I've been thinking lately of investing in some computer classes just so I can save a bunch of time and money when it comes to computer repair. It seriously seems like everytime I turn around I have an issue. I know Macs are supposedly much better and I should get one, but this financially challenged gal just doesn't have the funds for that at the moment. I have to make do with what I have....which is a HP laptop that's only about seven months old!!! UGH!
I love to download music. I especially love to search for new artists and discover new songs that no one has found yet. I always ask for I-tunes gift cards for my birthday and Christmas so I can spend time doing this...on someone else's dime! I was downloading some new songs a couple weeks ago when I noticed that I-tunes had a Norah Jones song available for FREE! Of course, I wanted to take advantage of this offer. However, I was notified that I had to upgrade to the latest version of I-tunes in order to do so. I thought, "No big deal. I probably need the newest version anyway." BIG MISTAKE! Once I upgraded, I was all of a sudden told that I-tunes now had no disc burning software. What do I do? I go online and try to fix the problem myself. Usually, I'm pretty successful. This time, not so much.
I un-installed/re-installed about ten times. I downloaded some additional drivers, then un-installed them when I saw they didn't work. I took the stinkin' thing to Best Buy since it's under warranty. The guy did something to it and said he fixed it, and all I needed to do was un-install and reinstall again. I told him I'd done that, but he re-assured me he thought it was fixed. You guessed it. It did the same thing. What makes it ever worse is that I can burn a CD using Windows Media Player, so that tells me it's not the disc burning software, it's something else. I took it back to Best Buy yesterday and the guy has no idea what's wrong with it. I was told that if it's a problem with I-tunes that their warranty only covers programs they installed, and I-tunes isn't one of them. I do understand that, but it's not like I-tunes has a Geek Squad and I can take it and have it repaired. Who is responsible for this? NOT ME! I left the laptop there and they are doing an entire diagnostic test to see if there are any software issues that could be causing the problem. My concern is I'm afraid I will be out some money here. That isn't a good thing.
Why am I devoting a blog to this? Because I am lost without my laptop! I can't use my new Photoshop program that I got for Christmas that I LOVE, I can't burn a CD that I've wanted to burn for two weeks, I can't check Facebook or Twitter, or People.com to see what the celebrities are up to! I can blog (obviously) at school when the kids are gone, but I don't have time to do any of the above unless I stay after school. Who wants to do that? This is a big deal for me! Plus, what do I do if they can't fix it? Never burn CDs again? Stay tuned to see what happens. I'm waiting for the Geek Squad to contact me as we speak....
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
Book Club Blog
I decided to make a separate blog for my Book Group! If you'd like to join us, visit me here.
http://www.amysreadthinkshareclub.blogspot.com/
http://www.amysreadthinkshareclub.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Here's to a new year! Bring it on, 2010!
It's that time of year! We're all making resolutions and crossing our fingers we will keep them at least until April and not March like last year. :) I've decided this year, that all of my resolutions can be summed up in two words....
NO REGRETS
Whether in my walk with God, my relationships with others, my diet, my words or actions, whatever it may be, I want to have no regrets. I pray to think before I speak or act and to make wise decisions in all the above. I feel like these two little yet powerful words encompass so much and if I can live by them, my life will be one of joy and peace.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!..." Isaiah 43: 18-19
P.S. On another note, I have decided that for 2010 I want to attempt to read one book per month. I've always thought the idea of a Book Club would be nice, but who really has the time to meet with once a week to talk about it? I'm going to try to conduct a virtual one. Anyone interested? I plan to choose a book and reveal it the beginning of each month. I may post occasional blogs on what I'm/we're reading and then ask for your comments as we go. When the month is over, we'll exchange thoughts on the book and prepare for the next. Some books may be purely for entertainment, some for our spiritual growth, etc. I welcome auggestions. If you're interested, please comment and let me know. I'd love to know who's on board!
The first book will be "Fearless," by Max Lucado. I don't know about you, but I spend way too many minutes/hours of my day worrying about the uncontrollable and dwelling on this fear or that. The few pages I've read so far in this book have already spoken to me and I can tell that it will definitely be a blessing. Here's an excerpt.
"Fear, it seems, has taken a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversize and rude, fear is unwilling to share the heart with happiness. Happiness complies and leaves. Do you ever see the two together? Can one be happy and afraid at the same time?....Imagine your life wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, absent the dread of failure, rejection, and calamity. Can you imagine a life with no fear? This is the possibility behind Jesus' question, 'Why are you afraid?'"
If you, like me, wish to experience a day without fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable, I hope you'll join me in reading!
Happy 2010, everyone!
