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"What Are You Doing the Rest Of Your Life?"
Sunday, 9 December 2007

I'm writing in Word, the precaution, but I'm not finished and I want to go to bed.  Just out of curiosity I want to see what happens.  Sweet dreams everyone....


Posted by pro-crastination at 9:18 PM PST
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Monday, 3 December 2007
Hook, Line and Sinker
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66-'86 Classics Volume 18
Topic: I Now Have a Goal

2007-12-02        20:22:00

 

Time to write my Blog and my Internet is down.  This happens every so often.  It is so annoying, but if I absolutely need to use a computer I can use the slow, old guy.  My plan anyway was to write my Blog first in Word as a backup (for me getting Angelfire to cooperate is harder than getting Microsoft Access to respond in the Summerlin Computer Lab – which is two steps from impossible).  I can get the Blog written, and it will be easier to post from CSN Western tomorrow, than try the old guy.

 

I got fabulous news last Wednesday morning.  A wish came true.  The office manager (the person who I referred to as my nemesis), the “Wicked Bitch of the West”, got her medical retirement and is not returning.  I thank the Powers that Be.

 

There were two emails from Mr. Wu when I checked today.  I am so thrilled.  This class has been so healing for me.  I spent 2006 in a daze, trying to prove that I could take care of myself - I'm getting a little better at it, but have a long way to go. 

I needed a direction, some sort of goal, so I decided to try a computer class.   As much as computers intrigue me, they also terrify me, especially now that I am the only one dealing with my computer.  Spring 2007 I signed up for Computer Basics at the Summerlin Campus of CSN.  I never read the handouts (there was no text), or did one iota more than was needed.  I was so fascinated with the instructor that I was going to class to watch and listen to him.  The class was pass-fail and I knew that if I showed up, I'd pass.   I was mesmerized; the rest of the class was in a similar state.  Well, not the rest.  There was one male student and he slept most of the time; but the females (in the end there were six of us) were caught, hook, line and sinker.

 

I was not ready for the facts, rules and nuances of dealing with a computer.  I was ready for someone to give me a path, a light in my darkness, and that is what was happening.  His love of computers was overwhelming.  Come join in the fun!  Well, the only way to join in the fun is to learn more about computers, so I signed up for IS101. 

 

The first night of class I knew I was in trouble.  What are they talking about?  This looks serious – I've bitten off more than I can chew.  If it kills me I am going to give it my all.  I have to admit that I've spent more time than I should have on this class, but the satisfaction is worth every second/minute/hour.  Thank you, Mr. Wu for all of your encouragement.  I really needed to prove to myself that I can still hang in there with the students on the road to a degree. 

 

I don't need another degree, but I think that I am going to have a wonderful time trying to get a Certificate in Programming and then an A.A.S. in Computer Technology.  I have a goal and I'm smiling.   


Posted by pro-crastination at 2:07 PM PST
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Sunday, 25 November 2007
Freaky
Mood:  cheeky
Now Playing: Still Playing the Theme from "Spirted Away"
Topic: What the Flame?

2007-11-25       22:55:34

Third try was a charm. 

I checked the beginning of the Blog page and the Blog from 1-1-2002 is gone.  Freaky.

I do have a print out of the 1-1-2002, so I know I haven't lost all of my marbles.  

Here goes another post.

2007-11-25       23:01:19

RETRACTION:  1-2-2002 is still there.  It's on a second page. 

 

 


Posted by pro-crastination at 10:55 PM PST
Updated: Thursday, 29 November 2007 4:05 PM PST
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PUDGE
Mood:  irritated
Now Playing: Theme from the Movie "Spirited Away"
Topic: I Will Win This Contest

Third try to post.  Angelfire doesn't realize that I will win this contest.  If this doesn't post now, I'll return tomorrow and keep trying to paste and post until it works.

2007-11-25         22:49:21

Something made me check the beginning of my Blog tonight.  I had to look twice.  There is a piece dated Tuesday, January 1, 2002 which is a teeny remnant of the Blog that I wrote to my son who was going to be 21.  I did not write it on 1-1-02.  I wrote it on 11-11-07 and updated it on 11-12-07, when it was eaten in its entirety by the Angelfire Gobbling Goblin.  Angelfire is bloody fluffed up (if you get my drift). 

I received an email telling me that the CSN Desert Garden Center had 2 three week old baby bunnies.   I knew that I had to visit for several reasons, so after work and an errand, on Thursday, November 15, I stopped in to see the babies.

I went to the office and met Cheryl, who I think is in charge.  I introduced myself, and explained that I had received an email about the bunnies, and told her who had sent the email.  She quizzed me about how I knew the emailer, which I thought was polite conversation, and seemed happy to take me to the building in the back where the bunnies were being kept. 

