Google was wrong!

My roommate works in Media, and a lot of times she goes to the Iron Hill Brewery after work and invites me to go along. Even though I'm usually pretty good with remembering how to get to places (especially when it hasn't been that long), for some reason I always have to to look up directions. Two times ago, I looked up the address on the Iron Hill website and then plugged it into yahoo-I had no problems getting there. Last time I used google and I got lost/had difficulty finding the place. Today I realized why. Google is wrong! For whatever reason, it thinks that 3o E. State Street is closer to Manchester than Monroe. The Iron Hill website has a google map inbedded, which is telling people the wrong location. When I discovered that Google and Yahoo were telling me different places, I cross referenced with Maquest - which agreed with Yahoo. But, just to be sure, I called the restaurant and they confirmed.

I guess I should look into telling Google and especially Iron Hill that they're worng. I'm guessing the restuarant might care a little more since they probably want people to actually be able to find them.

My Collection's Complete!

I have been collecting state quarters for awhile now, and yesterday I got Hawaii. The chef at my work gave it to me b/c he knew I've been looking for it.

When I got home, I put in in my collection book and realized that the first one was released in 1999. I gues I've waiting 9 years to have a complete collection.

Vocab Lesson of the Day

I just that there is a difference between a douche and a douchebag (the slang definitions, not the literal).

From Dictionary.com:

douchebag-
Someone who has surpassed the levels of jerk and asshole, however not yet reached fucker or motherfucker. Not to be confuzed with douche.

douche-
a word to describe an individual who has shown themself to be very brainless in one way or another, thus comparing them to the cleansing product for vaginas.

Where's the last "F"?

I keep hearing commercials about the Williams and Manning brothers competing in the Double Stuf Racing League. So I finally decided to check out the website. It was then that I realized that they're Double STUF Oreos (as opposed to stuffed or even stuff). What's the point of misspelling the word? Aren't people bad enough spellers as it is??

Hotels

Joining a co-ed frat has allowed me/forced me (depending upon your point of view) staying a lot of different hotels-most of them up-scale ones.

Most of the hotels are pretty similar, but some stand out. For example, ever since the first time I stayed in one, I've loved Westin's. Basically, just because of the comfort of the their beds. If I had a few grand to burn, I might buy one (but since I don't, I'll stick with the one I have). On the other hand, Marriotts and Hiltons have switched to MemoryFoam beds, which in my opinion, suck major ass.

I was at the Crowne Plaza over the weekend and the things that impressed me most were the mirrors. Seriously, they were huge and everywhere, it was awesome :-D. In the room: not only was there the mirror over the sink/counter in the bathroom, there was a handheld one that wasn't attached. In the room, there was one over the desk and a full-length one on the wall. The in the lobby restrooms: The standard over-the-sink mirrors, but also a huge (maybe 6 feet across) full-length mirror for checking not only face and hair, but also your dress.

Besides the mirrors, they had shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, earplugs, an linen spray in the rooms. They also offered other necessities (razor, toothbrush, etc) free of charge.

The gist is: I'm impressed with Crowne Plaza.

2008 in Review

I stole this from Drew three years ago (and like his this year, a lot of my answers are going to be about my new house):

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Paid for my own utility bills

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
No (but I only half-heartedly made one last year) and yes

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes-Amber had another son

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My best friend's grandfather

5. What countries did you visit?
None :(

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A bf

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 29 - First officially of my first real job
April 17- Day we made settlement
October 29/31 - Phillies won the world series and the parade

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a real job and a house

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to paint the edges of my room neatly.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not that I can think of.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My house

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My insurance agent because he was the only competent person involved in buying my house

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Everyone I had to deal with when buying my house: Specifically the real estate agent, and the mortgage people. I don't think they had half a brain between them.

