Tech Malfunction

The last 10 days have been nothing short of crazy for me in the tech area of my life.

My internet stopped working on my phone.

I made a phone call and found out the service was temporarily out in my area. This would not have been so bad except I was counting on espn.com to keep me updated on the scores while I had girl time with Fiwa and Patricia.

The next day, when my corporate blackberry server migrated to another server, I lost all capability to get my work emails.

Through the course of the week and countless hours on the phone with the Sprint and internal work helpdesks I wiped my crackberry clean 4 times.

I was left without my contacts, my calendar, my tasks, my memos, my email...pretty much my life personally and professionally.

Turns out I was in 1 of 10 that did not migrate over successfully.

Can we say being special this one time was not appreciated? 1 in 10 for the size of my company means I was really, really special.

I finally got my work email back up and running but guess what wasn't working after that success? Yup, my internet and personal emails weren't coming through.

I finally got all this straightened out today - after another wipe the crackberry completely clean - and made some new friends along the way.

While all this was happening with the crackberry, my TV in the living room, my nice big flat screen HD hook up TV, decided to stop working. After some troubleshooting and a call to have the cable box reset I was back in business.

Other tech related stuff is my external monitor burned out at work and just yesterday I broke the "foot" on the left hand side of my wireless keyboard.

I don't even want to ask what else could happen because I fear welcoming that, whatever that may be, into my life.

Y'all be thankful for smooth sailing in your world and send me vibes for mine to continue. Of course it could be worse. I could be sick. Oh geez, I probably just jinxed myself.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #104

Are there things, a habit, or possibly even someone in your life you need to let go of?

I received this message twice today while I was cleaning house this morning.

First from an Oprah show in which a man in Denmark said something to the effect of small space, less stuff, more life.

Then an episode of Hoarders was playing in the background as I dusted.

I was inspired, motivated, and then a tiny bit heartbroken.

I believe the universe was whispering to me today with these being 2 of the shows I saw/heard.

I pass along the whisper to you and challenge you to put thought into action if needed or desired.

Make room.

Let go.

Say goodbye.

Peace and Love Peeps.


NOTE: Photo courtesy of this Flickr user, Kristine May.

OTRA

I'm hitting the open road for two separate day trips.

I like challenges and one of these trips will present one.

The travel logistics will be challenging too but I gotta do what it is I do so I'm putting the comfy flat shoes on, packing snackies, and plan on rocking out.

Send me the vibes for safe travels y'all.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Love This

Too Funny!

Halloweenie 2009

I'm done with the my card making for Halloween 2009.

I sent out 36 this year.

I made 3 different designs.

Each was made with a stamp, ink, glitter, bedazzled goodness, and love.

I did not make separate ones for the kiddos this year.

Since some folks who read the blog will be getting a bit of snail mail love, I'm not posting the final cards. Plus, I don't think the glitz will translate well and that's what makes them POP.

However, I will share the designs I created were made from some of these images and 3 additional stamps.

I'm happy with my finished "products" and pleased with mailing them on time, a little early even!

I also enjoyed spending Sunday afternoon with some of the wolf pack and being crafty. Coming home after a challenging electronic Monday (don't get me started) and being able to light some of the candles, put on chill music, and bust out the jewels for the final bedazzling touches was nice too.

Now it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving cards. A turkey, pumpkin, leaves, acorns, scarecrow. . . see the possibilities?

This is half of the fun y'all. Well, for me it is.

Stay tuned.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #103

It's hard being a human these days a close friend said to me earlier this year.

At first I laughed at the sentiment because of the tone in which it was said.

Then I reflected on the words.

Times seem to be tougher now than before.

Health scares are in the news on a regular basis.

Struggles have become a way of life.

If you're able, extend a helping hand.

You will be helping them but I believe you will find you're helping yourself too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Common Sight

It is that time of the year since fall is in full force around these parts you'll find my trench coat out more than in.

Since it needs to dry completely before going back in the closet the first place I usually drape it when I arrive home is on my office/desk chair.

I could get an over the door hanger to address the situation but for now I am gonna stick with this method, especially since Miss Princess likes to bat the belt. We all know how I cater to my spoiled rotten fur baby.

How is the weather in your part of the world?

This is a part of my little corner in the world.

Some may not understand or see the beauty but I do.

I can handle the grey. I don't mind the rain.

The fall foliage can't be beat.

Soon it will be common a sight to be dressed in layers, to choose from the 20+ hats in the closet, and to rock the scarves on a daily basis.

Fall. I welcome you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #102

I challenge you to take advantage of the running water most all of us have at the ready.

This is the time of the year washing your hands can make a huge difference.

Please don't forget how blessed we are to have indoor plumbing.

Try to not waste an opportunity to wash your hands, cleanse them with a handi wipe, and/or use hand sanitizer.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Living in a Fuzzy World

Last Sunday my right eye decided it wanted to become the new buzz kill.

If you've been with me for awhile you might recall my left eye was dubbed buzz kill since it is the reason I am not a good candidate for Lasik (the cornea is too thin).

I guess after a few years the right eye became envious and wanted to take on the title and show the left eye what is up.

There is a smudge, of colossal proportions, that continues to reappear on my right eye. I can't see clearly and if you're looking at me you can see the stuff, whatever it is, visibly on my contact.

I have enzymed the heck out of my contacts. I even took to cleaning them almost every 5 minutes, which I know can't be good for them.

