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| Friday, October 17th, 2008 | | 2:39 pm |
Surfacing...
...At least momentarily. No, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth or anything. I'm back to work (part time) following my adventure in September and I have some news to share: I have landed the position of Managing Editor at a new daily online magazine catering to consumer/SOHO readers and focusing on 'the impact of new and evolving technologies on our 21st Century digital lifestyle'. Right up my alley, after all those years on MONiTOR, but a step up in terms of content and potential audience reach! It's called the TECHLife Post ( http://www.techlifepost.com/), and I'd love to get your feedback on it -- content, design, whatever. We've just started a planned 2-week shakedown cruise to test and iron out the wrinkles in the design and content. We'll start accepting advertising on November 1. ;-) If you like what you see, please spread the word! To very loosely paraphrase Douglas Adams, "Without readers there is no advertising revenue and without advertising revenue I have no job. Again." Which brings me to my other news... If the TECHLife Post does not prosper, I'll need -- more urgently than ever -- to rebuild my dusty old freelance writing career. To that end, I have built a small self-promotion Web site at: http://www.mjwordsmith.com/. Again... Your comments are most welcome. :-) | | Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 | | 8:30 am |
Creepy spyware thing...
Thought I should relate what happened earlier this morning, when I tried to reply to a comment on a friend's LJ. This problem may affect other LJ accounts, too... When I hit the 'reply' button, a nasty, virulent pop-up appeared, insisting that I install something called 'System Optimizer'. This thing is actually a bad, bad, bad spyware package that lets crooks take control of your PC. So, I hit the 'Off' button on the CPU and waited for 30 seconds, to be sure all the mainboard capacitors had discharged and there was no trace of the 'problem' remaining in live memory... An anti-virus scan immediately after the hard reboot showed my system was clean. Just a caution to anyone else commenting to an LJ anytime soon... If you get this pop-up, don't click *anything* in *any* of its dialogue boxes. Just turn your computer off at the main 'On/Off' button on the case, wait at least half a minute, then turn the machine back on as usual. | | Monday, April 7th, 2008 | | 7:22 pm |
| | Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 | | 9:51 am |
Sleepless in Barrhaven - Update
As a result of my regular three-month checkup with Dr. B. late last week, I now know the following: 1. I should have been taking my Provera *in the morning* all along. He just't think to mention it. Classic Dr. B.! I'm getting back to sleep almost immediately after my overnight bathroom breaks, again, now... ;-) 2. Part of my problem (which I attributed to the hormones amplifying the normal downer effects of SAD) does, indeed, involve vitamin D deficiency. He's *starting* me 2,000 IU supplemental per day... After just a few days, I already feel better, more alert, more energetic... :-) 3. I've joined my mom in the not-so-exclusive club for Old Ladies at Risk of Osteoporosis... There are no meetings. Just 800 mg/day of added calcium, in the form of two huge round tablets the size of those fancy after-dinner mints they favour at 'better' restaurants... At least they're chewable. And slightly lemon-flavoured... Mom says, be thankful for small mercies... So... I'm more or less back on track physically and emotionally, Spring is here (in spirit, if not in fact), and there's *still* a chance I can shed the 25 pounds I want to lose in time for summer... :-) | | Thursday, May 17th, 2007 | | 4:28 pm |
| | Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 | | 12:56 pm |
Pack your bags!
As the Editor of a technology monthly, I receive *dozens* of solicitations each week for seminars, tutorials, product launches, Professional Association breakfasts and luncheons... You name it! Just could not resist sharing this one... "Your invitation to the 3rd Annual Nigerian Email Conference" http://j-walk.com/other/conf/Cheers! | | Tuesday, January 30th, 2007 | | 8:31 am |
I've returned from *oblivion*...
