Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Know Who's Calling

One bad thing about online dating is the amount of phone numbers you amass. Many people want to talk on the phone, even before meeting you. (This is not my preference. I like to meet first.) But you end up with all of these phone numbers. And they have yours. Granted, most of them fall off, and you never hear from them again. But it is unsettling that strangers have your number. It used to be that you could not look up cell phone numbers, but that is not the case anymore. Reverse Phone Lookups will let you plug in a phone number and see who is registered to that number. That is so great! Now, rather than ignoring a call just because I don't know who called, or having to call that number back to find out, I can do a reverse phone lookup. And you can also sign up for the National No Call Registry. I have done that and am enjoying the peace and quiet. Nothing worse than getting a sales call at an inopportune time. And most times are inopportune times.

Surprising Insight from Date

On my DZ the other night, I did hear some surprising news. Well, I guess it is not surprising--I have heard it before. But I am always surprised when I hear it again. My date asked me how I liked match. I am never sure how to take that comment. Maybe it is just chit-chat. I usually don't ask the question myself unless I know the date is going nowhere. So, I didn't really mind when he asked me--again I guess because I felt it was going nowhere. I told him my usual--that I was glad it was there, because it let me meet people I would normally not meet. But most of them are not "matches." He told me the women he meets are so forward and seem to be sex starved or something. That they will actually say, "yes, I would do you," to him. I asked him if they are normal looking women or sleazeballs. He said normal. And that he didn't like that--he couldn't get over that many were that way. That was not what he was looking for. Good for him. But I am shocked about the women. Really.

Good Computer Hosting Essential

When you are a non-techie like me, you rely on those who are techies to help you through the rough spots. With this blog, I don't have to worry about hosting, because blogger does it for me. However, a friend and I are talking about starting a Website this summer that will make money for us. We will combine our two sets of expertise in a Website that can be of use to people. So with that one, we will want to have a class A design, have all kinds of pages and links, and probably keep adding to it as we discover more benefits we can provide our readers. That is going to be a case where we will need a good Web host. You want a Web host that is on top of things, so that the server isn't always down, or that you don't get your email, etc. That would be the death of a Website! If someone comes to your site, and it is not there, or you don't answer their inquires, they probably will not return.

Had Another Date Zero

I met another guy off match the other night. Nice enough guy, but very northern. Not that that matters--I am northern too. ButuknowhudImean.
We met for a nice dinner, and he has good manners (except that he interrupts all of the time). But at least he apologized (repeatedly) for doing that. I don't think it is a match--not professionally or otherwise. He might be OK for a friend, but not sure. He asked if he could call me again, and I said yes. I will see what happens.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Fun Camping Stuff

I am not a big camper, but I have enjoyed my more rugged weekends in the past. A couple of trips up Mt. LeConte in the Smoky Mountains, for example. Once up there, we stayed in cabins, so it was not sleeping under the stars. But hey, it was rigorous getting there, and for me it was back to nature. When you are doing a lot of camping or hiking in the woods, it is important to be prepared. I found a Website that has some great looking compasses and some heavy duty tactical flashlights. And a number of knives that could be helpful. A knife might get you out of some tough spots out in the wild.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Rebate Checks Coming Earlier Than Expected

I read yesterday that the rebate checks will start appearing in people's checking accounts through direct deposit next week. That is good news indeed. I know that everyone is wondering what to do with their rebate money. I won't be doing anything exciting with mine, but it comes at a good time when my money is still tight from having to pay for all of the bar reviews and bar application fees. The money will help tide me over when I am not working this summer when studying for the bar. Well, maybe I will spend a little of it on a manicure!

Body Beautiful #8--Trimming Body Fat

While watching the marathon in my neighborhood this morning, I was reminded again about how i am not exercising. I have done several marathons myself and loved them. I loved the workouts, the exercise, and the camaraderie that comes with doing the race. While in law school, I just haven't had time to exercise, let along do a marathon. I found a body fat monitor today that may help me once I get back in exercise mode. I want to be buff again!

