Are you like me, kinda electronically challenged? Sure, I got a degree in Computer Science, but that was years ago, and that NEVER meant I was good with hardware. Or installing things, for that matter.
So let's say you got a new camera. Or a printer. Or a scanner. And the stupid thing won't work with your computer. Or it's your OLD scanner and a NEW computer and you don't have the original CD-ROM that came with it and it WON'T WORK DAMMIT. It's definitely an all-caps moment when computer stuff won't work.
But before you call the Geek Squad and fork over your whole paycheck for something that's probably pretty simple (as they chuckle over getting your money for something stupid), first check to see if you have the right Computer Drivers! It's pretty simple to navigate the site. Your wireless mouse isn't connecting? Check out the Mouse Drivers to see if your model/brand is on there. There's also all of the Windows XP Drivers you could need.
So before throwing your computer out the window or paying someone else way too much to do what you could do yourself, make sure you check out this page of drivers and you could get your stuff working in no time.
So let's say you got a new camera. Or a printer. Or a scanner. And the stupid thing won't work with your computer. Or it's your OLD scanner and a NEW computer and you don't have the original CD-ROM that came with it and it WON'T WORK DAMMIT. It's definitely an all-caps moment when computer stuff won't work.
But before you call the Geek Squad and fork over your whole paycheck for something that's probably pretty simple (as they chuckle over getting your money for something stupid), first check to see if you have the right Computer Drivers! It's pretty simple to navigate the site. Your wireless mouse isn't connecting? Check out the Mouse Drivers to see if your model/brand is on there. There's also all of the Windows XP Drivers you could need.
So before throwing your computer out the window or paying someone else way too much to do what you could do yourself, make sure you check out this page of drivers and you could get your stuff working in no time.
I've never really had a problem with public speaking. I'm not really shy, I'm pretty outgoing, and as long as I know what I'm talking about (i.e. I won't get all "deer in headlights" when they ask questions), I'm completely fine. When I took public speaking in college, it was a breeze. I felt lucky because I know it's a REALLY hard thing for many people. So many of my classmates were terrified - one had to run out in the middle of her speech to puke! Poor girl.
However, even though I'm not scared to death, I know I could be a better speaker. Here's some speaking tips that can help with that. You know I really believe in the "be prepared" one. That makes all the difference for me!
But if it's really not your thing, here's an amazing idea you could use at your next event: Celebrity Speakers! Seriously, how cool would it be to have Cindy Crawford or Billy Crystal give a presentation at your next board meeting? Or RuPaul? There are a zillion other Motivational Speakers you could choose from as well.
These are all services that the Professional Speakers Association made possible. They created a professional body for public speakers with two goals: to raise the standards of speakers and to promote speaking as a professional industry. You can get more info here.
However, even though I'm not scared to death, I know I could be a better speaker. Here's some speaking tips that can help with that. You know I really believe in the "be prepared" one. That makes all the difference for me!
But if it's really not your thing, here's an amazing idea you could use at your next event: Celebrity Speakers! Seriously, how cool would it be to have Cindy Crawford or Billy Crystal give a presentation at your next board meeting? Or RuPaul? There are a zillion other Motivational Speakers you could choose from as well.
These are all services that the Professional Speakers Association made possible. They created a professional body for public speakers with two goals: to raise the standards of speakers and to promote speaking as a professional industry. You can get more info here.
Can you believe that my husband, David, has never been to Vegas? Actually, I've only ever been once myself, for New Year's 2000-2001. That's crazy, considering that we live so close - it's even within driving distance! (Well, 9 hours, so a LONG drive. But still.) We also know a few people who live in the area - my friend Carrie moved there a few years ago, and some family friends have lived there for about 5 years.
I'd really like to take him to play poker in some Las Vegas Hotels, and to see some amazing Las Vegas Shows, like the Blue Man Group or Cirque de Soliel. I know what's keeping us from a fantastic vacation like that is the price, so I looked around for some Las Vegas Deals and found some awesome ones! Who knew you could stay at Circus Circus for $27/night? That's unreal! Or the Luxor for $49.night. I thought the Luxor was so cool.
There are also some amazing Las Vegas Specials on shows as well! We could also see the Phantom of the Opera or even Carrot Top (hahahah) for 25% off! That's amazing.
Vegas doesn't have to be a really expensive trip (as long as you stay away from those slot machines!!) Make sure to shop the Las Vegas Deals before going, and you could save yourself a TON of money.
Like Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. once said -- "VEGAS, BABY!"
I'd really like to take him to play poker in some Las Vegas Hotels, and to see some amazing Las Vegas Shows, like the Blue Man Group or Cirque de Soliel. I know what's keeping us from a fantastic vacation like that is the price, so I looked around for some Las Vegas Deals and found some awesome ones! Who knew you could stay at Circus Circus for $27/night? That's unreal! Or the Luxor for $49.night. I thought the Luxor was so cool.
There are also some amazing Las Vegas Specials on shows as well! We could also see the Phantom of the Opera or even Carrot Top (hahahah) for 25% off! That's amazing.
Vegas doesn't have to be a really expensive trip (as long as you stay away from those slot machines!!) Make sure to shop the Las Vegas Deals before going, and you could save yourself a TON of money.
Like Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. once said -- "VEGAS, BABY!"
Track meet. Just did my mile, came in dead last. Heh. Garmin tells me my losing time was 7:59, which is my fastest mile ever. Sweet.

