Saturday, August 22, 2009
Update - Bed Bugs
I just thought that I'd keep everyone up to date on the bed bug situation. There have been a few bites, but nothing nearly as significant as the bites at the beginning of infestation. Ristifer has a cluster on his hand, but we're not certain that they're from bed bugs. Ick.
Paid to Write Reviews
There are so many work at home scams on the internet nowadays that it's very difficult to find something that one can believe in. Most people know automatically that if you have to pay for some fortune making scheme, then it's just a scam... Most people. What about real money-making opportunities? Blogging is often turned to in that hope, but it's extremely difficult to make financial progress with blogging, and it takes a lot of patience.
Just recently I have discovered a site called, "Review Stream". What this site is is that it pays people to write reviews - about anything! Okay, that's not quite accurate. You can submit reviews about anything, and they'll let you know whether or not they'll buy it. If your review is purchased, you usually get $2.00 for the review. When you reach the $50.00 threshold, you can request payment and then payment will be sent through pay pal.
Review sense is an ad system, so they use the reviews to post pages that have a bunch of ads on them. That's pretty much it. People can read your reviews, and if so interested and if so provided, they can get in contact with you about your experience.
The Review Stream website is a very simple, text-based website. All you have to do is click on "write review", (or you can click the button over to the right), write your review, and wait. Sometimes it does take close to a week for the review to be read, so take your time and relax.
Just recently I have discovered a site called, "Review Stream". What this site is is that it pays people to write reviews - about anything! Okay, that's not quite accurate. You can submit reviews about anything, and they'll let you know whether or not they'll buy it. If your review is purchased, you usually get $2.00 for the review. When you reach the $50.00 threshold, you can request payment and then payment will be sent through pay pal.
Review sense is an ad system, so they use the reviews to post pages that have a bunch of ads on them. That's pretty much it. People can read your reviews, and if so interested and if so provided, they can get in contact with you about your experience.
The Review Stream website is a very simple, text-based website. All you have to do is click on "write review", (or you can click the button over to the right), write your review, and wait. Sometimes it does take close to a week for the review to be read, so take your time and relax.
Friday, August 21, 2009
I Love TheBedBug
A person with such a different background in life, she came as a surprise to me. As someone who has been relatively comfortable with my surroundings, I met someone who was uneasy with theirs, and for good reason. In the past, I had met people with similar backgrounds as mine, dated them, and found them incredibly boring and/or useless in the sense that they offered nothing new or exciting to a relationship.
Finding someone with a different background brought something to the table (and it doesn't hurt that she's damn sexy too ;) haha). But seriously, her passion for things is something I haven't seen before in another person. Her love, companionship, passion for me, and her constant all-around strength has shown me an extraordinary person whom I can't wait to spend a lifetime with.
There's always that saying of sticking with each other through thick and thin, but with everything that has transpired over the past year and a half, we've stuck with each other through more than just thick and thin. She knows what I'm talking about. Sorry, I can't really explain all that's happened. A lot of external happenings that were straining.
I would have never imagined someone being with me through all kinds of hardships, and I never thought I could have such strength in myself.
Now I realize that my strength has really come from her.
I love you very dearly, Megs, and I'm extremely glad that we'll be spending our lives together. I always thought love would be something that would just feel like an addition to my world. You have come along and transformed my world into something much better than I could have ever imagined. I'm grateful every single day for you, and am excited that you feel the same.
All my love,
Ris
Finding someone with a different background brought something to the table (and it doesn't hurt that she's damn sexy too ;) haha). But seriously, her passion for things is something I haven't seen before in another person. Her love, companionship, passion for me, and her constant all-around strength has shown me an extraordinary person whom I can't wait to spend a lifetime with.
There's always that saying of sticking with each other through thick and thin, but with everything that has transpired over the past year and a half, we've stuck with each other through more than just thick and thin. She knows what I'm talking about. Sorry, I can't really explain all that's happened. A lot of external happenings that were straining.
I would have never imagined someone being with me through all kinds of hardships, and I never thought I could have such strength in myself.
Now I realize that my strength has really come from her.
I love you very dearly, Megs, and I'm extremely glad that we'll be spending our lives together. I always thought love would be something that would just feel like an addition to my world. You have come along and transformed my world into something much better than I could have ever imagined. I'm grateful every single day for you, and am excited that you feel the same.