This morning I had enough and went to my optometrist. After 2 plus hours they had no idea what the cause was or what to tell me to do other than continue to enzyme and clean them as often as needed.

Really? You're the experts and this is what you have for me?

Like whoa.

So I politely asked if we could order a new right one. They looked at me like I was crazy.

Just take my order people because without being able to see clearly I might go postal on someone. It makes me cranky. Worse than PMS, no sleep cranky Mo.

You might be thinking you used to wear your glasses all the time so why not just do that. Yeah, that would be a great idea if I had the correct prescription in them.

Guess who will be placing that order too?

So if I seem pissy or whiny you know why.

Those of ya with 20/20 vision, thank your lucky stars and please for the love that is good and right in this world, do not take it for granted.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Our Own Project Runway - Of Sorts

I'm one of those people who likes to put their best appearance forward if possible.

I'm a firm believer in "if you look good you'll feel good".

I also believe, even though it can be an unfair judgement, outward appearances can and will define the view in which others see you.

We often have to manage perceptions versus the reality of the situation.

First impressions count and more often than not an assessment will be made from what someone is wearing rather than what they have going on inside of them.

As a result I try to put my best foot forward on a daily basis. It is true I will go to the store without makeup or in workout clothes/sweats from time to time but during the week when I am on the job and representing not only myself but the company, I do what I can to be my best self visually.

I have this thing about raising your own personal standards too and trying/wanting to motivate those around me to do the same. It is easy peasy to get comfortable and in a rut.

Today we did a little let's see what you're wearing fashion show.

I work with well over 95% men so this was almost too funny for words.

They were all in button down long sleeve shirts, slacks, and dress shoes. I noticed who was ironed and who wasn't. What can I say? I have an eye for detail.

When I pointed out one of the dudes' shirts was wrinkled he promptly told me it was ironed this morning and replied, "I didn't realize we were on Project Runway. Tomorrow I will wear a 3 piece suit to catch up."

I almost lost it. It was the funniest thing I had heard all day. Thankfully he said it with a smile on his face and I'm pretty sure he knew my comment was from a place of love and wanting him to represent his best self.

I wonder if he'll actually follow through tomorrow. He has the personality in which he just might do so.

Oh and since I told you what they were wearing I should probably tell you what I am in.

Today's choice is a v neck black draped jersey bubble dress belted with a skinny black belt that has a shiny silver buckle. I chose my black rounded toe heels. My hair is in a side part low ponytail pulled back by a silver accented hair tie. I'm rocking conservative silver hoop earrings and since it was chilly this morning I grabbed my zebra print trench coat for an added layer. My briefcase is a red faux croc bag.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Does a Body Good

Do you do breakfast?

I do.

Makes me a happy girl and starts my day off right.

I like to juice some maters, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and an apple most every morning in my Jack LaLanne juicer when I am not on the road.

I know it may sound nasty but it is good.

Not that I really need extra fiber to keep me regular but I have added psyllium back to my morning OJ starting this week.

It takes away the bad cravings for me, which I am ALL about.

I like to have at least some type of protein with a carb because let's face it, I like eggs, meat, and who doesn't like a waffle, piece of multigrain toast, or an extra crispy english muffin?

Having a full tummy first thing in the morning also allows me to take my vitamins and supplements without feeling jittery or sick to my stomach.

I'm pretty convinced, whether I am right or wrong, all of the above keeps me healthy. Knock on wood but I have yet to be sick this year.

I only have one body and I want to enjoy the time I am graced with.

I hope you are doing the same.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #101

It is that time of the year again.

The weather is getting cooler, wetter, and in some parts the snow has arrived.

I challenge you to check the oil, have the windshield wipers replaced, the air filter looked at, the spark plugs tightened, fill the fluids, etc.

In addition to all the under the hood stuff, be sure to have a blanket or two, some water, snackies, a working flashlight, and all weather shoes in the car.

I was taught (and learned) it's better to be safe than sorry and as a former Girl Scout - always be prepared.

Don't let the elements get you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Too Freakin' Funny

I have found something new to entertain me.

I know, I KNOW. It doesn't take much.

I found something simple.

I found something completely free.

Last night as Fiwa, Pamela, Patricia and I finished getting our pho on with Mars we decided to walk down to Barnes and Noble.

One of the stores we passed along the way was PetCo. A closed PetCo.

As the younguns quickly walked in front of us and made their way to the entrance of B&N, Fiwa and I took our time. In doing so I noticed the mice running in their wheels from the window.

We stopped to enjoy the show for a hot minute and proceeded to make our way to the store.

On our way back Fiwa and I stopped again. Boy howdy these little critters were going to town and providing us with quite the show!

They were nothing short of hilarious. So much so at one point I thought I might pee my pants from laughing so hard and Fiwa had tears streaming down her cheeks.

Patricia and Pamela made their way back over to us when they noticed we weren't leaving any time soon and more laughs ensued.

When I was kid we had mice as pets and from the pure enjoyment of Thursday's (sober) encounter I almost entertained the idea of getting some this weekend.

Let's keep it real shall we. I don't want to clean the cage nor do I have room in my place for a cage. Plus Miss Princess is all kinds of happy to be the only animal in the hizzle. I'm not gonna mess with the vibe she and I have going, especially since PetCo and PetSmart is right around the corner.

If you're looking for a good laugh, or two, I suggest heading to your nearest pet store to take in the view. I am pretty sure it will do ya' just right. Bonus points if you can do this at night after the store is closed and wonder, "Am I on camera?"

Peace and Love Peeps.