I've been up since roughly 3 AM (don't ask), and since I was home today, I decided it was time for some much-needed reorganization of my files/email/software. I've been letting e mail pile up to ridiculous proportions (between work, life, Babble and other pursuits, something definitely had to give.) So when I finally got around to really looking at my e mail, it was huge. I've read, sorted, deleted and replied to more e mail today than I have since early June. Now it's back to manageable size again, and should be easier to maintain. The problem has to do with information overload, I think. I subscribe to several newsletters having to do with blogging, software/freeware reviews, computer tips and the like...things that look interesting, when I have time to really look into them...and I decided I either needed to clear up the backlog or (horrors!) unsubscribe to some of them.

I came across some good freeware in the process, plus a couple of blogging hacks I do want to implement. See the right sidebar for links to the freeware.

In the process of cleaning house, Jay and I collected a number of new, unread paperbacks and hardback books that are now in a neat stack on a shelf that I can reach quickly. I'm working on finishing one book before I begin another. (Time management 101: never have *too* many projects going at a time, unless you are in college, then all bets are off).

Jay and I are thinking about and discussing a possible weekend trip we may take in late September/early October to celebrate a major personal milestone of his. We are thinking about taking Dylan with us to visit The San Antonio Zoo and the Alamo.
The girls will be boarded at the vet's for the weekend of the trip; it isn't fair to take them with us.

Last weekend, we went shopping. I bought myself a new toy that should make holiday cooking and baking a breeze.

My office has relocated as of ten days ago. The new space is much larger, lighter, brighter, and quieter than our former office ever was or could be. Evwn the lighting is better. The new phone system is cutting edge, which is also a huge help, and more new staff will be hired. It took all summer for contractors to renovate and prepare the new space, and about a month to six weeks to get ready for the actual move. It was totally worth it.

Lauren has her first visit with her obstetrician this week; she has promised me she will provide an update as soon as she knows anything.

Currently reading: Seizure, by Robin Cook; I also bought The Husband, by Dean Koontz. What fun! I have several other good books waiting when I'm finished with these.

I gave all of my crocheting supplies to Lauren, so she can work on things for the baby. Despite my best efforts, my hands just would not cooperate with the program, and I couldn't hold the yarn correctly to do any good. I ended up with significant pain from my wrist to elbow, and it just isn't worth an injury. So I will be content with baking.

I did start a new hobby, however: Container gardening. Currently, I have aloe vera, an ivy, bell pepper, tomatoe plants, and an avocado, and they are all thriving. I did not think anything would grow because I've never had much luck before, so it's a nice surprise. I'm planning to create my own herb garden in the spring, since it's so late in the year now.

Ok, I freely admit: Martha Stewart I am not. I've never been one to always have craft projects in progress. But with the new baby, I've decided I'm going to teach myself to crochet. I went out and bought yarn, hooks, and other supplies...and I'm set. But...even the most basic chain stitch is eluding me, at least for the moment. The booklet I have says, "it's easy to do." Right. But I refuse to just give up. I've found numerous online resources (instructions, patterns, message boards, even videos...and I do have friends who can crochet...so, one way or another, I am going to learn! (I think grandmothers HAVE to be able to do something to get ready for a new baby...and this is what I am choosing. I already bake.)

I want to be able to create a baby's blanket. Nothing too fancy. I'm not asking for the impossible...at least, I don't think so. And, I like the portability of crochet; it can go almost anywhere, although I probably won't take it to church. Now, if I can just keep the girls out of the yarn basket...

I have finally put a decent amount of RAM in my computer. Jay took the CPU in to our favorite computer technician after two attempts to install new RAM at home didn't work too well. The technician put two sticks of RAM in, and now it runs much faster. He did say that since this machine is a few years old it might be time to start thinking about getting a new one. I generally buy a new computer every four to five years, and this one is four years old. The one he showed us is a nice machine for a decent price, but it has Windows XP Home OS. No problem. I have a legitimate copy of XP Pro I could probably install to upgrade the OS...but I'm wondering if I can wait a while. I might want to at least look at Vista...whether I buy it or not is still open to consideration. I've got an awful lot of software (freeware and commercial), and I want to be sure that it will work in Vista before I jump. Plus, I just want to check out Vista to see if I can live and work with it or not. Anyway, there's always Linux. *Sigh*. So many choices...

was just another ordinary day...until the phone rang. I have been unable to stop smiling since then. Lauren called, and we chatted for a bit. Jay and I have been thinking about buying a duplex and doing a rent-to-own arrangement with Lauren and Keith. She told me if we were looking for a duplex, better get one with three bedrooms, "because if not, Dylan will need to share a room with the baby." She is pregnant! The new baby is due in March or April. While this will be her second child, in a way it's like the first time for me, since I didn't get to share the first one with her due to circumstances we had no control over. So, yes, I am excited and thrilled. It's amazing what joy the word "baby" can hold.

Dylan will be three years old by the time his new brother or sister arrives, and it couldn't be better timing. I'm glad we held on to all of his equipment. It's amazing how much "stuff" a little one needs.

