Sunday, April 02, 2006

Biometrics

I had to write a paper about biometrics for my Intro to Computers class. I know, you're probably thinking "bio-what-ics?"

Let me give you the scaled version of my paper. Remember how people could activate computers with their voices on Star Trek (any of them)? That's biometrics. Basically, it's using yourself, your biology, physiology as your "key" to gain access to systems. The most prevalent form of biometrics is fingerprint comparison. You've seen it. It's when you use your fingerprint to gain access to a system or room. This method is generally the lowest in cost, so even everyday Joes can use fingerprint comparison to unlock their cars or computers. It sounds great, right?

Well, some of the more invasive forms of biometrics threaten to infringe on people's privacy. For instance, facial scans can be used to scan a stadium of people to find terrorists. Sounds simple enough, right? People at the 2001 Super Bowl didn't think so when it happened to them. Of course a year later in New Orleans at the 2002 Super Bowl, people didn't complain as much, mostly because we were still dealing with the horror of the 9/11 attacks.

So, is biometrics good or bad? Well, as with any new technology, there is potential for good and for bad. Each of us has to decide.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

10 People Every Woman Needs

By Linda Sharp

1. An Ethel Mertz. This lifelong friend will be there for all your impetuous "Lucy" moments, whether you're embarking on a crazy scheme (spying on your ex, dying your hair pink) or nipping at the Vitameatavegamin.

2. A boy friend. As in platonic male pal. While he'll never replace your girlfriends for late-night Ben & Jerry's gossip sessions, having a Ben or Jerry in your life can be just as beneficial. With him, you're free to sport your dowdiest duds, have a heated political discussion (without fear that it will carry into the bedroom) and even belch out loud. He'll be your plus-one at parties and the third wheel when you need a buffer. And his insight is especially helpful for all those "Y" questions, such as, "Why are men so...?" "Why did he...?" and "Why won't he...?"

3. A born-to-shop pal. This sartorial sidekick will not only help you find flattering outfits amid the chaos of your closet, she'll also score a heavenly pair of black pumps for you (on sale!)-even when she's shopping for herself.

4. A money manager. A financial advisor can help you get fiscally fit, from reducing your debt to funding your kids' education. Get recommendations from friends or family, or narrow the field by checking out the Financial Planners Standards Council Web site at cfp-ca.org.

5. A fitness buddy. Pairing up can help you slim down. In one University of Pittsburgh study, participants who worked out with pals lost 33 percent more weight than those who exercised solo. "In addition to providing increased motivation and better results, exercising with a partner is just a lot more fun," says Charles Stuart Platkin, author of Breaking the Pattern (Red Mill Press, 2002).

6. A gynecologist. Despite the skimpy paper gown and awkward position, this relationship can save your life.

7. A Bea Arthur. They don't call her a "Golden Girl" for nothing. Having an empowered, feisty female role model lends wonderful perspective.

8. A trusted hairstylist. Trusted being the key word. This is someone who comprehends the meaning of "just a trim" and can teach you how to achieve salon results at home. How to find your mane man or woman? Ask someone with locks you love for the name of her stylist. (Of course, once you settle down with the shear genius, you'll need to keep the news to yourself.)

9. A dream lover. You're in a committed relationship, but every so often, you picture yourself getting jiggy with Ashton Kutcher/Tyrese/the UPS guy. Sick and twisted? Nah. Imagining yourself in an intimate situation with someone other than your partner is normal-and then some. "Sexual fantasies increase interest and arousal and decrease anxiety," says Wendy Maltz, coauthor of Private Thoughts (New World Library, 2001). Hey, as long as it takes you both to rapturous heights, he never has to be the wiser.

10. A child. Watching a kid (yours or someone else's) at play reminds you how simple and joyful life can be.

Friday, March 31, 2006

Who knew?

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower has a website? It's pretty cool too!
http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

If you're like me and afraid of heights, you can do the virtual climb at http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/ludique/visite/index.html.

Au revoir mes amis!

Thursday, March 30, 2006

There exists a friend sticking closer than a brother...Proverbs 18:24

There are days when I sit and think about how good my life is right now. Although I don't have a family of my own, I have the freedom to do almost anything I want. Now of course the grass is always greener on the other side and part of me thinks, wants, desires a family. But today, on this date, I'm truly happy.

I have good friends and in fact, a BF... I thought I'd never use that term again. I've been afraid of that word and the implications and responsibilities associated with it. But I can say that my BF is a great person, who really cares about me. She builds me up so that I become better, but doesn't tear me down in the process. That's something that many people haven't mastered. She respects me for me and despite the fact that she's older, she treats me like an equal.

She wants me to be happy and achieve the things I want in life. But every now and again adds a small dose of reality when I turn to the left or the right. And I'd like to think that I do the same for her, even if it's to a small degree.

The best thing about my BF is something that she told me today... She's happy. For that I am grateful. "Time and unforeseen occurrenced befall us all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11b) and none of us is promised tomorrow. We need to cherish the time that we are alive. It's so important do know that each of us is loved and that each of us love those close to us.

Monday, March 27, 2006

Cherry Blossoms

I went to see the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC today and it was a really nice day. It was a bit breezy, but the blossoms looked really pretty. It seemed as if everybody and their sister were out there taking pictures.




We walked by the Jefferson Memorial too...



And then there was the Bureau of Engraving and Printing...


Ok, so here's a picture of me and my friend Gina...she's the one holding the camera...don't you see her? Oh well, I do...

Saturday, March 25, 2006

They really were Good Times



I don't care who you are or where you come, you know good and well that you love the theme song from Good Times. Everybody knows it and can't help but sing along when they hear it.

Good Times Lyrics

Good Times by Dave Grusin and Marilyn and Alan Bergman - Good Times Lyrics


Good Times.
Any time you meet a payment.
Good Times.
Any time you need a friend.
Good Times.
Any time you're out from under.

Not getting hastled, not getting hustled.
Keepin' your head above water,
Making a wave when you can.

Temporary lay offs.
Good Times.
Easy credit rip offs.
Good Times.
Scratchin' and surviving.
Good Times.
Hangin in a chow line
Good Times.
Ain't we lucky we got 'em
Good Times

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

You will not believe this

Yesterday (Monday), I got an email from a user asking me to "help" her delete some images from a webpage. "Help" generally means, "do it for me" and I was in no mood to do such a simple task for her. I sat through 3 interviews that day and had to spend about an hour in discussions about the candidates. Oh yeah, I had a migraine too.

So I sent her instructions on deleting the images and thought to myself, "that'll teach you to ask me to update your page". So she emailed me today saying, "thanks for the help. I was able to get it done. But can you help me with something else." Now the second thing was a problem that she really couldn't fix. So I fixed and emailed her back. Then she emails me again or maybe she called me and said that she was still confused.

Now here's the funny part. She uploaded a Microsoft Word document to her website and needed to create a link to it on a particular page. So I told her to rename her document so that there were no spaces in the name. I had to run out to do something, but when I came back, I called her and she said, "I fixed it." I took a look at her website and noticed that her document was now a .pdf document. I mentally scratched my head and then asked her, "did you convert your document to a pdf or just rename it?"

"Uh... I renamed it and put .pdf at the end. Do you have convert it to a pdf?", she said.

"Only if you want it to work", I said.

The conversation got more ridiculuos from there and culminated in her saying, "the president (of the college) doesn't have to update her pages or convert documents herself. She has people who do that." So I told her that once she becomes the president, I'll update all her pages. But until then, she has to learn to do it herself.

My office had a great laugh about this after I finished talking to her on the phone.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Spring Cleaning

I cleaned my apt up this weekend. Well actually, I still have to finish the bedroom. I have to put the sheets on my bed. and put away my clean clothes. Then I'll be done. There's something about a clean house that helps foster a clear mind. A clear mind can help minimize anxieties and ease fears.

This week starts my school's spring break, that is, UMUC. I still have to work and catch up with homework, so it's really not a break for me. HCC's spring break won't come until April 10th. If I could've taken this week off, I would've. But I have interviews this week. That's what I get for volunteering to be a search committee.

Well, I'd better get back to cleaning.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Meetings are...

where minutes are taken and hours are lost!

- quote by my co-worker Kathy

Friday, March 17, 2006

What I know for sure

No, it's not Oprah writing...

When I think about that past few years since I left Sam Goody, I notice a pattern in my life. I have wanted to succeed, but have been afraid of it at the same time. I don't know what I thought might happen, except that I'd lose myself. But I'm starting to figure out that succeeding isn't the scary thing people make it out to be. It's not always about getting ahead and making the most money. It's not even about climbing the corporate ladder. It's about doing your best and being good at something you love.