All my love,
Ris
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
It Started With No Sleep...
After getting a solid three hours of rest, my day began with my weekly paper route. No big deal. Just a way to earn some much needed money. I am already cranky because of the lack of sleep, but also hopeful that the day will pick up, but so far, it has not.
Already scheduled for an eye appointment (which I'm not looking forward to) at 6:20pm, the day doesn't look to be headed in the right direction, but oh well. It's just an eye appointment after all.
I make my way over to Megan's (aka TheBedBug) brother's apartment to visit her before she heads to work. Unfortunately, before I get to see my lady downstairs, the day throws another crappy moment my way. I see an elderly lady walking her dog and like a gentleman, I hold the door open for her, only to get a snoody reaction: "You're just waiting for me to open the door, aren't ya?" (It's an apartment building, so I can't get in without a key, but Megs wasn't there yet so I politely waited for the lady to open the door).
At this point, I giggle, figuring she's just being lighthearted. Mind you, I didn't get a "thank you" for holding the door, but I let it slide. Moving to the side, I allowed her to move along and open the door to the building. Again, being nice, I held the door for her and her dog to get through. Here's where it gets annoying.
I know what you're thinking, she didn't give me a "thank you" again. Well, that's correct, but there's more. Her dog decides to wrap itself around me in its leash, making it hard for me to move while I hold this door open. The old lady, annoyed by this somehow, remarks to me, "I should have my dog bite you." I don't know if it's because I was trying to hold the door while the dog was wrapped around my legs or what, but I was confused by the comment.
If that's not bad enough, she then put her hand behind me and proceeded to shove me through the open door to get me through first. Now I'm thinking that she's just an ungrateful bitch.
I'm not Mr. Tough Guy, but don't put your stupid hands on me and try to shove me through a door. If I have one pet peeve, it would be unnecessary touching. It's rude, it's disgusting, and it's just plain inconsiderate.
I was being nice, and now any chance of a good mood for the afternoon has been shot.
Here comes the eye appointment...
Solarbotics
Before I talk about solarbotics, I just wanted to post an update on the bedbug situation. There have been no new bites for the past two nights, nor have I discovered any gross little pockets of bugs. Is it possible that they're really gone? Only time will tell...
Yes, I know that was cheese.
Anyway, on to solarbotics.
What is solarbotics?
Well, it's pretty much exactly as the name implies - robots that work on solar (or just light) power. These bots can use light for energy, to follow, to make decisions, etc.
Oooh, it's interesting.
What kind of robots?
The sky is the limit here. I personally put together a mousebot named Herbie. Herbie chases light, backs up when it runs into objects, and chases another mousebot around if assembled to do so. This was a very basic project that merely required some soldering. Other projects can include toy cars, nightlights, LED patterns, robotic butterflies, etc. The options are vast and only depend on how much money and effort you want to put into a project.
Where do I start?
Again, there are many different ways to approach a project. You can start by googling projects (using, of course, Google), buying a book about electronics projects, or simply go to a site such as http://www.solarbotics.com and purchase some ready-made kits.
What do I need to start?
It is generally recommended that you have a few different tools, such as:
1) A soldering iron (make sure that it's fine-tipped and meant for electronics)
2) Rosin core solder (avoid the lead-free solder because it will not hold your project together very well, and will melt easily if heat is applied)
3) Desolder Pump - in case you apply solder where you don't want it, or need to take components apart
4) Soldering Aid, which is a small stand with clips that will hold your project while you solder. Trust me, it's useful
5) Soldering Stand - Soldering irons get very hot (so hot that if you burn yourself, you won't even realize it for a while. Your body can't process the pain fast enough). You want a soldering stand to avoid burning your work area, objects, or yourself
6) Acid flux to clean your soldering iron should it turn black
7) A damp sponge (that doesn't contain plastic), or damp paper towel
8) Pliers or tweezers, because metal gets very hot and you don't want to be holding it with your fingers
9) A project, and whatever materials the project specifies
10) Time, as some projects can take several weeks to complete, depending on the level of difficulty. If it's a simple project, like Herbie, it may only take you an hour
11) Patience - soldering and assembling can be a very tedious process. You must be patient
Why suggest solarbotics?