Edited to add: I ended up doing THREE events after the mile! I was hooked! I did the 800 (two laps, last again), the 200 (1/2 lap - and I didn't come in last!), and a 5k (also not last!). Full report and more pictures at the running blog. :)
Edited to add: I ended up doing THREE events after the mile! I was hooked! I did the 800 (two laps, last again), the 200 (1/2 lap - and I didn't come in last!), and a 5k (also not last!). Full report and more pictures at the running blog. :)
- Mood:
chipper
My house gets SO HOT. You may remember the melted butter incident from a week ago, right? Sadly, my place does not have air conditioning. We use box fans to cool it down, but lately I've been thinking about adding some Ceiling Fans to increase circulation and keep the place at a decent temperature.
Check out this gorgeous Ceiling Fan by Emerson:

Not only is it beautiful, it's efficient! The motor in it far surpassed the Energy Star testing requirements established by the EPA. As a matter of fact, the test results prove it to be over 3 times (or 300%) more energy efficient than any other Energy Star Ceiling Fan with lights! Definitely a quality fan and a good investment for your home.
I'd reccomend if you have a non airconditioned house like me, or just want to save on your energy bill (and save the ozone!) that you check out Hansen Wholesale Ceiling Fans for something that works for you. You might have a different style than me and want a pretty Tiffany fan or a standing fan instead. They have it all!
Check out this gorgeous Ceiling Fan by Emerson:

Not only is it beautiful, it's efficient! The motor in it far surpassed the Energy Star testing requirements established by the EPA. As a matter of fact, the test results prove it to be over 3 times (or 300%) more energy efficient than any other Energy Star Ceiling Fan with lights! Definitely a quality fan and a good investment for your home.
I'd reccomend if you have a non airconditioned house like me, or just want to save on your energy bill (and save the ozone!) that you check out Hansen Wholesale Ceiling Fans for something that works for you. You might have a different style than me and want a pretty Tiffany fan or a standing fan instead. They have it all!
My shoes after today's 12.7 mile run (and no, it wasn't raining, just dusty and foggy!)


- Mood:
amused
Here are my two missed photos:
July 1:

Jasmine always picks the weirdest places to sleep. I mean, IN his shorts?
July 2:

I love this ring. I seriously think I dreamt up this pattern, I'd described it to friends in high school and then suddenly, my senior year, in this crazy store in the Mall of America (in San Jose), there it was. I still wear it and I just love it. It's perfect. (Although it now fits me as a middle finger ring, not a ring finger ring!)
July 1:

Jasmine always picks the weirdest places to sleep. I mean, IN his shorts?
July 2:

I love this ring. I seriously think I dreamt up this pattern, I'd described it to friends in high school and then suddenly, my senior year, in this crazy store in the Mall of America (in San Jose), there it was. I still wear it and I just love it. It's perfect. (Although it now fits me as a middle finger ring, not a ring finger ring!)
- Mood:
tired
Everything is better when it has bling, right?
I mean, I've done two triathlons, a half marathon, and a marathon relay, and damn if the memory isn't made sweeter by the medals I got as I crossed the finish line!
All sports are like that. My brothers got baseball and soccer trophies when they played on teams as kids. My dad even has some golf trophies. What's even sweeter is when you rack up enough of them to have an awards wall or cabinet! I'm working my way towards that one... I'd like to get some sort of rack to display my bling. :)
Trophies shouldn't just be for sports, either! Academic Awards are awesome for the non-athletic types (like David, who competed in MATH CONTESTS in high school. Oh yeah.) If you're a smarty pants, wouldn't you like to earn this:

Basically, my point is, all victories deserve hardware. So make sure whatever contest or sporting event you're competing in has them, or get them for yourself! It's fun.
I mean, I've done two triathlons, a half marathon, and a marathon relay, and damn if the memory isn't made sweeter by the medals I got as I crossed the finish line!
All sports are like that. My brothers got baseball and soccer trophies when they played on teams as kids. My dad even has some golf trophies. What's even sweeter is when you rack up enough of them to have an awards wall or cabinet! I'm working my way towards that one... I'd like to get some sort of rack to display my bling. :)
Trophies shouldn't just be for sports, either! Academic Awards are awesome for the non-athletic types (like David, who competed in MATH CONTESTS in high school. Oh yeah.) If you're a smarty pants, wouldn't you like to earn this:

Basically, my point is, all victories deserve hardware. So make sure whatever contest or sporting event you're competing in has them, or get them for yourself! It's fun.
I went practical with my Target giftcard purchase and chose the dress that I can wear to work:

I love that crossover style, I love that color, and I need more good work clothes. This should even look good under a lab coat!
I'll model it when I get it. ;) Now I just need to earn another 220 points so I can get MORE free stuff...