NO REGRETS
Whether in my walk with God, my relationships with others, my diet, my words or actions, whatever it may be, I want to have no regrets. I pray to think before I speak or act and to make wise decisions in all the above. I feel like these two little yet powerful words encompass so much and if I can live by them, my life will be one of joy and peace.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!..." Isaiah 43: 18-19
P.S. On another note, I have decided that for 2010 I want to attempt to read one book per month. I've always thought the idea of a Book Club would be nice, but who really has the time to meet with once a week to talk about it? I'm going to try to conduct a virtual one. Anyone interested? I plan to choose a book and reveal it the beginning of each month. I may post occasional blogs on what I'm/we're reading and then ask for your comments as we go. When the month is over, we'll exchange thoughts on the book and prepare for the next. Some books may be purely for entertainment, some for our spiritual growth, etc. I welcome auggestions. If you're interested, please comment and let me know. I'd love to know who's on board!
The first book will be "Fearless," by Max Lucado. I don't know about you, but I spend way too many minutes/hours of my day worrying about the uncontrollable and dwelling on this fear or that. The few pages I've read so far in this book have already spoken to me and I can tell that it will definitely be a blessing. Here's an excerpt.
"Fear, it seems, has taken a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversize and rude, fear is unwilling to share the heart with happiness. Happiness complies and leaves. Do you ever see the two together? Can one be happy and afraid at the same time?....Imagine your life wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, absent the dread of failure, rejection, and calamity. Can you imagine a life with no fear? This is the possibility behind Jesus' question, 'Why are you afraid?'"
If you, like me, wish to experience a day without fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable, I hope you'll join me in reading!
Happy 2010, everyone!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Pause-
I had such great intentions to blog about our trip to Opryland, my tacky Christmas Bunco (which was hilarious), and lots of other fun things that have taken place this holiday season. It's been such a busy few weeks. I've so gotten caught up in the shopping, parties, luncheons, plays, travel plans, etc. that I've very easily allowed my focus to shift from what it's supposed to be, which is Jesus.
I stopped in the middle of getting ready to head out for a few last minute errands on Christmas Eve to read the story of Jesus's birth. I was once again reminded of the necessity I feel and the urgency to just be still. I have felt so happy and so thankful recently- getting to spend time with some close friends and laugh, enjoying time with family, but I've lost focus of many important aspects of my life that I am convicted to put back into place.
I am writing this for myself, way moreso than any of you reading. I feel that putting this on my blog for public display will hold me more accountable, and it's also a form of therapy for me to just write my thoughts. I am looking forward to spending time with family in the upcoming days: making new memories, taking tons of pictures, and relishing the blessing of another blessed year. But when the "madness" is over, I will welcome some quiet time and normalcy. I am looking forward to 1) re-building my relationship with God and making Him a priority, which will start now. I have let God slide to the back of my "to-do" list and instead placed shopping, parties, and all the Christmas chaos ahead. 2) re-focusing on losing more weight. I have somehow managed to maintain my weight loss within a couple pounds thusfar. Maintaining during the holiday season has been my goal. But, I'm ready for more. I'm ready to work hard and tighten up on my diet again. and 3) having more quiet time. So often we pray for answers and for God to speak to us, but we(I) never slow down long enough to wait for His voice. I want to stay centered and focused on what God is calling me to do, feel, think, etc. This is the only way I think I can make that happen.
My heart feels lighter already after getting this off my chest. I feel excited about a new year and new blessings. PRAISE GOD for life and for grace and for Jesus, whom we celebrate today and everyday. To my blogging family- I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy every single minute with your family and friends, thanking God for these richest of blessings. Love to you all.
I stopped in the middle of getting ready to head out for a few last minute errands on Christmas Eve to read the story of Jesus's birth. I was once again reminded of the necessity I feel and the urgency to just be still. I have felt so happy and so thankful recently- getting to spend time with some close friends and laugh, enjoying time with family, but I've lost focus of many important aspects of my life that I am convicted to put back into place.
I am writing this for myself, way moreso than any of you reading. I feel that putting this on my blog for public display will hold me more accountable, and it's also a form of therapy for me to just write my thoughts. I am looking forward to spending time with family in the upcoming days: making new memories, taking tons of pictures, and relishing the blessing of another blessed year. But when the "madness" is over, I will welcome some quiet time and normalcy. I am looking forward to 1) re-building my relationship with God and making Him a priority, which will start now. I have let God slide to the back of my "to-do" list and instead placed shopping, parties, and all the Christmas chaos ahead. 2) re-focusing on losing more weight. I have somehow managed to maintain my weight loss within a couple pounds thusfar. Maintaining during the holiday season has been my goal. But, I'm ready for more. I'm ready to work hard and tighten up on my diet again. and 3) having more quiet time. So often we pray for answers and for God to speak to us, but we(I) never slow down long enough to wait for His voice. I want to stay centered and focused on what God is calling me to do, feel, think, etc. This is the only way I think I can make that happen.
My heart feels lighter already after getting this off my chest. I feel excited about a new year and new blessings. PRAISE GOD for life and for grace and for Jesus, whom we celebrate today and everyday. To my blogging family- I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy every single minute with your family and friends, thanking God for these richest of blessings. Love to you all.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Here We Come!!!!!
