November 19, 2008
I’ve been enjoying the free Amazon selections to build my ever-expanding music collection for ages now, and I thought it might be time to share a […]
September 8, 2007
This year is slip-sliding toward the finish line and I’m always amazed that every year dissolves so quickly. I’m equally amazed that each year gets faster […]
August 23, 2007
Today, I’m feeling like counting my blessings, and I’m dragging you, fair reader, along for this trip. I’ve assembled some great-looking opportunities to give back to […]
June 11, 2007
I’ve been searching for the best pen holders to keep my favorite pen within reach on my desktop. I don’t really like sets, but I’ve seen […]
May 31, 2007
Not everyone is a bag lady at heart — but (as most of you know) I love “go bags” and boxes and containers — especially those […]
May 30, 2007
I’ve noticed over the past few years that, despite my tech tendencies, it’s the low tech stuff I buy for myself on special occasions. On my […]
March 27, 2007
Today, I was the coolest Mom alive. Yup, honestly. I picked up my son just after 12 noon from school and surprised him with the rest […]
December 20, 2006
As we are winding down the old year, I thought I'd share a bit of information that a family member sent me. It's a link that shows exactly how much of the money raised for a charity is actually reaching the charity, and how much is being sucked up by the fundraising company and the professional solicitor.
For example, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Diabetes Association have 99% of the funds raised going to help the actual cause, and only 1% being used to pay the fundraising engine. That's a percentage I can get behind!
On the other hand, just the opposite is true for the American Institute for Cancer Research (1% to charity, 99% to solicitor) and the Arthritis Foundation (1% for charitable work, 99% to pay off the fundraisers).
If you want to see the "big" picture on your favorite charities before making those end-of-year contributions, read on!
For example, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Diabetes Association have 99% of the funds raised going to help the actual cause, and only 1% being used to pay the fundraising engine. That's a percentage I can get behind!
On the other hand, just the opposite is true for the American Institute for Cancer Research (1% to charity, 99% to solicitor) and the Arthritis Foundation (1% for charitable work, 99% to pay off the fundraisers).
If you want to see the "big" picture on your favorite charities before making those end-of-year contributions, read on!
October 24, 2006
Jodi Diehl (SunfrogServices) has bragged on her own blog about getting the new Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack. And, I'm a bit green around the edges.
Wayne and I have decided to get that for Alexzandria for Christmas (Shhhhh! Don't tell her!) to go with a computer that we are preparing for her holiday surprise... but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to wait on this particular expansion pack myself!
Wayne and I have decided to get that for Alexzandria for Christmas (Shhhhh! Don't tell her!) to go with a computer that we are preparing for her holiday surprise... but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to wait on this particular expansion pack myself!
July 25, 2006
Sometimes it's hard not to "collect" things. I've had a few bouts with that problem myself over the years. But, I have found the perfect solution, and thought I'd take a moment to share.
If you want a way to remember special events, to ensure that people who want to give you gifts only buy token ones, an easy-to-carry souvenir from any trip and all your travels, and you don't want to fill your house doing it... consider what I've done:
If you want a way to remember special events, to ensure that people who want to give you gifts only buy token ones, an easy-to-carry souvenir from any trip and all your travels, and you don't want to fill your house doing it... consider what I've done:
April 28, 2006
Today, I'm in Asheville NC. My sister and I have taken my mother away for a couple of days. It's a celebration. She just got her first social security check and we needed something to commemorate the occasion.
January 10, 2006
Wayne and I got our sugar gliders on the same day -- the day before his birthday.
His, Nimetz (aka "stinky") is an overly active -- ok, HYPERACTIVE, little thing that dashes about like his tail is on fire.
Mine, Trinity, is a doll.
She's calmer than Nimetz, and is MUCH quieter than Sheena (aka "Noisy"). She enjoys sitting on my desk, cuddled in her pink furry hat, while I work. She occasionally explores things on the desktop, or hops on my shoulder or even climbs my hair like a mountaineer attempting Mt. Everest -- arriving safely on my crown before repelling back down to my shoulders. While active, she's not spastic and seems to have warmed up to me immediately.
She's calmer than Nimetz, and is MUCH quieter than Sheena (aka "Noisy"). She enjoys sitting on my desk, cuddled in her pink furry hat, while I work. She occasionally explores things on the desktop, or hops on my shoulder or even climbs my hair like a mountaineer attempting Mt. Everest -- arriving safely on my crown before repelling back down to my shoulders. While active, she's not spastic and seems to have warmed up to me immediately.December 16, 2005
Ok, I found what I want for Christmas. I just found out today that this would work with a Treo 650. I'd seen it before and thought it would be great for an Ipod or some such... but the stereo expansions for the Ipod have become pretty common.
This is a portable stereo booster for the Treo 650!
Awesome way to listen to my audiobooks and my music WITH someone else, without the tin-sound of a mono speaker.
October 24, 2005
This weekend, when I blinked, all the leaves turned. I was watching them carefully. I knew that there would be a quick turn this year, I knew the colors wouldn't last long -- you can just tell these things -- especially when many of the tree leaves go from green to brown and crispy in a matter of hours.
But, we had a bit of chill in the air, and then the drizzle set in... and now everything is yellow and red and brown --and falling quickly.
And as we go into the end of the year, I look around at my own stuff and feel a bit like a tree myself -- like I need to be rid of stuff, like I need to shed a few layers of "things" that are clinging to me, weighting me down too.
September 8, 2005
My best friend had a birthday surprise last weekend that included a ride in a hot-air balloon! Her date didn't even tell her where they were going, but just whisked her away (to a height of around 7500 feet she tells me).
I know some guys have difficulties coming up with a great idea for a special occasion. Her date, obviously, isn't one of those...
September 6, 2005
What did I do over the long holiday weekend? Well, I actually took time away from the computer on Sunday (except for a quick blog) AND Monday (all day!). *GASP*
I also goofed off a bit, but more importantly, I did some cleaning and organizing and I pulled together a box full of canned goods and non-perishables to send to the collection trucks stationed all over the local area for relief from Katrina down south.