Category: Rachel

Now That’s An Upgrade

Thank you Tampax, for providing me with that line 🙂

Anyway, we finally converted to a LCD monitor.  Not just any though, as we went all out with a 19″ widescreen.

 

It’s a Sceptre DVI model, with a 8ms response time (I guess that’s good?)

I am downright amazed at the difference in size and quality.  Working with many video applications, screen size is everything, and this gives me that and then some.  The window loaded on the screen is the maximum size we had on our 17″ CRT monitor, big difference.

I also upgraded our speakers as our old ones were attached to the monitor and had no stands.  I decided to go with Logitech on this one even though I had my doubts.  I’ve never had much luck with their products.  I must say I’m sold on this one though.  The model X-230 2.1 speakers are excellent!  They have the best rating on newegg, and the best part was the price, a mere $35.

These speakers are so good, I personally think they rival my truck’s stereo, which cost a grand!

We also upgraded our internet connectivity.  After 7 months on dialup we switched back to DSL.  It’s like a drug, once you have it, you can’t stand not having it.  This time it’s with a different provider Smithville Telephone/Bluemarble, I was one of their first DSL customers back in 2000.  It’s twice the speed of our old DSL at 1.5Mb/s, but double the price.

The only weird thing is that since we used my wife’s IU credentials, we have to actually “connect” to the DSL.  I had never used this type of connection before, but it’s a VPN (Virtual Private Network.)  When I picked up the equipment and signed the paperwork nobody informed me of this.  I actually had to call tech support about why we weren’t connecting.  That’s when I found out and fixed it quickly.

Good Neighbors, Bad Friends?

Today my wife accidentally drove her car into the ditch on one side of our driveway while returning from running some errands.  We received another 4 inches or so yesterday, which made it hard to spot exactly where the driveway is.

Her first instinct was to come wake me to get her out.  So I went to assess the situation.  Before we could get back to the car – our driveway is about 150 ft. long, both of our neighbors were there.

I thought the angle in which her car was at was too great to simply push the car out, so I went back to the house to get my log chain and my 4×4. 

Before I could get back to the scene, Rachel was out and coming straight at me.  My neighbors banded together and rocked her car out.

They are good neighbors.  Always helpful in a time of need, and always there to talk about whatever subject is in mind.

There is a dark side though, as my one neighbor (a former contractor) is somewhat pushy and nosy when it comes to anything we do to our place.  I understand he may have a lifetime of experience with these things, but I am no dummy.  He is pressuring us to convert our total electric house to gas.  I am mainly against this due to reasons which are hard to explain.  The main point is that it’s my home, not his!

2007, A Growing Year?

I am hoping to continue LML Video Services‘ growth this year.  The major problem is trying to figure out how.

I took the first step by making it an actual business, and start a business checking account.  I also have a UPS account now.  I am trying to account for all financial items as well, as I used to use money from the business for what seemed right at the time.  I am looking into using Quickbooks, but it’s somewhat expensive.

One problem is visibility.  I don’t have a whole lot.  When I have some free time, I hope to write a nice email to one of the reporters in the local newspaper.  I try to do business locally when I can, but I do work with online clientele as well.  If any one out there knows how to raise your visibility with little or no money, please let me know!

I know this business will not bloom overnight, but it would be nice to actually make enough to live off of in 10 years or so.  I think this is the best option for me as I have never had a good experience working for someone else.

I have been a self taught wiz when it comes to technology related items since I was a teenager.  I actually had some excellent programming skillz until Windoze 2k came out, that changed everything.

As my wife sometimes thinks, I’m married to the computer, I just have an on going affair with her.

I do love u babe (do-do, do-do) 🙂

Moving On, And Up?

Rachel has moved up the higher education ladder, finally.  She accepted a position with the IU school of Informatics.  I cannot remember the exact position title, but I believe it is Director or Assistant Director of Graduate affairs???

I am thrilled for her, as she has been under-employed and under-appreciated since she moved to B-Town.  Her talents and abilities have yet to be unleashed.

With this new job, comes the honor of being my sugar mamma too 🙂

I will miss everyone she worked with at The Kelley School of Business MBA Program, Admissions office.  They have become a second family over the years.  Through parties, social gatherings, and personal events we have came to respect and love each other for who we are.  They even threw us a wedding shower (I’ll never forget that).  I hope her new office has the same feeling.

So here’s some words for those I will miss.

Terill & Joe:  I will miss the annual Christmas party.  The both of you are excellent hosts.  The “gay” bathroom is something I will never forget, in a good way.
Jenny:  What can I say?  Will you miss the love letters I wrote with deep passion in mind?  I will miss your love for life, and your high maintenance ways, as you are the closest thing I have had to a “girly girl-friend.”
Jeanie:  You are one of the sweetest persons I have ever met!  You helped us move in that blistering heat!  Your passion to help others is one that I will always remember.
Jim:  What can I say?  Your a great guy, who makes some killer guacomole.  I hope to hear from you in the future.
Lisa:  I love ya!  Your killer personality amazes me.  There is no “title” that can describe, or limit your possibilities.
Tim:  Your scandinavian ways never make me stop thinking.  Rachel and I will never forget how beautiful of a team Mary and you make.  We will always remember with joy, your vocal abilities at our wedding.  We need more people (and couples) like you in this world.
Brandon:  Call me, I promise we’ll go out for a night before you go off and leave me alone with Rachel.  I’m very interested in this “Property Management” thing.

If any of you need to reach me, you can via my website, LMLVideoservices.com