As I was sitting on my front porch, looking at the falling leaves in their various colors, watching the squirrels running and gathering food, digging holes and chasing others off, savoring the cool Autumn air, I thought to myself "fall is so pretty".
Then I began thinking about the other seasons, and how the outside of my new home is going to look come winter.
Winter is a beautiful season in Michigan. The pureness of the white snow, blanketed and sparkling on the lawn, icicles glittering off of the trees, the crisp bite of the winter air. I will watch my kiddos all bundled up playing in the snow or sipping hot chocolate, throwing snowballs, building a snowman or sledding. The skies are clear, and when the sun is shining and breathing becomes a visible phenomenon, one can be truly level minded... winter is full of beauty in nature.
Spring is fabulous as well. The flowers are all in bloom, the birds are singing, the cool air leftover from the winter is dancing with the sun and warming, so full of scents from the blooms and the growing grass, the smell of overturned dirt and the buzzing of various insects titillating the senses, restless children eager to go outside and run in the sunshine or play in the refreshing rain showers... Gorgeous.
So what can one say about summer? I say it is ugly. Think about it... Come late July and into August the heat is excruciating. Leaves are withering and grass is turning brown from lack of water and overexposure to the sun. The sun is menacingly beating down on rooftops and sidewalks. The smells of car exhaust lingering in the still air are disgusting. Mosquitoes are just as thirsty as the rest of us, and will stop at nothing to get a drink. Then I took into consideration the human population. Men and women dressed in virtually nothing, whether they look good in nothing or not. Sweaty and stinking, humans whine and complain about how hot it is and the size of their electric bills from running the air conditioning day and night.
Yep, summer is an ugly season, and I sure am glad another one is over.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Android
I am a geek. I am a computer person. It is just in my blood. I enjoy my college major (Information Technology concentrating in Web Development and Design). I love everything about computers, so when I found out way back when that the upcoming smart phones are essentially mini computers, I had to have one.
Strapped for cash as always, my husband DJ and I opted to get the buy one get one free Droid Eris. Little did we know they would be soon be at the end of their stock life (in more ways than one). Within a couple of months of buying these tasty little techy treats, they were pulled from the shelves of Big Red, and were no longer sold.
The computer geek in me decided to do as much research as I could on my little smart phone wanna be, and I discovered that these phones could be "rooted", a word to phone geeks with the same meaning as hack. The operating system could be modified with a simple download and a little know how to run faster, have the newest updates that Big Red decided not to give the Eris, and be completely customizable. I was pretty skeptical because I knew nothing about mobile device operating systems, and from what I read, if a replacement phone is needed, rooting voids the warranty, there is the possibility of "bricking" the phone (the term refers to the amount of use your phone would be is comparable to a brick... the phone would essentially be a very expensive paperweight), but I knew deep down inside that after enough research, I would eventually take the plunge.
Then the inevitable happens - my phone decides to take a shit. I contacted Big Red, and they send me a new phone... well, erm... a "like new" refurbished, pre owned phone. Great. Thanks a
lot.
This is when I decided to take the chance. If I damaged my phone beyond repair, I have insurance and I would just run it over with the car or put it down the garbage disposal... Whoops! Naughty kids... but I didn't have to do that at all.
I rooted easily, and flashed my first custom ROM. I started with kaos froyo (now that I had the magical Android 2.2 Froyo that Eris owners who follow the rules would never have a chance to get), and it was all over from there. I learned about the Android operating system, how it is a Linux system and is Open Source (Google it, home slice), and familiarized myself with the recovery menu. I learned how to download and flash newer custom ROMs and I was amazed at the speed that new updates and ROMs became available.
I am now running CyanogenMod 6 with the nonsensikal 8.2 ROM (which is Android 2.2.1), and it is amazing... though I am sure something new will come out soon enough for me to try. I fell in love with rooting and all of the aspects of customizing my superior smart phone.
Strapped for cash as always, my husband DJ and I opted to get the buy one get one free Droid Eris. Little did we know they would be soon be at the end of their stock life (in more ways than one). Within a couple of months of buying these tasty little techy treats, they were pulled from the shelves of Big Red, and were no longer sold.
The computer geek in me decided to do as much research as I could on my little smart phone wanna be, and I discovered that these phones could be "rooted", a word to phone geeks with the same meaning as hack. The operating system could be modified with a simple download and a little know how to run faster, have the newest updates that Big Red decided not to give the Eris, and be completely customizable. I was pretty skeptical because I knew nothing about mobile device operating systems, and from what I read, if a replacement phone is needed, rooting voids the warranty, there is the possibility of "bricking" the phone (the term refers to the amount of use your phone would be is comparable to a brick... the phone would essentially be a very expensive paperweight), but I knew deep down inside that after enough research, I would eventually take the plunge.
Then the inevitable happens - my phone decides to take a shit. I contacted Big Red, and they send me a new phone... well, erm... a "like new" refurbished, pre owned phone. Great. Thanks a
lot.
This is when I decided to take the chance. If I damaged my phone beyond repair, I have insurance and I would just run it over with the car or put it down the garbage disposal... Whoops! Naughty kids... but I didn't have to do that at all.
