That Was Easy... Sort Of

The other day I went to load a web site on the PC. For whatever reason I have trouble loading it in Firefox and Safari didn't like it much either so that left IE on the PC. Should have been no big deal. Except that the computer was off... Guess I hadn't turned it back on after the last power outage. Go to turn it on. No dice. Test it with a different outlet and with a different power cable. Still nothing. The next day I was supposed to have plans but they got rescheduled so it was time to troubleshoot. But I really didn't want to start taking out components and shorting the power supply to test. So I decide to call Acer. Now finding a number for Acer turned out to bed quite a challenge. Their web site does not list a toll free number. Fortunately for me there is always Google. And the first page that came up was someone posting the little known tech support number for Acer.

Maybe it's the fact the number is virtually unknown but they answered immediately. Their version of troubleshooting was to verify that the outlet works. Beyond that it was time to send it in. That was it? Now just to put this in perspective I had the side of the case off the computer and was all set to roll up my sleeves and really troubleshoot it. Instead I spend the entire time sitting on the futon with Azrael curled up in my lap. Now I will say that he was having system issue so he had to transfer me to level to in order to set up the repair. 3o minutes on hold (not so fn when you're on a cell phone) and the level 2 guy just had me reset the power to the unit and then set it up for repair. Guess they really don't want the end users potentially damaging the system while troubleshooting. But for once I wasn't fighting with the company to get something accomplished. Unlike my dealings with another company. *Cough, Apple, Cough, Cough*

About the only glitch has been in shipping it back. I callled on Monday and the pick-up was supposed to be scheduled for Wednesday when I'd be home. Instead they scheduled it for Tuesday and Purolator got mad because there was no buzzer code included. I was supposed to be done work at 2:30 so my goal was to find a box ASAP and then call Purolator in the hopes that they just might be able to re-attempt the pick up. Of course I ended up leaving work late and then ran right into my stalker. I was hoping that he might be able to get the original box for me. An hour later he couldn't find it and had this mangled box. I'm not even sure Purlator would accept it and even if they did if it was damaged in shipping I wouldn't really be able to claim it. But since I was on a time constraint I called Purolator and was told he might reattempt the pick-up. My day had really got shot to hell... Now the plans that had been rescheduled were on Tuesday. I was pretty frazzled and not as relaxed as I would like to be. A nd the Purolator guy didn't come by. So after the dinner ad a movie Steve went home and I was off on the hunt for a real box. Went down to Zellers and pilfered a box from outside Price Chopper. They were going to use it as a garbage for their employees. Not any more. There were only a couple of items in it so I could still salvage the box. Perhaps their manaegment should invest in a real garbage can. So I get it home and realize that it is much bigger then I initially thought. I didn't have enough foam and bubble wrap to secure the computer. Went downstairs twice and on the second trip someone had thrown out an iMac box. Seemed kind of poetic actually. Sending back a box to Acer in the box for an Apple computer.

I called Purolator Wednesday morning and first they said the delivery would be for Thursday. Okay that's a problem since I am back to work and then corrected it to the same day. But then I was a little paranoid that the driver wouldn't show up at all. And then the waiting begins since you have no idea what time they will be there. Couldn't go anywhere. And I really didn't want to start anything that required any sort of attention in the meantime. About 4 hours later the guy shows up. But there is no information on the waybill as far as where it is beign sent to. He calls Purolator and Acer didn't give them that information and they definitely didn't tell me. So the Purolator guy leaves without the package. Time to call Acer again. 20 minutes later I have the information and the pick-up has been rescheduled yet again. And back to waiting. 2 hours later he's back for the package. There goes my entire day... pretty much. And the next day it was delivered to Acer. Now I am just waiitng for them to fix it and send it back.

Tales from the Mundane

Some days I get so caught up in life that I forget that others may not know what's going on in my world. Now for the most part it's uneventful. Was on a bit of a long stretch at work. I wound up calling in sick at one point just to get a day off. Fortunately, this weekend I had 3 days off. It makes it much more tolerable to go back to work tomorrow. Then in for 3 days and off for 1. No idea what I'll be working the following week. I am hoping for two things: No long stretch, and either weekends off or at least consecutive days off... The consecutive days are much more likely on that one.

Not that long ago I was writing an email and the S key fell off the keyboard. Now how does that happen? So I had to take the MacBook Pro into the service provider. The good news was that it was a 5 minute fix. I was freaking out thinking that I was going to have to leave the computer there for a few days while they get in a new keyboard. Instead he had a spare keyboard that he uses to replace individual keys. So I was in and out in no time.