I love my job...I know I do more than people realize, but it's ok. I'm one of the go-to people and I actually enjoy that. I don't make as much as I need to live here in Columbia, but I do make good money for what I do. Could I use more? Of course...I'd be a fool to say anything else. But all in all, I think that contentment is the key and for the most part, I have that.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

I should be happier than this

I'm going to assume that I'm just tired and have listened to a little too much Evanescence this evening to be in control of my emotions because for some reason I have this need to cry. I have no idea why except that I feel overwhelmed right now. I have too many tasks on my plate...things that I don't exactly know how to do. But because me have an obligation to stakeholders (there's a nice baldridge word for you), I have to plow through this.

It's funny, I'm on the threshold of getting what I've wanted for over a year and yet, I'm not as happy about it as I thought I'd be. I know I'm not a glutton for punishment, so what's my problem?

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Breaking up is hard to do. Getting closure is even harder...

Today I did something that I've been avoiding for a year. I had to go get some closure. I had a talk with someone about some problems I had a year ago. I was supposed to follow up on my progress, but in true chicken fashion, I never went back, mostly because I didn't know what to say. My problems didn't really change within the proceeding months, nor had my attitude about the problems. I felt wronged and wanted justice, albeit my own brand of justice. That was part of the problem.

I think that I needed to learn that sometimes humpty dumpty can't be put back together. Despite my efforts to make things right, sometimes, things just stay broken and I had to learn to deal with it. In my naive brain, I actually thought that I could close a chasm that was years in the making. But you know what, sometimes separations happen for a reason. Sometimes Mom and Dad can't be together and be happy. But with any separation, loyalties are tested and feelings are hurt. It's hard to take sides, but it's inevitable. The trick is to get to a point where you can forgive yourself and everyone else.

So that's what today was about...Accepting that separation is ok and that despite what has happened in the past, I can still move on.

Saturday in NYC

We had a good time in NYC on Saturday despite the fact that we didn't see Isaac Mizrahi or Lisa Loeb. I'm not sure why I was so obsessed with meeting them on Saturday, but I found myself looking out in every clothing store for Isaac and just anywhere for Lisa. Oh well, it wasn't meant to be.

The Museum of Modern Art was....interesting. They have weird pieces there. For example the very first room we went into looked like an IKEA showroom. I could not believe that I had just paid $20 for that. But thankfully, it got much better when we looked at the photographs and paintings.

Oh yeah, we saw a "hobo", as my brother called him, who appeared to be high, probably on heroine. He stopped for traffic and then bent over slowly with his head in the traffic. I'm surprised that no one hit him.

Where'd the word HOBO come from anyway?

BTW, it sure was nice out today. Who would have thought it would be 82 degrees on March 13th? It's been nice for a couple of days now. Snow must be coming.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Desperado

Desperado
Why don't you come to your senses
Ben out ridin' fences, for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
But I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow

Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
But it seems to me some fine things have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones you can't get

Desperado
Oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom, well that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walkin' through this world all alone

Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the nighttime from the day
And you're losin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feelin' goes away

Desperado
Why don't you come to your senses
Come down from those fences, open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you, let somebody love you
You better let somebody love you
Before it's too late

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Nothing's ever truly black or white

A new reality series started last night called Black White and I have to say that watching the interaction between the black family and the white family greatly disturbed me. The premise of the show is that a black family and a white family move into a house together, exchange races, and see what it is like to live as a different race. This social experiment is similar to John Howard Griffin's experiment of a white man moving to the south in 1959, changing his skin color from white to black to experience racism first hand. His story is chronicled in his book Black Like Me.

While I was intrigued by the possibility of seeing this experiment play out, while I was actually watching it, I felt an array of emotions that ran the gamut of amusement to shock to horror. It seems like no one is really taking this thing seriously or really understands what they've gotten themselves into. The black family feels that they will have no problem passing because typically black are made to fit into the "white" culture on a daily basis. The white famiy's approach was almost like they were going on a field trip. The mother proclaimed that her parents helped with the civil rights movement and that she has no problem with any one of any race and that she thinks this would be a great opportunity to get an inside look at what it's like to be black.

I have to honestly say that what she said sounded noble, but some how the way she said seem to me that she had no clue what she was up against. I kept envisioning the episode of Good Times when Michael makes plans to move into an apt near his college with a white girl. He has to defend his choice to his mother and convince her they are not involver romantically. Florida's concern is lessened when Cindy's parents show up and proclaim that they are fine with Michael living with "a black" since his vast experience in a "real ghetto" equipped him to fight off intruders. They used phrases like "right on mama" and "joving" instead of "jiving". It was all so condescending and humiliating that Michael decides that he can't live with Cindy since her parents only like him because of his skin color.

The white parents reminded me of Cindy's parents in the beginning because they tried to use the slang that they considered black. It was awful because it re-affirmed something that I already felt; white people think that all black people use slang. Now I say that and of course, I made a generalization about an entire race that was just as bad as the one I'm putting down. I know that all white don't think that, so don't email me or call me and fuss. But I will say this, I have been in that situation where a white person tried use some slang on me and it was a very uncomfortable situation because I didn't respond in the way he expected. Take a mental note, white people, don't walk up to a black women and say, "hey girlfriend!", especially if you are a middle-aged white man. It's like nails on a chalkboard for me.

Now it seems as though I've picked on only the white family. But the black family has some issues as well. The son, who signed his family up for this show, so far, isn't really putting that much effort into it. The other thing that bothers me, and maybe this will be addressed in upcoming episodes, but the black family is listening to white people including their house mate say things that are biased and they won't say anything. The white father said n**ga about five or six times and no one said a word.

I think that I may continue to watch the show mostly because it has served as a starting point for conversations with a white friend of mine. We have been friends for a while and view each other more as human beings than as black and white. Both of us were raised in multi-cultural communities so the idea of being racist is difficult for both of us. Yet, we are different and there are things that we were both taught about the opposite race, either directly or indirectly.

I am carefully though. It sounds silly, but in some cases I feel like overtalking racism may actually feed into it. I think that we spend so much time trying to deal with each other as races, that we forget that we are human beings. As a member of my job's diversity committeee we talke about how we can become better diverse people. The problem is that we live in a broken and divided world, designed to exploit our differences and keep the problems between races going. That's why it's so important to hold on to these scriptures:
Matthew 22:37-40
37 He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 The second, like it, is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”

Some people might think that these words are more idealistic that is possible, but I really believe that each of us benefits from the application of these scriptures. Now I'm not so naive to think that everyone will apply these scriptures. I know they won't and as long as we live in an imperfect world, there will always be racism. It may not take the form of cloaked men burning crosses on black people's lawns. But it will continue to infiltrate people's lives in ways they never thought possible. The people who should worry the most are people who don't have much contact with other races, but who believe that they don't have kinds of bias towards anyone.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

My poor laptop

My laptop needs a new motherboard. It took the Dell Support guy 1.25 hours to tell me what I already knew. Since I have a warranty, Dell is sending someone to replace the motherboard.

I'm going to back up my entire system tomorrow, just in case...

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Excused Absence

I skipped my aquafit class today so that I could finish my second assignment in my web design methodology class. I got a lot done, but at 9 pm I read an email saying that we have an extra week. Normally I'd be upset about putting in a ton of work and then having deadline pushed back.

But hey, here's the silver lining:
1. I wasn't finished yet anyway
2. I have more time to come up with better graphics
3. I have more time to develop more pages/content
4. I can finish my style sheet which will help me finish my standards manual

And, what's more, I revelled in the splendor that is a reese's cup today :) happy

Monday, March 06, 2006

Which Star Trek Character are you?



Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Test


You are Uhura
Uhura 80%
Data 61%
Deanna Troi 60%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt) 60%
Beverly Crusher 55%
Geordi LaForge 45%
Will Riker 45%
James T. Kirk (Captain) 40%
Mr. Scott 40%
Chekov 40%
Spock 35%
Jean-Luc Picard 30%
Worf 30%
Leonard McCoy (Bones) 15%
Mr. Sulu 0%

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Self Portrait

This is the best I could do in photoshop with a mouse.

Saturday, March 04, 2006

My Mood

These Dreams

Thursday night I dreamt that I was in rehearsals for a tv special with Carol Burnett. Carol, Harvey, Tim and Carol's husband were all at my house and we were going over the script. Now, you may wonder why I didn't mention Vicki Lawrence. Vicki was traditionally the cute young one in that bunch. But in my dream, that was me. It was lots of fun. I don't remember most, except doing a lot of singing.

