Christmas is Coming November 10, 2011
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: B&N, birthday, Christmas, Cooper tires, Discount Tire Company, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Goodyear, holiday season, Nook, nook tablet, resume, retail, Thanksgiving, Transiberian Orchestra, warranty, WordPress
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We have reset for the holidays at the store. The only changes from now until end of year will be new releases, and taking down Thanksgiving books at the end of November. Christmas music will probably start about that time, as well. Though Artist of the Month is Transiberian Orchestra already. They make me happy. We are hiring seasonal folk this year, after the fail of not having done last year. And I’m getting decent hours these days (for being part time). A new nook was announced, this one a tablet, and the prices on the rest dropped. So, lots of good electronic sales for the holiday season. I’m not excited for the crowds to come, but I think it should be a really good season for the store.
I got my resume updated and online this week. And I am about halfway through my WordPress book. So those are both moving forward again.
I got new tires today. My car is just over 106,000 miles now, and the edges had worn down completely. Cooper brand tires because they were out of the Goodyear. So instead of an $80 rebate, I got tires that were over $80 cheaper to begin with. Full replacement warranty, as well.ย Any problems at all equals a free new tire.
Weather’s turning colder, leaves are bright colors or completely gone. No snow, but it’s my big brother’s birthday today. Happy Birthday, Pete. Hope you have a great day with wife and kids.
As ready as the store is for the holidays, we haven’t even begun to sort out our plans. Though I think we’ll be watching Girl With The Dragon Tattoo on Christmas. Plenty of friends and some family around, I’m sure we’ll have another wonderfully busy holiday season.
So Much To Do September 8, 2011
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: birthday, CatesCreativeDesign.com, Dr Who, Drupal, Game Master, GM, health, HostGator, ideas, job searching, Joomla, love, MySQL, opportunity, PHP, rollerblading, The Legacy of Heroes, Torchwood, vampire, Wiki, WordPress
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After being unmotivated last week, I’ve spent most of this week editing The Legacy of Heroes Game Master Guide. It’s been quite educational for me. Except for one stint at a very strange, but entertaining Vampire game, I’ve never had reason to read a GM’s book or a Monster book before, and this one is both in one. Really enjoying this project, and the humorous touches that Vinnie et al included in this book.
We had a nice relaxed celebration of Rich’s birthday this past weekend. A couple nice meals, some Dr Who and Torchwood. Didn’t get to go rollerblading again, due to wet weather, but we had a good time even so.
I purchased a new domain this week as well, and set up a new webhosting account with HostGator. In the coming weeks, I will be creating a portfolio there. First a demo WordPress site, then a demo Drupal site, then a demo Joomla site. After that, I’ll be studying PHP and MySQL to see what I can learn to enhance my knowledge of these systems. At some point after that, I may do a Wiki demo, too. This is not something I want to turn into a huge business, but it is something I’d like to do as one of my streams of income.
On the income note, I’ve been doing a bit of job searching, but not much, due to the large amounts of editing I left myself for this week. Next week, I’ll start putting together applications and start applying if I can find the types of jobs I want. According to my Plan, official deadline for applying to jobs is the 24th of this month.
I’ve also got a couple of story ideas floating around in my head, but they haven’t come rushing to the front quite yet. Health is doing pretty well. No major issues lately, just the usual. Life is good, and so full of opportunity and love.
Celebrating the Past and Looking Forward August 26, 2011
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: anniversary, Big Bang Theory, doctors, Drupal, for Dummies, happiness, job search, Joomla, MySQL, PHP, Pirates of the Carribean, Renaissance Fair, resume, Torchwood, WordPress, X-men
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Lots of things going on. I didn’t post yesterday because I was taking care of a friend and getting annoyed at uncommunicative doctors. They seem to at least be organized today for her. Hopefully, they’ll finally get things figured out and fixed.
It was also my seventh anniversary with Rich yesterday. He worked all day and I felt rather ill all evening, though we did have dinner together and watch Big Bang Theory and Torchwood. We’re celebrating this weekend. Probably at the Renaissance Fair (Edit: Or not, it doesn’t open until Next weekend) and the dollar theater. I want to see the newest Pirates and X-men.
I have made two new plans, with deadlines, today as well. First one is a learning plan for myself: WordPress, Drupal and Joomla! and PHP & MySQL.ย Just the basics of each, using the For Dummies for each for an overview so I can compare and contrast the first three, and see what I can pick up about the last. Then I’ll figure out what I really want to put time and effort into.ย Second, is starting on the road to a better job. Updating my resume, getting it posted online and then searching for data entry jobs at companies or organizations I’d be happy working for.
Packing a Library June 9, 2011
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: Bacon, books, gaming, knickknacks, moving, packing, passport, pewter, WARPCon, web design, WordPress
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I finished step one of packing today – the books. It took 45 boxes this time. Some small, but still heavy, some a little too big, and very heavy. The DVDs, VHS and video games are almost all packed, too. Just a few stragglers left. The pewter is all packed, except for the thimble, stubbornly hiding in a tower crenelation. Office stuff and knickknacks are next on the list. I’ve got some really big boxes for bedroom and kitchen stuff, but have nearly run out of smaller boxes for “other” again. We’re probably going to get storage tubs in the next couple days for the stuff that’s going to go into the basement of the new place. That’ll free up some boxes if I repack into them a bit. Still working out the finalย logistics of the day – trucks/vans, volunteers, getting the lease signed, and the keys in hand. I may have to ask someone to take my shift that morning. Need to find out when the leasing office opens. I know they have limited Showing hours on the weekend.