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.

Once in a while, I find really good toys to play with. Today was an example. I got a copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, and I think it will revolutionize the way that I do my work. It does take some getting used to, but I do believe it will reduce a lot of strain on my hands and on my eyes. I'm happy to note that it does work in Blogger, and it doesn't seem to mind Firefox. I'm sure it will speed things along, once I'm used to it.

The most fascinating thing about this software is watching the words appear in front of me without my having to touch the keyboard once. It even came with its own microphone. I hope I can use it successfully in my work. I would like to spend more time playing with the software, but for now it's time it's late, so I'm going to go to bed. I'll spend time getting used to the software before I try to use it for my job.

I've had the CPAP machine for a couple of weeks, and the difference in my energy level is marked. I don't break my jaws yawning any more, and I definitely feel more alert. The equipment is very compact and easy to assemble, disassemble and clean. Plus, it's very quiet, just a small amount of white noise. I don't wake up dozens of times at night any more.

The insurance requires that the machine is considered to be rented for six months, before the company will purchase it. The reason for this is that too many people were geting the machine but did not use it consistently.

My new "wheels" will be here in about two weeks; the new company I finally did choose to work with (because it is "in-network" for my insurance) has done all of the documentation; the doctor has signed off on it, and a physical therapist came by this morning to do a short assessment. She will fax her documentation to the company, and the chair should be ordered next week, to arrive the week after next.

Dylan got an Easter card with money inside, and his great-gramma sent him a "power suit." Lauren thinks it's wonderful. They just came for a quick visit, and when he kissed me goodbye, Dylan asked me to also give his "Shrek" doll a hug, which of course I did...

Jay's working tonight, and may work tomorrow night also; he should be able to pick up extra hours this summer. Everything helps. We are working with a counselor (not because we are in difficulty but because we want to enrich our relationship), and it is going well.

I had an appointment this morning with a Respiratory Therapist who carefully reviewed all of my new CPAP equipment with me and fitted me with my first mask. I can get new masks every six months.

The equipment fits into a neat travel bag a little larger than a backpack; it includes:

the CPAP machine itself (smaller than a portable radio I used to have)
the humidifier and heater
the tubing
the mask (small and light weight) and filter
the documentation (several manuals, booklets and brochures)
the "card" that holds my settings and readings
the power cord

total weight is around 8 pounds and it is quite portable. I'm definitely looking forward to using the equipment and finally feeling rested when I awaken. I haven't been rested for so long I've forgotten what it's like.

That's the best way to describe my emotional state yesterday. I recently had my annual physical. Part of that examination included my taking home a portable sleep monitoring machine on loan from the doctor's office to do a sleep apnea study at home. The other option of going to a sleep lab seemed less appealing than being in my own bedroom, by far. The Physician's Assistant in the office showed me how to set up the equipment and explained how to perform the test, and a guide to follow at home was included with the equipment. I did the test on a Friday night. I felt as though I barely even closed my eyes that night, let alone slept...yet I must indeed have slept. I turned the equipment off when I got up the next morning, repacked it in the travel case, and Jay took it and the disk containing my readings back to the doctor's office. He sent the disk off to be read and evaluated by a technician. Then, on Monday of this week, I got a call from the doctor's office asking me to please come in before my next scheduled appointment because the doctor wanted to discuss the results of the study.

It did not take a rocket scientist to figure out what was about to happen. As I saw it, there were two possibilities: Either I did the test incorrectly the first time and there was no data on the disk and I would need to do the test again . . . or the doctor was about to tell me that yes, the test was positive for sleep apnea and we would need to discuss options for treatment. I know this doctor very well after having worked with him for eight years, so I knew he would not ask to see me sooner than my scheduled visit untless there was a good reason. In other words, he would not call me in just to say the test was negative.

So, I went in yesterday morning, and sure enough I have sleep apnea. The doctor told me that it is "severe". His description was, "you are basically strangling in your sleep, over and over again." No wonder I'm exhausted when I awaken; it's impossible to get any rest when I'm waking several times per hour to catch my breath. He gave me a prescription for a CPAP machine and the phone number of a group of Respiratory Therapists he works with, and told me to call and set up an appointment. I called, and the RT who answered the phone asked for the doctor's prescription and my insurance information, which I provided. Next step is to meet with the RT (likely next week) to receive training on the use and care of the equipment. I will likely be getting the machine around the same time as the appointment with the RT.

It seems ironic. I suggested Jay be tested for sleep apnea because he snored terribly, and is overweight. Those are classic factors that contribute to sleep apnea. He returned the favor by suggesting I get tested myself for the condition, and my doctor agreed it would be a good idea, if ony to rule it out.

Jay is also diagnosed with sleep apnea, and already has a CPAP. He generously offered the use of his CPAP to me, and I declined the offer, with thanks. He needs it himself. The miracle here (and I am famous for looking for silver linings behind dark clouds) is that the condition has been diagnosed, and can now be treated -- and I haven't had a stroke or heart attack because of the condition. I'll take my blessings where I can find them.