Last night, I dreamt that I was going to the District Convention with my aunt and uncle and we had some fish that we had to transport in a variety of containers. At one point, the fish, about 4 different fish, were lost and it was believed that someone stole them. We finally go them back, but it always seemed like the container we had wasn't good enough. Finally, we decided to set them free in the ocean. It was like Finding Nemo, but sad.

Friday, March 03, 2006

When all else fails

My instructor gave us the assignment to look up some information about XML and then explain what it is and it's uses in our online discussion. Well, everything I read, including my textbook seemed like it was written in greek. I mean, I'm a techie, but XML seems totally foreign.

So I called a friend and she had a book that I was actually searching for on Amazon.com.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

My Day

There are days when I'm totally pensive and reflective and the sage advice flows naturally as if from a weathered old matriarch. Then there days when I can't form a coherent sentence and I sound more like a drunken sailor. I'm happy to say that today was neither one of those days.

I did, though, have a good day, even with having to take another trip to the dentist office. I had a purposeful day. I got plenty of work done and I left feeling like I had really accomplished something. Now of course, my work wasn't completely done, but it was done enough to where I could leave without worried myself into anemia.

I've been working on a story in my head all day that I just can't get worked out. I have a beginning and an end, but no middle. Please don't ask me what the story is about because I don't know yet. I just know that I have to write it. It'll appear in my blog one day, but for now, it's tangled in the cobwebs of my brain.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

No means no

When my doctor said to lay off the caffeine, I supposed I should've really listened to him. I had a migraine for a month and he told me that caffeine can trigger migraines. So I tried to give up coffee. I was good for a while...that is until today.

After an insane staff meeting, I needed something to help me calm down. So, of course, the most calming thing to drink is a lovely espresso drink called Caramel Macchiato. It's a super soothing drink. Needless to say, my body was not ready for that amount of caffeine and I proceeded to have an anxiety attack which culminated with me crying at my desk while working on server logs. Thank goodness my friend Gina called or I'd still be sitting there bawling about who-knows-what.

This evening (oh you'll love this) I decided not to go to aquafit. I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. I thought, "I know, I'll go home and take a nap...Yeah that'll help." What kind of non-functioning brain decides that a nap would end an anxiety attack?

Anyway, I went home, got in bed and actually thought that I would go to sleep. Nevermind the fact that my mind is swirling with all kinds of crazy thoughts and I'm still about two minutes from crying. But there I was actually thinking that I was going to go to sleep. I set my alarm on my cellphone and laid there for 30 minutes. I don't know if this is possible, but it seemed as though I felt each minute pass by. I was aware of every single noise in my apt and all of the ajoining ones for that matter.

I got up at 6:15 because I had to get ready to go to bible study. My mother called and I told her that I was in the middle of an anxiety attack and that, yes, I was still going to the book study. I assured her that I wouldn't cry or become emotional during the study. She told me to try to keep it under control and not get too emotionally involved in the material. I did manage to keep it together, but there were moments that... I don't know... I felt myself slipping. Thankfully, I was able to catch myself.

Although when I accidentally referred to West Germany as "the west side", I almost cracked myself up... and the person sitting next to me actually said "WEST SAYID!!" I thought I going to pee my pants from laughing. By the way kiddies, it's not good to laugh out loud at bible study. Just a note to save you from getting in trouble.

So the lesson here... When you doctor says no caffeine, he means it!

For all you genies

10,000 years in a lamp can sure give you a crick in the neck!

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Runaway

I wanna run away
Never say goodbye
I wanna know the truth
Instead of wondering why
I wanna know the answers
No more lies
I wanna shut the door
And open up my mind

-Linkin Park


Last night I dreamt about running away. Every now and again, I dream that I'm trying to get away, but things always go wrong. I can never escape.

These dreams feel like a metaphor for my life. I can't figure out what that metaphor means or even how that makes me feel. But I have a feeling that it means that there's something I need to face head on.

Construction Zone

The apt decorating is progressing. I got some more decorations at Target yesterday. The Global Bazaar section was up to 90% off. I can't wait to get it done so that my friend GINA, who comes over for dinner ALL the time, can see it. She'll really like the changes.

The next thing to do is get rid of some stuff. I need to make a trip down to the Salvation Army to donate some stuff...Although, I'd rather have a yard sale and sell some of this stuff.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

How long is your diversity stick?

I attended a seminar today hosted by some employees from the World Bank. They talked about working in diverse cultures and the challenges they've faced. It was eye opening to me because I consider myself pretty open to diverse cultures. But it's one thing to accept people who come to your culture. It's another thing to go to someone's culture and navigate through your baggage and adopt all the culture behaviors.

I think that all of us would do well to spend a day or two in a different culture to find out how different, yet how similar we all are. We're all connected as human beings. The best phrase that I heard today was "human beings are human beings are human beings."

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Five months later.

What I have to say today may be shocking to some and to those, I apologize up front.

I was watching Oprah today and she had stories from Hurricane Katrina and how after five months some people are still living in horrifying conditions. There are still 2000 people missing and very little clean up has been done.

We all know about the devastation in New Orleans because that's all we were shown, day in and day out. But there were other places that were destroyed in Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and in other parts of Louisiana. It makes me sad to hear that people feel forgotten and alone because all the attention, initially went to New Orleans.

Now, New Orleans' mayor Ray Nagen, has made a special effort to get parts of New Orleans ready for Mardi Gras and that's all fine and good, if you're into that sort of thing. But there are thousands of families with no place to go. There are people living in tents, while FEMA trailers sit unoccupied. There are children who have to go to over crowded schools because only one school was fit for operation in a particular area. What's going on is madness and all the government officials keep pointing fingers and blaming other people. But these are people's lives we're talking about. They can't wait around until someone decides to own up to their mistakes and take the blame.

The people holding up the progress are more than likely people who can go home to a relatively nice place each night and sleep in a bed, not a cot, but a bed. Like I said, it's all very frustrating to look at and take in.

I will say this, and again, if it offends you, I'm sorry. When the Twin Towers fell in Manhattan, it wasn't economically advantageous to let the lower Manhattan sit in ruin. The powers that be got things moving to clean up and recover as quickly as possible. George Bush made it clear that he would do everything necessary to get New York back to what it had been. Isn't New Orleans just as deserving? Why do we have to play the blame game before our own people get any help?

I hate to say this but I truly believe that if we had seen more images of white people suffering right from the beginning, more would've been done. The poor black people were seen as refugees, looters, and lost souls in the midst of the disaster. Most of those people probably aren't voting republicans or else, they'd be safe now. Our government has a way of favoring those who are their own and this time it's costing people their lives, their homes, and their way of life.

I guarantee that if those areas had been more conservative areas, the money that had already been allocated to strengthen the levies would've been in place. The scientific reports that showed not only that a cat 5 hurricane was coming, but that the levies could not withstand the pressure of a cat 5 hurricane. Why weren't these reports taken more seriously.

We live in a sick world, run by men who could care less about the little guy. That's why I'll be glad when Jesus comes to clean up the mess that we have created. If he doesn't we are libel to destroy each other.

Monday, February 20, 2006

A plague

I've decided that there must be a plague on my household because I can't seem to shake this sinus infection. I've had it since December and nothing seems to help it. I wanted to stay in bed today, but I figured that it wouldn't help. So here I am at work, just trying to maintain.

If you find me asleep under my desk, just tiptoe around me...please don't wake me up.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Old Lady Madonna

I used to be jealous of Madonna, but not anymore.




© KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AP
Madonna
Madonna Reportedly Has Hernia Surgery
Feb 16, 5:47 PM EST


The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Madonna may have gyrated like a 20-year-old at the Grammy Awards, but her body felt the brunt of it later. Following last week's high-octane performance, Madonna had hernia surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

The 47-year-old singer appeared "pale and had no appetite" after the surgery. At the Los Angeles Kabbalah Center on Feb. 10, she did not eat or lead the after-dinner prayer as she usually does when there. Husband Guy Ritchie was absent, the Post reported.

"Whatever was commented on in the New York Post is what we're confirming," Briele Douglass said Thursday. She is an assistant to Madonna's publicist.

Last summer, a horse accident in London left Madonna with a broken collarbone and three cracked ribs.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Buyers Beware

Monday, February 13, 2006

Home Decor

I'm in the process of redoing my living room and dining room. I am giving my mom the dining room table and the shelf and my stereo in exchange for a black porch table. Now before you make a face, let me tell you my plan. I really want to open the space up in my dining room and since I never have people over, there's really no need for a large dining room table that even I don't eat at.