14. Where did most of your money go?
House and associated bills

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
House and parties at my house

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Womanizer and Wow I Can Get Sexual Too (I called her on the phone and she touched herself) because I heard these a lot at Alpha Lambda Parties

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or Sadder? Probably about the same
b) Thinner or Fatter? I have no clue, probably about the same
c) Richer or Poorer? Poorer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Travel

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Working

20. How did you spend Christmas?
my grandfather came over for our tradition of lasagna, exchanged gifts with the Stedmans and then with the girls at my house.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Not even close

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Californication is the greatest show ever

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
yes

24. What was the best book you read?
One of the Philippa Gregory's books about Henry VIII's wives

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't have one

26. What did you want and get?
House and job

27. What did you want and not get?
bf, a million bucks

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Since I can't remember all the movies I saw, I'll say Role Models

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Ummm...I think I turned 24. I hate the top layer of my "Happy Birthday Susan" cake that my friends and I made and froze last year.

30.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
People not being idiots

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same as 2007: Causal--jeans and a cute shirt with a hoodie or sweater; Work--business casual

32. What kept you sane?
Sane? If anything, the girls. At work, I'd say being able to bitch to Dave and his funny remarks.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don't think I liked real people.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Hearing about the election drove me nuts

35. Who did you miss?
Beck-even though she didn't move that far away, I don't get to see her as much.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
I can't think of anyone new, but I got to know a few people better

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Almost everyone with a job is an idiot (even when it comes to their specific job)

I'm apparently 37% girly

I think by girly they meaning teeny-bopper, or I think the current term is "tween"

I AM ___% GIRLY
[ X] during the summer the only shoes i wear are flip flops:
[ X] my favorite toys as a child were barbies:
[ ] my favorite color is pink or purple:
[ ] did Gymnastics: No, but I always wanted to
[ X] I love skirts:
[ ] Hollister is one of my favorite places to shop:
[X ]Tight Jeans are the only Jeans I wear:
[X] I love chocolate:
[ ] I've never had a real job:
[X ] my fingernails/toenails are almost always painted:
TOTAL: 6

[ ] my hair is almost always straightened:
[X] I have at least 8 MySpace pictures:
[ ] I usually go shopping once a week:
[X] I love to hang out at the mall with friends: As long as "hanging out" means shopping
[X ] I have a real diamond ring or diamond necklace or earrings:
[ ] I've gone to a tanning salon:
[ ] I've gone to the beach to tan - not to swim:
[ X] I have at least 10 pairs of shoes
[ ] I watch either The Hills or Gossip Girl:
[ ] I change my default pic weekly:
[ ] I wear a shower cap:
..: TOTAL:: 10

[ ] I don't shop at Hot Topic:
[X] my cell phone might as well become a part of me:
[X ] I wear mascara everyday:
[] I've been or am on a diet: I'm pretty that requires will power, which I don't have
[ ] bathing suits are adorable: On toddlers? b/c everything is adorable on them
[ ] I don't know the difference between a sheep and a goat: What the heck!
What does that have to do with being girly??? Seems more like if you are
a dumb ass or not! <---I agree
[ ] big sunglasses are hot:
[X] I have gotten my nails done:
[ ] I own over 10 purses:
[ ] MTV is one of my favorite channels:
..: TOTAL:: 13..:

[ ] all I want to do at sleepovers is talk about boys: I have boys at my sleepovers
[ ] I love to have other girls do my hair:
[ X] I give and receive hugs from all my friends:
[ X] I hate bugs: They're pretty annoying
[X] carnivals are so fun!: This is a girl thing?
[ ] Summer is THE best season: [X] my swimsuit has 2 pieces:
[ ] I'm waiting for my knight in shining armor:
[ ] musicians are so hot: Some are, but I was in band in school and there were a lot of losers
[ ] If you write me a poem and tell me I'm beautiful, I'm all yours: F THAT SHIT! Ditto again Laura...I want to see action not empty words<<--Good philosophy
...: TOTAL:: 16...