What made it more critical is that the other computer was in for repair at the same time. Not sure if I had mentioned before that when I installed Vista on it I had a nasty screen flicker. I thought I was going to have a seizure. If I left it long enough for it to go to sleep when it woke up it was fine. Eventually, I got sick of the flicker so I reinstalled Windows XP on it. Too bad it had the same issue. So we took it into Future Shop. They replaced the motherboard and it still had the same issue. In the end they decided to replace it. Now I must say getting a replacement was good news with a touch of bad news. It's always nice to get a new computer. Since they don't sell Gateways any more that meant they were replacing it with a different brand. Future Shops replacement policy is that they will replace it with similar features. So even though we spent $1000 on the computer in the first place they were giving us one that was selling for like $600. Something just seems wrong about that... Or maybe it's just because my MacBook Pro was replaced with the current model... so I didn't feel like I was getting screwed in the process.

Get the new computer home and go to install the wireless card... Back to this dejection over the experience. I knew that the features they were going by was the key components... Processor, RAM, and hard drive space. There was only one PCI slot. And many people wouldn't think that was a big deal except that I did have both a wireless card and an added sound card. It also didn't have as many USB ports. So the replacement did have some drawbacks.

I turned on the computer and it wasn't long before I had the blue screen of death. Things really weren't looking good. Spent 2 hours troubleshooting and even went as far as trying to reinstall the OS. Too bad even that failed with the loveley blue screen. So then the new computer had to go back. When Steve went in he mentioned the lack of an extra PCI slot. While they were deciding what to do he left the store since he had to go to work. Gave me the receipt in case I wanted to deal with it. I did my homework. None of the HPs fit my needs but there was an Acer that cost only about $50 more then the HP they gave us but it was a HUGE upgrade and one I would actually be happy with. And it had the extra USB ports and the PCI slot. I call in and initially he was going to give us the same model we had before... But I take the gamble and mention the Acer. He calls back about 15 minutes later to tell me I'm getting the Acer and to ask for the modem back. Oops... guess they wanted ALL the components back with the system. My bad.

When I went in I learned how useless some of the staff there are. I knew there was another Acer that was even worse then what they had offered the day before and I wanted to make sure that wasn't the one I was leaving with. So I ask the guy. He seems to think that he needs to actually open the box to find out. Just ignore the big sticker on the side.... And it was the wrong one. So then the guy I had actually been talking to comes out. It was supposed to be the upgrade but someone grabbed the wrong one. So now the one that has been opened is supposed to be sold as an open box system. Good job buddy. get the right one and I can go home.

Now I am happy.... This one works much better and really is an upgrade from the system that I had. Who cares that it's not an HP? You're really paying for the brand there any ways. Besides any PC still takes a backseat to my Mac. Would've been even nicer if they had been willing to replace it with a Mac. No luck there though.

Fastest Vista Notebook

PC World recently compared notebook computers to see which one was fastest. And the winner is? The fastest Vista computer is the MacBook Pro. Say what? Yep you heard me right. The 17" MacBook Pro turned out to be the fastest computer running Windows Vista. And to think Apple doesn't care if you can run Windows on the computer. Yet it outperformed those manufacturers who rely on the Windows OS for well.... everything. Kind of makes you wonder doesn't it? For the full article you can check it out here. And now... back to my MacBook Pro. Only I'm not running any version of Windows on it.

Newest Addiction

While I was without my computer I finally got bored and decided to install Hoyle Card Games on the system. When I got the MacBook Pro back I was missing my card games. I got Masque's Card Game Trio but it just wasn't the same. I ended up installing Parallels and a copy of Window just for my mindless entertainment. Talk about addicted. *lol*

The Wonderful World of Troubleshooting

So after being without a working computer... or at least working Mac (which sometimes is the same thing) for 8 weeks I received the new computer. It was delivered to the superintendent since I missed the buzzer. It's really too bad that you can't arrange for a delivery in the afternoon. So I get everything installed and then restarted my computer. Low and behold the USB devices weren't being recognized. I think my heart stopped at that point. So I erase the drive and start troubleshooting it. Troubleshooting really does require a lot of patience and an analytical mind. But my time at work came in handy. It was frustrating because it took so long. I think I spent 9 hours troubleshooting and erased the external drive and the internal drive a few more times in the process. In the end it was an issue with the external drive I was using. Just a weird issue... Fortunately I was using an enclosure so I could swap out the external drive and now it all seems to be working fine. I have come to the conclusion that I hate serial ATA drives. I have had nothing but problems with them. In the PC I have had to replace 2 serial drives and this is now the third drive to have issues. But I am happy to have a working computer again. I've missed my MacBook Pro. Now I just have to talk sweetly to it so that it works properly.