What else is new? I’m going to start working on a friend’s website next week. Officially, paid and everything. I’ve been waiting on this job for months. Must fix the mess the last person she hired made. Yes, I’ll link to it after it’s pretty and working properly.
Registering for BaCon tonight. Bacon and Gaming convention put together by friends. Should be a fun time. Haven’t actually gamed at a convention in years. Gotta get back to WarpCon some day, too. Hmm, passports. Really gotta get those soon.
Much to do. ๐
March Musings March 31, 2011
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: alkaline, april, birthday, corporations, deadlines, interviews, Joomla, march, Naproxen, Ohio, performance goals, RA, snow, spring, swelling, web design, WordPress
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It snowed yesterday and been cold all week. March going out like a lion, hopefully means much better weather next week. It’s Ohio, I don’t figure we’re fully out of snow season until May, but still hoping April is good and warm.
Lots of birthdays the first week of April. My Mom, and two good friends in the first four days. Happy Birthday everyone. ๐
I was chatting with Rich today about work and how much I appreciated him working a job he hates to keep us afloat, and he commented I was doing the same thing, I just wasn’t getting hours. But that’s not true. I do like my job. I like working at the bookstore. What I don’t like is the pressure from Corporate to meet seemingly unreasonable performance goals. I know the market is tough and we have to make a profit, but ever increasing goals can become unreasonable for anyone.
Rich’s getting more interviews lately, so we’re carefully hopeful. I found a possible new place to live come June, 550 more square feet for $150 less a month. Going to check it out soon, see if it’s too good to be true, or if we’re going to apply.
I continue to fight with my body, and my diet. But I’m doing pretty well. A little Naproxen here and there is far better than what I used to do.ย Just wish my elbow would behave.
Occasionally pondering starting a web design business and changing HydyPaige.com or registering another domain for a portfolio of what I can do. I really like WordPress and am pondering taking the time to learn it better and learn Joomla. One thing at a time. That might be my next big project. I work better with deadlines.
So, another month down, 9 more to go. ๐
Valentine’s Day February 17, 2011
Posted by Hydy in life, writing.Tags: 1099, birthday, editor, Elance, family, friend, gratitude, H&R Block, Liberty Tax, love, rejections, resume, submissions, taxes, TurboTax, Valentine's Day, WordPress
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This Monday was Valentine’s Day. A day with all sorts of strange history and traditions and lore. But, for me, it is a day to celebrate love, loved ones and family. This year, for me, it was a day of gratitude. I thanked my parents for their shining example of love and marriage. I thanked my husband for making my life so full and wonderful. And I thanked some good friends for all they have given and taught me. It was a day of laughter, love and affection. And I now also say thank you to everyone else in my life. I have amazing friends and family all around me, and I am forever grateful.
What else?
Nephew’s birthday party is this weekend, more time with the family, and his extended family. It will be a chaotic mixing of the cousins, full of cake, ice cream and wrapping paper. I am looking forward to it, my brother’s kids are adorable.
Submitted a couple stories on Monday, already got one rejection back. I go through cycles of ditching all my old stories and starting over now and then. I really like the two I’m currently promoting the most, but it might be time to file them away.
Picked back up with Elance again. Though I’m having trouble finding jobs to apply to this week. Anyone need an editor/Wordpress monkey? Resume available upon request. ๐ I really do like how Elance has things set up, but I need a few successful jobs and good feedback to get credibility.
I have to find someplace to do my taxes for me, way too many forms and too much confusion this year. I’ve never seen so many different 1099 forms. And I disagree with TurboTax. Thinking Liberty Tax or H&R Block. Any suggestions?
Okay, I think that’s about it for this week. Take care, kind readers. ๐
Moving Forward June 24, 2010
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: Bookup, community, forums, FrontPage, hospital, membership, memorial, WordPress
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The memorial on Saturday was very well attended. The community came together to support each other and remember our friend. He was remembered, celebrated and honored. He will be missed, but his spirit will live on in all of us.
Rich is still in hospital. But is doing much better today. We’re waiting on the doc as I type this, but we are more hopeful that things are healing properly and our time here may be winding down.
Getting ready to do a massive change to the Bookup website, heading out of FrontPage and into WordPress. We’ve got the membership system running, and a forum integrated, just some code to be played with to finish that off so we can move the members into it.
Life is good, things are moving forward.
Hurray for TurboTax February 4, 2010
Posted by Hydy in life.Tags: beta test, Bookup, government, membership, refund, snow, taxes, Themes, TurboTax, WordPress
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Finally got all our paperwork and had a free afternoon. I sat down today and did our taxes. We owe the state a little bit, but we’re getting quite a good chunk back from the Federal Government. We’ll be able to get everything on an even keel, and maybe even get a nice thing or two we’ve been putting off. We’ll definitely be able to get a comfort buffer back in the checking account. And I’ll feel good about getting back into investing. I love numbers, especially when they all balance out nice and happy.
I’ve had some great fun working on Bookup’s membership site. It’s not quite ready, yet, but it’s going along and we’re figuring it out. I heart WordPress, just in case you didn’t know. I need to learn a little bit more about making Themes, or at least making Themes work for me, but Mike is far less concerned by the Membership side looking pretty than he is getting it to work. He’s also beta testing a new product version that, when the kinks are all out, will be a great asset.
Big storm set to arrive tomorrow, ah Ohio in February. ๐