Thursday, June 08, 2023

There Is Nothing Quite Like The Feeling When Your Computer Crashes

Don't you love the feeling that you get when your computer does a nosedive and crashes?

You can almost hear the voice of a flight attendant saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, "Brace for impact. “Brace, Brace, Head Down, Stay Down!”

Well, my computer crashed and burned this week.

But honestly, I can't complain because the computer lasted over 9 years with no issues.

I'm a Hewlett Packard fan. Always have, always will be.

My first computer (in 1998) was an HP and lasted 10 years. Since then, that's all I've ever owned.

I'm also a fan of desktops. I've owned one laptop in my life and enjoyed the mobility of it. However, I do a lot of photo editing and movie streaming on my computer, so a larger desktop monitor works best for me. And I prefer using a separate keyboard and mouse.

The Crash-

I could tell something was up with my computer because, for the past month or so, it had been making weird noises and getting very sluggish. Instead of following my intuition and investing in a new computer immediately, I pretended to be an ostrich with my head in the sand.

But what I did was slowly transfer documents and photographs to another location so I'd have them for safekeeping.

However, I should have been quicker about it because I lost quite a bit of stuff in the crash.

That's my fault. You snooze, you lose.

Sunday, when I got home from work, that's when my computer began its final descent. I got a similar message to this one. Whenever you see the "frowny face" you know it's not good...

The computer kept running test after test but got to a point where it wouldn't allow me to restart. It just FROZE.

Eventually, I turned it off and accepted the fact that the next day I would have to buy a new computer. That night, using my cellphone, I searched the Internet and found one on sale at Staples.

The Dreaded Purchasing Process-

For me, the process of purchasing a new computer is as dreadful as purchasing a new car. And I don't mean forking out the money for one. I mean having to deal with the salespeople who are vultures; wheeling and dealing, trying to sell you "add-ons" and a more expensive computer.

The guy (Greg) who helped me was actually very nice. However, when I told him I was not interested in purchasing an extended warranty, his manager (who was standing on the other side of the aisle listening to us), pulled him aside and drilled him on making sure he sold me an extended warranty. When he came back, he said, "I know you said you didn't want an extended warranty, but computers don't last as long as they used to, so I STRONGLY suggest you purchase one."

And my response to him was, "Yes, that's what they all say every time I purchase a new computer. My previous computer lasted over 9 years. That's long enough. HPs are famous for consistent reliability and long life. So no, I do not want to purchase an extended warranty, but thank you. And please inform your manager that if he asks you to ask me again, I will walk out of this store and NOT purchase anything."

When I got up to the register to pay for the computer, Greg looked over at me and softly said, "I apologize for that. I didn't want to ask you again, but my manager insisted."

I said, "No worries, I understand. I realize your manager gets corporate brownie points and monthly bonuses for every extended warranty you sell. I don't blame you at all. You've been great."

We shook hands, and I left.

Setting Up My New Computer-

When I got home, I couldn't wait to set up my new computer! And it was so easy. This computer has Windows 11, which I have to say, I like much better than Windows 10. The software is cleaner and faster.

Like my last computer, this is an all-in-one desktop. Sleek and compact.

I took a few photos to show you...

Yup, I love my new HP...

Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone!

💗

Thursday, June 01, 2023

My Favorite Thing To Wear Is A Turtleneck

It was the great American designer, Halston, who quoted the significance of this iconic garment perfectly:

“Turtlenecks are the most comfortable garment you can wear. They move with the body, and they’re flattering, too, because they accentuate the face and elongate the figure. They make life so easy: you can wear a turtleneck to work and then afterwards throw on a jacket, and it becomes very dressy. You can go anywhere you like.” - Designer, Halston

If you look at the welcome photo collage on the sidebar of my blog, you'll see me wearing a turtleneck. And if you look at the collage I created of myself making faces in the previous post, you will also see me wearing a turtleneck. I would say that in most of the photos of myself, I've shared on this blog, I'm donning a turtleneck.

And do you want to know why?

To hide all the hickeys I always have on my neck.

Bwhahahahahahahaahaha! No, I'm only kidding.

It's because a turtleneck is my favorite thing to wear.