Need New Batteries

Since I record all of my law classes, it is not a surprise I go through a lot of batteries. I like to have several extras with me, because there have been a number of times that I have run out of juice during a class. Not only does my recorder start beeping, but I lose part of the lecture. And anymore, I am very dependant on being able to hear that info again. I recently read a post that talks about the advantages of rechargable batteries, and how after your initial investment, they are almost free. I guess it would be better for the environment too. Worth looking into.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Facial Destiny

I took a quiz the other day where you were supposed to pick out which man is interested in just a fling and which one is interested in a relationship just by looking at photos of their faces. You could also do the same with pictures of women. I guessed the one with women right. But not the one with the men. Isn't that wierd? Is that my problem? I can't tell which men are which? They said the men with the more masculine features would be more interested in just a fling. Well, duh, I guess. But the photos in the quiz were of the same man--just one was slightly machoed up a little. But not enough for me to really tell which one was the more masculine. Maybe my radar is off a little on that one? And is that why I attract the wrong type? The gist of the article, however, was that those who were more attractive, of either gender, had more chances at flings. Never would have guessed that!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Shhhhh......

Don't tell anyone, but I am getting a crush on one of my law teachers. He is a judge. I don't know what has come over me. It didn't hit me at first, but now I think he is hot. Wish he weren't married. I think he would be a great to be around.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Body Beautiful #9--Dash Diet

Well the dash diet appears to be more of a heart healthy diet, but a diet that is good for your health is probably also good for your looks. MSNBC.com today ran an article about the diet and how women who follow such a diet have a lot fewer heart attacks and strokes. I am not quite to the point where I am worried about these problems, but it is good to get into good habits, as you never know when it could happen to you. In a nutshell, the article suggested eating every day:
--more than eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
--one serving of nuts and legumes
--at least two servings of whole grains
--two servings of low-fat dairy products
--a half serving of red or processed meats.
The article says the dash diet actually recommends two servings daily of lean meat, fish, or poultry, but that another study over a period of 24 years showed that women who ate a half a serving of the high-fat meats also had fewer heart attacks and strokes. I guess the point is just eat less of it!

Social Networking and MP3 Hits

Talking about social networking groups, I have heard about a new one called 3gb community, where you can do a variety of things such as upload photos, join groups, write blogs, chat with others, and hear the latest MP3 hits. Wonder if anyone would want to hear my latest MP3 hits--my lectures I recorded of constitutional law, mortgages, and other law classes. Just kidding! But you never know when they may become hits. When someone misses a class, we often give the lectures to fellow students in the MP3 format. Looking on the site, I don't recognize any of the artists, but it does say it is the first Arabic community network, so they may all be Arabic performers.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Well, Rock of Love ended last night. I can't believe how much I enjoyed that show. I have watched this season from the beginning, so I really knew the cast of characters. I was as shocked as anyone last night when Bret picked Ambre over Daisy. I actually started liking Ambre better at the beginning of last night's episode. I am sure the show purposely underplayed Ambre, so you would think Daisy would be the winner. I have to admit, it made me like Bret more--that he would pick a more sensible, mature woman over just a sexpot. I felt bad for Daisy though--she seems like someone who has had some bad breaks in her life. I read a few reviews of the finale today, and it is sounding like Bret hasn't really found his rock of love yet. Is that an opening for Rock of Love 3? How many times can he do this? Well, at least we have the reunion show to look forward to next week. I am sure it will be a catfight.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Am I the Jealous Type?