On the way there she asked again how I knew the person who had emailed me.  After showing me the bunnies, she asked again.  In fact, two other ladies work with her and as she would introduce me to each of them she went through an explanation of how I knew the person who told me about the bunnies (getting the information incorrect each time).  Strange....  The thought of sitting at a table with a bright light being shined into my eyes, while being interrogated how I knew the emailer, flitted through my brain.

Not to change the subject, but my son just called to let me know that he is stuck in an elevator on the first floor of his dorm with his best friend and her roommate.  Elevator technicians are on the way.  The roommate has already gotten sick in a cup, and there is no air conditioning in the elevator (must smell lovely in there).

I spent an hour with the bunnies.  They were residing in a large cardboard box.  The larger of the two is named Hazel.  She is a white butterball with little dashes of color in her straight fur - brown, orange.  The other bunny is named Pudge, a small black and charcoal colored guy with wavy fur.  At first sight, Pudge didn't do a thing for me, and then Cheryl put him in my hand.  It was love at first touch.  He fit exactly in my palm.  I was in ecstasy.  He snuggled into my arm and to quote Cheryl "chilled out".

I spent the last minutes that I was with the bunnies feeding them.  They ate like they were starved.  I was fed them Kale, which they ate out of my hand.  I couldn't resist, so before I put hem both back into their box, I kissed them both on their heads.

Since the week of Thanksgiving would be so short, I decided when I left that I would visit them again next week.  Now I don't know if I will ever return.

On Wednesday, November 21, I received an email telling me that my little Pudge has passed away over the weekend.  I am heartbroken.  That sweet little baby, so tiny, so precious....      


Posted by pro-crastination at 10:45 PM PST
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Sunday, 18 November 2007
Experience Is The Best Teacher
Mood:  hungry
Now Playing: Norah Jones "come away with me"
Topic: CSN Computers

The following is an edited part of an email that I sent earlier this evening about my recent experiences with computers at CSN.   

My frustration with Access continued while I was at CSN Summerlin Saturday (it's more than just the security warning - half the time I get a "Not Responding" message and I've tried using several different computers there). I've asked both of the lab techs and they don't know how to solve the problems.

Today I went to the Charleston lab, which I don't like to use because of the crowding and the loud clientèle, and made a discovery. The computers at Summerlin are in dire need of help. Being a novice at this I don't know what the proper terminology for the situation is, but at Charleston with two clicks and no waiting time the security message disappears, and I never got a "Not Responding" message.

I don't remember having problems at Western with Access, but then I may not have worked on Access there.

Now that I know it's the Summerlin computers, and not CSN's system, I guess there's no reason to send you a copy of the Access warning message.

One more computer item: there is one POD of newer computers at Summerlin. On all of the computers in this POD, when you open Internet Explorer instead of the CSN homepage coming up, you get the MSN homepage. I clicked search, and Google instead of being in English is in Chinese. I can deal with that except sometimes it won't accept English letters and I have absolutely no knowledge of Chinese characters. The Saturday lab tech tried to "fix" the computers, but I don't think he was successful.

Now to "Publish Post" - fingers crossed on my left hand.  Won't cross them on the right or I might mess up my click. 

2007-11-19     14:22:11

My Blog from last night was published.  Wow!  Now for a few tweaks and comments and hopefully Angelfire will accept my edit.

I'm at Western right now.  I'm going to try Access to see how it operates so I can make a comment.  I am curious.  The security warning shows up and takes longer to go away than at Charleston, but is still much faster than Summerlin.  I can't be positive since I'm not a computer expert, but from the way the program was responding, it's much faster than Summerlin, which isn't saying much, but is slower than Charleston. 

Looks like I may have to change my choice of computer labs on the weekend, which does not make me happy.  I can walk to the Summerlin campus.   


Posted by pro-crastination at 10:12 PM PST
Updated: Sunday, 25 November 2007 6:58 PM PST
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Monday, 12 November 2007
I'm Too Much of a Lady to Put It In Print
Mood:  incredulous
Now Playing: "Singers & Standards" Channel 936 Cox Cable
Topic: Pissed

2007-11-12           11:35:46

The old saying, "There is no such thing as free lunch." is completely true about Angelfire.  The Angelfire Gobbling Goblin just ate the Blog that I had written last night to my son for his 21st Birthday (I think it was a lovely piece, but now on one will ever be able to read it).  I tried to post an edit I made to the Blog, but everything disappeared except for the "Entry by Topic" which is "How Far You've Come".

