Windows XP Startup Help

I recently discovered this bit of helpful information, and I wanted to pass it along. If you are experiencing a long wait when you start up Windows XP, you may be running unnecessary or even malicious programs. To find out, go to the Start menu and click "Run." In the box type "msconfig" (without the quotation marks). Click on the "Start Up" tab. If you need help figuring out what the programs listed are (like I did), in another window, go to: http://www.windowsstartup.com/wso/index.php and click on "Search." From there, simply enter the filename or the program title in the box and it will tell you what the program does and whether or not you need it to run on startup. Remember, if you uncheck something from your startup list, you're not deleting it, you're just telling Windows not to run it automatically.

I'm not saying this is definitely going to help you, but I am absolutely ecstatic that my startup time has been reduced from about 90 seconds to about 15 seconds!

My Dad

Today is my dad's birthday. He lives in Fresno with my stepmom, Jeri, and my sister, Jennifer. Jennifer will turn 18 later this year, and I can hardly believe it. She is considering attending UC Davis after high school, and I am already so proud of her. I am proud of my dad, too, because he and Jeri have raised a great kid.

My dad operates his own small business, and he has been a constant example of hard work and determination for me. I don't get to see him as often as I would like, and I am terrible at remembering to call home once in a while. Dad, even though we don't talk very often, I want you to know that I miss you and I love you. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

My Mom

I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell everyone how proud I am of my mom. She moved to Oregon supposedly to retire, but she has really taken her little town, Waldport, by storm. She has been working as a volunteer at CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) for quite a while now. She speaks for abused and neglected children in court. And last November she was elected to the Waldport City Council! Not only that, but she got more votes than any other candidate for the Council. You can read a news article written before her election here, and you can see a photo of her swearing-in here. Give 'em hell, Mom!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! And Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there. We wouldn't be here without you!

Thoughtful Gift-Giving (Part 1)

I know it is sort of late to be ordering flowers for Mother's Day 2005, but I want you to consider this as an option on your next flower-giving occasion. Here is a great summary article about why it is important to buy organic flowers whenever possible. And here is a great place to find organic farms in your area. And here is a great place to order and send organic flowers without even having to get off your tush.