confoozled.com

celebrating a milestone birthday

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:21:00 -0500

Tomorrow I'm turning thirty. Everyone I've told that (people who don't know me well and already know how old I am, that is) thinks I'm lying. Why I would lie to make myself older is beyond me.

It doesn't bother me in the least that I'm turning thirty. I'm actually excited to be entering the next decade of my life. I think maybe part of the reason it doesn't upset me is that I've known so many who never made it to thirty, that I'm grateful to still be here. I'm still having fun with all of the "old" jokes, though, and yeah... I'm gettin' drunk this weekend.

Here's a really positive thing in my life, just in time for this milestone birthday: I think I have finally found some friends to hang out with on a regular basis. I joined a board game group on Meetup that meets every Monday night and some Thursdays. I went both nights this week and had a ridiculously fun time. I lost Monday's Monopoly game disastrously but kicked major butt (i.e. I won) last night in The Game of Life. They're a really fun and diverse group of people and a blast to hang out with. I'm already noticing that I'm in a much better mood all the time since I've started going.

And now, I shall wait impatiently for the work day to end, so that I can go get my free birthday drink at our favorite bar around the corner.

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i can haz free online backup?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:28:00 -0500

I'm notoriously bad at keeping my precious data (photos, music, documents, and Sims content and saved games) backed up. In the past several years I've been extremely lucky to have been able to retrieve most of the important stuff when I have had a hard drive failure, but it is only a matter of time before it finally catches up to me. That's why I would really love to have an unlimited Mozy Online Backup account, and it just so happens that Pallab dot Net is giving one away to one lucky winner. Pick me!

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ending a year-long experiment

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:55:00 -0500

So here's the deal. I've been neglecting confoozled.com a bit lately, and I'm going to start writing more often again. But, I'm no longer going to make it such a high priority to post every single weekday. One year after starting it, I've decided to end my experiment in making money online. There are a few reasons for this, which I may or may not go into in a later post, but suffice it to say that combined with my regular job it was too much work and added too much stress to my life. Now, I'm not going to stop earning money online completely. I'll still write sponsored posts from time to time and participate in other activities to earn some extra spending cash. I'll keep my affiliate accounts open, at least those that will still have me after the passing of a new anti-affiliate Rhode Island law. But I will no longer aggressively pursue new sources of online income, nor will I attempt to pull in more and more new blog readers solely for the purpose of increasing ad revenue - which is why I won't post fluff every single day to keep confoozled.com on all of the recently-updated blog listings. I'll only post when I actually have something to say or share, which I'm sure will still be plenty to keep you, my loyal few readers, entertained.

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not jealous of iphone 3gs

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:23:00 -0500

This chart outlines the differences in features among the three iPhone models.

Remember how I was saying I would probably be whining about how jealous I am within a week of Chris getting his iPhone 3GS (yes, Apple has officially removed the space from the spelling)? Well, I'm not. I haven't even had the urge to grab it from him and play with it. To me the differences between the 3GS and the prior two iPhone models just aren't all that drool-worthy.

Only the five bottom-most features listed on this chart are exclusive to the newest model. Video recording is cool, yes, but not practical for me. I tried it, and I have the same problem I had with the Flip - from waist level where I hold the phone/camera, I can't point the camera lens forward and still see what's on the screen. I'd be able to shoot clips of Vixen playing on the floor, but that's about it. The chart doesn't mention the changes in the still camera: higher resolution, auto-focus with an admittedly awesome touch-to-focus function, and an automatic macro lens. I do like these features, but just like video it is difficult for me to take photos with the iPhone, so I don't rely upon it as my primary camera anyway.

The compass is a gimmicky feature that is amusing for all of about two minutes. True, its integration into the Maps application, allowing the map to orient to the direction you're facing, is handy for the directionally challenged. But I'm not exactly a geography master myself, and I've gotten along just fine with Maps as it is.

Voice control is one of those "duh" features that lesser phones have had for years, and it is great that Apple is catching up, and even improving upon such features. Not only will it dial any one of your contacts without the need to pre-record the name, it also accepts several commands for playing and controlling music, and even identifying the music it is playing. It is an impressive feature, and useful when one is driving or otherwise has their hands occupied (though you still need at least a finger to activate it). But it's not something I would use personally, for the same reasons I never stick with voice recognition on my computer for long: it's only accurate in quiet surroundings (not when you have two crazy dogs running around and barking at each other and everything else), and it's embarrassing to use when other people are around.

The 3GS contains some accessibility features for visually impaired users, which is a good thing but doesn't apply to me. It also supports the Nike+ iPod accessory for runners to measure their run distances, which again is not something I would use.