I just emailed Angelfire about the latest lost Blog, but I have absolutely no hope in getting any help from them.  I am still waiting for a reply to the email I sent them on October 23 (they sent two responses that they would reply to my query, but have never sent  an actual response).  I would take the blame for all of the lost posts and edits, but how do you explain all of the posts and edits that took the first time?  Unless someone can show me what I am doing wrong then the only logical conclusion is that it's Angelfire's fault.

I have been burned so many times that I am going to start a file in my Microsoft Word 2003 and keep a running copy of all my Blogs from now on.  I am even considering opening a Website and Blog in Geocities (I haven't the slightest idea who is a good provider, so why not try Geocities, the site suggested in our course text).


Posted by pro-crastination at 8:56 AM PST
Updated: Monday, 12 November 2007 11:37 AM PST
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Sunday, 4 November 2007
The Angelfire Black Hole
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Playing: CARPENTERS GOLD - 35th Anniversary Edition
Topic: They Stole It Again

This is my third try to get something posted.

19:44:35 

I guess the third try is the charm.  I finally got something published.  That Gobbling Goblin must really be hungry tonight.  I would really like to know where my first two Blogs of this evening went.  I do exactly the same thing each time, so why did the first two get eaten?  Luckily there wasn't much to eat because I refuse to take the chance of writing much before I try to publish the first time (been there - been done to).  Paraphrasing: do me once shame on you, do me twice shame on me (for letting you do me again).

21:29:41

I just wrote two paragraphs to add to this Blog, clicked "Save Changes" and they also got eaten by the Angelfire Gobbling Goblin.  I give up for the night.  I'll add more later in the week.  In fact, I think I'll write the entire Blog in Word and paste it into this excuse for a website.  To be polite, I'm pissed.  Eat this!  

2007-11-05   14:45:24

I’m at the CSN Western Campus Computer Lab.  Originally I was going to work on my A5 assignment, but that’s impossible.  There are four students, including myself, quietly working at their computers.  The security guard makes sounds like a mule when he laughs; he laughs a lot, and very loudly.  The campus manager and his assistant have been joining in, so basically it’s quite loud in here.  It wasn’t this noisy yesterday at the Charleston Campus with almost ten times the students.  Unfortunately, Charleston is so crowded in the afternoon during the week that it’s almost impossible to find an open computer station.

Since I’m here I should try to get something accomplished.  I thought I’d try to work on my Blog, but I can’t find anything that I want to write about except to complain about the security ass at the counter.  I start to get involved in something and then the air is shattered by a booming hew-haw, snort.  I know the man is very hard of hearing due to being wounded during Desert Storm.  I’m sorry he has a physical problem, but his problem is creating a problem for me and I don’t like it.

I forgot that I wanted to include this little tidbit (it’s one of the items that got eaten last night).  Found out Friday that my greatest nemesis at work won’t be returning until January.  Hallelujah!  Word spread like wildfire.  There were a lot of happy people.  One of the teachers thought that we should somehow try to get the nemesis on permanent medical leave, and said she’d make the first contribution toward the retirement fund.

I have a list of things to get done before I get home, so here goes, let’s see if I can get this to post.  If not, it’s in Word and I can try again later.

2007-11-06    15:39:01

I have been trying in vain to match the font of the material that I pasted into this Blog yesterday (used Microsoft Word for back-up in case my Blog got eaten again) to Angelfire's font and have not come across anything in their font family that will allow me to do so.  If this looks "messy", sorry, but whatever font they are using is not available for those of us who are pasting from somewhere else.  It's time to work on my A5 Excel homework.  I'm glad that I didn't pay for Angelfire's "services".

2007-11-06   16:42:46

Didn't start the Excel yet.  Had an epiphany.  Experimented with Microsoft Word and discovered that I have the correct font type selected, but Angelfire uses font size 7.5 which is not available in their drop down box.  I also used Word's spell check and found some spelling errors in my Blog.  Where there's a will, there's a way (at least some of the time).


Posted by pro-crastination at 7:38 PM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 6 November 2007 5:08 PM PST
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Sunday, 28 October 2007
I'm Getting Paranoid
Mood:  blue
Now Playing: Blue Tango Symphonic Pops by Leroy Anderson
Topic: They Stole It Again

I clicked "Publish Post", the bottom of the monitor screen did some gyrations, but nothing was published.  It was only a short paragraph, but that's not the point.  I can't get this thing to work again and I'm getting pissed.  Second try....

2007-10-28   20:10:36

Okay - who's messing with me?  The second try worked, and I did the same thing as the first time.

The week is going to be hard enough to handle.  I need to use all my powers to keep myself together.  Unless you've been there you can't possibly understand.  Don't tell me that because you lost your child, your parent, your sibling, that you know how I feel.  You don't.  It is two years ago this week that my world ended.  I lost my life. 

