Lexical Light

My PlumChoice Support Log

Let's see if I can maintain this record of PlumChoice performance.

12/5/2009 PlumChoice Support - Fail

Again? 15 minutes waiting for a tech to respond on chat. It was 2:30ish am, so they weren't staffed for prime time, but it's not an isolated incident. Arghh, especially on the heels of yesterday's fiasco.

For my brain: the issue was a spy/malware screen popping up after using a Facebook relative app. I used PlumChoice's SAFELink to get a screenshot and send it to them via chat and e-mail. Nothing, except waiting on hold at chat for 15 minutes. No e-mail this morning confirming the submission. Nothing.

Thankfully the computer is still running well because I don't want to spend a couple of hours waiting for a phone call. I'll contact support later. 

Testing My Loyalty - Plum Choice Remote PC Repair

Since Nov 2005, PlumChoice techs have solved my PC problems remotely, quickly and affably. (Glowing review here.) The $25/month PC Maintenance on our 2002 PC is almost essential, given our family's computer dependence. Having PlumChoice as my personal IT service made me happy, until August 2009. That's when they started missing appointments.

Over the past few months, they have missed a handful of appointments. That doesn't sound too bad, but each of those times was an hour I had to wait by the computer for a phone call. Ugh. I understand an occasional day with staffing or technology issues, but the appointments were missed far enough apart to rule out being an off day.

Perhaps today was "one of those days." PlumChoice missed two appointments with me, at 10 am and 1 pm. Then I spent 15 minutes on hold (with really bad music...really) to see if I could get worked in. I had things to do, so I just scheduled a 5 pm call instead of waiting around for the first available tech.

A tech called for the 5pm appointment and is working on installing software for the $10/month Protect and Assist plan on our new computer. Since I have to stay close to the computer, I'm on the old computer looking up PlumChoice reviews and competitors in the event I need to switch my PC service provider. This post is link storage for what I find.

Because of the hassle involved with finding a new provider, I'll stick with PlumChoice for a bit. However, I'm concerned that the decline in customer service is symptomatic of something larger in the company - at first I chalked it up to growing pains, but I'm not sure now. Time will tell whether it's a hiccup or a choking hazard in their growth and quality. Hopefully they'll be able to right the ship and I'll again enjoy computer confidence thanks to the quality of my personal IT staff. 

Link storage for PlumChoice reviews and competitors info:

Steve's 2 Cents Post, 12/13/2005 PlumChoice at Circuit City

    Circuit City is already kaput in my town, so that's not good. There is a bit of interesting feedback in the comments.

Boston Business Journal, 4/29/2008, PlumChoice nets $2.8M in funding

    "The Billerica, Mass.based company plans to use the money to expand its reach in Web-based technical support services to homes and small businesses." Please don't sacrifice quality for quantity. Expanding your reach is only beneficial if you maintain a firm grasp on the bedrock of your initial success - providing a quality service at a sustainable price. 

Xconomy, Boston, 9/8/09, PlumChoice Plucks $14.7M

    Securing funding is good. Will I see it positively effect PlumChoice service?

iTOK, possible tech support option

    $20/month for PC Care, similar to PlumChoice's $10/month Protect & Assist. No time for complete comparison. File for future reference.

Live Blogging U2 Concert on You Tube

Tonight I experienced my 3rd U2 concert in two weeks, the 2nd with my brother. This one was a technofest...YouTube, Facebook, Typepad and my iPhone were all involved.

Two weeks ago I was preparing to see U2 for the first and second time in one week - Dallas on Monday, 10/12 with siblings and Houston on Wednesday, 10/14 with hubby. Experienced minor withdrawals as I adjusted to reality after that week.

Then I learned could see U2 again, not in person, but via YouTube. A live broadcast of their concert at the Rose Bowl would start at 10:30 pm my time on Sunday, 10/25.  I planned to have it on while I did some work. I didn't plan on posting about it or texting w/my brother through the whole thing, yet that's what I did.

I began with Facebook status updates, but moved to Typepad to blog it, as a public service to my FB friends after 9 status updates w/in about 20 minutes. Oy vey. Then I switched to my blog and will post a link on my FB page and perhaps my Twitter account.

At the other concerts I posted a few updates via FB. For this concert, with a full size keyboard at my disposal, I was able to ramble much more. As a public service, after 9 FB status updates w/in 20 minutes, I decided a blog post was in order.