I rooted easily, and flashed my first custom ROM. I started with kaos froyo (now that I had the magical Android 2.2 Froyo that Eris owners who follow the rules would never have a chance to get), and it was all over from there. I learned about the Android operating system, how it is a Linux system and is Open Source (Google it, home slice), and familiarized myself with the recovery menu. I learned how to download and flash newer custom ROMs and I was amazed at the speed that new updates and ROMs became available.
I am now running CyanogenMod 6 with the nonsensikal 8.2 ROM (which is Android 2.2.1), and it is amazing... though I am sure something new will come out soon enough for me to try. I fell in love with rooting and all of the aspects of customizing my superior smart phone.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Canon Pixma MP160 Printer Encoder Strip Replacement
I had the unfortunate luck of my oldest son opening the top of my Canon Pixma MP160 scanner/printer, and in his curiosity, he decided it would be a good idea to rip out the encoder strip (the thin plastic ribbon that the printer head reads for timing).
Me, being me, I decided that I would take the whole printer apart and attempt to put the encoder strip back in. After opening the entire printer and ripping parts out (carefully taking notes and remembering where everything is suppose to go), I had printer guts all over my kitchen table. That was when I realized I had no idea where this thing is suppose to go.
Ah, I have the trusty internet! I run to Google, thinking I would discover where this part was suppose to go, reattach it, and be on my way... No such luck. First, I had no idea what the part name was, so I started searching for the printer first, then after no luck, I started searching repairs, broken plastic piece, where parts go, service manuals, images of the insides... nada. Then I took a closer look at the strip and discovered there were words printed on it (the name brand being Ruhlatec), and I had a few hits, but nothing that helped. I then discovered people were calling it the encoder strip or timing strip. Another hour on Google and I hit the jackpot... one singular image (and a crappy image at that) of a page from a Canon Pixma MP160 service manual. I was able to see exactly where the strip attaches, then realized I was missing a piece! The spring that holds the strip on the right side can and will fall off if the strip is not attached. I found the spring in my printer, put it on, attached the encoder strip, carefully put the pieces back together (I had no spare pieces! Hooray!) and I'll be damned, the thing actually worked!
So, in my attempt at making someone else's life easier, I am going to post a few pictures to let others that have had the same problem (and there were a lot) know where this encoder strip is suppose to go. Think of it as my public service for the day.. erm... year.
PLEASE NOTE: I do not recommend taking your printer apart unless you are sure you know what you are doing or have nothing to lose. You may end up doing more damage than you started with. I take no responsibility for what you do to your equipment.
The strip has an "L" on one side and a dot on the other. Be sure you put the "L" side on the left. There is a small slit behind the printer head that you must slide the encoder strip through before attaching. (sorry, I couldn't get a picture).
Me, being me, I decided that I would take the whole printer apart and attempt to put the encoder strip back in. After opening the entire printer and ripping parts out (carefully taking notes and remembering where everything is suppose to go), I had printer guts all over my kitchen table. That was when I realized I had no idea where this thing is suppose to go.
Ah, I have the trusty internet! I run to Google, thinking I would discover where this part was suppose to go, reattach it, and be on my way... No such luck. First, I had no idea what the part name was, so I started searching for the printer first, then after no luck, I started searching repairs, broken plastic piece, where parts go, service manuals, images of the insides... nada. Then I took a closer look at the strip and discovered there were words printed on it (the name brand being Ruhlatec), and I had a few hits, but nothing that helped. I then discovered people were calling it the encoder strip or timing strip. Another hour on Google and I hit the jackpot... one singular image (and a crappy image at that) of a page from a Canon Pixma MP160 service manual. I was able to see exactly where the strip attaches, then realized I was missing a piece! The spring that holds the strip on the right side can and will fall off if the strip is not attached. I found the spring in my printer, put it on, attached the encoder strip, carefully put the pieces back together (I had no spare pieces! Hooray!) and I'll be damned, the thing actually worked!
So, in my attempt at making someone else's life easier, I am going to post a few pictures to let others that have had the same problem (and there were a lot) know where this encoder strip is suppose to go. Think of it as my public service for the day.. erm... year.
PLEASE NOTE: I do not recommend taking your printer apart unless you are sure you know what you are doing or have nothing to lose. You may end up doing more damage than you started with. I take no responsibility for what you do to your equipment.
The strip has an "L" on one side and a dot on the other. Be sure you put the "L" side on the left. There is a small slit behind the printer head that you must slide the encoder strip through before attaching. (sorry, I couldn't get a picture).
If this helped you, please leave me a comment.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tips for when you have a 2 year old...
Here are the rules for having a 2 year old:
1. If you hear something crack, pop, crunch, shatter, slam, fall, bang, or crackle, and you hear laughing or screaming immediately after, you better run. If no laughter or screaming is heard, go see what happened, but no need to break a sweat.
2. If you don't hear your 2 year old make a sound for 2 or 3 minutes, go see what he or she is up to. It probably isn't good.