...Which is where you feel you are when you're without an Internet connection! Anyway... I'm back, now, none the worse for the trip through the wormhole... The move on Friday went fairly smoothly, but I seem to have lost my car ownership and insurance certificate! What the hey?!? The were *supposed* to be *in the car's glove box* the whole time! As friend Lynn says about computer patch cables, pens and pretty much anything you really, really need at a given moment -- they *must* have grown legs! I have to get the address changed on those docs, anyway, so I'll get the replacements at the same time... Got my bedroom in working order (though *not* set up the way I ultimately want it) on Friday night... Got the office set back up, with Lynn's gracious assistance, on Sunday... Starting to get stuff unpacked, little by little... The kitchen is still a disaster area, of course. I'll be trying out all the take-out places in the new neighbourhood this week, until I can find the stove again... ;-) Then house is great and I already feel 'at home'. But I still feel a little disoriented with the new floorplan... And having an en suite bathroom is a little like living in a hotel! ;-) But that's not necessarily a bad thing -- just wish there was room service... The only thing I deem essential that did not come with the house was a washer and drier. I went out Saturday to buy new ones and herein lies the rub: Nobody takes cheques anymore! They won't even look at a *certified cheque* or a *bank draft*! Too much fraud, they say. Nonsense. They just can't be bothered doing the paperwork involved with old-fashioned bank deposits! And/or they don't trust their employees any farther than they could throw them... *And* my (personal) credit card is in limbo, being moved from one VISA credit granter to another. (I'm changing banks, too, as there is not a branch of my old one in the new neighbourhood...) So, it appears I'll have to take *cash* to the Maytag store today! This situation defies all logic and reason... Welcome to the digital age... | | Wednesday, January 24th, 2007 | | 6:43 am |
Just so you know...
I'm moving house this Friday... So I'll be out of touch Internet-wise for a few days, aside from any bandwidth I can *borrow* from new neighbours with unsecured wireless LANs... Tearing down the office and computers, etc., tomorrow (Thursday)... Should be 'back in the galaxy again' by Monday... BTW: There will be a new phone number as of midnight Thursday/Friday. So don't call me - I'll call you. In a *nice* way, I mean ;-) See you on the other side... | | Saturday, January 20th, 2007 | | 8:52 am |
Many, many thanks!
...To Robert Peate, the creative genius behind Natural Light Photography Inc., who first convinced me to add user pics to my LJ and, second, created some inspiring examples for me! I made some more myself this morning. I'm *very* pleased with the results! Have a look and tell me with you think... And treat yourself to a visit to Robert's gallery site: http://www.nlphotos.com/. He has a golden *eye*! | | Friday, January 19th, 2007 | | 9:34 am |
My totem...
My totem found me on my birthday, two weeks ago today... *Every* card and gift I received incorporated a butterfly in some form. My friend Kate, who is a devotee of natural spirituality, says that was definitelya *sign*! The butterfly is a perfect icon for what's happening in my life right now -- casting off a dry, dead old cocoon and finally spreading my wings! What do you think? | | Sunday, January 14th, 2007 | | 9:49 am |
A good time...
I had the very good fortune to connect with two (very busy) new friends for dinner this past Friday evening. I've been thinking about the experience quite a bit, since then. It was good. Really good! I've put some lingering personal issues to rest and put some others 'in their place'... And I've found two more people I feel I can talk to, about certain *esoteric concerns* that we share. Life is good. :-) | | Monday, January 8th, 2007 | | 12:37 am |
A wonderful evening!
I've just returned from a wonderful evening with my closest friends -- their gathering to honour my birthday... A *beautiful* cake thanks to artistes Nelia and Maureen -- *my* first birthday cake! The most thoughtful cards and lovely gifts from everyone, for the new me and my new home... I'm *so* thankful for my friends! Love you all! :-) | | Sunday, January 7th, 2007 | | 12:39 pm |
Birth and re-birth...
I celebrated another anniversary of my 29th birthday on Friday, January 5. If New Year's weekend was, 'out with the old', then this weekend has definitely been 'in with the new': New optimism, new priorities, new certainty that my life is finally going *where I need it to go*... I celebrated my birthday solo, at home on Friday, as was my wish. Had a little ceremony I needed to perform, *just for me*. Tonight (Sunday), I celebrate my *re-birth* with a small group of my closest friends. If you are a friend, you'll know what I mean. I ask that others be content to know that I'm happier, more confident and more optimistic than I can ever remember being, at any other time in my adult life. And that's cause for celebration all by itself! | | Monday, January 1st, 2007 | | 10:52 am |
New year, new life...
