They also have Family Rides at Pleasure Beach, but I didn't check them out. Like I said - we go for the roller coasters.
Jeffrey and I love Theme Parks, just for the roller coasters. We never go on anything that spins us in circles or waste our time on anything tame. Our kids must belong to someone else, because they don't like roller coasters. Well, actually, my dad never liked roller coasters, so I guess they're related to him. I think it would be so much fun to visit as many theme parks as possible and ride every roller coaster imaginable. Of course, we'd have to leave the kids at home.
The U.K.'s oldest theme park, Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, has some rides that I wouldn't mind trying. There's one called the Pepsi Max Big One - '235ft high and over one mile of twisting and turning at speeds of up to 87mph.' Unfortunately the video was a little choppy, so I didn't get a feel for the speed, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to try it in real life. They have quite a list of what they call Major Rides, and most of them look like fun, but I'm going to have to pass on Bling. It looks like too much spinning for me - that makes me feel sick. They also have a wooden roller coaster that World record roller coaster marathon rider Richard Rodriguez rode for an incredible three months non-stop, day and night! I'd be happy if I could just ride it 3 or 4, or 5 or 6, times in a row without waiting in line again. Do you think they'd let me do that?
They also have Family Rides at Pleasure Beach, but I didn't check them out. Like I said - we go for the roller coasters.
Blood Donor
Beth is going to donate blood tomorrow. Her school is having a blood drive, and she actually signed up. Yes, I'm a little surprised. It's not something I would ever have expected her to do, but it's a good surprise. I like seeing her do something for someone else. We've tried so hard to get her to see the importance of helping others, but she usually just doesn't seem to get it.
Maybe she just saw it as an opportunity to get out of class, but I choose to believe that she wants to do something good.
Maybe she just saw it as an opportunity to get out of class, but I choose to believe that she wants to do something good.
Skin Health from the Inside
Gâc is a bright-red fruit that grows abundantly all over sub-tropical Asia. Recent research has shown that this fruit is rich in antioxidants. Women in Asia have known about the benefits of Gâc for many years. It is considered nature's gift to the women of Asia because of the way it nourishes the skin. The carotenoids in red Gâc function as protection of the plant against excess sunlight. In the same way, they can help protect the skin, boost the immune system, and assist the skin's cellular rejuvenation.
That's great for the women of Asia, but what about the rest of us? Even though we can't grow this amazing fruit in our backyards, we can still benefit from it. R.G. Skin Revitalizer is a daily dietary supplement made from the pure fruit oil extracted from the Gâc. The body is able to absorb the fat soluble nutrients better than if it was juice from the fruit. Apparently the nutrients must bind with fat molecules in order to be absorbed into the human digestive system. Other fruits may have antioxidants, but they are also mostly fat free, limiting the absorption of their nutrients.
Use of R.G. Skin Revitalizer complements topical skin care. It promotes good skin health from the inside out.
That's great for the women of Asia, but what about the rest of us? Even though we can't grow this amazing fruit in our backyards, we can still benefit from it. R.G. Skin Revitalizer is a daily dietary supplement made from the pure fruit oil extracted from the Gâc. The body is able to absorb the fat soluble nutrients better than if it was juice from the fruit. Apparently the nutrients must bind with fat molecules in order to be absorbed into the human digestive system. Other fruits may have antioxidants, but they are also mostly fat free, limiting the absorption of their nutrients.
Use of R.G. Skin Revitalizer complements topical skin care. It promotes good skin health from the inside out.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Mount Rainier Train
HEADS: TrainA few years ago, we went for a train ride near the Dells. It was an old train, and the track went for a ways in one direction. Then the train stopped, and everyone was free to get out and watch while they unhooked the engine and moved it to the other end of the train and hooked it back up. Then we got the second half of our ride - right back the way we came on the same tracks. To quote the person who took this particular picture:
At Mount Rainier (Elbe, WA.) there is a steam engine train that runs for several miles along the mountain's foothills. It's kind of a lame ride, but the shots of the train were worth it.- and we didn't even get a steam engine - because it was in for repairs or something. Actually,it was the people we were with that made it all worthwhile. I took some ok pictures, but they aren't on my computer any more, so, instead of searching to find the disk they are on, I just went searching Flickr for interesting pictures tagged with 'train' - and realized I could spend hours browsing.
Check out other Heads or Tails participants.
Art My Way
For my son, Cory - the musical and the artistic one in the family.
I just went to ArtMyWay.com and created this image. It was easy. They have several different categories to browse. Once you find the artwork you like, simply personalize it by adding your own words. Their artists have already figured out which font looks best and how many letters will fit in the space, so all you have to do is type it in and 'update the art' to see how it will look. Once you are happy with the way it looks, you can share it on your blog, email it to your friends, or even order framed prints that you can hang on the wall. I'm going to use this one to leave a comment over on Cory's MySpace page. I think he'll like it. Of course, since he's way more creative than I am, he'll probably be able to come up with some even better personalized artwork. Seriously, I'm looking forward to what he creates.
Creating an account on ArtMyWay.com is free. You can use their artwork or upload your own.