So all I'll need to do is get a piece of glass and a table cloth and I'll be on my way. I also got a painting for the dining room, but I want to get the table in place before I put it up.



I've really let the apt fall to the wayside since I've been in school. I need the organization and the peace that comes with it in order to stay focused. Hopefully, once the table gets here, I can achieve that level of peace I need.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Snow Pix

We got 16.5" of snow in Harper's Forest.

Here are my snow pix:









Saturday, February 11, 2006

And the snow came

I hate to admit, but I love the snow. It makes life so difficult and causes things to close, but it is one of the most things I've ever seen. We are getting between 6 - 10 inches of snow within the next 24 hours. I'm going to try to get some pictures of the snow tomorrow morning and that'll be the only time I leave the house.

Did you know that part of the purpose of snow is to help clean the atmostphere. That's why there's a different smell in the air during and after a snowfall. The smell of snow holds the promise of something new, something better. When I smell snow, I feel like I've been given the chance to make things new. It's like getting a second chance. I don't want to waste my chance. So, I'm going to use it wisely.

Friday, February 10, 2006

The weekend

So this week was a week that tested my soul. I took my final on Wednesday and had what felt like a minor panic attack. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't keep a single linear thought. The funny thing is that I had it after I took the final. I was completely fine before the final, but I was a nervous wreck afterwards.

Now they're calling for snow. There are differing opinions as to the amount of snow. But needless to say, we will get something. I can't wait. I love snow; it's so beautiful. I hope to get some nice pictures.

Now, I am making a trip to IKEA tomorrow to get a computer desk for my sister... and maybe something for myself. But we have to see. Hopefully we can get down and back before the snow gets bad.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Why Me?

Today I had one of the dumbest conversations I've ever had in my life. I had people calling me about something that so wasn't worth the time and effort it took for me to pick up the phone. But they made it a federal case. I finally said, "I don't care. Do whatever it is you want to do."

I wonder sometimes if I'm the only one with a ton of work to do sometimes... Could be...

BTW, I got fillings today and my teeth feel really weird. I'm afraid to brush them with my battery operated tooth brush. What if the fillings fall out?

Oh well, thankfully, tomorrow is Friday. Hopefully it will be drama free.

Yeah right...

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

What do you say?

I wish I had something of some importance to share tonight. Each day that passes, I feel that I could do more with my life. I've set so many plates before me and am only taking small tastes from each one. I feel connected to everything, yet out of touch at the same time.

There are things in my life right now, that are completely out of my control. I don't like this, but it's important that I go along, be a part of the team. I definitely want some answers, but need to careful about getting them or else I could make life harder on myself. But being a type A person, you know that this uncertainly is killing me.

However, I do know this. Having supportive people in my life helps me through these times. Also, prayer helps a lot. There is no way to make it through without prayer.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Faith

Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.

- Hebrews 11:1

Friday, February 03, 2006

I feel pretty...oh so pretty

Guess what kiddies? Aunty Julie went to the spa today and she had a grand old time. The massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, all necessary things to make this gal happy.

Massages are a new thing for me and as uncomfortable as I thought I'd be, I really wasn't. The facial was cool, until she started sticking me with some pointy metal thingamabob (that's a technical term; you need not worry yourself about it). I think she was cleaning my pores...Yikes!

When it was time for the pedicure, the part I was most nervous about, (did you see my feet before today?), it wasn't so bad. Although it was kind of disconcerting because my tech was a little Asian lady. Did I mention the Asian nail technician in my blog post about stereotypes? If not, I should've.

Any who... it was a good afternoon... in fact it was a great afternoon. I got to spend it with someone who is slowly turning into my twin... or am I turning into hers? hmmm... We got to talk about alot things. I'm glad we went.

Blogs revisted

I'm working on the revisions of my research paper about blogs. It's a strange thing, this business of revisions. It's just as hard as writing the first draft. But I'm almost done. There are a few points that I can't wrap my head around. But it'll come to me, I'm sure.

Hey check it out... I'm writing in my blog about writing a paper about blogs. It's like that M. C. Escher drawing of the hand drawing the hand drawing the hand.

hands

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

It's done

After one billion hours, I finally finished my research paper, all 22 pages. It's about blogs in higher education. It has a lot of information. I just hope that I get a good grade on it.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Operating systems as beers

DOS Beer -- Requires you to use your own can opener, and requires you to read the directions carefully before opening the can. Originally only came in an 8-oz. can, but now comes in a 16-oz. can. However, the can is divided into 8 compartments of 2 oz. each, which have to be accessed separately. Soon to be discontinued, although a lot of people are going to keep drinking it after it's no longer available.

Mac Beer -- At first, came only a 16-oz. can, but now comes in a 32-oz. can. Considered by many to be a "light" beer. All the cans look identical. When you take one from the fridge, it opens itself. The ingredients list is not on the can. If you call to ask about the ingredients, you are told that "you don't need to know." A notice on the side reminds you to drag your empties to the trashcan.

Windows 3.1 Beer -- The world's most popular. Comes in a 16-oz. can that looks a lot like Mac Beer's. Requires that you already own a DOS Beer. Claims that it allows you to drink several DOS Beers simultaneously, but in reality you can only drink a few of them, very slowly, especially slowly if you are drinking the Windows Beer at the same time. Sometimes, for apparently no reason, a can of Windows Beer will explode when you open it.

OS/2 Beer -- Comes in a 32-oz can. Does allow you to drink several DOS Beers simultaneously. Allows you to drink Windows 3.1 Beer simultaneously too, but somewhat slower. Advertises that its cans won't explode when you open them, even if you shake them up. You never really see anyone drinking OS/2 Beer, but the manufacturer (International Beer Manufacturing) claims that 9 million six-packs have been sold.

Windows 95 Beer -- You can't buy it yet, but a lot of people have taste-tested it and claim it's wonderful. The can looks a lot like Mac Beer's can, but tastes more like Windows 3.1 Beer. It comes in 32-oz. cans, but when you look inside, the cans only have 16 oz. of beer in them. Most people will probably keep drinking Windows 3.1 Beer until their friends try Windows 95 Beer and say they like it. The ingredients list, when you look at the small print, has some of the same ingredients that come in DOS beer, even though the manufacturer claims that this is an entirely new brew.

Windows NT Beer -- Comes in 32-oz. cans, but you can only buy it by the truckload. This causes most people to have to go out and buy bigger refrigerators. The can looks just like Windows 3.1 Beer's, but the company promises to change the can to look just like Windows 95 Beer's - after Windows 95 beer starts shipping. Touted as an "industrial strength" beer, and suggested only for use in bars.

Unix Beer -- Comes in several different brands, in cans ranging from 8 oz. to 64 oz. Drinkers of Unix Beer display fierce brand loyalty, even though they claim that all the different brands taste almost identical. Sometimes the pop-tops break off when you try to open them, so you have to have your own can opener around for those occasions, in which case you either need a complete set of instructions, or a friend who has been drinking Unix Beer for several years.

AmigaDOS Beer -- The company has gone out of business, but their recipe has been picked up by some weird German company, so now this beer will be an import. This beer never really sold very well because the original manufacturer didn't understand marketing. Like Unix Beer, AmigaDOS Beer fans are an extremely loyal and loud group. It originally came in a 16-oz. can, but now comes in 32-oz. cans too. When this can was originally introduced, it appeared flashy and colorful, but the design hasn't changed much over the years, so it appears dated now. Critics of this beer claim that it is only meant for watching TV anyway.

VMS Beer -- Requires minimal user interaction, except for popping the top and sipping. However cans have been known on occasion to explode, or contain extremely un-beer-like contents.

Monday, January 30, 2006

Emotional extremes

The aspiring psychiatrists were attending their first class on emotional extremes. "Just to establish some parameters," said the professor to the student from Arkansas, "What is the opposite of joy?"

"Sadness," said the student.

And the opposite of depression?" he asked of the young lady from Oklahoma.

"Elation," said she.

"And you sir," he said to the young man from Texas, "how about the opposite of woe?"

The Texan replied, "Sir, I believe that would be giddy-up."

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Friends

When I think about the people that I have in my life today, they are much different than the people who were in my life, 10, 15 and 20 years ago. I can't tell you who was my best friend when I was 13 years old. I don't think I had one. Oh yeah, there was Jasen. He was my only friend in the 7th grade. I don't know why he was my friend... I treated him like trash. The older me knows this now.

When I was 18, my best friend was my bible study teacher. She taught me about Jehovah and the bible. She was only about three years older than me, but she treated me like an equal. She gave me good advice. Her name was Dania. I wish we had kept in touch.