The other concerts I danced and sang most of the time. For this concert I listened and watched the concert on YouTube, made brief notes on the Typepad blog and texted my brother via iPhone. I sang and danced a little, but didn't want to wake up the kids.

As mentioned in of those updates, the reason I'm doing this is merely compulsion, not a delusion that anyone wants to read my ramblings about U2. 

It turned out to be mostly notes about the lyrics of the songs. A musician (strong, handsome Jack) may have noted the music. A tech guy (Mr. Cherry) commented on the lights, sound, etc. Others wouldn't have done anything except enjoy the music. 

Here is the "live blog" transcript from the U2 360 concert at the Rose Bowl. I did clean it up a little and added some informative links. If you make it through the whole thing, leave a comment to humor me. Thanks.

***************************************************************************************************************************

Bono is a wee little Irish man in quasi platform shoes, working the crowd at the Rose Bowl. 

"Breathe" - Just heard these lyrics. "Why would I let a complete stranger in my home? Would you?" Need to go look these up. Sounds of substance. "I found grace inside a ____. I found grace that's all I found."

(1:34am RB=rebroadcast) - "Get on Your Boots" - "You don't know how beautiful you are." Adam is working that bass.

(1:39am RB) "Magnificent" - One of my newest top ranking U2 songs. Bono going for the call and response. Fun. "This foolishness can leave a heart so black and blue." "Only love can leave such a mark. Only love can heal such a scar." "I was born to sing for you. I didn't have a choice, but to lift You up and sing whatever songs you wanted me to." "My first cry from the womb was a joyful noise." "Justified (or y?) till we die you and I will magnify the Magnificent." Catching a glimpse of Bono in worship. Then move into uh...noises to encourage people to get up off their big fat ___ and move to Mysterious Ways.

(1:45RB) "Mysterious Ways" - He didn't pull anyone up on stage. Dance on, Bono. "If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel." The bass is coming through so well, much better than in Dallas or Houston. I'm sure it's due to youtube feed vs. just sound in stadium. Whatever it is, I'm enjoying it. Caught some more interesting lyrics for Mysterious Ways. Guy in purple muscle shirt in front row looks like he wants Bono to pull him up on stage to dance. "Spirit reach me. Spirit move me. Spirit teach me to move." 

(1:49am RB) - mic went out..got replacement quickly... "Beautiful Day" -  "Touch me, take me to another place. Teach me love, I know I'm not a hopeless case. What you don't know, you can feel it somehow."

11:35 pm - intro band before "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," characterizes band as actors

Larry=James Dean, Adam=Rhett Butler, The Edge=Dr. Spock/mad scientist/alien, Bono=combo of Arnold Schwarzeneger, Danny Devito and Dennis Leary. Nice.

11:38 pm - Acoustic "Stuck in a Moment"...after brief exchange w/Edge I don't remember Bono doing this in Houston or Dallas. Referred to Edge as Zen Presbyterian, doesn't talk much, but when he does....

"You can never get enough of what you don't really need." I don't usually like falsetto singing, but Edge's has grown on me. 

11:43- "No Line on the Horizon" Still not sure what that means. Bass line sounds great...haven't noticed it before on this song. "Infinity is a great place to start."  (Infinity brings back memories from the Dallas concert. Like I've been on tour w/them or something. Thanks to bro Andy for 'splanin' No Line reference via text message just now. Bono was referring to foggy days on the coast of the Irish sea where you can't tell where the sea and sky separate. Things seem limitless.

11:47 - "Elevation" - One of my favorite songs from concert and from their catalog. Fun to sing and "ooooo" in concert.. and in front of the computer. :) "Can't sing, but I got soul." "Love lift me up out of these blues, I believe in you."

11:50 - "In a Little While" - No thanks for those noises before this song, Bono. Used astronaut video in this song instead of Blue Room like Houston.

11:54 - "Unknown Caller" - Bono is so enjoying himself. Good for him. It's a gift from God to enjoy your work. (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

"Restart and reboot yourself. Your free to go. Shout for joy if you get the chance."  Hammond organ in the Underworld under the stage. So that's where the extra keys were coming from. Fun. Didn't do this song in Dallas or Houston, bro and I decided, though he admits his memory may be tainted with giddiness.

12:00 - "Until the End of the World" Love this song. Fabulous bass. Sounds edible here. Yes, edible. Singing w/the headphones on. Good thing everyone is a sleep. Bono does play the tart...and the drama queen. ;) "Taking them to church whether they want to not." - my bro via text message. "Drowning my sorrows. My sorrows, they learned to swim."