[X ] I am self-conscious:
[ ] I cry often:
[ ] my car smells like vanilla or cherry: Strawberry actually
[X ] my dishes get washed more than once a week:
[X ] I don't do sports:
[x] I HATE to run:
[ ] I squeal when i am surprised or angry:
[ ] I eat dried fruit as a snack:
[ ] I love romance novels:
[ ] Miley Cyrus is so cute:
TOTAL:: 20..:

[ ] I dance a lot:
[ ] I usually spend an hour or over to get ready to leave my house:
[ ] I only have like 5 billion hair products:
[X] I love to get dressed up:
[X ] every part of my outfit needs to match:
[ ] I talk on the phone at least once a day to my friends:
[X ] I would love to have a photo shoot done of myself:
[ ] I apply lip stuff like 50 times a day: Only Vaseline if they're really dry
[X ] I wish I were a model:
..: TOTAL:: 24..:

[X] I wish I could meet Paris Hilton: I think it would be interesting
[ X] I have been something that was semi-formal:
[ ] I own Uggs: ugg
[ ] Hip Hop is one of the best music styles:
[ ] I pop my collar: Isn't this more of a guy thing?
[ ] I like to be the center of attention:
[] guys with Mohawks are crazy:
[ ] horses are beautiful:
[ ] I'd rather not pay attention in school: Once again, isn't this more of a guy thing?
[ ] Cats are adorable:
..: TOTAL:: 26..:

[ ] I write my own music:
[X ] I would love to visit someplace tropical like Hawaii:
[ ] Valentine's day is so cute!:
[ ] white is better than black:
[ ] I wouldn't be caught dead in all black:
[X] my closet is CHOCK FULL of clothes:
[X ] I hate the grunge look:
[ ] I love to read magazines like Cosmo and Seventeen: Not since I was 17
..: TOTAL:: 29.....:

[ X] I love to gossip: Hate admit I do!
[ X] I had Lisa Frank folders/posters/notebooks as a kid:
[ ] I love Britney Spears: She is a good singer though
[ ] my bubble baths are 1-2hrs long: I take showers and doesn't the water get cold after 10 minutes?
[ ] My wedding only needs a groom because it's already planned:
[ ] My friends and I are in a strict group:
[X] I like little kids: For limited amounts of time
[] Diet drinks are the best: I hate aspartame
[ ] I'm all about being vegetarian: Give me cow or give me death!
[ ] I refuse to eat at McDonald's:
..: TOTAL:: 32..:

[X ] I check my MySpace/Facebook everyday:
[] I love life!:
[X ] I have a lot of jewelry!:
[ ] my screen name(s) have X's in them:
[ ] my MySpace names has/had <3's in them:
[] I would never want to be the opposite sex: I would love to have a penis
[X ] It's not what he/she said it's the way he/she said it: [
X ] I have more than 3 pillows on my bed:
[ ] Twilight is AWESOME!!!!!:
[X ] I have or have made a friendship bracelet:
[ ] I like to dot my I's with hearts: I occasionally do stars
[ ] I know who Luscious Lana is:
..: TOTAL:: 37...

ADD UP ALL OF THE TOTALS AND REPOST WITH "I AM __% GIRLY"

Love is a disease?

A conversation between two members of society in Anna Karenina:

"But by a marriage of convenience we mean marriage in which both parties
have already sown their wild oats. It's like scarlet fever. One has to go
through it."

"Then we must learn how to inoculate people against love as they are against
smallpox."

I've heard love compared to many things including pie, but never before to deadly diseases. While I agree that love makes life complicated, I'm not sure I'd be in support of irradicating it. It makes life more interesting and at times more fun.

Also, in the book, this discussion began when the were watching a woman who was a little too intimate with a man who wasn't her husband, and the belief was she was in love with him (which apparently she was). I guess back then being in love with someone else would be the only reason a woman would cheat on her husband. Now, since cheating is so prevalent, I think love is more likely to prevent cheating than encourage it.