Today... well, I'm done giving people labels. One thing that I've learned over the years is that no relationship is ever exclusive. You can label someone your best friend, but that doesn't mean that they feel the same way about you. They may not feel as sure about your relationship as you do. This used to bother me a lot and I'll admit that it still does. But I really can't hold that against anyone. I love hard and strong. When you have me as a friend you get me 100%. I don't let too many people in behind the wall, so if you get in, you get all of me. Not everyone can give that much of themselves and I am slowly coming to accept that.

But I wonder if the people that are in my close circle of friends now are the kind of people that I would've been friends with them in the past. I've been told that I was a brat when I was little, so I really don't know. I do know that I'm glad to have the friends that I have.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

A word from the dentist

Hello children,
If you want to avoid cavities, be sure to floss every day. A good time to do it is when you are brushing your teeth at night before you go to bed. (Yeah, he got me on that one too!)

You don't want to be like me.

Brush your teeth!

I'm begging you :(

Freakish Snow

I was watching the morning news this morning and they were talking about lake effect snow in the northern counties. I didn't really pay too much attention because I'm not in a northern county, so what do I care.

That was until I looked out my window. Dude, it was snowing wild giant flakes and they were blowing every where.

I bundled up, debated on taking my camera to capture the freak storm, and headed out into the snow. Now, for those of you who know me, you know that I live literally three minutes from work, five if the light turns red. I swear to you, by the time I got to work, the snow stopped and it was as if nothing happened.

Weird...

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Just to make this clear...

I feel like I shouuld clarify I said Monday night. I think I may have come off as a bit of a brat because I don't care for the general education classes that I have to take. I really don't hate them that much. But I do have an illustration that will clarify how I feel:

It's like this, everyone hates toll booths. They slow you down and they cost you money. But in the back of your mind you know that the money that they collect helps keep the highways maintained. You still don't like them, but you figure out a way to deal with them. I still trying to figure out how to deal with my toll booths.

Hope that explains what I meant.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Fork in the road

For some time now, I've been wanting to jump in and do more with this web design thing (I should probably stop calling it a thing). For the past couple of years, people have asked me to do websites for them and I never have the time or I just don't want to do because of the type of site they want.

About a year ago a friend asked me why I keep turning people down. She asked me if I keep saying no because I'm afraid to take a risk. In a way, website design is like giving birth. Unless the client has a set idea in mind, they expect you, the webmaster, to come up with a masterpiece. You have to come up with the site that will help them promote their business and make them millions while you sit at home trying to figure out how you're going to pay your rent and keep the lights on because they didn't pay you what you are actually worth... (Sorry, I'm eight days away from pay day and completely broke). If the client doesn't like what you do, it feels like they're you telling that your kid is ugly. I can't take that kind of rejection.

I decided to go back to school last year summer to get my bachelor's degree. I did it because I really want to teach some online courses at my community college(cc). I graduated from CC in 2001 and really had no intention of going for a bachelors. I don't have the attention span for it. I like to take a class and use my new found knowledge immediately. A university education seemed like a long drawn out process to me, filled with classes I'll never need or use. I'm still not completely convinced that I'll ever use Intro to Physical Science or American Government in the real world. But I have to take them.

So here's where I stand. I'm working fulltime and taking classes parttime. The bachelor's degree will definitely be a resume booster. But in the meantime, I hate turning people down. But what I hate more is seeing people with less skills than I have getting paid for developing not so great sites.

I don't know where to find the happy medium or if there even is one for me.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Long Day, Late Night

Today was a day of rest for me. I felt physically drained when I woke up this morning. Yesterday was hectic and I had very vivid dreams. My brain probably never calmed down.

I went to McDonald's this morning to use one of the coupons that came in the mail last week. McDonald's sent out coupon books and apparently everyone was in McDonald's redeeming the coupons this morning. I got a steak and egg bagel sandwich. The steak, if you could call it that, wasn't that good.

Anyway, the rest of the day happened... I didn't get that much more energy. I just wanted to go to sleep. But I didn't. Now, I have an outline to do and I can't get it started. I have an idea of how I want the outline to flow, but getting it on paper just isn't happening. I'm usually ok to do this sort of thing in a crunch. But it's just not happening. If I don't turn it in within the next 28 minutes, I'll get late points.

Well, at least I'll be consistent...
I'm going to bed...

Friday, January 20, 2006

TGIF

It's been a busy week. Even though we only worked four days, it feels like I've worked two weeks straight. There's so much going on...It makes my head swirl.

I guess part of it is that I'm finally keeping up with my homework. I'm at a point where I'm not trying to catch up. I've actually gotten quite a bit done on my research paper. I started out thinking that I wouldn't find a lot of information about blogging on college websites. But I've found a number of articles that support blogging on college websites.

With all this information, I feel energized to get this paper done. I don't know if I'll give it to my boss. I may, just for grins. But I've been working on her to give the idea some thought. We'll see how things go.

I am grateful, though, that it's Friday. I'm so tired.

Night, y'all.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Rate Your Professor

All I have to say is that ratemyprofessor.com probably saved me from a frustrating semester with a tirant of a professor. I didn't get a good impression of her from her course outline, syllabus, class procedures...basically nothing made me feel good about being in her class. So I looked her up and low and behold, no one had anything positive to say about her.

So I switched sections to a professor who had good ratings. What a great site!

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

The Dormitory Boys

This is the funniest thing I've ever seen. I actually saw this on VH1, but a few minutes ago, I saw the link as one of the Blogger Picks.

http://twochineseboys.blogspot.com/

Turn on your speakers... it is soooo worth it.

I guess this is what I missed out on by not going to a university and living on campus.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Mayor Ray Nagen

I feel sorry for the people of New Orleans. They have a mayor who actually made the comment that God is punishing New Orleans with hurricanes. The increase of hurricanes is caused by environmental factors caused by human beings. Mankind is destroying the environment causing the increase of natural disasters.

It's pretty sad when a politician can't admit his own mistakes and has to resort to blaming God when disaster recovery isn't handled properly. What an idiot!

Monday, January 16, 2006

NPR News

I have been listening to NPR news lately. I think it's important to keep up with the news. The thing is that I don't understand what most of the news is about...at least not the political stuff.

Iran may have nuclear arms... we don't know for sure. But we do know that everyone is nervous about it.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Nothing to say.

I have no clever witicisms for you today. I'm in pain...lots of pain. I'll have more to talk about tomorrow.

Ok, just this one thing...

I found out that I have arthritis in my jaw... that's what is causing the pain.

Alright, time for flexiril...

Monday, January 09, 2006

Don't give in

I think every one of us has at the very least, a tiny spect of racist inclination. No matter how evolved we become and how accepting we are, there are always those lingering questions.

Are Jews really cheap?
Are African-Americans really lazy?
Do Asian people smell like garlic?
Are Whites better with money?
Are all grounds people Mexican?
Are all Muslims terrorists?

The thing to remember is that these are stereotypes.

Stereotype - an idea that many people have about a thing or a group and that may often be untrue or only partly true.

See, the thing is, none of us is perfect. So as long as we are imperfect, we will never completely let go of stereotypes. We can train ourselves not to believe those stereotypes. But there will always be something that we believe about a race of people.

Does this mean it's ok to be a racist? Of course not. My point is that we have to work hard at not giving into stereotypes.

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Uninvited

These words have resonated with me since the first time I heard them. They touch my soul in a way that is hard to describe. Plus, the melody is so haunting and powerful. It's so simple with only about three chords. But it's one of my favorite songs.

artist: Alanis Morissette
title: Uninvited


Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepherd lead shepherd
But you you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

I don't think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate

Celebrity Fit Club 3

I really want to get in shape. I want to do it by the end of March. But really need to work hard at it. I haven't exercised consistently for two months, following my surgery and I can feel the immobility taking its toll on my body.

I watched about 10 hours of the Biggest Loser show last week and was totally inspired to get going on the workout trail. When season three of Celebrity Fit Club premiered last week, I was psyched and ready to go.

Then I saw the train wreck that is Jeff Conaway. He's so messed up on prescription medication and it appears that he doesn't realize how bad it really is. The thing that I get out of CFC3 is that 1.) I never want to get so out of shape that my body starts falling apart on me and I need prescriptions drugs 2) if I need prescription drugs, I don't want to be dependent on them and 3) I really want to exercise so that we don't even have to mention 1 and 2 ever again.