I love that crossover style, I love that color, and I need more good work clothes. This should even look good under a lab coat!
I'll model it when I get it. ;) Now I just need to earn another 220 points so I can get MORE free stuff...
Today I met up with Brooke in Sonoma for an early birthday celebration.

Awww, we're cute.

I gave her my old heart rate monitor (with a new battery!) for her birthday.
We had coffee and breakfast at a bakery, strolled the stores, shopped at a thrift store (two new shirts, $9 total), got gelato, and hung out in the park and just girl talked for hours. We were there from 10:30 till 4! Amazing! It was a very nice day.

Awww, we're cute.

I gave her my old heart rate monitor (with a new battery!) for her birthday.
We had coffee and breakfast at a bakery, strolled the stores, shopped at a thrift store (two new shirts, $9 total), got gelato, and hung out in the park and just girl talked for hours. We were there from 10:30 till 4! Amazing! It was a very nice day.
Those of you who have been reading my blog for any amount of time knows that I have major dental issues. I grind in my sleep (though I'm trying to remember to wear a night guard!) and that causes me to get more cavities than the average bear!
I always have in the back of my mind the idea that I could get some cosmetic dentistry done. I'm pretty sure I even put "professional teeth whitening" on my "When I'm Not Poor" wish list! Teeth are so important, they give a first impression, and I am so self conscious about mine. I wish they were whiter, straighter, had less cavities...
Well, if I got some nice veneers, that would certainly solve everything! I could be more confident with my smile knowing my teeth looked beautiful. Dental veneers exactly like the ones on this site are what celebrities get to look great in every shot, even the candids. They're definitely on my to-do list to get!
I always have in the back of my mind the idea that I could get some cosmetic dentistry done. I'm pretty sure I even put "professional teeth whitening" on my "When I'm Not Poor" wish list! Teeth are so important, they give a first impression, and I am so self conscious about mine. I wish they were whiter, straighter, had less cavities...
Well, if I got some nice veneers, that would certainly solve everything! I could be more confident with my smile knowing my teeth looked beautiful. Dental veneers exactly like the ones on this site are what celebrities get to look great in every shot, even the candids. They're definitely on my to-do list to get!
If you're looking for a way to get the best return on your money with a short term investment, you should be looking into getting bank CDs with your money. You should first shop the bank CD rates to make sure you're getting a good deal though!
On good use for getting a CD is for earning interest on money that you will need later. One of my friends is having a surgery in December, and she needed to save the money for her insurance deductible and be sure not to spend it! She was totally smart and found the best CD rates she could get, and put her money away for 6 months. Not only does it ensure she'll save the money and have it ready when it's time for her payment, she'll be earning interest too!
If you don't know where to research CD rates, you should check out this site. They have bank profiles, and rank the best CD rates by state and across the nation every week and offer advice and news on banks and bank rates.
Be smart with your money! Invest! Think about the future. It's never too early to save! I'm so glad I worked all these years in the financial industry, because I really know what the smart thing is to do.
On good use for getting a CD is for earning interest on money that you will need later. One of my friends is having a surgery in December, and she needed to save the money for her insurance deductible and be sure not to spend it! She was totally smart and found the best CD rates she could get, and put her money away for 6 months. Not only does it ensure she'll save the money and have it ready when it's time for her payment, she'll be earning interest too!
If you don't know where to research CD rates, you should check out this site. They have bank profiles, and rank the best CD rates by state and across the nation every week and offer advice and news on banks and bank rates.
Be smart with your money! Invest! Think about the future. It's never too early to save! I'm so glad I worked all these years in the financial industry, because I really know what the smart thing is to do.
I would like to thank Sammi for introducing me to Swagbucks, and my Swagbucks friends (especially Monica, Amy G and Amy C) for doing it with me, because a week ago I hit enough points to cash in for a gift card, and yesterday it showed up in my inbox:

Yup, $20 to Target!!! Only my favorite store EVER. Super stoked. What will I buy.... I've been wanting summer dresses... maybe shoes... purse...
On my list of possible items:
Black purse
Black and white pumps
Blue dress I could wear to work
Any votes on what I should get?
You wanna play too? Check it:

Click there, sign up, and just do your googling through them! It rules.

Yup, $20 to Target!!! Only my favorite store EVER. Super stoked. What will I buy.... I've been wanting summer dresses... maybe shoes... purse...
On my list of possible items:
Black purse
Black and white pumps
Blue dress I could wear to work
Any votes on what I should get?
You wanna play too? Check it:

Click there, sign up, and just do your googling through them! It rules.