About another character:

"Karenin was not jealous. Jealousy, in his opinion, was an insult
to one's wife, and one should have confidence in one's wife. "

Well that would explain why I don't act like a jealous bitch-I generally trusts my boyfriends. I'm pretty sure I've said to a bf that was paranoid about me hanging out with other guys, "don't you trust me?"

Random Facts

I stole this from Finn

Birth date: 09 March 1984
Location: Outside Philly PA
Height: 5'3"
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Dark Brown
What does your name mean: Trouble? (I know a lot of Jackies and most of them are trouble)
High school graduation year: 2002
Favorite relatives: When my whole family gets together, it's pretty entertaining
Summer memory: Truck Pool
Favorite TV shows: Californication, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy
What's on your mousepad: Who uses mouse pads anymore?
In the car- ac or windows: Windows, unless there's people in the car and we're talking (or it's the dead of winter, when I use the heat)
Do you believe in yourself: Sure
Favorite game: Jeopardy, Monopoly
Favorite drink: Iced Tea
Alcoholic drink: Jack & Ginger, Chocolate Martini
Favorite food: Lasagna
Favorite colors: Black and Red
Favorite cigarettes: ummm...none?
Favorite sounds: Music
Favorite smell: My house while baking
Worst feeling in the World: F-ing up something important
Best feeling in the World: Orgasms? But camaraderie is a good one too
Favorite thing to do on a weekend: Sleep in and then just relax with the roomie
Favorite soundtrack: Rocky Horror Picture Show
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: On earth
First thought in the morning: UGGG
Do you get motion sickness: Sometimes- I definitely can't read in the car
Roller coasters- deadly or exciting: Exciting
How many rings before you answer the phone: Depends who's calling/how long it takes me to answer
Future son names: not Jason
Future daughter names: Samantha, Abigail
Are you a good friend: I like to think so
Chocolate or Vanilla cake: Chocolate
What do you drive: Olds Alero
Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: Yes
Thunderstorms cool or scary: Annoying
If you could meet one person in the World, who would it be: Bill Clinton
What is your zodiac sign: Pisces
What do you wear to bed: PJ's
Do you eat stems of broccoli: Not if I can avoid it
If you could have any occupation when you get older, what would it be: Trophy Wife
If you could dye your hair one color, what would it be: Why can't I?
If you could have a tattoo, what and where would it be: Something Phi Sigma Pi related in a place I could cover.
Favorite brand of gum: Orbit-I think it's made by Wrigley's
What is your favorite quote: "More is lost from indecision than wrong decision"
Have you ever been in love: Yea
What's on your walls in your room: Drawing by Beck, Temple banner, PSP Shingle, award and paddle
Is the glass half-empty or half-full: Depends what I'm drinking-if it's Champagne-half empty
Pick a song that describes yourself or that you can relate to: Crazy Bitch
Which do you prefer- Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese Doritos: Usually Cool Ranch
Favorite flavor Snapple: Peach Iced Tea
Which one, Coke or Pepsi: Coke
Which kind of milk is your favorite: I don't really drink milk, but my parents always bought 2%.
If you were to kill someone, which method would you use?: Stoning seems like good punishment
Are you a righty, lefty, or ambidextrous: Righty
Do you type with your fingers on the right keys: Yep
When you meet a person of the opposite sex, you notice their: Body[I'm a human, I admit it!]
What kind of shoe would you be if you had an option: A red stiletto
What's under your bed: Nothing
What's the best number in the world: 17
What is your dream car: a Ferrari
Nickname: Jackie P.
Bacon Bits Or croutons: Croutons
Favorite Salad Dressing: It really depends on my mood
Do you drink: yea
What type of Shampoo/Conditioner: Garnier Fructis
Have you ever been skinny dipping: Yes
Do you make fun of people: Yep
Have you ever been convicted of a crime: No
One pillow or two: Two
Pets: Sprite the cat, and hermit crabs
Favorite Movies: History of the World Part I, Cruel Intentions, Rocky Horror Picture Show
Favorite type of music: not jazz
Hobbies: Reading, hanging out, watching tv
Word or Phrase you overuse: interesting
Toothpaste: Crest with Scope (Drew got me hooked on it years ago-damn him)
Piercing or tattoos: 6 piercings
Do you get along with your parents: For the most part
Favorite beer: St. Paulie Girl, Yuengling, Miller Lite
Favorite song at the moment: 12 Days of Christmas
Favorite subject in school: Science
Least favorite subject in school: English, Gym, Core Skills
Most humiliating moment: I don't know
Craziest or Silliest Person You Know: April
Favorite Holiday: 4th of July

