I hadn't planned on changing my template at all, but it became necessary recently. I was helping someone set up a new blog one morning about a week and a half ago. Just to guide my friend through the process of setting up her blog, I switched to the same template she chose to use so I could explain how it worked. Problem was, I was in more of a hurry than I should have been, and instead of working from a test blog, I accidentally deleted the template for this blog. So, I've come up with a few guidelines that may help save someone's sanity regarding blogging:

1. Never try to do anything important with your blog if you're in a rush or very tired. The potential for making mistakes is much higher than it is when you can take your time.
2. If you have more than one blog, make sure you are using the correct template before deleting or editing anything.
3. Backup, Backup, Backup.

I have to say I am very pleased with the new look of my blog. I know some people think blue is boring.....but I am not some people. I've always found blue to be soothing. So if you want a green (or black or plaid) blog, more power to you. This is my blog, and I like blue.

Some of my readers (you are still out there, I hope!) may recall that at one time I had a long list of software in my sidebar. No more. Instead, I will feature just a few titles of interest from time to time. Heaven knows there is enough excellent quality software (freeware, open source, and retail) that I will never run out of titles.

I hope you will enjoy the new look as much as I do.

For a while now, I've been receiving e mail newsletters from and listening to Kim Komando. Kim has some solid computer/technology/geek-type information geared toward users at all levels of expertise, and she has a weekly radio show airing across the country. Her website is a brand-new redesign, which is a welcome change. The new site is cleaner, less cluttered, and well organized, and even the new colors are attractive. One new feature is Kim's Club, which is a paid membership section (very reasonably priced)that gives members access to podcasts and extra content. All of the content that was free on the old site is still free on the new site, so even without joining Kim's Club, visitors still have access to lots of good content.

Want to learn more about world religions? Want to explore spirituality a bit? Beliefnet offers information on major world religions, several inspirational newsletters, quizzes, and lots more.

Tutorials: Intellitorials is one of the better tutorial sites I've found lately.

Ramp up your use of De.licio.us: Quick Online Tips has all sorts of fun and helpful tools to help you get the most out of Del.icio.us Social Bookmarking site.

Summer is movie time...

Hate standing in line for movie tickets? Ever miss a movie because it was sold out? Fandango can help. Order and pay for your tickets online with a credit card, then take a printed receipt to the box office or self-serve kiosk at the theater. Tickets are guaranteed.

If you like movies, you will likely find IMDB a handy resource. Its searchable database will help you find all kinds of information about tons of movies, as well as trivia and celebrity news.

Yikes! How did it get to be June?! Today is the anniversary of the day I graduated from high school. No, I won't tell which anniversary it is.

I've been up to my ears in alligators just lately. I got my new "wheels" a couple of weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for some of the peripherals (pins to attach the manual wheels with, and my lap tray) to arrive. I did finally get "my" cushion, which is a lot better than the loaned one I had for a little more than a week. The footrests may need to be changed; the jury is still out on that point. This chair is called a "Quickie", and it is truly a huge improvement over the old one. The interesting thing about the new chair is that it actually does have two sets of wheels. One set is plain vanilla manual and the other set is actually powered by a battery. So, I have the best of both worlds: the chair can be folded for travel in the trunk of my car, and it is much easier to push, especially indoors on carpet. The back support is rigid, which is good for my arthritis. There is a single handbrake to lock both wheels, and the chair will not move with the brake locked, unlike my old one (I could still drag it, locked or not.) The armrests (which I need both for support and because I don't like feeling as though I'm falling) are fully adjustable to different height levels. All of the features of this chair were chosen with my specific needs in mind...the first time I've ever had a custom made chair! I even got to choose the color of the frame, so I chose royal blue. One interesting thing I noted when I was reading the manual to learn how the wheels are removed for storage in the trunk is that every single page of the manual has WARNINGS. I've certainly heard of liability, but my goodness, it does seem a bit excessive to have warnings after every paragraph in the manual.

Jay told me the other day I should be in high style; he was referring not only to the new chair but to the new mask I have for my CPAP. The new mask is a different design and its better, with no leaks to set off the alarm in the middle of the night. It's easier to put on, because it has clips instead of simply using Velcro.

Jay's temp job has ended, so he's looking for another job currently. He has reached one major milestone in paying off an expense that needed to be completely paid off by July; he did it two months early. His birthday was quiet, but he seemed to enjoy it, and he did get a new digital camera.

I'm seriously considering changing the template for my personal home pages, to completely reorganise things. I've had the current one for almost a year, so it's a good time to make a change.

I am still working on Dragon Naturally Speaking; it is a bear to configure, especially since I do want to use it for work. I just haven't had the time and/or patience to really study the manual yet.

Speaking of work, the office will be moving this summer. I can't wait. The new site will be much more spacious, in a newer building with only one level (not to mention more restrooms).

Current reading: The Da Vinci Code. I actually got the book for Christmas, and hadn't had time for it until now.

I wanted to do some cooking this weekend, but I don't know if I will or not. I was sick as a dog yesterday, with a virus, and the mere thought of food was not pleasant. I did finally feel better by last night, so cooking is still on the agenda as a maybe.