Another thing the chart doesn't mention is speed. The 3GS has not only the increased 3G data speed, but more RAM and a faster CPU allowing for a faster user experience all around. This is probably the only thing that makes me a little bit jealous.

Now, I could upgrade my phone to last year's 3G model, and at least right now I would just about break even by selling my old one to Gazelle. That way I would at least enjoy faster internet access when away from a wi-fi connection. Other than that, of the three extra features this model would give me, the only one that even mildly interests me is MMS (picture messaging), which isn't even functioning yet on AT&T's end - they're promising "later this summer". However, because of the phone body changes from the original model, upgrading would mean buying all new accessories, including my mophie Juice Pack (external battery) which would cost me another $100. So I've decided that for right now, it just isn't worth it. We'll see what Apple comes up with for a new model next year, when Chris is still locked into his contract... then I can have a better phone than him!

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photos from oregon finally online

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500

It took me long enough, but the photos from my trip to Oregon are finally ready. They are captioned, selectively, because I wasn't about to write eighty-one captions. Some of my favorites are this extreme closeup of my impossibly cute two-year-old nephew Dylan, this one of me with all three of my sister's kids, this cute shot of my brother Rick looking thoughtful, this one of me and my sister on her ATV, and the last two of me with my brother-in-law, and then my sister, the morning of my flight back to Rhode Island.

There's also a bunch of photos of my sister's Chihuahuas, starting here with Vixen's daddy, Jax. Her mother, Cella, appears here and here, and there are two more of Jax here and here.

I'm still playing catchup at work - it didn't help that I got sick last week - so it still may be a few more days before I get back to a regular blogging schedule. Plus, I will openly and shamelessly admit that any and all free time at home has been spent playing The Sims 3 - more on that later!

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summer makeover for my iphone

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:46:00 -0500

A blurry, mirror-reflected view of the back of my iPhone in its new summer case.

My Eeyore case for my iPhone has seen better days - the picture of Eeyore has started to rub off of the raised area where the belt clip (which I don't use) is supposed to attach. I was starting to feel like it was time for something new, anyway, so I ordered a couple of new snap-on cases. For now I am using this one. The photo is blurry, because I shot it close up in my portable mirror with the iPhone camera - and unlike the fancy new 3G S model coming out this Friday, my near-obsolete original iPhone does not have a macro lens. Anyway, it's a metallic fuschia (deep pink for the color-challenged) with white and glittery-silver Hawaiian flowers. Metallic color, but plastic case. This photo doesn't do it justice, but it is gorgeous. I had also bought a mirrored screen protector to complete the summer look (think mirrored sunglasses), but took it off after only a day. Not only did it show dirt and fingerprints even more than the unprotected screen does, it was impossible to see through in daylight, despite claims that the screen would look "completely normal" when lit up. That was only true in a pitch dark room.

Chris is getting one of those fancy new iPhones, since his current original model (his third physical iPhone, through prior warranty replacements) is on its deathbed and no longer under warranty. Of course, he could have just gotten a 3G for $99, and then I wouldn't have minded so much, since the difference between that and the original is trivial as far as I'm concerned. But no, he had to have the latest and greatest, so I'm sure a week from now I'll be whining about how his phone is so much faster and cooler than mine, and I'll be wanting a new one, but refusing to buy one after paying $300 for mine only a year ago (and not to mention having just bought two new cases which will not fit the new one). Oh well. I'll just have to upgrade mine next year, when Chris will still be locked in to his two-year contract and unable to upgrade without paying the full, unsubsidized price.

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i didn't die in a plane crash

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:13:00 -0500

I'm alive and home from my trip, and I do have photos. They've been processed but not yet resized and uploaded. I will get them up and get back to a regular posting schedule soon, I promise. I just need to get caught up with things first and get beyond this awful case of jet lag! I'm not kidding; it's been four days since I got back, and I still can barely function because it feels like I'm getting up at four o'clock in the morning. Caffeine has been my friend this week...

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meet mini brooskey

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:39:05 -0500

This is Dolly, my mom's little Cocker Spaniel and Japanese Chin mix. She looks like a miniature Brooskey, but is much more mellow. Every time I look at her she's sleeping!

Everything went smoothly on Saturday. I started out with a slight delay of my first flight, from Rhode Island to Chicago. But they made up time in the air and landed right on time. The flight from Chicago to Portland took off on schedule and landed twenty minutes early! I was able to find a place to sit down and eat something in Chicago, so that I wouldn't be completely famished by the time I got to Portland. And I had nice people next to me on both flights who were kind enough to help me with little things like seat belts and picking my purse up off the floor.

I saw my niece and nephews briefly last night; my sister brought them over when she got out of work. I'll see them again tonight at her place, and probably tomorrow since I'm spending the day with her. I haven't gotten any pictures of them yet, but I will.