Black-

Also, black is my favorite color of clothing; therefore, my turtlenecks are all black. If you looked in my closet, except for my Levi's blue jeans, you would see nothing but black turtlenecks, dress shirts, dress pants, polo shirts, and T-shirts.

As with my home, my clothing is simple and minimal. I don't like to think about what I want to wear every day. If my clothing is all black, then I don't have to think about what goes with what, I just put it on.

I also like black because it's always appropriate and classic, and it's a color that everyone in the whole world looks great in. Black is a color that doesn't distract from looking at someone directly in the eyes when you're talking to them. Black has a wonderful way of presenting someone.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy seeing other people wearing bright colors and accessories, I just don't care for them on me.

My "black clothing love affair" all started when I worked for Chanel as a makeup artist. We were all required to wear black, so it gradually became my clothing trademark.

Today, I would like to share several photos of both men and women wearing a black turtleneck, so you can see just how attractive I think it looks on all people.

And notice how in each of the photographs, your eyes immediately go to their faces...

Here are several classic celebrities who also had a passion for black turtlenecks...

And now that it's almost Summer, it is time for me to put away all my long sleeve black turtlenecks and bring out the short sleeves. So you see, I can wear turtlenecks all year long!

Hey, look!

Even dogs and cats look phenomenal in a black turtleneck...

Have a stylish rest of your week, y'all!

💗

*If you so desire, please feel free to share your favorite thing (or things) to wear!

Thursday, May 25, 2023

My Answers To Seven Existential Questions

Today's topic was inspired by a post my blogging pal, Kari @ A Grace Full Life shared, which I thought was quite interesting. The questions originally came from Minnie Driver’s podcast, in which she asks each of her guests seven existential questions.

So, here are my answers to these questions. And thanks for the inspiration, Kari! 💗

--------------------------------------------------------

1- When and where were you the happiest?

I'm happiest when I focus on how blessed I am. That may sound corny, but gratitude does that for me.

2- What quality do you like the least about yourself?

I am extremely impatient with slow walkers. And when I say extremely, I mean EXTREMELY. I walk very, very fast. And it's not that I walk fast because I'm in a hurry. I walk fast because I'm a natural-born fast walker. The second my feet hit the streets, I fly! So, when I'm walking behind someone in this city who walks at a sloth's pace, I have visions of my foot up their ass and yelling, "MOVE....you #!@!!"*#!!!!"

Yet, for as impatient as I am. I'm extremely patient with animals, children, or older adults walking.

3- What relationship- real or fictional-defines love for you?

The love that Michael J. Fox and his dear wife, Tracy Pollan, share. Because it epitomizes what human unconditional love is.

4- What would be your last meal?

Oh, that's easy. Pasta (with olive oil, garlic, basil, grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese), and a glass of red wine.

5– What person, place, or experience has most altered your life?

(I'm going to answer this question with two experiences because there is a correlation between them)

-When my family moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 1973. Although I no longer live there, Florida was, without a doubt, a major transformative experience for me. Florida encouraged me to blossom in so many ways. It was as if all that sunshine, palm trees, and warm weather fertilized my soul and gave me a sense of freedom to be who I was born to be - ME. Florida will always hold a huge place in my heart. 💗

-Ironically, another life-altering experience was when I moved back to Pennsylvania from Florida in 2001 and reclaimed my roots. I had to move away from my roots to only realize how deeply connected I was to them. I love this part of the States (Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions). I love the physicality of this region And I also love the "energy" of this region.

*note: I went from enjoying the constant heat and sunshine of Florida, back to adoring the four seasons. Unlike most humans, I feel much more comfortable being cold than hot. I'm a huge fan of Autumn and Winter. To me, 75 degrees is too hot. LOL!

6- What question would you most like answered?

Where the hell do missing socks go?

7- What in your life has grown out of personal disaster?

When I first moved back to Philadelphia, I went through the darkest time in my life, which lasted two years. I experienced what I now know as "The Dark Night of the Soul." Everything was stripped away from me. Not only did I have to file for financial bankruptcy, but what was even more devastating was that I felt bankrupt inside. There has never been a time in my life when I was as frightened, confused, and lost. Forsaken. I was suspended over a big black hole; not knowing whether I'd fall. And yet, as bankrupt and powerless as I felt, I wouldn't change that experience for anything in the world.

I look back at that two-year awakening process as the death of my old self and the birth of my true self.