Homecoming Pics
Here's our tree the next morning - after Jeff and Cory collected all the free toilet paper:
See, they only TP your house if you're popular - so cleaning it up was a bad thing - according to Beth. At least there was a little left, so no one would think Beth is unpopular. Jeffrey went out and cleaned it up Sunday afternoon, I think.
Tim, Beth and Kayla, dressed and ready for the dance:
Kayla came over in the afternoon, and the girls went over to a friend's house to get their hair done. Then they came back to get dressed here. Beth ended up wearing the dress she bought after all, but still, I'm thinking no more shopping for dresses without parental supervision - especially if she's spending our money instead of hers. While the girls were getting dressed, Tim showed up. Then, when the finally got ready, we took some pictures, and they headed over to pick up Kayla's date and then to her house for more pictures. They went out to a fancy dinner at Culver's and then to the dance. After the dance, Beth stayed over at Kayla's and then spent Sunday with her. They went to visit one of their friends in the hospital. He was driving too fast, lost control, and wrecked his car. You would think she would have learned something from that, but just a few days later, Beth was driving too fast and got a ticket. At least there was no wreck or injury involved, and hopefully she'll learn to be more careful and pay more attention.
See, they only TP your house if you're popular - so cleaning it up was a bad thing - according to Beth. At least there was a little left, so no one would think Beth is unpopular. Jeffrey went out and cleaned it up Sunday afternoon, I think.Tim, Beth and Kayla, dressed and ready for the dance:
Kayla came over in the afternoon, and the girls went over to a friend's house to get their hair done. Then they came back to get dressed here. Beth ended up wearing the dress she bought after all, but still, I'm thinking no more shopping for dresses without parental supervision - especially if she's spending our money instead of hers. While the girls were getting dressed, Tim showed up. Then, when the finally got ready, we took some pictures, and they headed over to pick up Kayla's date and then to her house for more pictures. They went out to a fancy dinner at Culver's and then to the dance. After the dance, Beth stayed over at Kayla's and then spent Sunday with her. They went to visit one of their friends in the hospital. He was driving too fast, lost control, and wrecked his car. You would think she would have learned something from that, but just a few days later, Beth was driving too fast and got a ticket. At least there was no wreck or injury involved, and hopefully she'll learn to be more careful and pay more attention.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Playing the Stock Market
It seems that the stock market is a good indicator of how the economy is doing. If the market goes up, everyone is happy. If the market goes down, people get worried. People can make lots of money, or they can lose lots of money - all based on what the stock market does. But what does that actually mean? And how does it actually work? If you're anything like me, you have no idea.
MyWallSt.net looks like a good way to learn a little more about that. You can sign up for a free account and start trading stocks from real companies, but with virtual money, using their trading simulator. It works with real stocks and real numbers from the real stock market. I think it sounds like an interesting educational tool - a way to learn how the stock market works without any risk to actual money. Traditional publications are often dated and the learning curve can be costly. Here's a way to get 'hands on' stock market experience without risking your own money.
MyWallSt.net doesn't just leave you to your own devices to figure out how the stock market works, either. It's a social networking site that allows you to find and add friends. I'm thinking that adding friends who seem to know a little bit more than I do about the stock market would be a big help for me and help me figure out how things work - how to pick stocks, when to buy, when to sell, all that stuff. If they're doing well with their stock picks in the trading simulator, hopefully they'll be willing to share some secrets or advice. I need all the help I can get! There's also a forum to join, to ask questions and get advice.
If you're interested in learning how the stock market works, you might want to check out MyWallSt.net to see if it might help you. They'll even give you a free hat for signing up and building a profile, and you could win some real money, too.
MyWallSt.net looks like a good way to learn a little more about that. You can sign up for a free account and start trading stocks from real companies, but with virtual money, using their trading simulator. It works with real stocks and real numbers from the real stock market. I think it sounds like an interesting educational tool - a way to learn how the stock market works without any risk to actual money. Traditional publications are often dated and the learning curve can be costly. Here's a way to get 'hands on' stock market experience without risking your own money.
MyWallSt.net doesn't just leave you to your own devices to figure out how the stock market works, either. It's a social networking site that allows you to find and add friends. I'm thinking that adding friends who seem to know a little bit more than I do about the stock market would be a big help for me and help me figure out how things work - how to pick stocks, when to buy, when to sell, all that stuff. If they're doing well with their stock picks in the trading simulator, hopefully they'll be willing to share some secrets or advice. I need all the help I can get! There's also a forum to join, to ask questions and get advice.
If you're interested in learning how the stock market works, you might want to check out MyWallSt.net to see if it might help you. They'll even give you a free hat for signing up and building a profile, and you could win some real money, too.
Friday, October 19, 2007
It's All about the Band
The jacket I ordered from the Band Boosters came in after all. So, now I have it in time for State Competition tomorrow. Of course, it's supposed to be sunny and near 70°, so I probably won't need it. That's ok. I'm not complaining, mind you. Last year was cold and rainy and mostly miserable. I'm looking forward to nice weather.