The reason why I specifically mentioned solarbotics is because not only are the projects fantastic, fun, and interesting, but there are also projects available for all ages. Solarbotics also gives such a wide range of things to experiment with that just about anyone can have fun with it.
Some knowledge of electronics may be an asset depending on the difficulty of the project, and if troubleshooting is required, but is not necessary. If you get a kit from a company like Solarbotics, they do provide some help over the phone.
Have fun!
Yes, I know that was cheese.
Anyway, on to solarbotics.
What is solarbotics?
Well, it's pretty much exactly as the name implies - robots that work on solar (or just light) power. These bots can use light for energy, to follow, to make decisions, etc.
Oooh, it's interesting.
What kind of robots?
The sky is the limit here. I personally put together a mousebot named Herbie. Herbie chases light, backs up when it runs into objects, and chases another mousebot around if assembled to do so. This was a very basic project that merely required some soldering. Other projects can include toy cars, nightlights, LED patterns, robotic butterflies, etc. The options are vast and only depend on how much money and effort you want to put into a project.
Where do I start?
Again, there are many different ways to approach a project. You can start by googling projects (using, of course, Google), buying a book about electronics projects, or simply go to a site such as http://www.solarbotics.com and purchase some ready-made kits.
What do I need to start?
It is generally recommended that you have a few different tools, such as:
1) A soldering iron (make sure that it's fine-tipped and meant for electronics)
2) Rosin core solder (avoid the lead-free solder because it will not hold your project together very well, and will melt easily if heat is applied)
3) Desolder Pump - in case you apply solder where you don't want it, or need to take components apart
4) Soldering Aid, which is a small stand with clips that will hold your project while you solder. Trust me, it's useful
5) Soldering Stand - Soldering irons get very hot (so hot that if you burn yourself, you won't even realize it for a while. Your body can't process the pain fast enough). You want a soldering stand to avoid burning your work area, objects, or yourself
6) Acid flux to clean your soldering iron should it turn black
7) A damp sponge (that doesn't contain plastic), or damp paper towel
8) Pliers or tweezers, because metal gets very hot and you don't want to be holding it with your fingers
9) A project, and whatever materials the project specifies
10) Time, as some projects can take several weeks to complete, depending on the level of difficulty. If it's a simple project, like Herbie, it may only take you an hour
11) Patience - soldering and assembling can be a very tedious process. You must be patient
Why suggest solarbotics?
The reason why I specifically mentioned solarbotics is because not only are the projects fantastic, fun, and interesting, but there are also projects available for all ages. Solarbotics also gives such a wide range of things to experiment with that just about anyone can have fun with it.
Some knowledge of electronics may be an asset depending on the difficulty of the project, and if troubleshooting is required, but is not necessary. If you get a kit from a company like Solarbotics, they do provide some help over the phone.
Have fun!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Addiction to Junk Food - The Downhill Slide
Crack cocaine, nicotine, caffeine... Who the hell cares when there's junk food?
But seriously, what about junk food? I'm not huge on caffeine, and cigarettes appall me, so I can't speak for all the addicts of the world, but I can tell you that there is one heavy vice that I have: A massive, irresistible, gross addiction to junk food. I swear, every day I can feel plaque building up in my intestines just a little bit more. Hamburgers, french fries, milkshakes, chocolate bars... Hell, anything containing grease is my heaven.
Shocked? Yeah, so is anyone who meets me. I'm a scrawny little monkey, but I just can't resist the urge to chow down on the next unhealthy thing placed in front of me. Perhaps I am destined for a fat ass and calf rolls, but with the way I'm thinking, whooooo cares?
Yeah, I do.
How is it that junk food can have such a powerful hold on me? I have tried an experiment where I went with very little junk food for a few months, and at first the cravings were nearly unbearable. After a while, I started to feel better, and even had more energy than I did before, but it wasn't long after that point where I had a huge relapse and ate every piece of chocolate that floated my way. So, of course, now I'm back at the beginning, constantly pondering about how I should consider going on a diet not for weight loss, but just for the sake of my health. Heart disease runs in my family, and I can already picture my heart being drowned under layers of trans fat and the like. It's a gross picture.
Which all leads me to my next point.