I just took a quiz, and about 50 percent of my answers indicate I am the jealous type. It is easy to think you aren't, but once you are faced with a question, such as are you jealous if the guy you are with looks at other women too much, I have to admit that I am. I am not jealous in situations such as when friends get a better job or a nicer car. I guess that is because I think those things are more in my control. The quiz did say that insecurity is tied into jealousy, and I do believe that. Whenever I get into a relationship again, I hope I am not jealous or at least not unreasonably so. The knowledge that you don't have to put up with bad behavior--that you can walk away--helps in battling the insecurity demon.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Car Rental Made Easy

I love how the Internet has made everything easier, renting cars included. Back in the late 80s, when I was trying to make car rental reservations in Spain over the phone, it was extremely difficult. And a little scary because I was not sure when I hung the phone up that I really had a reservation. Glad those days are over! I don't have any plans right now to go to Israel, but I am happy to put it on my wish list. And if I were going to rent a car in israel, I would check into Avis-Israel. Their online reservations Website is very easy to use. And there is no cancellation fee, which is good, because you never know when your travel plans will change. There is also no credit card requirement, which is good for people like me who are trying not to use credit cards. Apparently, they offer many promotions for the holidays and special occasions. For fun, I plugged in some numbers: if I were to pick up a Ford Focus on Sunday and return it two days later, it would only cost me $84.00. Not bad at all!

Body Beautiful #8--Eating Less Junk Food

We all know the problems with junk food--too many calories, too much salt, yadda, yadda, yadda. Some of the things I have learned in recent years are alarming--that too much junk food can actually damage your liver in addition to clogging your arteries, etc. I have also heard that it can cause inflammation, leading to aging of the skin. All of this is enough to make me cut down on eating junk food. Right now with law school--it is hard. Sometimes on class night, I do run by and get fast food before class. The decision is do I eat junk food early, or a better meal later, like at 10:30 p.m? Neither choice is good. But I am cutting down on junk food as best as I can, and my heart, liver, and skin thank me for it.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

An Anglophile's Dream Vacation

My sister is a true Anglophile. She eats, sleeps, and breathes all things English. In college, she went on an architectural history tour of some quaint areas in England. That was about 20 years ago, and she still talks about it with such fondness. She also devours all of the English sitcoms and murder mysteries on PBS. I would love to see her take another trip to England--something that could be as special for her this time as it was last time. I had heard nice things about the Isle of Wight but didn't know much about it. I found it on the Web, and it took my breath away. It is the quintessential English retreat. I would want to stay at the Isle of Wight Hotel. The gardens are spectacular. (See how easily I thrust myself into my sister's imaginary vacation?) Maybe it won't be so imaginary someday. I could see her wanting to stay there for a long time.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Body Beautiful #7--Fabulous Fish Oil

In my quest to take better care of myself, I am trying to resume my intake of supplements. I am saying trying, because I don't even have another nanosecond in my schedule to open a bottle of vitamins. But I am trying--and I am starting with fish oil. Fish oil is a great supplement for those like me who don't eat enough fish. Good for the skin and the heart. What is hard though about fish oil is that you can take it multiple times a day, and I keep forgetting that. I am doing well if I remember to take it one time a day. One time a day is better than nothing, but I will work back up to three times a day. My skin will love me for it.

Real Housewives of NYC

I have started watching this show and it is my newest guilty pleasure. Yes, I am a reality TV freak. It is really pretty good. I don't get Alex and her husband Simon. They are so society conscious it is hilarious. And they don't seem to be the type. Alex seems like a hippy chick. But they are ruthless in their social climbing. They are also joined at the hip. Methinks Simon is gay. Does anyone else think so too?

Monday, April 7, 2008

Hooked on Infomercials

Ever hear someone say they are hooked on infomercials? I have. I have been mesmerized by infomercials myself a time or two. It usually happens late at night. I have been dozing on the sofa with the TV on and suddenly the programming turns to "paid programming." Sometimes I am too lazy to change the channel, and I am not ready to go to bed yet. So I get pulled in. You not only learn a lot of information about the product, but you may also learn about someone's experience with it, which helps personalize the item to you. When you see that item in a store or the Web, it can bring a smile to your face, like an old friend. (Well not quite, but you know what I mean.)

As Seen on TV Products Website features a lot of the products you see on TV. I had a good time looking through the products on the site. My sister uses The Principal Secret skin care system, and it was on there. And it wasn't too expensive either! I was also interested in the Urine Gone stain remover. The other day for the first time Loopot wet my bed of all things. Not Cool! I know he was hungry and mad. He was very overweight and had to cut down on his food, and he is not happy. But he had never wet outside his litter box before, so it concerned me. I hope he doesn't do it again. I may have to order that product.