Faith Restored in Apple

I was going to wait to post this... but now seemed as good a time as any.  I had emailed executive relations about my experiences and then last Monday I took my computer into the local service provider.  I was sad to be leaving it behind.

Now as I walk in the guy behind the counter says, "It's a Mac" as if he had never seen one before.  I'm already getting scared here.  So I put it on the counter.  He looks at it and says, "Is that a MacBook Pro?"  Genius... why yes it is.  He pretty much rushes me through it all as if to get me out of the store.  Wasn't even going to get the case number until I asked him if he wanted it for the technician.  And as I am leaving I look at the sheet of paper with the details.  He has it written down as a 17" MacBook Pro.  That would be nice.... too bad I don't have a 17" MacBook Pro.  Wonder if that means he overestimates elsewhere too... Okay that was just mean... cruel even...

So I leave and was even more despondant.  I was without my beloved computer and was scared about what was going to happen to it.  Was it going to come back in one piece?  Were they going to tell me nothing was wrong?  Was the tech going to blame me again since it's not a laptop.  Yes I know it's not a laptop... However should the computer be hot enough to burn you in a short period of time?  I get home and call executive relations back (he had left me a message in the morning).  He tells me there might have been a miscommunication and he wasn't necessarily going to be repairing the computer.  He wanted to talk to the tech about it and make sure it hadn't been dropped from the third floor or something.  So now my hopes have gone up a bit.

Tuesday he calls me back to tell me they are replacing the computer! :o)  I will be getting a brand new computer.  He laughs when I tell him that the F11 key isn't so useful on my PC (You'd hvae to own a Mac) and he laughs when I tell him he made my day.  Now I was about to walk into Sobey's at the time so it was a pretty short call.  I go in and am wandering around the store when it dawns on me that I didn't tell him I want the glossy screen.  And if I am getting a new computer then I want the glossy screen.  About 10 minutes later he calls back to confirm the address.  I tell him I want the glossy screen.  We had about a 5 minute conversation on just the glossy vs matte screens and how it seems to be split as to what people prefer.  And then I also get to hear the specs about the computer.  I already knew that they were going to be a step up from what I currently have.  So now I am like a kid in the candy store.

Wednesday I got the legal paperwork and had to fax it back in.  He was out of the office but called any ways to make sure I got it.  I had already called his office about the AppleCare I currently have on the computer and was surprised when he called.  Thursday he called again to let me know they had the computer and that he had received the fax.  Friday I called him to see if the computer had shipped out.  He was hoping it would be shipped out by the end of business day so I should have it near the beginning of next week.  I think I have talked to him more then I do a lot of my friends.  Is that a bad thing?

So I am excited.... I am getting a brand new computer and just have to be patient until it gets here.  If you know me that is easier said then done.  I couldn't even stay away from the computer and today I finally moved the computer so that I can watch TV while still on the computer.  I really need to get out more.

A Greener Apple

After coming under criticism from Greenpeace Apple has announced plans to go greener, greener then other computer manufacturers. This announcement really made me take notice and made me proud... even more an Apple "fanboy" then I was before. Just don't get me started on spending my evenings reading MacWorld and MacLife. *lol* So what changes have occurred or are occurring?

Did you know that the typical CRT monitor contains 3 pounds (that's right POUNDS) of lead. Makes me want to trade in the monitor I have for my PC as soon as possible. The original iMac contained 484 grams of lead and the current LCD based model contains less then 1 gram. Back in 2006 Apple became the ONLY computer manufacturer to completely eliminate CRTs.

The European Union has more restrictions then the US and the latest restrictions are known as RoHS. All Apple products worldwide comply with these standards and do not contain cadmium, hexavalent chromium (think Erin Brokovich) and decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE). Other companies use loopholes in the law to continue shipping products with the last 2 chemicals.