12:06am - "The Unforgettable Fire" - EEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!! My favorite song. Sounds great.

"Stay in the song"...new lyric. Like it. Makes me think of staying in God's presences. Maybe it's stay in the Son? Too overt?

If the mountain should crumble or disappear to the sea not a tear no not I." (Biblical reference.)

12:10am - "City of Blinding Lights" - Run, Bono, run.  Bro pointed out Edge playing piano w/pick between his fingers. "Can you see the beauty inside of me? What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?" "Oh, you look so beautiful tonight." "Time won't take the boy out of this man." "The more you know, the less you feel."  "Blessing aren't just for the ones who kneel, luckily." Grace abounds.

12:15 am "Vertigo" - "Honey, I'm home. Some Spanish lessons w/an Irish accent." Bass is awesome. "Though your soul it can't be bought, your mind can wander." "The boys can't dance, at least they know." "It's everything I wish I didn't know, but you give me something I can feel." "I can feel your love teaching me how, your love is teaching me how, how to kneel." 

12:19 am - "I Know I'll Go Crazy", remix - Go, Larry. Like this version better than the album version.              "Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot." "How can you stand next to the truth and not see it. The change comes slow." "Is it true that perfect love drives out fear?" "Right to be ridiculous is one I hold dear." Fantastic call and response. Work the 360, Adam. 

12:25 am - Moving in to the political segment. Bit about radio Tehran. Freedom. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" Wiping face w/American flag? I'm sure somebody could read something into that. Bass rocks. Bit of attitude of prayer in Bono.

12:30 am - more political talk...about Aung San Suu Kyi..send message of love from people of Los Angeles, "Sleep...." move into "Walk On" can put on mask from $25 program. No, I didn't buy a program and wouldn't have worn the mask if I did buy a program. I said a prayer for ...... and sang Walk On, though. :) Not syncing with Bono on this, probably more out of ignorance than principle. (Will go read a bit about her.)  Volunteers from Amnesty International, Burma something and the One campaign on the stage. Cool for them. Credit Bono for utilizing currency of celebrity (his term) to do something of significance. 

12:39 am - It's been an hour and a half since they started. (Broadcast started at 10:30 with a 30 minute countdown to showtime.) Man, that went by fast. It did in Dallas and Houston, also.

12:40 am - Video of Nelson Mandella. Have to appreciate his animation. Bottom line: many obstacles to justice, God will help, work as one. (The day before the Dallas concert, Pastor @LauraKoke had talked about the impact of one person and unity of people working together.)

"One" - "One life you get to do what you should." 

12:47am - "Amazing Grace" - Bono on guitar & vocals, with lots of other people. :) Here come some snyths and edge leading into "Where the Streets Have No Name."  Bono's taking'em to church again. Wonder what he's laughing at? How do you work a crowd of that size? What fun to hear all those people singing your music. Nice for the ego. Noticing new stuff in bass line, not sure if it's new or I'm just now hearing it.

12:54am - Band applauding the audience. Taking it in. Go offstage. Nice graphics of the cosmos on the screens. Wonder what they do in the Underworld at this time?

12:56am - Space ship w/little Zooropa (thanks, Andy) dude. In Houston they put his face in an astronaut suit floating in space.

12:58am - Bono in his laser jacket and swinging vine microphone doing "Ultra Violet." "Feel like trash. You make me feel clean." "A silence that comes to house when no one can sleep. I guess that's the price of love. The price isn't right and it isn't cheap." (Pastor Earl's message today was "The Price is Right.")

1:03am - "With or Without You" - It took me years to recover from the damage inflicted by Friends' Ross/Rachel use of this song. Jamie Hawkins and my niece Chelsea agreed. Don't know if they have recovered yet. Another lovely choral song. Hey, he didn't hang his jacket on the mic at the other shows! 

People were created to worship, whether they know it or not...concerts and sporting events are evidence of this. 

1:09 am - Thanks show sponsors and social activists. Take out phones. Amazing.

1:11 am - "Moment of Surrender" - Again w/the bass. Thought of this song at church today. "Moment of surrender. I folded to my knees. I did not notice the passers by and they did not notice me." "My body's begging to get back to my heart, to the rhythm of my soul." "Vision over visibility."  Sing it, Bono. Now going w/a little freestyle. I don't remember him doing that at the other shows. "Standing ovulation," texts my bro. Haha. 

Jack just appeared behind me. Startled me. Burst my little U2/techno bubble.