Happy New Year, all! In the past three days, I've sent old clothes, old papers, old habits, old commitments and even some old 'friends' packing... All in preparation for the start of *a whole new life* -- which begins, officially, on my birthday, this coming Friday... Less than four weeks from now, I'll be in a new home, in a new neighbourhood with new responsibilities, new pleasures and new challenges to look forward to. Today, I'll rest and ice my bummed Achilles and treat myself to some recreational reading time. Later on, I'll enjoy the solitary but sumptuous New Year's Day dinner I've so carefully and selfishly planned for myself, to make this special day even *more* special. Tonight, I'll treat myself to some of my favourite old movies, with wine and chocolate on the side... Tomorrow, I'll hit the ground running (figuratively, at least), booking the mover and starting to pack all the stuff that had to stay out on display while the house was *showing* for sale... Hold on tight -- here we go! ;-) | | Thursday, December 21st, 2006 | | 4:28 pm |
Update: New house
I've bought a new house... I get into it, officially, on the same day I have to be out of the old place -- late January... Without going into excruciating, soppy deal, it's a gorgeous place and its definitely *Maggie's house*... Bright, cheerful, airy and almost brand new! I could only afford it because the seller was *very motivated*, as they say in the real estate business... ;-) Also, the place is just big enough to be too much work for empty-nesters and not big enough for a family with any more than one child... There's very little backyard, but that was one of my preferences. Just enough green space to plant some flowers -- and a nice *big* patio... There are no back-fence neighbours -- and there *never* will be! It backs onto the Greenbelt/bikepath! Sheesh! Just *listen* to me... And after promising *not* to go on and on and on about my new house... Shame, Mags! Anyway... If I don't manage to post again before Christmas, all the best of the season to all of you! Whatever your beliefs, I hope you can find something to be joyful and thankful for this Yule. A year ago, I suffered through the worst year-end holiday season I've *ever* experienced. This year, my holiday is shaping up to be one of the best ever! And 2007 will definitely be a turning point in my life -- in almost *every* way! (((HUGS))) to all! -- And to all, a *good* night! ;-) | | Tuesday, December 12th, 2006 | | 8:26 pm |
Update...
My life is *so* complicated these days -- but also *so* good! 1. The house is finally and truly *SOLD*. Got a little more than we absolutely needed to get for it, but not as much as we had *hoped* to get... *Sigh*... 2. I go out tomorrow afternoon looking at new houses. May view as many as 4-5... I *hope* to get one for the absolute minimum that some desperate seller feels they need to get for it... Must be in the new place by the end of January, come Hell or high water... 3. Am officially pre-approved for a mortgage (on my new place) of up to (figure classified), which is $35K more than the max I thought I was good for! And that, the mortgage broker tells me, was based solely on the proof of my equity in the house that's being sold and in my investments, which have quietly been appreciating since I took them over after my dad died. The lender(s) didn't even ask to see a single pay stub or tax return! How unusual for *bankers*... Perhaps some key person in their organization is totally insane and my application just managed to slide by him/her on a *manic* day! 4. I am feeling *great*, emotionally and physically these days... Amazing, the lift that 400 mg/day of those 'water pills' can give you! Not to mention losing nearly 100 lbs. in just under 2 years! Heck, I bought some *jeans* this week -- the first ones I've had in more than 30 years! And I'm back to a size 14, which I haven't *been* for over 30 years! WOOHOO! 5. Am also confirmed to start seeing yet another (additional) new doctor the first week of January... The 'water pills' are working out so well, we're going to see about adding one or two *more* things to my daily meds routine... At the rate I'm going, by the time Labour Day rolls around, I'll literally be a *new person*! 5. Expect to hear the end of this week how much the main group in the other city that's interested in the business asset is willing to pay for it... My front man made what he calls a very successful presentation to them yesterday... As I may have mentioned previously, on this deal hangs not only the sale of the asset but my primary (though not sole) employment for at least the next year... 6. STBE has announced that she has a job offer in another city, which she must accept by Jan. 1 2007 or lose. She could start at that job as early as February 1. WOW! She could be *totally* out of my life (except for some paperwork) by February 1! She is taking the rest of this week off to go down there and look into the job opportunity and, probably, accommodations, etc. It will be nice *not* to have her lurking around the office for a few days! 7. For the first time in decades, I'm loving my life, as it is, and looking forward to even better things to come! So, there! :-) | | Thursday, November 16th, 2006 | | 5:30 pm |
Nobody lost an eye, after all...