Arsenic and mercury are commonly used in LCD displays. Ever get the feeling your computer just might be the death of you? Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of arsenic in all its displays by the end of 2008. iPods already use LEDs to illuminate their displays so they do not contain any mercury. Apple is planning to transition displays to also use LED backlighting to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury. There is no time frame set up for this to be complete, just when it is technically and economically feasible.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic primarily used in the construction industry but also found in computer parts and cables, and brominated flame retardants, or BFRs, which reduce the risk of fire are also being eliminated. Apple began phasing out PVC twelve years ago and began restricting BFRs in 2001. For several years now Apple has been developing alternative materials that can replace these chemicals without compromising the safety or quality of our products. They are close to eliminating them altogether. For example, more than three million iPods have already shipped with a BFR-free laminate on their logic boards. As stolen from the Apple web site, "A note of comparison — In 2007 HP stated that they will remove PVC from all their packaging. Apple did this 12 years ago. Last year, Dell began the process of phasing out large quantities of brominated flame retardants in large plastic enclosure parts. Apple’s plastic enclosure parts have been bromine-free since 2002." Apple plans to completely eliminate PVCs and BFRs by the end of 2008.

So far all I have talked about is the reduction of harmful products... but what about when the computer is no longer functioning and you're now replacing it. Obviously you can't just recycle it or toss it in the trash. I've been to the recycling facility in Peterborough... It's also where you go to take harmful chemicals to dispose of. There are several HUGE boxes full of computer parts. I often wonder what happens when these parts are left there over time. On second thought maybe I don't want to think about that.

Apple began recycling in 1994 and has taken the initiative for trade-ins or take-backs. Every Apple retail store has a take-back program in effect for the iPods. They even offer a 10% discount on a new one. This summer there is also plans to allow you to mail it back to Apple for free (if you live in the US). None of the e-waste that is collected is shipped overseas. It is processed in North America. Also, the components used are high quality and in demand for the recyclers.

I'm not a big environmentalist... but I do believe that we all need to do what we can to reduce our own footprint and support those companies that are also working to reduce their footprint. For more information on Apple's efforts to go green check out their web site

Aggravation, Part 2

I left out some important when describing my wonderful evening. I was putting the original components back in so that it would be ready to take in to Future Shop. Steve was staring over my shoulder and then just took over. I felt really insulted by it. I know what I am doing when it comes to computers. I can take them apart and put them back together. I have built a few systems. So it really bothers me that he acts like that... it's not the first time. Hell, the fact that he seemed to believe I needed his help to troubleshoot is pretty insulting. He's not God. I can do it. In fact I had practically isolated it to hardware before he even got there. I just needed a USB keyboard to confirm. So why it took 2 hours is beyond me.

It gets more aggravating though. He stopped by today and dropped the computer off for reasons I'll get into momentarily. He also dropped off a USB keyboard and 2 mice stating that I need them. For one, I really don't need any more mice. I think I have 4 currently. I have used the wireless keyboard during the boot before... to go into the Bios, to reinstall the OS. So I don't think it was the keyboard that was an issue.

So then he drove me to the chiropractor where I had to reschedule. Charlene had to leave early. I thought I had updated my phone number with them but apparently not. It was a minor irritation... but had I known that Steve wouldn't have been stopping by and I wouldn't have left my house. I did get pizza for dinner but I could've cooked dinner.

Then I got home and decided to test the system. It did power up initially so that was a good sign. I decided to put the components back in and then got a message about the boot sequence. The new USB keyboard wouldn't allow me into the Bios or continue on with the startup. I adjusted some cables and still couldn't get past that screen. I even connected the keyboard as a PS2 keyboard and it still wouldn't work. Then I cleared the CMOS and got a CHECKSUM error, along with the boot sequence message. Put the CMOS jumper back and it would start up as soon as the power cable was connected without even needing to press the power button. Can't start up to the CD either. So now that we are back to a hardware failure... hmm... didn't I say that yesterday? So much for Steve's amazing troubleshooting abilities. But now I just wasted another 2.5 hours fucking around with the system. Not only that but it also means that Steve will have to stop by to pick up the computer again. Maybe I should tell him to pick it up on the weekend... when I won't even be here.

Computer Update

And now for some good news. I received the replacement computer earlier this week. :o) I ended up having to ship the computer back at my expense. At least they are reimbursing me for the shipping cost. Either way it has been a real hassle. Hopefully this time around it works a little better. I am still contemplating calling CR though. I like using words like "downtime", "Business critical" and "appeasement". We'll see. But at least I have my computer.