1:26 am - the rebroadcast is coming on now...surely I won't stay up for the whole thing again...

2:40 am - still listening...have done a few other things...

2:50 am - just saw they're doing airing the "entire" concert video after the rebroadcast...are they shooting for a 24 hour/day U2 channel..wouldn't put it past Bono...Yikes! It's almost 3am. At some point I either call it and go to bed or call it and stay up. 

3:31am - Wrapping up. While doing a bit of research about different things, reminded that I don't agree with everything they support and do. Their lyrics and music are a definite value add, though. And what was the value of me spending time on this? Chalk it up to creative outlet.

3:36 am - last song of the rebroadcast...get off the computer before the "entire" concert video starts airing!  Run!!!

Education Defined by A Quotable Friend

"Education should be a comprehensive system for training a whole person. If we only address academic pursuits, we end up with an arrogant, know-it-all. Addressing vocational matters exclusively, will produce an ignorant person who is unable to appreciate things outside the realm which he is trained for. And addressing only spiritual issues will cause self-righteousness and arrogance of spirit. The entire person, body, soul and spirit must be taught in a state of congruence." -CB @Liberty blog

Wow. That's really what I said when I read that. Well put, my friend. (She's also a U2 fan. Cool and smart with good taste in music.)

TypeTwitFaceTest

So, if I post at LexicalLight.com, will it end up on Twitter and Facebook? If my tweaking is successful it should.

Update: Hooray! It worked! Wonder if it will repost an update?

Update: Nope. It doesn't repost update, which is a good thing.

I feel so smart, thought it's just a matter of hunting through the Typepad, Twitter and Facebook apps to find out how to do it. I did get FB help from a post by Michael Hyatt. Thanks. 

To configure Typepad to send updates to FB & Twitter, go to the Settings tab on your blog.

If you need more info, check the Typepad help. Don't be shy about filling out a support ticket. They have awesome customer service, which is one reason I've stayed with them 4.5 years.

Now to check my BloggingForWriters.com settings.

Update: It seems deleting a tweet that has already gone to FB doesn't delete it from FB.

Video of Mia Laughing

What a stress reliever!

64-mascots.com

64-mascots.com is taking all my online time right now. I'm trying to get it ready to launch in time for March Madness this year.

Once I get it launched I hope to add some new pictures of Mia, accept friends on Facebook and other online stuff.

Cinca de Smith...has arrived!

Mia finally made it out, on November 4th, Election Day. Weighing in at 9 lbs. 3 oz. & 20". We're both doing fine. Here she is just 2 hours after her debut. More details to come, but right now she's calling.

Pumpkin Painting

The girls painted their pumpkins this week. This morning I painted a pumpkin* in honor of today being Mia Belle's due date: 

What's more fun is that I had a doctor's appointment this morning, w/a non stress test. Thankfully the doc & nurse appreciated my attempt at humor, despite the trail of paint flakes I left throughout the office. 

As for a baby update....ain't nuthin' goin' on. 1cm. Mia's OK & I'm OK so we are just going to see what happens.

*I'm not a big Halloween fan, which makes Mia's due date quite ironic. October 31st is also Reformation Day. Since I am a fan of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation I sometimes use that to answer the due date question. The humor of connecting Luther's October 31st posting of the Ninety-Five Theses on a church door in 1517 to me "posting" them on my belly 500 years later is a stretch. Imagine this painted on my pumpkinesque tummy:

  ...not quite the same the same effect as a pumpkin.

Then & Now: How Soon is Now?

16 years ago I first heard The Smiths How Soon is Now while dancing at a 6th street venue in Austin. Last Saturday night at 10:30 I listened to it at an HEB Plus in RR while getting groceries for my family of 6. I refrained from dancing - barely. 16 years from now Jack & I will be groovin' to it at the local Senior Center's afternoon dance, then head to Luby's for a 5pm dinner.

Tangents:
*I didn't hear the song until 1992, though it came out in 1985. Not surprising, given that during 1985 I was in the hot bed of dance music that is Palestine, TX. Apparently Morrisey & the boys re-released it.
*I remember when, where, & who I was with when I first heard it because I liked it so much, it scratches my melancholy itch.
*So, how soon is now?
*Now I'm married to a Smith whose middle name is Morris. On a 10 our first (& only) trip back to El Paso, he played this song. Sigh. Such soulmates.