We have to be over to school by 9:00am, so I'm off to bed. In the meantime, enjoy this video of the band. Someone from the Milwaukee Journal came out and watched the band practice, and talked to some of the band members. We couldn't pick Cory out, but he's there somewhere. Before you start to wonder - no that is not how high school students usually dress. At least not all of them. This was during Homecoming week on "crazy day" - where they got as crazy as possible to demonstrate their school spirit.
We have to be over to school by 9:00am, so I'm off to bed. In the meantime, enjoy this video of the band. Someone from the Milwaukee Journal came out and watched the band practice, and talked to some of the band members. We couldn't pick Cory out, but he's there somewhere. Before you start to wonder - no that is not how high school students usually dress. At least not all of them. This was during Homecoming week on "crazy day" - where they got as crazy as possible to demonstrate their school spirit.
More Pictures for More Buttons
I spent way too much time working on band pictures today. This past weekend I took pictures of several band members that I missed the first time. Not my fault - they weren't at practice when I took the other pictures. I think I'm still missing some band members, but I'm doing the best I can.
I finally got the pictures downloaded from the camera last night, and then I had to size them and get them ready for printing. This time I made the pictures circles instead of squares, so we'll see if that doesn't work better when I make the buttons tonight. I uploaded the pictures and ordered prints at Walgreens so Jeffrey can pick them up on the way home.
We've got State Competition tomorrow, and I don't really think we'll have a chance to get the buttons to many of the parents, but I still want them to be available. The Awards Concert is Monday night, so we definitely need them then, because most of the parents should be there.
I finally got the pictures downloaded from the camera last night, and then I had to size them and get them ready for printing. This time I made the pictures circles instead of squares, so we'll see if that doesn't work better when I make the buttons tonight. I uploaded the pictures and ordered prints at Walgreens so Jeffrey can pick them up on the way home.
We've got State Competition tomorrow, and I don't really think we'll have a chance to get the buttons to many of the parents, but I still want them to be available. The Awards Concert is Monday night, so we definitely need them then, because most of the parents should be there.
I Need a New Style
I really need to get a haircut, but I keep putting it off - because I don't know what I want to do. I've been trying to grow my hair out some. For years I had it pretty short. I liked it short. It was usually easy to take care of. But, I have a husband who is the typical guy who likes long hair. And my kids think I should grow my hair, too. So, I try. I know there's more to it than just letting it grow. I really want some kind of style.
My problem is always that I can't find a picture of a hairstyle I might like. Or, if I find a picture, I can't really tell if it will look good on me or not. Today I played around with this online makeover tool at Makeover Solutions. They have a paid version, but I just signed up for the free one. I uploaded the one picture I am allowed with my free account - which I had to go take because I could not find one full face picture of me on my computer. Once the picture was uploaded, they took me through all kinds of steps to define my eyes, lips, and face shape. I had a really hard time with the eyeliner, because I never wear eyeliner and I really don't know where it is supposed to be. Yeah, I'm good.
Once I finally got my picture defined, I started playing with hairstyles, and that's when I noticed that several hairstyles are locked - so only paid members can try them on. Still, the free version has several I can 'try on', so maybe I'll find something I like. There are also quite a few options to 'try on' makeup, eyewear, and accessories. Again, only some of them are available with the free account.
Besides the makeover tool, this site also has hairstyle pictures to browse through. Wish me luck finding the perfect style for me, or at least one I can live with.
My problem is always that I can't find a picture of a hairstyle I might like. Or, if I find a picture, I can't really tell if it will look good on me or not. Today I played around with this online makeover tool at Makeover Solutions. They have a paid version, but I just signed up for the free one. I uploaded the one picture I am allowed with my free account - which I had to go take because I could not find one full face picture of me on my computer. Once the picture was uploaded, they took me through all kinds of steps to define my eyes, lips, and face shape. I had a really hard time with the eyeliner, because I never wear eyeliner and I really don't know where it is supposed to be. Yeah, I'm good.
Once I finally got my picture defined, I started playing with hairstyles, and that's when I noticed that several hairstyles are locked - so only paid members can try them on. Still, the free version has several I can 'try on', so maybe I'll find something I like. There are also quite a few options to 'try on' makeup, eyewear, and accessories. Again, only some of them are available with the free account.
Besides the makeover tool, this site also has hairstyle pictures to browse through. Wish me luck finding the perfect style for me, or at least one I can live with.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I Was Planning That
Remember that Heads or Tails post Tuesday where I listed at least 10 of my email addresses, and I said I had been meaning to do that for a while. I was just searching 'bcmom' on Google - you know, because I have nothing better to do - and I found this post over on Just a Mom. Jaye asked everyone to explain their email, and I had forgotten that I did:
My first email address was an aol email. I wanted bcmom@aol, but someone else already had that. So I had to settle for bcmomtoo - like, I'm bcmom, too! Since then I have had all kinds of variations on the bcmom thing - bcmom, bcmom2, bcmomtoo, bcmomtwo. One of these days I am going to actually count all the email addresses I have - they are all over the place. I use different ones for different things.So, at least since last month I've been meaning to count my email addresses. Anyone care to explain your email address? I'd like to hear it!
Oh, the bcmom thing - it stands for Beth & Cory's mom. Sometimes people think I'm Canadian. I'm not.