The situation is now resolved. Nobody actually lost an eye, in any sense. But I have to live with the fact that I did what I *always* seem to do in situations like this -- jumped to conclusions, feared the worst and *rode off in all directions*. I've been making real headway, in therapy, with other self-destructive behaviours -- like comparing myself to others and getting depressed or crossing bridges before I come to them (sometimes, even before they've been built). Must make sure to add *jumping to conclusions and riding off in all directions* to that list, for appropriate attention, in its turn... Anyway, I'll sleep *much* better tonight, now that this *thing* is resolved... :-) | | 4:23 pm |
It's all fun and games till somebody loses an eye...
I think I may have lost one of my two best friends in the world -- over a stupid personality quiz that I picked up from another friend's LJ! This is really, really strange, too... Because *I'm* the one who usually hurls herself into the Pit of Depression when I do poorly on one of these things -- even though everybody is supposed to know that they're *just for fun*! Well, I finally scored *well* on one -- the topic of which was *very* important to me -- and I wanted to share this rare triumph with my friend. So, I suggested *she* take the quiz, too. I just assumed she'd score higher then I did, because I know her pretty well and she is, quite simply, a more grown-up, better-adjusted and altogether more sensitive and nurturing person than I am... But it *didn't* turn out that way! I've never seen her *shout*, using *all caps*, in an e-mail -- except to say *YAY!* -- before. I just *know* she blames me for this, because I sent the f*****g quiz to her in the first place. I'm afraid I've lost her... :-( | | Friday, November 10th, 2006 | | 8:36 am |
Spoke too soon ...
It now appears that the damned house is *not* sold, after all. The people who *were* buying it had a contractor look the place over, with the idea that they'd excavate the crawl space under the back addition and create another bedroom in the basement. He apparently told them it would cost them $25,000. and they apparently ran away screaming with their hands in the air. First of all, we *never* agreed to let them out of the deal if it turned out they couldn't turn that space in to an extra room. Technically, they are in fraudulent default of the purchase agreement. All we agreed to was to let the contractor look at it. What's worse is, they're lying about the reason they want out of the deal. They're saying there's mould in the crawlspace. We, on the other hand, have a report from a certified and licensed building inspector saying it's *clean*. They're just slimy little creeps! Much as I want to sell this house, I really don't want them to have it! What's worst, though, is that the husband is *a minister of the cloth*. Backing out of the house deal on false pretenses is really *not* something a clergyman should be doing. BAd example to the flock. I wonder if an open letter to his congregation is in order? I'm just *so* pissed off! *** On the other hand, a couple of hours after the sinful clergyman announced he was pulling out of the house deal, another real estate agent called us to confirm that the place was officially back on the market. She said she has a party that's really interested, but was preempted by the other (now defunct) deal. We're *hoping* to receive an offer from *them* within the next few days... *Sigh*... | | Monday, November 6th, 2006 | | 11:34 am |
One down?
It *appears* that the house is (finally) *sold*! We've accepted an offer that came in late last week. But it's conditional on the buyers selling their current house by a certain date (which is somewhat, but not much, in advance of the closing date for the purchase of ours)... We feel some relief, but we know that it's *still not over*... However, the conditional sale agreement allows us to keep our house on the market. We can look at other offers which may come in and, if we get one we like better than the conditional one we already have, the conditional buyers have 24 hours to decide whether to commit *firmly* to buy our place or abandon their claim and let us accept the new offer. It's like insurance, for us... So...That's one down... Two more to go: Sell the business asset and get the separation agreement signed... Sale of the house makes one of the two outstanding points that are holding up the separation agreement moot. And of the two outstanding points, that one was the real sticker. The other thing is merely a matter of wording; there is already agreement in principle on that one. We hope to meet again, this week, with the people who *still* want to buy the business asset, in spite of their sluggish and disorganized efforts thus far. Not to mention their legal documents, one of which our lawyer referred to as *Frankenstein's Contract* -- pieced together from parts taken from other old, dead contracts plus bits and pieces off the floor... But, after reaching an impasse of sorts a couple of weeks ago, I think that negotiations are about to resume, on a different and more workable basis. If things work out as I suspect they may, I will be receiving consulting fees (re.- running the business for the new owners) even *before* the sale of the asset actually goes through... Seems they need to set up a whole new division of their company to *do it right* and their front man has already, casually, opined as I'm the obvious best choice, based on my experience, to set up the new division for them!:-) Next order of business... A battle plan to find and finance a new home for me! I intend to meet later this week on this issue with the real estate agent we use. I'll be glad to let her do the legwork, searching the MLS listings, etc.! |
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