22 Books

Before I install the external hard drive, I needed to clear a spot for it on the desk. Clearing a pile of books is a place to start. Of course, I couldn't just take them upstairs. I had to enter them in my Library Thing account first. Some may not understand the satisfaction of such a thing, but some of you may empathize.

For an added dose of nerdage, I have two Library Thing accounts, one for books I own and one for books I've read. (I have the "read" books in the left sidebar of this blog. I'll add the "own" books on the right later.) Books make me happy.

What & Where I'm Reading

I have to read more than one book at a time. I used to get uptight about it, feeling like it was some form of ADD or lack of character. Today it dawned on me one reason read several books at a time is because toting the same book from place to place doesn't work for me. Because I have to grab snippets of time to read, I've strategically placed books so I can pick up a current read whenever I can. I've found I actually finish books if they have a designated spot. So, here's a quick rundown of what & where I'm reading:
(Note there are two "other libraries". If I had three bathrooms there would be another.)

Downstairs bathroom: One Tough Mother: It's Time to Step Up and Be the Mom by Julie Barnhill. An easy read with a balance of a kick in the pants, empathy and practical advice. I've jokingly said I want to grow up and be a black grandmother because I admire the truth in the stereotype of Madea. Two things will prevent that - I'm not black and I'm not tough. There's no pigment changing procedures in my future, but I do need to step up certain aspects of my mom role.

Upstairs bathroom:  Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas, by Michka Assayas. Bono's one of my favorite lyricists, though he doesn't pass part of the Bill Gothard criteria (examine their lifestyle) for musicians.

Swimming pool: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Definitely not an easy read, for me at least. Not being one to finish a book if I don't like it, I'm determined to finish this one. In between the apparent rabbit trails is a powerful story.

Kitchen Table: Usually whatever is reserved for the downstairs bathroom. I've learned to keep that book on a bookcase outside the lavatory instead of on the back of the commode.

Van: Nothing right now. Definitely needs to be an easy read.

Generally I don't read before going to bed, but if I do, I grab the current selection from the upstairs loo.

Facebook

I finally succumbed to familial pressure to join Facebook, because I need another distraction from all the things I don't get done. Now I'm testing the Typepad integration with it. Fascinating, I know.

Update: FB had a neat "import blog button" that worked well. Cool.

Em Heard "Five" Kick

I know it's an odd 2nd post about pregnancy, but I'm going w/Flylady's idea of not trying to catch up, but just jumping in where I am. Where I am is almost 5 months pregnant with only two posts about it. Having documented no thoughts, feelings, or firsts about this baby, I'm taking the plunge by noting the first encounter a sibling had with Five.

On the way to dinner the girls & I were discussing whether or not Five could hear them talking yet.

"I'm not sure if Five can hear you, but I think loud sounds can be heard," I said as I left the van. Just in case they could be heard, they started talking to my belly - in the parking lot. After a I took a few steps towards the restaurant they stopped.

While standing at the deli counter 8 year-old Em listened to my tummy. Suddenly she looked up excitedly. "Was that Five?!"

"Yep. It sure was. Did you feel her* kick? 

She squealed out a yes.

How cool for her to be the first "external" person to experience Five.

*Since we're not sure if it's Mitchell or Mia, I use he & she interchangeably. Hopefully we'll find out later this month whether it's Cinco or Cinca de Smith.

What's Cinco De Mayo? (Redux)

Is Cinco de Mayo a cooking term for synchronization of a condiment?  Not so much. Neither is it Mexican Independence Day. My first year of blogging I did a post explaining it.  Here's the do over of my May 2, 2005 post: (Just to prove I'm still a blogger and still breathing...not necessarily in that order.)

In Texas, we hear a lot about Cinco de Mayo this time of year. But how many of us actually know what it is?  Allow me to help.

Literally, it is Spanish for the fifth of May.

Historically, it is a Hispanic holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in 1862 in the Mexican town of Puebla.

It is NOT Mexican Independence Day. That is Dieciseis de Septiembre or September 16^th, which actually commemorates September 16^th of 1810, over 50 years before the Cinco de Mayo battle.

What Cinco de Mayo does celebrate is a battle significant because the Mexican army was about half the size of the French army and much less prepared, yet they managed to defeat them.

According to the History Channel, this was not a major strategic victory, yet was important in boosting Mexican moral. It also, according to Cincodemayo.org, played a major role in relations between Mexico and the United States.Some speculate that since it was during the United States’ Civil War, the U.S. may not have been able to counter a French invasion into the U.S. if the Mexicans had not defeated the French.