Nestle vs. Swiss Miss

I have hot chocolate every morning at work, which is what led to this entry. Growing up my mom always made me Nestle Carnation Hot Chocolate and I loved it. I don't really go to grocery stores, so I've had to get what the dollar store/Target sells- Swiss Miss.

Based on the names, it would seem that both types are Swiss (Nestle is a Swiss company), so both should be good. But I've recently realized that I prefer the Nestle. Not just because of taste, but because the Swiss Miss must continually be stirred or it will separate and leave a pile of chocolate at the bottom of the cup. Once Nestle is mixed, it stays mixed.

I guess I have to decide if it's worth going to the grocery store and paying a little more for the superior beverage.

Random facts:

• Swiss Miss is made by ConAgra Foods, which also owns Chef Boyardee
• Nestle also owns a lot of different brands

Office Orgies

I heard on the news that a woman was fired for reported an orgy in one of the banquet room of a hilton. Click here for the story.

I've heard of office parties, but never office sex parties. This just seems like a terrible idea to me. Not just because the risk of getting caught. Even in private with all hot, single, and disease-free co-wokers, it seems like a bad idea. How do you look at them the next day? And there's bound to someone who gets all weird about it after. There might even be someone who falls in love with another person (some people fall in love after sex-I can't explain it).

Even dating/fucking just one co-worker can bad idea (doesn't anybody watch tv: House, Greys, probably 50 other shows). I've dated co-workers, but a) I know I could handle it (both the dating and the probable break-up) and b) I was fairly certian he could too. Luckily, I was correct. More on this topic later.

11 Months

Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since I've updated this. There's probably no one that still checks it, but oh well.

Here's the update on my life:

• I finally got hired as a full-time employee.
• April and I bought a house together. It's in Drexel Hill, not far from our parents. I thought it would suck to be so close to them, but it's actually worked out pretty well. It's convenient for grabbing stuff and for free dinner :)
• I went to Vegas for the first time (for Alumni Convention) and actually won some money-Thanks Finn!
• I went to Nashville (for Grand Chapter/Nat'l Convention) where I did karaoke with about 50 brothers or more-it was awesome! There was also this contest that I entered ;)
• April and I hosted our first party for Halloween-it was a lot of fun.

Apparently, not that much happened in year. Or at least not that much that was important.

2007 in Review

I stole this from Drew two years ago:

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
I drove a stick shift.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Yes and yes

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but someone close to me became a grandmother.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, I don't think so.

5. What countries did you visit?
None :(

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A real job with benefits (which I should have by the end of the month), and my own place

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 12 - Beck's wedding

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Keeping my resolution

9. What was your biggest failure?
Still living with my parents and being not fun.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
This isn't serious but, I twisted my ankle badly, then I re-injured it while drunk a month later.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Lasik surgery and more recently, my red shoes.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
No clue

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The retard celebrities like the Spears girls

14. Where did most of your money go?
A lot went towards bills and student loans

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Beck's wedding

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
I don't think there is one

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or Sadder? Happier
b) Thinner or Fatter? I have no clue, probably about the same
c) Richer or Poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Travel

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Working

20. How did you spend Christmas?
I exchanged gifts with the stedmans and then my grandfather came over for our tradition of lasagna.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
No, but I did get a bf

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, October Road

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not hate, but dislike

24. What was the best book you read?
One of the Kathy Reichs books.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Guitar Hero

26. What did you want and get?
My bf

27. What did you want and not get?
A real job, my own apartment

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Ratatuille and Enchanted were good

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My friends made me a candle-lit dinner and a 3-tier cake that said "Happy Birthday Susan." I froze the top layer to eat this year.