I needed to be stripped of everything to see just how much I had.

It wasn't until I experienced total darkness, did I appreciate all the light in my life.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I know this has nothing to do with my post topic. However, I would like to conclude this post with a silly photo collage I created using selfies. I took these photographs one day while sitting in a cafe. I suddenly went nuts (too much caffeine); making a variety of crazy faces with my cellphone.

Every once in a while the "actor" in me comes out and I become a HAM sandwich...

Have a faaaaaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone! 💗

*If you so desire, please feel free to share your own responses to any of these questions within your comments.

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Japanese Style And Design

When it comes to interior/exterior design, I'm pretty much all over the place.

For instance, I posted about my cozy, comfy dream house in this post.

But then I also posted about my attraction to gritty industrial design in this one.

As many of you know, I spent a summer (2 1/2 months) in Japan and fell head-over-heels in love with it and the Japanese culture. I can only describe Japan as "my home away from home" because that's exactly what it felt like - home. When I got back to the States, it took months to forget about my homesickness for Japan.

Japan was deeply transformational for me. In case you're interested, I posted about it here.

One major thing I admire about Japan is its style and design. Everything not only looks beautiful, but it also has a purpose. Japan has such limited space; therefore, space cannot be wasted. Japan is also spotlessly clean and well-organized.

If I could use one word to describe Japan, it would be balanced.

The Japanese work extremely hard yet strive to live a balanced life.

Chowa is a Japanese concept that is both a philosophy and a set of practices that can help get to the heart of what is most important and change our way of thinking about ourselves and others. Chowa is about balancing priorities and relationships and finding inner strength and flexibility in times of change and difficulty.

During the entire 2 1/2 months of living in Japan, I never once witnessed an angry or impatient Japanese man or woman. Not to mention how polite they were and went out of their way to always make me feel comfortable in their country.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Japan, I guarantee it will alter you.

++++++++++++++++++++

Japanese style and design...

Let's start with the style and design of Japanese gardens.

One thing you immediately notice in Japan is the impeccable attention that goes into their gardens. I once stood on the sidewalk and watched a gardener prune a tree with such care and detail. And the whole time he was doing it, he had a smile on his face, as if he was communicating with the tree.

Japanese gardens are both an art form and a philosophy.

The Seven Principles of a Japanese Garden-

Zen gardens are structured around seven guiding principles: Austerity, Simplicity, Naturalness, Asymmetry, Mystery or Subtlety, Magical or Unconventional, and Stillness.

Here are a few examples...

Japanese Interior Design-

1) The use of natural materials and a muted color palette

Warm and earthy color palette, full of warm whites, beiges, and browns. Natural warmth of wood on large furniture, and natural materials like linen, rattan, paper and jutes on accessories and decorations.

2) Keep it clean and minimal

Minimalism and elegant emptiness. Reduce the clutter and do not overload the eye with too many decorations or accessories (note: this is something I feel very much the same about in my home space).

3) Use low and clean furniture

The furniture style is linear and low to the ground. Use a modern style, with simple and clean lines, no fuss but classy and timeless.

I like the look and feel of Japanese interior design because I'm a minimalist. And I don't like a lot of bright colors in my living space. I prefer the color to be subliminal. Relaxing and calming.

The homes I visited in Japan gave me a sense of peacefulness. The Japanese enjoy bringing the outdoors indoors because nature is a major part of their philosophy.

Here are several examples of Japanese interior design. Notice how it makes the most of the space; how everything is so streamlined; how open, airy, and full of natural light the spaces are...

And to show you just how passionate I am about all things Japanese, I even use skincare that was formulated in Japan. It's called, Tatcha.

Not only is it highly effective, but exquisitely packaged as well. And that is typical of anything created in Japan - it's all about the presentation and quality. What I especially love about Asian skincare is they believe that taking care of your skin should be an enjoyable ritual. The Japanese are superior in skincare. All you have to do is look at their skin and you'll see what I mean.

Thank you all for indulging me today in my once-a-year post; gushing over my love and admiration for Japan.

I leave you with its beauty...

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu! 💗

どうもありがとうございます

Means: "Thank you very much" in Japanese.

*TATCHA Core Ritual Tutorial

*Ultimate GUA SHA Facial Massage Routine

Post updates by email: