A couple days ago, I posted about how I’ll need a new computer for work purposes. The minimum requirements I’ve set for the machine are as follows:

• Pentium 4 2.6 ghz processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 32-bit soundcard
• 20 GB hard drive
• WInXp

I’d also like to find something with a DVD burner, but it’s not a requirement. (None of my current computers are equipped with a DVD burner, and it’d be nice to have one.)

After technical specifications, price is my biggest concern. I’ve checked with a bunch of different vendors, looked through local classifieds and scoured eBay. I’ve found some good systems (like this one). I guess I’ve been a little gun shy on making a purchase, as it seems like if I just wait for one more day, there’ll be something better/cheaper.

I almost miss the simplicity of the “old days,” when everything had to be bought off-the-shelf at a local store. Almost. But, not really.

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Taking a page from one of Jen’s blogs, I’ve decided to make a haiku of my own.

Hungry
Ham, swiss, Ritz crackers
and Pepsi, waiting for me
damn phone keeps ringing

And speaking of Jen’s blogs, check out her latest project, Adventures of a Bookseller where she provides daily updates from retail hell.

Tags: food, haiku, work
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I have a talking scale. And I was disappointed yesterday after it told me my current weight is 251 pounds. That’s a three-pound gain from last week. It just proves that I’ve still got a lot to do before I can truly get on the path to real weight loss. One thing, is that I need to cut back on the amount of soda I drink. I can’t help myself. I need carbonated beverages like most people need coffee. I refuse to drink anything with aspartame in it, and aspartame can be found in most major diet sodas. I’m going to try and find a diet soda that’s made with Splenda instead. Then I can begin to ween myself off of regular, full-calorie sodas.

Over the last week, I have seen a nice improvement in my blood pressure. There are several factors that may have contributed to this. But the definitive point has to do with the future of my job. Soon, I’ll be getting off the night shifts and after that, I’ll be working from home! My employer has agreed to let me telecommute. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, as it allows me to work a more flexible schedule for them, and I no longer have to worry about transportation. Only problem is that I need to buy some equipment, and I’ll also have to get another computer. It’s definitely worth it, though. I’m just having some trouble figuring out which computer to get. In order to work from home, I need something that runs Windows, and I’d like to get an Intel Mac Mini and use Parallels Desktop. But I’m not certain that will work. I can still just get myself a plain ol’ Windoze box. But I’d hate to have another computer ’round the house just to accomplish this one task.

But overall, this is one problem I don’t mind having.

Tags: food, health, work
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On my old blog, I had started keeping track of my weight loss efforts. Like a lot of things, that project fell to the wayside, and so did my attempts at improving the state of my personal health. As I begin to close in on my 31st birthday, it’s become very apparent to me that I need to start taking this stuff seriously.

I’ve set up iCal to remind me to take daily blood pressure readings and weekly weight measurements. When I weighed myself yesterday, I came in at 248 pounds. This is actually a 3.5 pound loss from the last time I weighed myself (about a month ago), so that’s a start. I can’t attribute the loss to anything specific. I’ve been eating more salads than I used to, and I started taking walks again on a regular basis.

I’ll keep this site updated as I track my progress.

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In honor of Jen’s upcoming birthday, she decided that she’d like to add some new color to her hair.

Before:

We used Manic Panic Ultra Violet hair dye and the Manic Panic Flash Lightning kit. First step was to mix the lightener into a paste-like substance, then spread it onto the hair, like frosting a cake. The lightener then had to sit for an hour, so we watched this week’s “LOST” episode and waited. Once it was ready, we washed the lightener out of Jen’s hair. We then had to wait for her hair to dry, as the dye isn’t supposed to be added to wet hair. When the necessary state of dryness had been reached, it was time for the dye. While wearing a pair of disposable gloves, I worked the dye into Jen’s hair. Adding the dye is like a combination of finger painting and dough kneading. It’s unusual at first, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. After the dye had been sufficiently applied, it had to sit for 20 minutes. Then it had to be rinsed out, and the hair again had to dry.

After:

The color of the purple against Jen’s natural hair color is fairly subtle. But in the right light, it stands out. Of course, Jen is naturally beautiful to me, but I think the purple looks good. This is the second time we’ve dyed her hair like this, and we’re getting better at it. Maybe next time we’ll go for Cotton Candy Pink. (Just kidding.)

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