I've been to bereavement meetings, had some counseling, still go to a group (which I think is useless, but there are other reasons I attend), and through all of this I keep hearing about finding "closure".  At the end of the healing process you will find "closure".  I thought that I was the slowest healer around.  I may never heal, but now understand what is happening to me all because of a character from television.  

On September 8, I watched the last episode of "Raines", which had been on NBC in the spring.  Great TV series (cancelled of course).  I tape shows, especially now that I have a lot of trouble concentrating on anything for any length of time (hopefully that part will heal).  I was so blown away by the speech at the end of the episode that I made a note of the date and the next night I copied his speech.  To the writer/writers of "Raines", thank you, on behalf of all of us who are told they need to find "closure" so they can go on with their lives:

"Raines: I know what you're looking for.  Some sort of closure. Something to ease your pain.  But closure doesn't exist.  You're gonna feel this in some form or another forever 'cause that's how it feels when you lose the love of your life.  And even if you could wake up tomorrow and not feel this pain, you wouldn't really want that either, 'cause that hurt is the most sure reminder you have of what he truly meant to you.  And that you won't ever want to forget."


Posted by pro-crastination at 8:04 PM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 6 November 2007 4:23 PM PST
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Monday, 22 October 2007
My Sunday Night's Blog Was Eaten by the Angelfire Gobbling Goblin
Mood:  accident prone
Now Playing: The Very Best of the Manhattan Transfer
Topic: Blog Loss

2007-10-22   04:18:20

It was shortly after 11 P.M. last night when I finished my Blog.  I'd been working at it on and off for 3 hours.  I clicked "Publish Post" and expected my paragraphs to appear.  Nothing.  The status bar said it was transferring data, so I assumed it was loading.  Decided that I'd go to bed and when I get up it will be there

Wherever there is, is not my Blog page.  Lesson: before I click "Publish Post" I will have to copy what I've written in case the Angelfire Blog Gobbling Goblin is around, or write a few words, publish them so there is a basis to work from, then go back in and treat everything as an edit.  I don't enjoy writing because I am so extremely fussy about what I say in print.  It takes me an exorbitant amount of time because I am such a perfectionist.  I am not at all happy about my paragraphs floating somewhere, lost in space.

         
2007-10-24   23:11:21

Yesterday I emailed Angelfire to see what they say about Blogs lost in space.  I expect to be told that it was eaten by a black hole. 

I've been trying to find a topic for the next presentation.  There is nothing that I can think of that I am interested in that would interest the class.  In fact, I can't think of anything to do that interests me that I could make into a presentation, which brings up a huge question in my mind.  From the complete lack of response to my last presentation (not even a negative comment), I haven't  the slightest idea how to improve for the next presentation.  If I don't know what was wrong with the last one how can I have an "improved" presentation on December 14?


Posted by pro-crastination at 3:40 AM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 6 November 2007 4:26 PM PST
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Sunday, 14 October 2007
It's Been a Good Day
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Norah Jones feels like home
Topic: Good Things

All in all, it's been a good day; in fact, it's been a good week. 

The best thing that happened is that my son has been published on the Internet.  He started his internship for college credit with Gamealmighty this past Wednesday, and his first game review was published on the site Friday.  I am so, so proud.  To read his work, go to: http://www.gamealmighty.com/game-review/review/Spider_Man_Friend_or_Foe_Review-1/.                      In fact, he is already on the Internet because the college's new magazine is online and he has articles in it.

I had breakfast this morning with an old friend of my husband.  It was so enjoyable.  Good conversation, good food.  I was fine until I got back into the car and got a little weepy.  Damn, Allen, you were supposed to be there with us.  I know you were there in spirit, but....

A little bird whispered something to me at work.  Since one can't take the chance that the wrong person won't stumble onto this Blog, all I will say is that if the birdie is right, then I want to thank the Powers That Be for watching out for me.  My problems at work aren't over, but at least I won't feel like I'm going to implode everyday at my job.

2007-11-05   13:32:27

I just deleted a paragraph that I had originally included when this Blog was first written.  I also deleted the retraction that I had added last night.  I decided that instead of retracting what I had said, deleting it was the best way to go.

Before I sign off, Mr. Wu, would you please stop telling me where I stand in the class.  Yes, it is ultra important to me that I do well (for several reasons which I won't elaborate on right now).  I am very happy that so far I have been successful because I have voluntarily put in many more hours of effort into this class than I had expected, but I don't want to know where I am in comparison to the other students.  That doesn't matter to me, only my accomplishments do.  Thank you. 


Posted by pro-crastination at 6:50 PM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 6 November 2007 4:35 PM PST
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