So here's my goal. I found that walking did the trick for me as far as shedding the pounds. So I my goal is to get to the weight room and do at least 2-3 miles a day, 5 days a week. I also want to cut down on the sugar, meat and (Gina forgive me) caffeine. My doctor keeps telling me to watch my caffeine intake and I certainly don't want to die over a caramel macchiato.

Friday, January 06, 2006

Poked and Prodded

I went to get my blood work and x-rays done today. I waited a long time for both. But at the radiology center, I met a lady who was a regular and she made me feel at ease about getting x-rays. Her name was Joan and she was probably in her 60s. She told me that she had had breast cancer and stomach cancer. Both were gone now, but she still comes to get x-rays every three months because they won't make sure everything is still clear.

I'll get the results of my x-rays on Thursday when I go in for my follow up. In the meantime, I have some pain medication to help me sleep. I just took some and already, I'm ready to go to sleep.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

16 days later

I know I mentioned a headache a week or so ago. I still have it. I went to the doctor today and he thinks it may be muscular. It appears that my neck may be having spasms. Or it could be TMJ or good old fashion migraines. Tommorrow I'm getting some blood work and x-rays. Dr. Goodwin said that he'll know more after he gets the results back. In the meantime, I have some muscle relaxers to help me sleep.

Of course, I can't take them tonight since I have to get my blood drawn tomorrow. But I think that after I get the x-rays done, I'm coming right back home and get in the bed and see where life takes me.

Here's some links to check out:
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

What are common migraine triggers ?

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Oh Happy Day!

Guess who got an A in her Advanced Internet class? Oh yeah, that's right!!! Here's my final project, which garnered an impressive 100% and the love and respect of millions worldwide. (That was a little over the top, I know. But who can blame me?)

http://nova.umuc.edu/~ct386f03/website/index.html

Next semester's schedule

CMST450 Web Design Methodology and Technology
Prerequisite: CMST 386. An in-depth survey of the design and delivery of professional Web content. Focus is on using comprehensive tools and the latest technology to enhance the Web presence of a small business. Topics include multimedia and interactivity. Online commerce and Internet security issues are discussed. Assignments include a comprehensive project. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 498D or CMST 450.


IFSM Intro to Computer Based Systems (Don't laugh - I have to take it)
(Course activities require access to a standard office productivity package, i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.) An overview of computer information systems in which hardware, software, procedures, systems, and human resources are explored in relation to their integration and application in business and other segments of society. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 301, CAPP 101, CAPP 300, CMST 300, IFSM 201, or TMGT 201.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Back to Work

I went back to work today. working at computerIt's great to have a job that gives you a winter break. And it's paid time! You can't beat that with a stick.

So it was back to the cube today for another day of crunching the numbers. At the beginning of each month I run statistics on the web site to see how many people have visited our web site. Believe me, it isn't nearly as exciting as it sounds. It will be interesting to see how our yearly statistics look.

I don't mean to make my job sound so exciting. I don't want to make you jealous. I can see it now... the jealousy is eating you up inside. You can't stand it. You want to smack me.

LOL
dorky nerd

Monday, January 02, 2006

Wise words for the new year

Today I was listening to two CDs in the car that I haven't listened to in a long time, Mary J. Blige - No More Drama and Madonna - Bedtime stories. I really like these CDs but it was strange because I got so inspired by two songs.

No More Drama
Mary J. Blige - No More Drama
I don't know
Only God knows where the story ends for me
But I know where the story begins
It's up to us to choose
whether we win or lose
And I choose to win


Bedtime Stories
Madonna - Secret
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else


These are such powerful words. Words that inspire me to keep reaching for my goals, to keep me motivated to learn to love myself more and most importantly words that help me accept that I alone am responsible for my happiness.

Saturday, December 31, 2005

New Year's Resolution

I just saw a woman on TV who said that her New Year's Resolution is to help her boyfriend stay out of jail and to lose weight.

LOL

December 31, 2005 2:48am

Talk about burning the midnight oil. I've been working on a homework assignment all day. I've been reading the chapter that goes with it all week. The assignment was due by midnight on December 30. I was 2 hours 48 minutes late. But I guess if I weren't late, then I wouldn't be me. The truth of that statement saddens me in ways that I can't fully explain.

Now I have to get started on the next assignment. I committed to doing a research project about using blogs on college websites. I really think that we could use them at HCC, but the trick is going to be convincing the powers that be that blogs can be used as a business application. I've already seen blogs used on the McDaniel College website. I'm still looking for other colleges that use blogs effectively. Some offer blog space to their students, but I'm looking for blogs that help in recruiting or blogs that are used to announce campus events. I need some concrete evidence 1) for my paper and 2) to use for my real sales pitch.

Well, I'm past tired. I have to get some sleep now. Shelby is going home tomorrow and I want to make sure that I'm awake when her parents get here.

Friday, December 30, 2005

Seven Things

One of those annoying surveys

Seven things that scare you:

1) Heights
2) Bridges
3) Having to be confrontational with someone I love
4) Getting older
5) Being on boats
6) Mental Illness
7) Having people hear me sing when I have my headphones
on.


Seven things you love:

1) God
2) My family
3) My best friends
4) My computer
5) Snow days
6) Music
7) Discovering something new all on my own


Seven things you hate:

1) People who lie
2) Laziness
3) People who are not empathetic to other people's needs
4) Paris Hilton
5) Telemarketers who call and say "This is not a telemarketing call"
6) Paying Bills
7) Not having money


Seven things in your room:

1) Bed
2) Dresser
3) Ironing Board
4) Clothes
5) Pug
6) Tiger
7) A photo of Italy


Seven random facts that nobody knows about you:

1) I want to be in a play
2) I want to be on the Price Is Right and win fabulous prizes
3) I never wanted to move to Columbia, but now I can't imagine living any where else.
4) In the eleventh grade, a skate punk guy told me that he gave up smoking so that I would date him... I never did go out with him.
5) Even though I was relatively successful then, I hated high school.
6) I only applied to one college during my senior year because I was scared to death to leave home.
7) Austin Powers makes me sad.


Seven things you plan to do before you die:

1) Get out of debt
2) get married
3) have kids
4) Work with Carol Burnett
5) Be in a play
6) Own my own home
7) Try a bloody Mary


Seven things you can do:

1) Give a recursive answer to most people's questions at work
2) Design Web Pages
3) Give great advice even it's not asked for
4) Be righteously indignant when the situation calls for it
5) Defend my family to the death
6) Keep my inner feelings inside
7) Give way too much of myself to others


Seven Things You Can't Do:

1) Eat carrots or celery
2) Pick out shoes for myself
3) Share my food
4) Delegate tasks to others
5) Walk by the $5.50 bin at Walmart and not look in
6) Take criticism well
7) go into blockbuster and leave out empty handed


Seven things that attract you to the opposite sex:

1) A belief in and dedication to God
2) Looks
3) Personality
4) Sense of humor
5) Intelligence
6) A cute butt
7) A job...ain't nothing going on but the rent!


Top Seven Favorite Movies:

1) Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood
2) Imitation of Life
3) Beaches
4) Napoleon Dynamite
5) The Color Purple
6) Miracle Worker
7) Back to the Future Trilogy


Top Seven Things You Say The Most:

1) "You know what I mean?"
2) "Come on, now"
3) "Did that not sound sincere? I meant it to..."
4) "Not going to happen my friend"
5) "I was like...", Instead of saying "I said.."
6) "Not my problem"
7) "Do you see concern on my face"


Seven Places You Would Love To Visit:
1) Coeur d'Alene
2) Florida Keys
3) Canada
4) Cuernavaca Mexico
5) Pasadena, California
6) Ireland
7) Papua, New Guinea

Seven TV Shows You Want To Star In:

1) Facts of Life
2) Gilmore Girls
3) Star Trek Voyager
4) The Carol Burnett Show
5) Lost
6) Reba
7) Kim Possible


Seven things you admire most in people:

1) Honesty
2) Friendship
3) Confidence
4) Mutual Respect
5) Empathy
6) Sense of humor
7) A quiet understanding... being able to know what the other one is thinking or feeling without a word


Seven of your all time favorite bands/artists:

1) Reba McEntire
2) Boyz II Men
3) Keith Urban
4) Van Halen
5) Erin Hamilton
6) Michael Buble
7) Alison Krauss and Union Station


Seven Things you like most about your life right now:

1) The people I call friends are really supportive and caring.
2) I can cook well - Thanks Rachael Ray!
3) That I'm beginning to learn to live for me.
4) That I have people in my life who love me (both near and far)
5) That I finally realized that I am worthy of a good man (now I have to wait for him to show up)
6) The fact that I work in education despite the fact that I never thought I would.
7) That I am able to take care of myself with minimal supervision.