30.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having my own place

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Causal--jeans and a cute shirt with a hoodie or sweater; Work--business casual

32. What kept you sane?
Sane? If anything, the girls

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don't think I liked real people.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't care about politics.

35. Who did you miss?
Liz while she was in CA

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Dave - Technically, I met him in 2006, but i didn't get to know him until 2007.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Do want you want while you're young, because you can't go back.

Gift Cards are not Gifts

This is another article by Liz Pulliam Weston.

While I agree that unlike gifts, the cards do not require much thought and I wouldn't give them to my best friends, I do think they are gifts. I have gift cards from a few stores on my Christmas List. Maybe I don't have a problem with gift cards because I don't have a problem with giving cash (to certain people, for certain situations).

This a quote from her article:

While researching party themes for my daughter's upcoming celebration, I stumbled across a posting by a woman who proudly included the horrifying words "monetary gifts would be much appreciated" on her 3-year-old child's invitations. She went on to explain that "I wanted money as gifts for my daughter's savings and for us to buy bigger toys, like a big kitchen and a Barbie Jeep that she wanted, instead of guests giving her small toys."
It's official. Shame is dead.

I don't think there is anything wrong with that request. Her daughter would like the bigger gifts and she may not be able to afford them on her own. It is unfair for the little girl to suffer. Plus, the little toys can clutter up the house, and she's likely to get multiple of the same. While it may have been fun to have 50 Barbies, I'm glad that I had a kitchen set, a rocking/spring horse and other large items instead. I'm not really sure how asking for money is any different than asking for specific items especially items on a registry (then the receiver still knows exactly how much is spent).

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a large family/group of friends to all put in money and buy one large and more special/wanted/needed/useful gift. My friends and I often purchase expensive items for each other that we either wouldn't or couldn't get for ourselves.

So basically, my opinion is: for people very close to you, you should be able to find a gift; but for acquaintances cash and gift cards is acceptable.

10 Things You Should Never Buy Used

This article was also written by Liz Pulliam Weston. I agree more with this one then what shouldn't be bought new.

1) Laptops - If it's cheap enough (a couple hundred), I'd risk getting a used one. Although, I think I'm going to splurge and get myself a nice new RED one.

2) Car Seats - Never really thought about how they could have been in an accident.

3) Plasma TVs - I didn't even know you could get these used. I bet they're still crazy expensive, so getting a new one with a warranty would be a good idea.,

4) DVD Players - How cheap are you? You can find a new one for under 50 bucks. I think I spent $20 or $30 or mine five years ago and it still works.

5) Vacuum Cleaners - I didn't even know people sold them. But seriously, if some one is selling it, it probably sucks (actually it probably doesn't suck enough).

6) Camcorders - Don't really use these, but I wouldn't buy a used digital camera. Besides, can't you get a relatively cheap camcorder?

7) Shoes - Ewww

8) Mattresses - Ewww

9) Wet Suits - Ewww

10) Helmets - Ewww

I Don't Know, Leave a Message!