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packed and (almost) on my way

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:13:43 -0500

In just about sixteen hours I will be on a plane, on my way to Oregon. I'm mostly packed, with exception of a few random things i'm still using. It's all going to fit in one backpack, which has to be a record in light packing for me. Since they charge to check any baggage now, it would be nice if I could carry the backpack, but alas I cannot, so I am paying $15 to check the one bag. The only things I'm carrying on board the plane are my iPhone and my purse, with only a few fragile items I'm afraid to put in my checked bag: my glasses and sunglasses, my Bluetooth headset, and my Eeyore iPhone case, which will be off my phone in order to accommodate the external battery pack I bought to get me through the flight. I no longer have to carry a book, handheld video game, and MP3 player; got it all here in my iPhone!

I'm going to try my best to blog every day next week, but I'm making no guarantees!

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spring 2009 digital music purchase

Thu, 28 May 2009 12:20:00 -0500

One of the things I had to do to prepare for my trip to Oregon was buy a few new MP3s to listen to on the plane. I got a few songs that have become popular recently, and a few old favorites I didn't already own.

Tangled by Maroon 5
Return by OK Go
This is the song I only recently discovered was written about a mutual friend of mine and the lead singer's.
Save Me by Remy Zero
The theme song to Smallville.
Dangerous by Roxette
1, 2, 3, 4 by Plain White T's
This is the song the bride and groom danced to at the wedding we attended this past weekend.
Another Night by Real McCoy
Steal My Sunshine by Len
If We Hold On Together by Diana Ross
The ending credits theme from The Land Before Time. I've loved it since I first heard it, and only just found out who sings it.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
I Could Get Used To This by The Veronicas
Hazard by Richard Marx
Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas
Last Name by Carrie Underwood
Luka by Suzanne Vega
We Built This City by Starship
Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder

(If you buy any of these MP3s through the links provided, I will earn a commission.)

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one crazy weekend down, umpteen to go

Tue, 26 May 2009 16:21:00 -0500

Chris and me at the first wedding of our busy summer.

This Memorial Day weekend kicked off our insanely busy summer with a bachelorette party, two bachelor parties, a holiday cookout, and the first of three weddings we're attending this year. Let me just say it would be a miracle if I was even just barely functional today, but I'm actually supercharged! I have four days left until I'm on a plane to Oregon, and I have so much to do! I need to pack, which I thankfully did get a start on yesterday... I need to finish and invoice my web design work so I have some money to spend! And I have to stay caught up, even get a little bit ahead, at work. I also have to finish preparing instructions for the temp who will be covering for me next week. I woke up this morning with all of these to-dos swimming through my head, grabbed an iced mocha on the way to work, and got busy!

The wedding on Sunday was perfect. The morning started out a little bit drizzly, and it was an outdoor ceremony, but it was on a covered patio. The sun came out after the ceremony and it got nice and warm. The ceremony was short and sweet (my favorite kind). We got some really cute photos and video of both the ceremony and the reception, which I will post later if it's okay with the bride and groom. There weren't a lot of people on the dance floor, which I think is because it was a day wedding and people were outside enjoying the nice weather rather than inside getting drunk. After the reception, a bunch of us joined the bride and groom at their hotel in Newport for more drinks and celebration.

In the photo here you can see the dress I tried to describe last week. It worked out pretty well, except that the back slid down quite a bit throughout the day. I had the sweater on the whole time, though, so you couldn't tell. If I wear it without the sweater I will just have to be vigilant about asking Chris to pull it up from time to time.

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trying out a pocket video cam

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:54:00 -0500

I've been looking into some of the new "pocket" video cameras, and for the next few weeks I'm borrowing a friend's Flip Video to try out and decide if it's a design I can even use. My issue is with holding it upright and still being able to see the screen. Hey, I'll be fine if all the action takes place on the floor! Actually I can hold it a bit more upright with a mini-tripod attached, so that may be the key. I have to play with it some more and see if I come up with anything. Maybe if I open the tripod legs a bit and wedge my left hand in, using my right hand to stabilize.

I grabbed the camera last night when Vixen was being adorable, but of course the moment I turned it on, she froze. Oh well, she's still cute.

I have to say I'm rather impressed by the FlipShare software (which installs right from the camera when you plug it in - no discs!) and how stupid-easy it is to use. I was able to combine these two clips, set them to music, and upload to YouTube in only a couple of minutes.

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some things i want from the birthday fairy

Wed, 20 May 2009 15:35:00 -0500

I had hoped to have my own online wishlist service up and running in time for my birthday, but that's just forty-five days away and with my busy schedule over the next several weeks, it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Amazingly no one is hounding me for a list yet, but I know it will start any day now, so I've brought my list over at FindGift up to date. I added a few things and removed some that I've already received, I don't want anymore, or are no longer available. I may add some more items as they come to mind.