Researching this raised more questions than I have time to answer, but I hope you now have a better understanding of Cinco de Mayo. I do.

For more info:

Go to mexonline.com for an interesting paragraph about who celebrates Cinco de Mayo. Reminded me of the recent beverage commercial with the scenario of a fake mariachi band in Cleveland getting exposed as posers. The drink was bottled in White Plains, New York - where all authentic Mexican beverages are bottled.

This link from about.com has a short, easy to read  summary of  Cinco de Mayo.

Also on about.com are other articles on  Cinco de Mayo's history, activities for children and recipes.

Click on this map to become more geographically literate and to get a better sense of what happened. (France landed in Veracruz, heading for Mexico City 600 miles away. The US couldn't offer help because of the Civil War. Mexican General Saragossa was able to stop the French.  This will tell you the rest of the story.)

Added May 4, 2005:  Educators (of all "branches") can find useful links and book reviews on the childrenslit.com Themed Review page for Cinco de Mayo.   

JAN-U-ARY'S Outgoing Message

An annual part of my January phone message is adapted from the pledge of the Little Rascals' He Man Womun Haters Club during which they say, "JAN-U-ARY!" (Next time I run across it, I'll have to note the
whole text here.)

For some reason it cracks me up. Maybe it's the official sounding, false baritone voices they use. Maybe it's the exaggeration of the syllables. Whatever it is, it is stuck in my brain forever...and on my phone message each January.

This year I added a little U2 for background music, offering bonus points to callers who could I.D. the song.

Other than the January pronunciation and the music, it's a pretty standard "leave your name and number" note.

(I posted this on March 4th, though the date says January 31st. Oy vey.)

Internet Filter Recommendation: K9 Web Protection

I've been in search for a good internet filter since I switched all my other computer maintenance tasks (anti-virus, firewall, off site backup, etc.) to Plum Choice. When I used Trend Micro they had a decent filtering components, but they don't offer it separately. (It didn't always response well to "adding" sites so I don't miss it terribly.)

I bought Net Nanny 5.0  and didn't like the way it mucked up the computer. Ugh. The customer support wasn't much help either. They do have a subscription service I considered, but I wasn't ready to go there.
During my search I had heard of K9, but never installed it. Then a mom in home school co-op mentioned it last week. This weekend I installed it and it has worked well.

K9 Web Protection from Blue Coat offers free internet filtering and parental controls.

I just installed it today, but so far I'm pleased with:

*ease of installation 
*it didn't muck of the computer
*seems to work fairly well (It missed a few seemingly innocent sites that had links in them. I just added them to the blocked list.)
*easy and effective administrator override

A few things it doesn't do:
*set users at multiple security levels
*monitor different users' time on computer

Hey, it's free. If they added those few things, I'd be willing to pay. Within the next year or so I may go with Cyber Patrol's paid option because it does have a few more bells & whistles. (But if they muck up my computer, it's outta here.)

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, cheap answer to filtering the web, check out K9 Web Protection from Blue Coat.

U23D Austin: Not IF, but HOW MANY

The question is not IF i will see this, but HOW MANY TIMES? The closest I've come to seeing a U2 concert was in 1987 when I saw, from the interstate, their trucks being unloaded at the Erwin Center in Austin. I'm thinking this film will be a comparable experience - not exactly the same, but close enough and without the crowds.

How will the audience react? That would be a plus of the concert - the energy expended while standing through the show. I may have to go opening night and then go another night to compare the show. Ahh, a blog project in the making. Pity I haven't finished my other U2 blog project. Yes, I am lame.

Christy, you want to go to a quasi U2 concert, maybe opening night, Jan 23? (Here are the showtimes for the Austin IMAX at the Bob Bullock TSH Museum.) I think 1 or 2 of the my kids may basketball games, but they'll have other games. Let me know.

A Socialization Funny

For my homeschooling friends - there's a hilarious cartoon and a nice post on socialization at Do Life Right. Take a minute to go read it. The cartoon illustrates something I'm hesitant to articulate because I don't believe it for every child, but it strikes a chord with me. (I couldn't get the cartoon to post here, though the artist gives permission to use his work on blogs.)

No offense to my dear friends and readers who choose to use public schools. I know plenty of awesome kids who go to public school* -a few of them might even be yours.

*Reminds me of the, "I even have colored friends" line people use to prove they aren't racist. 