Seven things that you don't like about your life right now:

1) I'm still not married.
2) That there are committments that I'm not fulfilling
3) That I watch too much tv
4) That my grandmother is sick and there's nothing I can do about it.
5) That there are still things in my life that I haven't finished.
6) That I don't have unlimited funds to do the things I want.
7) That I have gained so much weight.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

I'm not good at this

Some one remind me again why I decided to go for my Bachelor's Degree? This class is so hard. I've never done so much reading in my life. We're reading about writing... go figure.

At what time exactly, do the adult beverages get served?

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Restraining Order Against Letterman Tossed

From: http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20051227/113572494000.html
Tuesday December 27 3:09 PM ET

A state judge has lifted a restraining order granted to a Santa Fe woman who accused talk-show host David Letterman of using coded words to show that he wanted to marry her and train her as his co-host.

Judge Daniel Sanchez on Tuesday granted a request by lawyers for Letterman, host of CBS' "Late Show," to quash the temporary restraining order that he earlier granted to Colleen Nestler.

She alleged in a request filed Dec. 15 that Letterman has forced her to go bankrupt and caused her "mental cruelty" and "sleep deprivation" since May 1994.


Nestler requested that Letterman, who tapes his show in New York, stay at least 3 yards away and not "think of me, and release me from his mental harassment and hammering."

Lawyers for Letterman contended the order was without merit.

"He is entitled to a protection of his legal rights and a protection of his reputation," Pat Rogers, an Albuquerque lawyer representing Letterman, told the judge Tuesday.

The New Mexico court doesn't have jurisdiction over Letterman, who is a resident of Connecticut, Rogers said.

Nestler appeared in court without a lawyer and represented herself.

Responding to a question from the judge, Nestler said she had no proof of the allegations she had made against Letterman.

She also said that if Letterman or any of his representatives came near her, "I will break their legs" and establish proof of her allegations.

Nestler said after the court hearing that "I have achieved my purpose. The public knows that this man cannot come near me."

She also said that her comment about breaking legs "is not a threat."

"I appealed to the court for a restraining order to keep this man away from me, but now that's been denied me," she said. "He has access to me. He can actually come for me or send people. He has many accomplices. I know this sounds crazy. I was crazy to have listened to him in the beginning."

Nestler's application for a restraining order was accompanied by a six-page typed letter in which she said Letterman used code words, gestures and "eye expressions" to convey his desires for her.

She wrote that she began sending Letterman "thoughts of love" after his show began in 1993, and that he responded in code words and gestures, asking her to come East.

Nestler said Letterman asked her to be his wife during a televised "teaser" for his show by saying, "Marry me, Oprah." Her letter said Oprah was the first of many code names for her and that the coded vocabulary increased and changed with time.

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20051227/113572494000.html

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Carrie Hamilton

"Every day I wake up and decide: today I'm going to love my life."

Carrie Hamilton with arms raised
I know I wrote about Carrie Hamilton a few days ago. But I can't seem to get her off my mind. I can't explain it, but it's like mourning the loss of someone you never met. It's funny because had I not been a fan of Carol Burnett's, I probably wouldn't have ever heard of Carrie. But her life, her struggle always seem so intriguing to me. She was an actress, singer, writer and director. Athough she was the child of famous parents, she worked hard to forge a good life herself.

From my website

Actress, writer, director Carrie Hamilton was born into television royalty on December 5, 1963. Her mother, legendary comedienne Carol Burnett and her father producer Joe Hamilton gave Carrie and her two younger sisters the best life had to offer. They tried to protect their girls from life's hardships. However at age 13, Carrie faced the most difficult time of her life and her parents felt powerless to help her. Carrie struggled with drug abuse for most of her teenage years. But when she recovered, with the help of her family, she worked hard to put her life on the right path.

As an adult, Carrie gave many memorable performances on such shows as Fame, 90210, the made-for-tv movie Hostage (in which her mother co-starred), X-Files, Touched By An Angel and A Mother's Justice. Carrie also became widely known for playing the role of Maureen in the first travelling company for Broadway's Rent. Most recently, Carrie turned her interest to writing and directing. her directing skills were recently recognized when she was awarded the "Women in Film" award in the 2001 Latino Film Festival for her film "Lunchtime Thomas". Carrie was the first non-Latino to win the award. Before her death, Carrie and mother, Carol, collaborated on a play based on Carol's memoir One More Time. Carrie approached her mother about the project and continued to work on it until her death on January 22, 2002. The play, which was eventually called Hollywood Arms, premiered on Broadway on October 31, 2002 and ran through January 5, 2003.

The Carrie Hamilton Theatre
The Pasadena Playhouse is dedicating the Balcony Theatre to Carrie. The Carrie Hamilton Young Artist Outreach Program will help young people develop and nurture their artistic talents. Carrie had courage and always tried to push the envelope and try new things. This same spirit will be encouraged in the new outreach program.

I wish I had the resources to support this theatre. Like I said before, it so strange that this is so near to my heart. As a teenager, I would watch the Carol Burnett show and try to imagine what it would be like to be her daughter. In a way, that made Carrie, along with her sisters Jody and Erin, my sisters. I know it was childish and unrealistic. But it did introduce me to a very talented person.

December 5th would've been Carrie's 42nd birthday. From what I have read about her, I know she would've liked to been involved with this theatre project. If you can, please donate to this theatre at http://www.carriehamiltontheater.com/about_carrie_theatre.htm - Click on the Donate link.

Carrie Hamilton

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Lucy and Ethel - Best buds forever



If you're ever in a jam, here I am
If you're ever in a mess, S-O-S
If you ever feel so happy, you land in jail; I'm your bail.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgot,
Ours will still be hot.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle dig, dig, dig.

If you're ever up a tree, phone to me.
If you're ever down a well, ring my bell.
If you ever lose your teeth, and you're out to dine; borrow mine.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgate,
Ours will still be great.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle, chuck, chuck, chuck.

If they ever black your eyes, put me wise.
If they ever cook your goose, turn me loose.
If they ever put a bullet through your brrain [sic]; I'll complain.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgit,
Ours will still be it.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle, hep, hep, hep.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

My Date with Drew

My Date with Drew

From Amazon.com

Storyline

Genres: Documentary
Tagline: 30 days, $1100, For an Ordinary Guy to Get a Date with Drew Barrymore
Plot Synopsis: "If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul." - Drew Barrymore. Ever since the second grade when he first saw her in E.T. The Extraterrestrial, Brian Herzlinger has had a crush on Drew Barrymore. Now, 20 years later he's decided to try to fulfill his lifelong dream by asking her for a date. There's one small problem: She's Drew Barrymore and he's, well, Brian Herzlinger, a broke 27-year-old aspiring filmmaker from New Jersey. But that doesn't stop Brian and his film school pals from doing everything they can think of to convince Barrymore to go out with him - and documenting their quest along the way. Equipped with a video camera they have to return to Circuit City in 30 days and the $1,100 Brian won on a game show (where the winning answer was, prophetically, "Drew Barrymore"), they've got one month to accomplish their mission. To succeed, they'll need to negotiate an army of publicists, agents, producers and assistants who surround the star so Brian can pop the question. My Date with Drew is the award-winning, inspirational story of an ordinary guy who, despite incredibly long odds, puts everything on the line to pursue his lifelong dream. It's also an astute and often hilarious look at contemporary dating rituals, the culture of celebrity and the power of passion.

************************************************
After reading the negative reviews on Amazon.com, I have to say, I'm still glad I rent this movie. It was funny and sad and interesting. And even though it was a documentary, which I don't normally like, it was a fun time. Some people on Amazon complained because they didn't realize that it was a documentary. Duh, read the box when you pick it up. It said it was a documentary!

Drew Barrymore is quoted in this movie, "If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul." That's what this movie is all about. Brian took a risk in trying to get a date with Drew, in getting this documentary made, in going after his dreams and sticking with it. Say what you want about his choice of dreams, but when it's all said and done, he didn't waste a soul.

Friday, December 23, 2005

Oh the pain

Just for the record, my head hurts. It's been hurt since this morning. I took some Advil and it's only gotten worse. It's just below the minimum requirement for a migraine.

WHY OH WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Evolution vs. Intelligent Design

There's been debate over whether or not Intelligent Design should be taught as an alternative to evolution. Those against the Intelligent Design theory say that ID isn't scientific and can't be proven. They say that is it a way to introduce religion into the classroom because by nature ID is faith based.