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my thoughts on #fixreplies and the 'dot fix'

Tue, 19 May 2009 16:52:00 -0500

Ever since I first noticed the option was available, I have had Twitter set to not show me replies (tweets beginning with @username) sent by my friends to other people I am not myself following. I was happy to see the option, as I found it confusing and distracting to watch one-sided conversations. I always found myself trying to find the other side of the conversation to understand what they were talking about, and it was taking up too much of my time.

This setting has also been the default for new Twitter accounts for quite some time. And recently, Twitter decided to make it the default and only option for all accounts. Well, that sparked a huge outcry of people demanding to have the option to see all replies put back, and tagging their protests with the hashtag "#fixreplies". And Twitter admitted that the change wasn't only to reduce confusion, as they originally claimed, but also because having to check every account's preference every time a reply was posted was causing a huge strain on their database, and to eliminate this strain they had to eliminate the variable. They chose to make the most popular option the standard behavior.

Yes, to hide replies to people one is not following was the most popular option. In fact, only 3% of users were using the alternative setting. That's quite the vocal minority! Those who complained said that seeing who else their friends were talking to helped them to find more people to follow. That's fine for some, I guess, but for me, my goal with Twitter has never been to follow a ridiculous number of people. I actually try to keep my list of friends trimmed down as much as possible so that I actually have time to read all of their tweets. I often unfollow people, even people I consider personal friends, if I find myself skipping more of their tweets than I read.

Now that Twitter has said they won't put things back the way they were because of the technical problems it presented, some people are using a workaround referred to as the "dot fix". By starting their reply with a period before the "@", the tweet is not designated a reply by the system and is therefore shown to all of the sender's followers. Personally I think that using this fix for every reply is highly disrespectful to the 97% of Twitter users who had already opted not to see those replies, and I will likely be unfollowing anyone on my friend list who does so. Of course, I have no problem with people using the "dot fix" sparingly for replies they think will interest their other followers, but on behalf of the "muted majority", please don't make it standard practice.

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a weekend of small victories

Mon, 18 May 2009 16:20:00 -0500

I've just finished up my last "free" weekend for the next couple of months. With the schedule we've got this summer, it's going to be really difficult to get anything done, so this weekend we tried to accomplish as much as possible.

I'm finally finished dress shopping. I still needed one more dress for the first wedding of the year, which is next weekend. It's not quite warm enough yet to wear the short little sundresses I picked up a while back. This weekend I found what I needed. It's still a bare-shouldered halter dress, but much longer (almost to the floor), and I will wear one of my cropped cardigans to keep my shoulders warm. It's a green paisley pattern, has a built-in padded bra which I love, and is long and slender until the skirt ruffles out below the knee. I will have to get photos when I wear it on Sunday.

I also got some other shopping done. I got a couple of shirts for work at the same store where I got the dress, and then a couple more at the outlet shops in Wrentham, Mass. Combine those with the shirts I picked up at Old Navy a few weeks ago, and the four dresses, and I think my summer wardrobe is all set. At the outlets I also got shoes to wear to the weddings, and chose some new sneakers which I then had to order online because they didn't have the color I wanted in my size (they're white, but I wanted the silver accents rather than pink, for neutrality's sake). ~~UPS tells me they should be delivered today.~~ They were just delivered while I wrote this post.

Brooskey got a haircut, which I stupidly forgot to take a photo of this weekend. Maybe I'll remember tonight. We got him a "brush cut", which is a short Springer cut, so he won't be so hot and miserable this summer. We had a few small victories in our continuing attempts to get Vixen housebroken, but the biggest barrier that we can't seem to get past is her fear of any human other than Chris and myself. As soon as she sees or hears another person outside, which in a busy complex happens fairly often, her one goal becomes to get back inside to safety. She fixates on the front door, pulling on the leash repeatedly to try to get back inside, and no matter what I do I can't refocus her energy onto anything else. But as long as it's quiet outside and she doesn't get startled, she does know what she's out there to do, and if she needs to do it she will. Tonight our friends Alysha and Rich from Furry Friends Pet Care are coming over to familiarize themselves with Brooskey and Vixen's routines, so that they can help us out during all of the bachelor/bachelorette parties and weddings this summer.

Finally, one huge victory: the nightmarish cauterization procedure on my nose worked! I still experience what I'm referring to as phantom bleeding sensations - moments when I swear I can feel blood beginning to run down that side of my nose, but there is nothing there. My allergies are kicking my butt right now, so I've been blowing my nose quite a bit, and I have not seen a drop of blood. The nostril is still a bit painful and dry, and I'm hoping that goes away soon.

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