Obesity is said to be a rising epidemic in North America, and there is all this preaching about how people should start to eat healthier food.
Please, allow me to tear this whole thing apart.
I can go to McDonald's and get a cheeseburger for roughly $1.39. I go to the store and get some beef, eggs, and crackers, and I'm looking at around $15.00. If I go to the grocery store and buy organic, said-to-be-healthier food, I stare owl-eyed at a bill of approximately $150. If I go to the grocery store and buy all the junk, I get twice the groceries, and I'm calmly gazing at a bill of $65.
Now, please, do continue to preach at me how I should be buying healthier food when I can't afford it.
Yeah, yeah, I'll hear the, "But can you afford not to eat healthy?"
Well, no, but I can't afford to do things either way, so I guess I'll have to make a decision.
I hope that my ass doesn't expand to the size of Jupiter and that I am one day able to afford a healthier lifestyle as far as food goes, but as it is right now, I'll admit it: I'm a junk food junkie.
But seriously, what about junk food? I'm not huge on caffeine, and cigarettes appall me, so I can't speak for all the addicts of the world, but I can tell you that there is one heavy vice that I have: A massive, irresistible, gross addiction to junk food. I swear, every day I can feel plaque building up in my intestines just a little bit more. Hamburgers, french fries, milkshakes, chocolate bars... Hell, anything containing grease is my heaven.
Shocked? Yeah, so is anyone who meets me. I'm a scrawny little monkey, but I just can't resist the urge to chow down on the next unhealthy thing placed in front of me. Perhaps I am destined for a fat ass and calf rolls, but with the way I'm thinking, whooooo cares?
Yeah, I do.
How is it that junk food can have such a powerful hold on me? I have tried an experiment where I went with very little junk food for a few months, and at first the cravings were nearly unbearable. After a while, I started to feel better, and even had more energy than I did before, but it wasn't long after that point where I had a huge relapse and ate every piece of chocolate that floated my way. So, of course, now I'm back at the beginning, constantly pondering about how I should consider going on a diet not for weight loss, but just for the sake of my health. Heart disease runs in my family, and I can already picture my heart being drowned under layers of trans fat and the like. It's a gross picture.
Which all leads me to my next point.
Obesity is said to be a rising epidemic in North America, and there is all this preaching about how people should start to eat healthier food.
Please, allow me to tear this whole thing apart.
I can go to McDonald's and get a cheeseburger for roughly $1.39. I go to the store and get some beef, eggs, and crackers, and I'm looking at around $15.00. If I go to the grocery store and buy organic, said-to-be-healthier food, I stare owl-eyed at a bill of approximately $150. If I go to the grocery store and buy all the junk, I get twice the groceries, and I'm calmly gazing at a bill of $65.
Now, please, do continue to preach at me how I should be buying healthier food when I can't afford it.
Yeah, yeah, I'll hear the, "But can you afford not to eat healthy?"
Well, no, but I can't afford to do things either way, so I guess I'll have to make a decision.
I hope that my ass doesn't expand to the size of Jupiter and that I am one day able to afford a healthier lifestyle as far as food goes, but as it is right now, I'll admit it: I'm a junk food junkie.
Bug Apocalypse
Night five has come and gone, and no new bites. Could it be that the end of the bug age has come in my apartment?
Now wouldn't that be sweet.
My clothes are still packed away in plastic bags, which is uber annoying when one is attempting to keep a shirt wrinkle free for work. The other super annoying thing is that all my clothes are actually at my brother's place, because I'm scared that a certain cat will pee all over them (trust me, he would manage to get inside the bags).
For now, though, I will just be happy with the fact that the bugs may have finally kicked the bucket and given in to their demise. Life here is moribund for them, so they really should just quit, or travel next door to the miserable people over there. Whichever works best.
Now wouldn't that be sweet.
My clothes are still packed away in plastic bags, which is uber annoying when one is attempting to keep a shirt wrinkle free for work. The other super annoying thing is that all my clothes are actually at my brother's place, because I'm scared that a certain cat will pee all over them (trust me, he would manage to get inside the bags).
For now, though, I will just be happy with the fact that the bugs may have finally kicked the bucket and given in to their demise. Life here is moribund for them, so they really should just quit, or travel next door to the miserable people over there. Whichever works best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
