Archive for April, 2009

Photo by Prasan Naik

About 18 years ago I brought home my first computer. I was one of those who were satisfied to use the computer at work for all my needs. Interoffice email was just taking off in my office in the 1980s. Then my first computer came home with me, not much more than a data processor. Email wasn’t even that big of deal in my life.

Then I moved overseas in the 1990s and that made a huge difference. My family was here in the United States and I was in Europe. I needed to “connect” and so I took on email, Instant Messaging and web cam options as my primary connection to the people who are so important to me. I even began to work as a Computer Services Director. With the programming support of my husband I maintained an email membership of over 1200 and a website for the American Women’s Club of Brussels as well as a membership supported database. Who knew I could do that? When I was doing their website it barely had a presence and I learned a lot about writing for the Internet.

The computer I worked on while I maintained the American Women’s Club of Brussels was a laptop, 32mb of memory with a 2 GB hard drive. I wore that little puppy out; by the time I pass it on (still working) I had worn the letters off the keyboard! So when I returned home I was ready, or so I thought, for a desktop computer but after having a laptop it seemed like a horse! Oh sure I used it for a while then I gave it up to my husband so he could use it in his networking stuff.

Then I tried a Mac book for a while but I just couldn’t get use to the media options because I wanted it for writing and business. So again I passed it off to my husband (he makes out on my electronic growth). And I went back to Windows on a notebook, I chose what I thought was a small, lightweight computer, Acer Aspire 5570Z which, I still use for all my writing (like here.) And it took me a while to adjust to the Vista system but I am getting use to it. I am very happy to be back to a laptop. Between the laptop and my phone I find I am a techno junkie. It took me awhile to get addicted but here I am and, I want to say I am still on the move.

So let me tell you about my two latest toys, well, I mean, tools. Yeah that’s it, tools! I decided to treat myself to a couple of toys well, tools that motivate me to take care of myself instead of turning to eating. So as goals setters I bought two new techno tools as I met my goals.

First goal I found another Acer, a Netbook. Yep, I did it; I got a Netbook (shoot I didn’t even know this word existed!) It is so cute! And a fully functional computer.

And I got the pink one no less. And it fits in my purse and off I go to be in the 21^st Century. Last week I took it to a meeting and by the time I got home two people emailed me to find out where I got it so they could get one too!! Do you think Acer will pay me a marketing percentage?

And my latest incentive in my world I have added a Kindle 2 book reader. At first I wasn’t sure about this one.

I mean I am a voracious reader but! it fits in my purse and I find that I am reading it just fine. There is a learning curve but probably not for you out there who are more advanced than I am electronically. I like to read nightly before I go to sleep and this is so light and easy to read (you can adjust the font) that I found I am reading just as easily as before and it holds a large amount of books!!! How is that! I can buy one and it is on my system in less than a minute.

And so that is what I have done about electronics over the years. When I see those commercials of the small children who take a picture, download it to the computer and email to their parents I am absolutely amazed and feel like I am so behind the times. In 15 years I have made major strides in electronics. I use my phone for photos, notes, mp3 player, pedometer and I actually call someone once and a while. I am now forwarding my home phone to my cell when I am out and it helps me keep a pulse on things.

Electronics are here to stay so I decided to join in.  And so far I am very happy I did!

Photo by Claudio Mutarrego

Please go here and vote for the Dusty Trails Horse Rescue, a shelter that rescues large animals.  I worked with these folks to help set up their non-profit and they are eligible to win both a state prize and a national prize to help them continue their excellent work.

How to Vote:

1.  Visit this site.

2.  In the Shelter Name block type: “dusty trails” then select the state: “AL” and click search. A vote button will show up with our name next to it: Dusty Trails Hose Rescue Inc. Montgomery, Al 36125

3.  Click the vote button and type in the name of the animal in the picture to confirm your vote.

Thanks for your participation!

Enjoy the easy to navigate format that Gray Gaia has updated to. Hope you love it as much as I do!

aj tigger

Back in October 2008 I wrote to you about my struggles in college with math. I am still plugging away slowly but surely. I have learned a few things about math and about why math is so hard for me.

First, let me just say, not all math is difficult. That is right! Only certain kinds, the areas I don’t use or find beneficial to my immediate life are difficult. What I can do is math that affects my money. My money is something that is useful to have information about. So if you asked me to calculate the percentage of APR on my credit card no problem. I am finding it increasingly more difficult as the credit card companies like BankofAmerica double dip us to rake up our money. This I can do, I can protect my financial interests.

But that “other math” is the real brainteaser. For example, I was hit with farads and henrys this week. What the heck are farads or henrys? And exponents, squares, cubes or radicals can send my head spinning so fast I am amazed! So what I have had to do is what Bill Murray talks about in the movie What about Bob?, I have to take baby steps. Little tiny snail like steps but it is a forward motion and you know what! I am doing it! Oh sure farads and henrys still have me stumped but I am doing it!

Trying this new thing for me has been the best thing that has happened in my life time. Whether I can finish or not (I only have until July 25^th for this mess to be over) I have learned more than math calculation. I have rethought my direction and this life choice has affected my outlook as I face the Golden Years. It has taught me confidence, broaden my horizons. There is a lot more to this than just the application of math.

My “to do” list of things I want to do before I die has been revisited and now been meant. I need to move on to the next chapter and find new goals. There is still so much to do and so little time left to do it in. First on my new list is I have been cordially invited to go my twin grandchildren’s kindergarten graduation in May. It took me all of 24 hrs to have a plane ticket in place so I could be there. An added bonus is meeting my son’s girlfriend while I am there. They, the grandchildren, are an important part of my life as I enter the golden years. To know them, to be a part of their life IS one of the most important things I want to do before I die. You just don’t get a “do over” in life if you miss them growing up!!!

And so when and IF I actually complete the required math for my degree program (whether I pass it or not) I am already feeling very complete in life. Growing older is so rewarding there are so many things to learn and experience! Ah, jeux de vive!