Supporters of evolution want our children to accept a theory aka guess that everything in the universe just happened. They can't prove it, there is no evidence to prove that we started as single celled organisms and slowly changed into human beings. No one recorded it, snapped a picture with their cellphones to capture that all important spark that started evolution going. We only have the conjecture of Charles Darwin. Believing evolution takes more faith than believing Intelligent Design.

At least the bible has proven scientific facts in it. The Mosaic law contained hundreds of laws about hygiene that protected the ancient Israelites from diseases now commonly known by scientists. Now if God gave them these laws, why is such a stretch to believe that He also created the universe.

Now I will admit that people who don't want to believe in God are the ones behind this anti-Intelligent Design campaign. I understand that they don't want to be "preached" to about a god they don't know or want to know. But at the same time, as a Christian, I don't want to hear someone tell me that the work that my Creator did millenia go just happened by chance. By teaching evolution, it seems like atheism is being forced on me.

So here's what I'd like to see. Stop teaching evolution all together. They don't have to teach Intelligent Design because in the long run, Intelligent Design recognizes that someone created the universe. But it never goes as far to say who did it. It stops just short of creationism.

The fact of the matter is that we will never agree.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Dry Spell

I'm having a creative block... a designer's version of writer's block. Nothing looks good to me. I have no ideas. My brain has been sucked dry...

And if I see that Jesse McCartney commercial one more time !!!!!

Jesse: "I'm gonna be home for the holidays"
Me: "Go home already!!!"

On a lighter note, I did find a site that I really like and that is near to my heart:
http://www.carriehamiltontheater.com/index.htm

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Blast from the Past

This is what I want...

Atari Flashback 2.0

Flashback to the good old days with the Atari 2600 Console.
Features:

  • All in 1 TV compatible gaming system
  • Wood grained updated console case, approx 2/3rd the size of the original 1977 release of the Atari 2600 console
  • 40 Atari Games [20 original classic 2600 games (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids, Centipede, Breakout, etc.) & 20 new Atari games]
  • 2 Atari 2600 joysticks
  • Power supply & A/V cable
  • Single player and Dual player head-to-head
  • All in 1 TV compatible gaming system

Who are they kidding?

Ok, first we had Garth Brooks, then Jesse McCartney. Now we have Martina McBride, Destiny's Child and Queen Latifah. All these folks are shopping at Walmart for Christmas presents?

Umm... Yeah... Ok...

Check out the commercials

Walmart Logo

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

We watched a movie see!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

My sites

Not much to report today. I'm still preparing for my advanced internet final. This class was a challenge for me. I had to hand code html for three and half months.

Using Dreamweaver feels so foreign to me now. I still want to redesign my Carol Burnett site, but now, I'm not sure if I'll go the hand coding method or Dreamweaver. Knowing me, I'll find some happy medium and do partial hand coding.

I have been thinking though... It has been next to impossible to keep updating this site. I get yahoo news alerts for Carol Burnett, but not enough relevant info comes through to keep my site current. There's another website out there that always seems to have a ton of information. And it looks like it's updated fairly often. I already have the domain name until next September, so it seems a shame to leave it the way it is.

The other thing that I have to do is move my class project to my web hosting site and update it for real world use. I created a site for web design consulting and I really want to give it a go. I have a domain name already set for that site as well.

The only other thing that I need is to find some new message board software. I'm currently using Maxwebportal for my portal needs, but I need something that is a little more flexible. MWP is flexible, but not to the extent that I need it to be. I'm going to keep looking.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Make your own joke

Can't we all get along?

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Stuck in my head

I have this song stuck in my head:

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
no matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
in the boondocks.

-Boondocks
by Little Big Town

Listen to the whole song

Friday, December 09, 2005

A riddle

What's better than a snow day?


A snow day that falls on a Friday :)
happy star

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Change of heart

Ok, so maybe this week isn't so bad.

I feel better today about life. I am movin out of my dark place and finding a new perspective about how I view things. Everything is going to be ok. I've got a real good friend who doesn't scare easily.

i can't say i'm happy but i aint too blue
i know i'm lucky to have a friend like you
we'll share some laughter on that you can depend
long as i'm living you got a real good friend


Next week is my final exam in Advanced Internet. I have so much reading left to do.

Snow is coming...it's a good thing :)

Getting there

I don't want you to think I'm all gloom and doom because I'm not. But this week needs to be over. I'm tired of being tired and sad.

It's suppose to snow tomorrow night. I hope it's enough to get a day off from work.

I like snow. It's so pretty and cleansing.

Monday, December 05, 2005

Later that day...

So what do you say in a moment like this
When you can't find the words to tell it like it is
Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way
Let's get out of here
Oh what do you say

Sometimes you gotta listen to the silence
And give yourself a little time to think


artist: Reba McEntire
title: What Do You Say
album: So Good Together

(Michael Dulaney/Neil Thrasher)

Friday, December 02, 2005

UMUC Student ID

I'd like to thank the UMUC Registrar's office for sending me not one, not two, but three student ID cards. The three cards didn't come together. They sent them in three separate envelopes with three copies of the exact same letter.

Once of the last sentences reads, "If you lose this card and need a replacement, please feel free to request one through the student portal: http://my.umuc.edu".

Now I could do that, or I could just use the two replacements that they already sent me. The funny thing is that I'll probably never use these cards because I haven't been on campus yet. My degree program is completely online.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Time to think

"One isolating himself will seek [his own] selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth."
-Proverbs 18:1

23 days home from work has really taken a toll on me mentally. I've have time to think about things. In fact, I've had too much time. I've had time to over-think things.

For the past three weeks, everything has made me cry...Everything on tv that is. Ok, other things too. I keep thinking about some of choices I've made like going to school. It seemed like the right thing to do. But at this moment in time, it feels like a mistake. I feel like I can't do this. I'm so filled with doubt, that it disgusts me. The type A in me can't seem to come to grips with the fact that I'm not producing work on an A level; I'm not producing perfection. The thing is that I don't know why I'm letting this get to me.

I've also had some time to think about other things. In the past, I've always thought of myself as a cautious person. Sometimes when you are quick to trust people, they have a way of turning around and kicking you in the teeth. The sad things is that they don't even recognize what they're doing. They think they're doing you a favor. As if you really didn't need those teeth.

The trouble with me is that I don't always stick up for myself. One of my former supervisors told me that I must have a rug on my back because I let people walk all over me. That was about nine years ago and I think that there's still some truth to that. People have felt free to talk to me any old kind of way in the past few years and I just sit there and take it. I don't say a word.

In my middle school days, I could kirk-out with the best of them. I had a handle on the bad words :( I know you're shocked and I'm embarrassed. But back then, even though I didn't do it the right way, I didn't let people pick on me as much as I do now. So what's wrong with me now? Who took my backbone?

There are other things that I've been thinking about these past three weeks. For instance, I had a dream that I was pregnant with twins, one boy, one girl. It's odd that I had this dream now because, I feel like motherhood is going to allude me. Everyday, I feel myself moving farther and farther away from it. Yet, I had this dream. I had a boy and girl, just what I always wanted. Their names were Cecelia and Charlie and I loved them.

The last thing that has weighed heavily on me is something I can't write about...at least not in ambiguous terms. Even if I tried, at least one person would know exactly what I'm talking about. So I will keep that burdon inside.

Tomorrow is my second follow up appointment. If everything goes well, I can go back to work on Monday. I never thought I'd be happy at the prospect of going back to work. But I think that it will be good for me. Being alone for so long hasn't done me any good mentally.

I'm sure watching 24 episodes of LOST in a four day period, didn't help my mental state that much either.

4 8 15 16 23 42

The numbers are no good...

Press the button, no buttons are bad...

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Bette Midler sings Peggy Lee

Bette Midler

I got this CD a month ago and I really enjoy it. I didn't really know any Peggy Lee songs except for "Fever". I have to say that I wish the cd had more songs, but I am glad that I bought it.

Thursday, November 24, 2005

deliciously down

I need some sweet to soothe my inside
I need some soft to lay down my pride
I need some tears to rain down on me
To melt my memory

I need to slide deliciously down
To where I hurt the least

I need high prayers to breathe through
I need to shine like I used to and i
Know that I’m not supposed to be for nothing

I need a breeze to carry me safe
I need some peace to find my way
I need a song to hold in my palm
And feel the love that made me

I need to slide deliciously down
To where I hurt the least

I need high prayers to breathe through and i
Need to shine like I used to and i
Know that I’m not supposed to be for nothing

I need some love to open my heart
I need a space to fall apart
I need a star for every dream
Do you know what I mean

I need to slide deliciously down
To where I hurt the least


**Cree Summer**
Street Faerie - Cree Summer