Help Webkinz Update

The Complaint Desk at helpwebkinz.com is still open. Though NOT an official Webkinz site, you can still get some satisfaction from posting there, knowing your two cents may add up to change a glaring weakness in an an otherwise fun website.

Helpwebkinz.com  has received over 200 visits its first four days, largely due to referrals from links at I, Lamont. That tells me there is some interest, maybe even need for it.

Webkinz Problems

If you're not satisfied with the customer support at Webkinz, head over to Webkinz, help! and file a complaint. It's a blog I started to compile Webkinz issues in hopes that Ganz will improve their customer service.

(There's no logic to why I'm blogging about this instead of other things going on. I guess it's light and easy. Maybe I'm just...oh, look...a chicken. Oh, yeah. Happy New Year. Oy vey.)

Better than Saturday Morning Cartoons

Wow. What a cool morning it's been. The quick version of my agenda:

7:00 am - breakfast at IHOP w/a friend. Pumpkin pancakes, eggs, laughs, good counsel, and tea bags from home made for an absolutely refreshing meeting.

9:30 - scrapbook store to check on cropping area guidelines. Since they weren't open, I read a little Gatto in the van.

10:15 - It's fun to stay at the YMCA. Did an hour on the elliptical. Can I read on the elliptical w/out barfing? Yep. Woohoo! The Gatto book was cumbersome, but smaller books should be easier - unless the print was too small. Made sure I strectched well afterwards, to help w/the Achilles issue.

12:00 - scarfin' a Mighty Kids Meal at Mickey D's. It's not as healthly as Jason's Deli, but not as bad as Sonic. Read a little more in the van.

12:30 - Ahhh, the library. Yes, I have a computer at home, but it's not quite and neat at home. :) After my hour and a half of computer time is up I'll head back to the homefront to prep us all for church this evening.

This has been one of the most restorative moring's I've had. Though hubby took the kiddos the G'parents a couple of days last week, I stayed in the house and did nothing. This felt much better.

Thanks, strong, handsome Jack, for this mornig. I owe you. ;)

Is there a list of books in this book of lists?

I'm quite the list maker. Not that I finish doing things on my list, but I like making the list. I guess it makes me feel a bit in control - at least on paper. Now I can read a book of other people's lists, Sasha Cagen's 2nd book, To Do List.

Sasha first did a magazine of lists from 2000 - 2003. In 2005 she started a blog collecting people's to do lists. On November 6 of this year she released a book of 100 TDLs. No doubt her publication of the book was influenced by the success of the blog.

BTW, if you want to contribute a list to Sashas' blog, she's still accepting them.

Maybe Dave should do a Top Ten List compiled from Sahsa's book.

HT: Blogger Buzz, the blogger.com blog.

40

I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and  heard my cry. 

He brought me up out of the  pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 
   
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40: 1-3, NIV

I waited patiently for the Lord.
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay.

I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?

You set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm.
Many will see, many will see and hear.

I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song? .

"40" by U2

The Final Countdown...of my 30's

(Cue "band trash" music...Final Countdown by Swedish glam band Europe.)

Yes, this is the eve of my 40's. The dawn of a new era. Though still within the 35-44 demographic on product registration cards, it marks a new decade in my life. I prefer to think of myself as "Queen of the Hill," not "Over the Hill."

How do I feel about my 40th birthday? Fine, thank you. Fine enough to wear a "I'm 40, so there." If I had one.

I don't recall looking forward to any particular age growing up. Going from single to double digits didn't leave a mark. There was no Bar Mitzvah, quinceanera, sweet sixteen or debutante ball to mark teenage milestones.  I've never liked alcohol, so twenty-one was no biggie. Twenty-five was cool because it's a quarter of a century, but other than that, birthday numbers didn't mean much to me. Until now.

For some reason, I'm pretty pumped about turning forty. I wonder why. It's not like I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm not a millionaire. In fact, there's lots of things I'm not. On the other hand, there are lots of things I am - blessed with a perfect for me husband, four awesome children, lots of friends and family, etc. Oh, yeah, I'm also here. People complain about getting older, but would they want the alternative?