3. At 2, potty training is usually starting, and your 2 year old will probably know how to take his or her diaper off by now. Do not let your 2 year old run around naked, or you will have messes to clean up. Have plenty of duct tape handy to tape his or her diaper on, or you will have to wash bedding, carpets, and/ or furniture.
4. If you have a pet, especially a small pet, do not leave them in the same room together unattended. The 2 year old will always win.
5. Be prepared to serve 4 different foods at each meal time. What your 2 year old devoured yesterday, he or she will completely hate today... except gummy fruit snacks. Your 2 year old will be willing to eat those at any hour on any given day.
6. If you do not want your 2 year old to swear, don't swear in front of them, don't let them hear swearing in movies, on TV, or from other people. If you do not censor what your 2 year old hears, you will have a 2 year old cussing like a sailor.
6. a) If your 2 year old DOES pick up a swear word, do not give him or her any attention. Yelling, laughing, smiling, giggling, scolding, or talking about why this is wrong will only result in the child swearing more and laughing at you.
7. 2 year olds are smart enough to know when you are trying to bribe them. Do not try this method unless you are prepared to be humiliated by a person no taller than your thighs.
8. Keep any and all writing utensils out of the 2 year old's reach. This includes pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk, and paint.
9. Do not allow your 2 year old to consume anything with sugar after 6:00 pm if you want then in bed before midnight.
10. Bath time to a 2 year old is NOT a time to relax before bed. Instead it is a free for all that includes mass quantities of water.
10. a) 2 year olds are very very slippery when covered with soap and water. Washing then rinsing one body part at a time is highly recommended.
10. b) When bathing a 2 year old, you will become very wet. If you wear glasses, be sure to have a clean, dry cloth handy to wipe said glasses if you would like to see during bath time.
11. If you allow your child to watch television (who in their right mind doesn't use the TV for a babysitter once in a while?), be prepared to have children's television show theme songs stuck in your head for days.
11. a) If your 2 year old grows attached to a particular movie, be prepared to watch it 4 to 7 times a day.
12. 2 year olds break things. You will never have nice things again.
13. 2 year olds have tantrums. The best solution is to ignore them and walk away. They won't be able to understand reason, nor will they hear you talking over their screams and kicks.
These methods have been used by myself. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. 2 year olds are little people. Mean, sneaky little people, and they will eat your sanity and your soul. Good luck, and God speed.
1. If you hear something crack, pop, crunch, shatter, slam, fall, bang, or crackle, and you hear laughing or screaming immediately after, you better run. If no laughter or screaming is heard, go see what happened, but no need to break a sweat.
2. If you don't hear your 2 year old make a sound for 2 or 3 minutes, go see what he or she is up to. It probably isn't good.
3. At 2, potty training is usually starting, and your 2 year old will probably know how to take his or her diaper off by now. Do not let your 2 year old run around naked, or you will have messes to clean up. Have plenty of duct tape handy to tape his or her diaper on, or you will have to wash bedding, carpets, and/ or furniture.
4. If you have a pet, especially a small pet, do not leave them in the same room together unattended. The 2 year old will always win.
5. Be prepared to serve 4 different foods at each meal time. What your 2 year old devoured yesterday, he or she will completely hate today... except gummy fruit snacks. Your 2 year old will be willing to eat those at any hour on any given day.
6. If you do not want your 2 year old to swear, don't swear in front of them, don't let them hear swearing in movies, on TV, or from other people. If you do not censor what your 2 year old hears, you will have a 2 year old cussing like a sailor.
6. a) If your 2 year old DOES pick up a swear word, do not give him or her any attention. Yelling, laughing, smiling, giggling, scolding, or talking about why this is wrong will only result in the child swearing more and laughing at you.
7. 2 year olds are smart enough to know when you are trying to bribe them. Do not try this method unless you are prepared to be humiliated by a person no taller than your thighs.
8. Keep any and all writing utensils out of the 2 year old's reach. This includes pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk, and paint.
9. Do not allow your 2 year old to consume anything with sugar after 6:00 pm if you want then in bed before midnight.
10. Bath time to a 2 year old is NOT a time to relax before bed. Instead it is a free for all that includes mass quantities of water.
10. a) 2 year olds are very very slippery when covered with soap and water. Washing then rinsing one body part at a time is highly recommended.
10. b) When bathing a 2 year old, you will become very wet. If you wear glasses, be sure to have a clean, dry cloth handy to wipe said glasses if you would like to see during bath time.
11. If you allow your child to watch television (who in their right mind doesn't use the TV for a babysitter once in a while?), be prepared to have children's television show theme songs stuck in your head for days.
11. a) If your 2 year old grows attached to a particular movie, be prepared to watch it 4 to 7 times a day.
12. 2 year olds break things. You will never have nice things again.
13. 2 year olds have tantrums. The best solution is to ignore them and walk away. They won't be able to understand reason, nor will they hear you talking over their screams and kicks.
These methods have been used by myself. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. 2 year olds are little people. Mean, sneaky little people, and they will eat your sanity and your soul. Good luck, and God speed.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
First Blog
This is my first time blogging. I figured I would do it because it could be a creative and constructive outlet for my thoughts. I really don't have much to say right now, but I am sure I will soon enough. Just wanted to get it started.
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