The site has reviews, which is particularly good for some of the health related items, so you can know what is in the product and how it works. Very user friendly site! It also helps to know where to find a product. Sometimes you just can't write down that 800 number from the TV fast enough. So you get a second chance on the website.



Rock of Love Again

I am really enjoying Rock of Love right now, much more than the new Bachelor. Of course the Bachelor just started a new season, so maybe it hasn't gained enough steam yet. But it doesn't seem as interesting right now. Rock of Love is down to two women now, and the finale will be next week. I think he really likes Daisy, and it is funny how she has him twisted up in a ball. He thinks she is a good person but that she hasn't been as forthcoming as she should about her past. I think that is funny--that a rock star is worried about someone not being forthcoming about her past. I wonder if he is being forthcoming about his? Maybe he is, but I just wonder. But the fact that she she has him so twisted up is good. Keeping a guy on edge increases his interest. I didn't really care for Destiney, and she is the one who was sent home, but it was sad about her father who had liver cancer. The families of the women came to visit the show this past week, and he and Bret rode motorcycles together. It was definitely a poignant moment.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Needed: New Furniture

I really need to get a handle on the home thing. I used to have it. I had it for at least a while. Making my condo nice and neat and mine. Now it is just a mess. Ignored. But I still love it. I love that it is mine. But I don't love that I don't have time to do housework and upkeep and give it basic TLC. It is hard to be a good housekeeper while working and in law school full time. I look at it and shake my head. But on the other hand, I can only do what I can do. I may have to give myself some slack until I pass the bar. But then after that, I want to be queen of the condos. A condonista. I need to put as much work into making my home interesting and neat as I do other things. That is a promise I am making to myself. I would love to get some new furniture. That would be a wonderful gift to myself and to my home. My taste is eclectic, so modern furniture would fit right in.

I need some new bathroom cabinets, and I love this look. I love the wood and the European look.


Thursday, April 3, 2008

Body Beautiful #6--Red Wine

I am always interested in how to stay looking young and read everything I can get my hands on about anti-aging. AOL had a good article today, which had a few things I had never heard before. I knew of course that red wine is good for you; it has resveratrol in it, which has been called the ultimate anti-aging nutrient. What a recommendation! Drink up! But one thing it said that I paid attention to is that women who drink red wine should also take folic acid, as even one drink a day can increase your risk for breast cancer if you are folic deficient. Wow--I did not know that. Folic acid also is good for heart and circulation health, so I am going to start popping that little pill again.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Setting Financial Goals

I am becoming more and more of a believer that if you write your goals down, it will help you reach those goals. Both in love and other areas of life. I am going to write down goals for my lovelife and what traits I want in a mate. But I am also going to write down my financial goals. I have been a financial dum-dum far too long. Among my goals, I am going to write down that I want to someday buy meme's and pepe's house, buy another beautiful house, be able to afford to travel at whim and have nice clothes, donate to charity, maybe adopt a child. That is hugely ambitious. To do some or all of these things, I will need some financial advice. George Divel is a financial advisor and his website lays out some great information. Such as he believes in writing down financial goals to make them happen. And that he stays on top of his clients' needs. That he provides a higher level of customer service than some other firms. He also has a blog on his website that gives some great financial tips. I am going to start taking that kind of advice more seriously.

Today Has Got to be Better

Yesterday was one of those days when I was glad I was single. I don't know if it was hormones or lack of sleep or a combo of those, but I was near a breakdown almost all day. I spent most of yesterday not wanting to talk with anyone. Law school is heating up, and we are all on edge. No sleep and an unmanageable schedule is a killer. I can't make myself sick over all this. After all, I went to law school for fun. Imagine that. I can't let it get the best of me now. And I need more sleep. I need it for my beauty and I need it for my health. I only got 5 hours of sleep last night, but it was good sleep--I feel much better today.