I've been the receptionist at work since Friday (the actual reception is on vacation). Yesterday, a woman from some magazine or publication called asking for information about the CIO and who works for him. I do not know the hierarchy of the entire organization. I also don't even know his direct reports especially because it has changed recently. I helped her as best as I could then transferred her to the CIO. He doesn't have an assistant, so we send all calls to his voicemail. Instead of leaving a message, she called back and asked about an assistant. I told her he didn't have one and offered to transfer her to the IT Manager. When his phone went to voicemail, she called me back and started asking the same questions that I already told her I didn't know. I assured her that Sean was in the office and if she left a message he would get back to her, but she wanted to know right now. I transferred her to HR since she was asking about employees. Once again she got a voicemail, and once again, she wouldn't just leave a message even though I assured her the person was in the office.

Then she said, "Well the president might know," so I tried transferring her to the CEO's assistant, who also thought it was an HR question. Finally, the woman asked for some one in customer service, which I really didn't think would be able to help her, but she stopped calling back.

Today she called back -from a blocked number. She asked similar questions and I tried transferring her to three people, which all went to voicemail (two of those people were here, but one was on vacation). The last voicemail mentioned our hotholine and the extension number. She asked about this number. When I explained to her that was the number to call for computer problems, she thanked me and (hopefully) finally gave up.

10 Things You Shouldn't Buy New

I read this article by Liz Pulliam Weston. I disagreed with 9 of the 10 items. Not because I thought those items necessarily shouldn't be bought used, but I really saw no reason not to/good reasons to buy them new. Basically, I don't think there is ever a good reason to NEVER buy something new if that's what you want. I a bigger fan of sales.

Here is the list (if you want to see her reasons and exceptions, read the article):
1) Books
2) DVDs and CDs
3) Little Kids' Toys
4) Jewelry
5) Sports Equipment
6) Timeshares
7) Cars
8) Software and Console games
9) Office Furniture
10) Hand Tools

Here are my comments:
1) Books - This is the only one I agree with. Books are ridiculously expensive, and I very rarely read a book more than once. I just go to the library, because I get to read my book for free and then it's not cluttering up my house later. This exception I can think of (which she did not mention) is children books. I will still read Dr. Seuss books (in English as well as other languages), and I'm sure you'd get your money's worth if the kid is reading them a lot (maybe that's why they're so god-awful expensive).

2) DVDs and CDs - I have no problem with buying these used. Actually, I hardly ever buy CDs and most of the DVDs are from Blockbuster when you can the 4 for $20 on "previously viewed" DVDs. However, you do run the risk of them being scratched. Good reasons to buy them new: You want them when as soon as they come out and/or you know you'll watch/listen multiple times and want to wear them out yourself.

3) Little Kids' Toys - This is one I actually think should be bought new. Kids are germ factories and do pretty gross things to their toys. I once used the toilet as a pool for my dolls. I would not to give my kids a toy that had been in some one's toilet.

4) Jewelry - Umm...why the hell would I want someone else's used jewelry? Weston suggests going to a porn shop. No, Jewelry is freakin' supposed to be shiny and new. The only used jewelry I want (and have) is passed down from relatives.

5) Sports Equipment - My initial reaction when I read this was "EWWWW!" But Weston did say that the exception would be shoes, gloves, stuff that molds to the body. But still, if you're going out to buy this equipment, why wouldn't you want new stuff?

6) Timeshares - I know nothing about theses, so I really don't have an opinion.

7) Cars - I have a used car, I haven't had too many problems with it, but my dad bought his car new. We (because my mom and I had to throw in our two cents) were able to get everything we wanted (dual heating controls, cd player, spoiler, etc). If you like to get a new/different car every couple years, then I would say leasing or buying a used would be the way to go. But if you're like my fam (my parents keep their cars for at least a decade, and I've had mine for almost 6 years), I see no reason not to buy a new car.

8) Software and Console games - Like the DVDs, you run the risk of the disks being messed up. More so with games because they are played so much. Also, last time I was looking at video games, the price for a new copy was $60 and the used was $55. Five bucks does not seem worth the risk. Also, Weston says that waiting a few months will reduce the cost the games and also will give other people time to find the problems. Well, if you wait and then purchase the games, this does not mean they're used. If they're still in their cellophane wrappers, they're new.