Bad Timing

So it looks like my computer failure was also a victim of bad timing. I did get ahold of sales support today. In Canada they don't use FedEx. They send out a box by DHL. It takes 1-3 business days to arrive. Being the holiday weekend that meant a delay since there is no mail delivery Friday or Monday. So I should be getting a box on Tuesday or Wednesday. Then it will likely take a week before I actually do get the replacement unit in. Nice to know I will be waiting for the replacement longer then I actually had the computer for. :o(

Can't Anything Go Smoothly?

I am almost starting to think that I am cursed... even the small things that shouldn't be a hassle somehow manage to become a nightmare.

Take for instance my apartment. My roommate decides to move back home (don't even get me started on that one) so I have to find an apartment. I talk to the building manager and she agrees to let me just move into a one bedroom here and my last month's rent deposit would go towards that. So far so good... until the day before the move. I have already signed up for hydro and arranged for my cable to be switched over. Since the cable guy was supposed to be there I decided to make sure the apartment was open so I wouldn't be calling the super needlessly. The apartment was a write-off and they had done nothing to get it ready for me moving in. Not to mention the fact it was a tiny apartment and would cost me quite a bit since it was not all inclusive. So suddenly it's the beginning of April and I am scrambling to find a place to live. Fortunately, that part did turn out to be easy. I still haven't called Cogeco to let them know I didn't move in to that apartment and that I am moving to a new address.

There was also my mail forwarding. I had paid the money to redirect my mail to the new apartment... the one I ended up not taking. So I went down to Canada Post to stop that. According to them it had not even been entered into the system so they just cancelled that and sent me to another Canada Post office to get my money back. Aside from driving all over Peterborough twice to get that done I thought it was easy. Turns out I was wrong. For whatever reason they actually started forwarding my mail and then it didn't seem to be delivered anywhere. I had no access to the mail at the new address and they weren't delivering anything to the old/current address. Took about a week before I started receiving mail again. Pretty good considering according to Canada Post the redirect had not even taken effect since it had not gone into the systems.

Then there is the computer. As frustrating as it was that the computer was not working I figured I'd call tech support and they would set up a replacement computer. I never thought it would end up being this much of a hassle. I also didn't think I would be as long without the computer as I will be. They were just supposed to email me the FedEx labels. I could've driven (well that is assuming I drive... but any ways) to the CR office in Markham in less time then it's taken to get those labels. They told me 24-48 hours to receive the emails. Now tell me... why does it take 24 hours to receive an email? Better question... why has it been 4 days and still no shipping label? So now I have to waste time calling back... and I'll end up speaking to at least 3 different departments in the process. And I just want a working system. Is that really too much to ask?

Update on the Computer

So my $3000 laptop is still making a very nice paperweight at the moment. Still no FedEx labels to send it back. Since yesterday was a holiday they were closed and I couldn't call about it. Today I was at work so I'll have to do that tomorrow. Part of me feels like I should be all nice and not complain about it. But the reality is that I don't work for Apple. I have no obligation to be nice about it. I ordered the computer March 8th and did not get it until March 29th. I knew when I ordered it that there would be shipping delays. Even when I got it there was an issue with the case. But I sucked it up since the computer was working. By April 10th the computer was no longer working and required a hardware repair. It's now April 16th and nothing has been done about it. That's discouraging to me. I bought the computer to make my life easier and to make me more productive. So far it has been anything but. And now my agents are disappointed since I promised them I'd have the MacBook Pro there for troubleshooting. They understand it and it's not like they blame me. But I feel bad. I don't like breaking a promise. Not to mention the fact I spent $3000 on this system. I didn't expect a hardware failure in less then 2 weeks. Hopefully I can get some type of resolution on this soon. After all, I need to create some web sites to generate more of an income. Aaggghhh! Couldn't the replacement be a smooth, easy process?

Computer Troubles

So I got my laptop at the end of March. The wait was finally over and it had arrived. That was a nice thought. 2 weeks later I had a hardware failure. :o( I did all the troubleshooting I possibly could but it couldn't be revived. So I called tech support about it (how ironic is it that a tech support agent is calling tech support). It was a bad call but at least they agreed to replace the computer. I got told I'd have the shipping labels emailed to me in 24-48 hours. Then I have to send the computer back and wait for the replacement. I'm pretty patient... but I have web sites to design, video editing to do, and my agents were using the computer for troubleshooting. So I am not too happy about that part of it. And still no labels. Why does it take longer to send an email with the labels then it does to send me a box? If I don't get the email soon it will be time to call CR and see what they can do for me. I'll get to use words like "business critical", "brand new system", "appeasement" and then I'll see what deal I can make with them. I'm all about knowing the system and working it. Wonder what I can get out of it? Faster service... software... maybe even an external hard drive... Guess we'll see if I don't get those FedEx labels tomorrow.