So what did I do the last night of my 39th year? I went to B&N to get a new journal. Then I went to Starbucks to finish up my old journal. (I didn't quite finish, but I'm going to be a rabble rouser and start my new journal tomorrow anyway. I can do that kind of thing, I'll be 40.) Curiously, when I told hubby about my plans, he asked if I couldn't just do it at home. Usually he's completely okay w/me going out for some alone time on short notice, but he seemed to want me home tonight. He told me to take the truck because it was safer and call him before I headed home, "Because he loves me." I took the truck and called before I came home. Here's the reason behind the questioning:

At first I thought hubby & the kids had been at work, but the handwriting was suspiciously neat. Turns out it was my sis-in-law with her daughter & a friend. So that's what you get with a pre-meno woman & two juniors in high school. Nice. They also decorated the front door of the house. Not only did they make me smile, they helped me find some chicken I forgot in the van. Thanks, girls. The birthday messages blazoned on all the van windows will hold me over until I can get my  ''copyright 1967" t-shirt.

   

3 for 1 Blog Post

Ahhhh. This 20 minutes of calm brought to me by the Round Rock Public Library and the RR Y. Since they are so close to each other, Ninjaboy & I were able to zip down here and enjoy some computer time. I usually discourage the kids from getting on the library's computer becuase they get plenty of computer time at home. So, it's a treat for Ninjaboy. The condition was he must complete a blog post before perusing the web. He wrote a nice post about his new bike.

So from just 20 minutes w/my blog I get 3 benefits:

blogging

being at the library

teaching

Suhweet.

More Info on Rainbow Clouds

The "rainbow cloud" my 5 year-old spotted in June merited a blog post and some research. Thanks to Suzi's comment I looked up "sun dog" and found some amazing pictures of other "rainbow clouds."

Based on what I found, it seems we saw a circumhorizon arc.  The pictures I found of sun dogs,  don't look like what we saw. If you like our little picture, go check out the circumhorizon arc gallery  at Atmospheric Optics.

Update 10/21/07: I saw two mor circumhorizon arcs today at about 5:48pm CST. They were near the sun and visible only briefly, one of them only with the help of my sunglasses. Coo.

Time for a Bit o' Cheese

What can break my weeks of blog neglect?  TEAMWORK, of course!!!!! "A Chair for my Mother" is my favorite episode, in part because of this AWESOME video. I'm so pumped to have found this. It's not unusual for me to bust out the chorus when we're doing some work. After you've enjoyed the main video, scroll down for the video of the ending credits. Also hilarious.  The kids & I gave nicknames to the dancers: "Flippy Guy," "Bendy Girl,"  "Twirly Girl," and "Cha-cha Man." No offense to the dancers. They're quite talented. Blame it on the '80's.

Thanks to the youtube user who posted these.

Different Books - One Message

Household chores, postmodern culture and a PBS show for preschoolers. Different topics, one underlying theme - follow, imitate, cling to and know Jesus. How does that happen? It starts with reading His Word and praying. Three of the books I've been reading lately are all pointing me in that direction, though I didn't read them for that purpose. I hear you, Daddy.

Book Tour: Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture

Mary E. DeMuth was one of the first blogging writers I discovered, way back in 2005. Upon finding her blog, Relevant Blog (I think it was Relevant Girl back then), and her Relevant Prose news letter because both contain easily digested info for writers. Now, I'm thrilled to help spread the word about her latest book, Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture.

Don't let the phrase "postmodern culture" scare you. Mary gives a quick explanation of the idea and how it has influenced American culture and American churches. Additionally, the subtitle, "Practical Help for Shaping Your Children's Hearts, Minds and Souls," assures you it's not merely a lofty, idealogical book on parenting. Instead, it's quite user friendly. I've been reading it over breakfast the past few days and it's a lovely compliment to my Berrylicious Oatmeal. For more a bit more about the common sense parenting approach Mary conveys, read this Practical Tips post. 

You can go to Amazon for more info about the book and check out Mary's site, Relevant Prose, for more info from her and about her.

About the blog tour:
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in return for writing a few posts about it. For a list of other blogs on the tour, go here.

Do Over

"Nothing ground-breaking, but a good thing to read if you need to revisit the easily-forgettable obvious."  - from Gen Falel's Amazon review of The Rhythm of Life

Apparently I do need to revisit the easily forgettable, so I'll download this book via Netlibrary. (Courtesy of the Friends of RRPL.)

Do we always need something new and ground-breaking? Have we applied all we've heard, read, seen prviously? What if my pastor didn't move on to another lesson until I had mastered the what he taught on last week? One thing is for sure - his sermon prep would be a lot easier.

I guess it's human nature to want something new. The Israelites spent a lot of time in the dessert because they didn't learn lessons well. Sounds familiar.

So why am I downloading a new audio book when I haven't gotten a handle on all the other stuff I've read in other books?  I don't have any audio books on the Sansa yet, that's why.