Opryland Hotel, here we come!
My entire family is off early Friday morning to begin a weekend trip we've been looking forward to for a couple months. All 22 of us are going to the Opryland Hotel for the weekend! I received my itinerary today, all typed out with the map of the hotel attached. Yes, my aunt is super organized and as excited about this trip as anyone. It's because of her and my uncle that we are able to go. (Thanks so much to you both if you're reading!) We're meeting at Cracker Barrel for breakfast early Friday morning, then headed on to Nashville. We are going to Treasures for the Holidays, Hall of Trees, Gingerbread Corner, and Holidays' Kid Train- and that's all before lunch Friday! Then we're going to the Louise Mandrel Dinner Show (HA!), Rockabilly Christmas, Brightest Star Fountain Show, and an outdoor nativity display. Saturday is "Charlie Brown ICE." I've never been, but rumor has it there's a big slide made out of ice that we're all fighting to go down first. THen we're going to see the Rockettes and going on carriage rides!!! I CANNOT wait! My main hurdle is going to be to get through the temptation of eating all the snacks that everyone is bringing. We are all supposed to bring snacks in five individual containers for all five rooms. That way we all have a variety. I doubt there will be much I am able to eat, but this special trip may call for just a few indulgences. :)
I'm SOOOO thankful that God blessed me with the best family I could ever ask for. Lots of pictures to come when we get home!
My entire family is off early Friday morning to begin a weekend trip we've been looking forward to for a couple months. All 22 of us are going to the Opryland Hotel for the weekend! I received my itinerary today, all typed out with the map of the hotel attached. Yes, my aunt is super organized and as excited about this trip as anyone. It's because of her and my uncle that we are able to go. (Thanks so much to you both if you're reading!) We're meeting at Cracker Barrel for breakfast early Friday morning, then headed on to Nashville. We are going to Treasures for the Holidays, Hall of Trees, Gingerbread Corner, and Holidays' Kid Train- and that's all before lunch Friday! Then we're going to the Louise Mandrel Dinner Show (HA!), Rockabilly Christmas, Brightest Star Fountain Show, and an outdoor nativity display. Saturday is "Charlie Brown ICE." I've never been, but rumor has it there's a big slide made out of ice that we're all fighting to go down first. THen we're going to see the Rockettes and going on carriage rides!!! I CANNOT wait! My main hurdle is going to be to get through the temptation of eating all the snacks that everyone is bringing. We are all supposed to bring snacks in five individual containers for all five rooms. That way we all have a variety. I doubt there will be much I am able to eat, but this special trip may call for just a few indulgences. :)
I'm SOOOO thankful that God blessed me with the best family I could ever ask for. Lots of pictures to come when we get home!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
HILARIOUS!
I always LOVE to read what my students write, especially when I can choose a topic that will invite some humor. Today, I asked them to write a letter to Santa Claus. I gave them an envelope and told them to seal it up and I would send it straight to the North Pole. (Is lying okay in the context of Christmas, because I told my share of them today.) I totally expected to hear a few "There is no Santa Claus!" comments from several of them. My first class said nothing. They seemed so excited to get to write a letter asking for special things for Christmas. The other class...not so much. I heard the comments during this class period. After reassuring them that I believed (ha), I said that if they didn't, to write a letter to whoever they thought Santa was. Here's what I got. Brace yourselves.
And I quote...(spelling/grammatical errors intact)
Dear Fake nonreal Santa,
I don't beleive in you because you're a over weighted large person who goes down chimnys. You would get stuck in chimnys because you suposedly eat cookies that kids who are not me belevie in you. Christmas isn't about you Its about God and Jesus you shouldn't steal children away by giving them presents. You better stay away from my house because Christmas is about God not you. But I also sorta beleve in you because I feel terible being mean to you if you exist. If your real please don't put me on the notty list because I'm realy a nice person.
Sincerely,
Nonbeliever #1
Hold on readers, because this one is unbelievable!
Dear fake Santa
I do not belive in you because you would get stuck in the chemnie cause you eat so many cokiees save one for me pig. (OH MY WORD!!!) Plus I pulled your beard in the mall when I belived in you and it flew to the end of the picture stand. and, by the way I put up video cameras so you can't turn me into a elf and work for you at the office I am onto you chubbie.
P.S. save me one cookie
By: Nonbeliever #2
I think it's safe to say these two letters made me laugh more than anything I've ever read in my entire teaching career. Made my day!!!
P.S. And they just thought they could be rude to Santa since I was "mailing them straight to the North Pole." Oh how they would feel if they knew I read those words. Negotiations are in the works for a "Operation Get Back at 'Em." A letter from "Santa" explaining his disappointment in their attitudes? A phone call from "Santa?" Ideas appreciated.
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