Life at Work

I have now been back at work for a month. Until recently I don't think I had realized how much stress I was feeling before the LOA. I have been extremely relaxed ever since I came back. Having a good friend of mine as a team leader has definitely been beneficial. I wasn't sure how that would go over since we were agents together back in the day and have always been good friends. But so far it is going okay. I find I can just relax and not worry so much that what I am doing isn't good enough. I also find I am doing less work. Not to say that I slack off since that isn't in my vocabulary, as much as Christie and I joke about it. I get my work done and that's the important thing. I'm part of a great team and they have accepted me as part of the team. I become a great target when I'm in... but they do try not to hit the laptop. I guess they fear my wrath if anything happens to it.

I also finally got my MacBook Pro. It arrived earlier this week. I am still trying to get used to it. For some reason I almost feel like it's not mine. Maybe it's just because I am used to using the iBook at work from days gone by. Once I move I think it will get a lot more use as I get back into the web design and the video editing. I can use it at work and at home. That was why I went with a laptop. I live in the same building I work in so it is handy to be able to bring it downstairs for work and then also use it at home. Now I just need to get the web site done so I can actually make some money off of it. Otherwise it is just an expensive form of entertainment.

And now back to the NCAA. I am currently watching UCLA take on LSU. I already watched Florida beat George Mason. I always cheer on Duke and UCLA. LSU took out Duke already so now I am torn. I want to see UCLA win but LSU has been amazing and just dominated in the game against the #1 seeded Duke. So I wouldn't be heartbroken if they won. Then on Monday is the finals. Looks like I'll be unpacking while I watch the game... hopefully any ways.

MIA

Looks like when I don't post anything for a few days people get concerned and start wondering if I am okay. At least I know people care *lol* The RAM clip broke on the computer and we ended up getting it replaced. There was some downtime there in between computers, since I had stripped my old one already. On the weekend I was watching/recording the latest UFC PPV event. I still had a couple of DVDs to finish for Tammy. At this point I haven't even gotten around to putting my data back on the computer. That's still on my list of things to do.

Yesterday I went over to Tammy's when she got off work. Watched some UFC and just relaxed... something I haven't done enough of. It was nice to get out of the house for a while, even if Azrael was pissed at me when I came home. A change of scenery never hurts. Not to mention the fact Tammy has been one of the few positive forces since I went on the LOA at work.

Looks like I'm not the only one with computer problems this week. Adam's computer won't post currently. He dropped it off tonight so I can take a look at it. I have the time and the parts to test it. Also gives me something to do. Idle hands are the devil's playground. Okay so I really haven't been getting myself into trouble... it just sounded good. Watching way too much TV lately.

But for all those concerned I am no longer MIA. I just haven't really had much of a chance to post... and not a whole lot to say. The last week has been pretty much like every other, with the exception of hanging out with Tammy and Wayne. For now though bed time...

Cheers

Computer Problems

So the other day I formatted my computer again... and immediately got an error message. It really didn't like having a non-system drive as the C: drive... That's what I get for having 2 serial ATA drives and a parallel drive. So I had to format it again and disconnect the other drive when I rebooted. And was still having issues. Turns out it was the RAM I had installed. The motherboard is a little tempermental with that one. Seems to be working well again.

And as for the XBox 360... still no word as to when that will actually come in. It was released a month and a half ago. Still nothing... So much for their promises... of the first week in December... and definitely before Christmas. At this rate should I be wondering if I will get it before 2007?

Long Day

It's only 8:45 p.m. but it still feels like a long day. I had to run all the errands today that I didn't get to yesterday. The stores were all crowded and I started to feel claustrophobic. I am not a big fan of shopping to begin with. And I seemed to be batting 1000%. Seems like everything I wanted was not in stock at any store. I'm the kind of person that likes to do one stop shopping when possible... not be at every store looking for a better deal then end up back at the first store any ways. The highlight of the day so far was the chiropractor. At least now my back is in place and not hurting as much.

Pretty soon I'll be formatting my computer once again... seems to be a monthly occurance at the moment. I am too lazy to troubleshoot it. Applications keep quitting on me and I seem to be getting a blue screen periodically. Since my files are on a different drive I might as well just erase it and start over. Less aggravation that way. Time for me to get that done so I am not still installing applications at 2:00 a.m.

Heather