9) Office Furniture - This is something you're going to use ever day, why not get it new?

10) Hand Tools - Huh? Are these things really that expensive you can't just buy them new?

Excitement in the Parking Lot

The other day, around 9:45 am, one of my co-workers walked by my desk and said, "psst excitement in the parking lot." I wasn't really expecting much, because these people that I work with have stared at snow and contemplated if we would get out early. I grew out of that behavior in middle school.

Anyway, when I got to the window that overlooks the parking lot, there really was some excitement. There was an SUV on fire! While we were gawking, the flames and smoke kept growing and eventually both tires blew. We saw an "Auto Glass Repair" truck hanging around for awhile, but eventually I think the driver realized that this car was going to need a little more than glass to fix it.

Then we saw a woman (from the building next door) come out with a set a keys and walk toward the car. We thought it was her car that was in flames, but her car was actually parked right it front of the flaming car. A cop took her keys and moved her car to a safer area.

Even though there is a firehouse about a block away, it took the firemen awhile to arrive because they are volunteers, so they don't stay at the firehouse. It took them a couple tries and a few minutes to put the fire out. If the fire was out, the excitement was over, so we all went back to work.

Who would pay one-hunded fifty dollars for a mouse??

I get emails from Dell, and the other day I got one advertising a mouse for $149. Here is the description taken from www.Dell.com:

Overview
Explore your new media universe with a state-of-the-art mouse that’s effortless to use—on your desk or in the air. On your desk, advanced laser technology gives you precise tracking and instant response. In the air, innovative Freespace™ motion sensing transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls. Sit back and listen to music, browse photos, or surf the Web—from your desk or across the room. The MX Air™ mouse is the perfect complement to your PC-based entertainment experience.

Highlights

• Laser performance: On your desk, enjoy laser-precise tracking and instant response
• Freespace motion sensing: In the air, use MX Air™ to browse and play your favorite media. The sensor transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls. Adjust volume by waving to the right or left; skip tracks with a flip of the wrist
• Scroll panel: Experience hyper-fast scrolling at the touch of a finger—on your desk or in the air
• Gesture controls: Control playback and volume with hand motions. Adjust volume by waving to the right or left; skip tracks with a flip of the wrist
• Li-ion battery: Recharges faster, lasts longer
  2.4 GHz wireless: An operating range of 30 feet lets you navigate media from anywhere in the room

It sounds kinda cool, but certainly not for $150 (although it is on sale for $126.65 right now). Plus I would never use all those features. Actually, when I'm using a laptop (which is all I use at home), I just stick with the touch pad that's on the machine.

About this "laser-precise tracking and instant response ," I think an optical mouse is pretty damn precise. Actually I've never had a a problem with the accuracy or response time of ball mice. The only problem I have with them is that you have to clean the ball all the time. There is one "special" feature that when I use a mouse, i really like to have. That is the wheel because it makes scrolling so much easier. I'd be perfectly (and am) satisfied with a two-button optical mouse with wheel that costs about $15.00.

As I was looking for the information on the $149 mouse to write this blog, I came across a few others that are close to $100, and they weren't even wireless. Apparently, they're great for gamers.

Bad Timing

You probably don't know this, but I technically work for a promotion agency. I say "technically" because I haven't actually done any work for them in over a year; infact, it might be two. The reasons for this are because I have a real job, the work has been over an hour away, and at the ass-crack of dawn. Translation: it wasn't worth it.


This week, I got three opportunities by email. All three were within 30 minutes from my house, $14-15/hr and only 10-3. This is what I'd consider worth it. Unfortunately, I could not accept any of the jobs. The first two were during the week, and third one (which was on a Saturday) was only for dog-lovers. Not that I have a problem with dogs, but I don't like them enough to try and feed ones I don't know for five hours. GRRRR!