Posted by Robyn on Feb 28, 2009 in
Technology Some of you may have heard about the untimely death of my Acer Aspire One netbook. It was a beloved device, and I was sorry to see it go. As is the way of things, it has already been replaced by a new Eee PC 1000HE. I like it so far, and here are a few of my thoughts on this machine and the netbook market in general.
The Eee PC 1000HE is considered a “third generation” netbook. My original Eee PC had a tiny 7″ screen, tiny keyboard, and tiny 4GB flash drive. Limited as it was, I loved it for its portability, and got a lot of real use out of it before moving on to the second generation of netbooks.
I went through two Aspire Ones, both with 9″ screens, larger keyboards, and the shiny new Intel Atom CPU. The A110 ran off a painfully slow 8GB flash chip, so it was quickly eBayed and replaced by the A150, which included a real 2.5″ hard drive. The ability to actually store data on the machine revolutionized the way I viewed my netbook. That machine served me well (until I accidentally killed it).
So here I sit, typing this from my new Eee PC 1000HE. This one has a 10″ screen, and really doesn’t bear much resemblance to my original 7″ Eee PC, other than its name. It’s larger, has a truly touch-type-able keyboard, and impressive battery life. I used it all day today, and as I sat down to write this, my battery finally hit the 10% mark (and it still had 40 minutes left)! I probably got a solid 6+ hours of “typical” usage out of it.
But at 3.2 lbs and a good 2″ wider than the original Eee, I can’t really carry this in my purse anymore. But since getting my iPhone, I had been carrying my netbook less and less. As smartphones become more advanced, they fill the niche of “portable net-centric devices with limited storage capacity” very well. At the same time, many of the shortcomings that originally “defined” the netbook genre are being overcome with each new generation. They have morphed into small, inexpensive, but fully functional laptops.
And that’s a good thing. But I still want a convertible tablet netbook with multi-touch screen that weighs less than 2lbs and will go at least one full day on a charge. Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she? 
Posted by Robyn on Feb 12, 2009 in
General JOHN CLEESE IS TURNING A FISH CALLED WANDA INTO A MUSICAL!!!
I CAN’T WAIT!!!
I know, I know. Waaaaaaaaaaaaay too many journals. But dude, it’s a musical based on my favorite movie ever. And I love musicals. There is just no way I’m not going to journal this, and you know it!
Posted by Robyn on Feb 12, 2009 in
Technology My netbook died today. It won’t even POST. And the warranty is invalid because of all the upgrades I did on it. I am very sad.
I know, I know. Two journals in one day. But it’s not like any of you cared about the complaining ones.
Posted by Robyn on Feb 12, 2009 in
General Apparently, I didn’t have to mention anything to my boss because the state employees themselves have been complaining about that room on the class evaluations. The room was inspected, and it turns out that three small conference rooms in the basement (this training room included) run on a separate ventilation system from the rest of the building. And it’s totally broken. Awesome.
For a few minutes today, it looked like they might actually shut down the trainings, but they had a health inspector come in and test for mold and mildew, and there wasn’t any. It’s just dusty because the air is stagnant. (Which explains the sneezing and allergies.) They are going to wait until the trainings finish up next week before they fix it, which is actually good for us, since we don’t lose all that money.
In the meantime, they brought in some fans, which make the room a bit chilly, but they do help with the air quality a little. So, I’m relieved on two counts. It wasn’t all in my head, but it’s also not going to kill me to breathe some dusty air for a few more days.
Posted by Robyn on Feb 12, 2009 in
General I love my new job, but I have been feeling frustrated lately. For the past several weeks, I have spent nearly every single working day training in this makeshift basement “classroom” at the State of Oregon. There are no windows, and the circulation is non-existent. The air has a constant musty odor to it that never goes away. I am constantly sneezing, and there is a persistent tightness in my chest.
However, the new training schedule just came out, and I am not scheduled to teach in there after next week. I really feel like I am going crazy, but at the same time, it’s very temporary. I have looked at the schedule, and the only way my boss would be able to switch me out of that room is to put another trainer in there, or cancel all the classes, costing the company a lot of money.
But if the air in that room is making me sick… ugh. I hate this. What should I do?
Posted by Robyn on Feb 1, 2009 in
General TLDR version: I am going to win a bet with my husband to lose 20 lbs, and we joined an awesome gym. It’s better than your gym. (And way more expensive.) If you want to prove me wrong, you’ll have to read this long-ass journal. HA!
My hubby and I have a bet. Currently, we are about the same height and weight. My long term weight loss goal is higher than his, but we are starting out with one basic goal: the first one to hit 165 lbs wins. We have both enrolled in a 5k race on April 5th. If one of us hits 165 lbs on or before that date, we get to spend our Oregon tax return ($332) any way we like!
We also joined an AMAZING gym called Club Sport. This is not your typical Bally-Gold-24-Hour-LA-Fitness-First-Neighborhood-Ho-Hum-Gym. I’ve been a member of those before. *yawn* This is different. Allow me to explain how.
1. Fitness Trainers: There are fitness trainers crawling all over this place. And they don’t cost extra money. You can grab any available trainer off the floor to help you with pretty much anything. For example, I was sweating along on the treadmill today, and I ran out of water. A friendly trainer apparently noticed this, came over UNASKED, and handed me a cup of cold water. She chatted with me a bit about my goals (training for my first 5k), and she helped me tweak my training schedule. It was amazing.
2. Equipment: There is an absurd amount of fitness equipment available. And it’s all uber high-end stuff. The treadmills have iPod connectors, which let you play your music and videos using the huge built-in touch-screen monitor. They also have USB ports, which let you save your workout stats to any USB flash drive!
3. Classes and Facilities: They also have a ton of fitness classes, all of which are free for members. There is a 45-foot rock wall, and they will teach you how to climb and belay for free! They have a huge pool, and tons of racquetball, basketball, and tennis courts to choose from.
4. Locker Rooms: Towels are readily available and free. Lockers are roomy, and your locker is activated by your membership card — no need to BYO lock! There are hair dryers by each of a couple DOZEN sinks (at least in the women’s locker room). Plenty of showers and restroom stalls available, too. Oh, and the very best part is the jacuzzi (clothing optional). 
Of course, all of this comes at a price. A couple’s membership is $160 a month, and covers two adults. Yeah, that’s really expensive. But there is NO contract, and NO automatic payments required. At the beginning of each month, I can walk my happy ass in there and write them a check. Or give them cash. Or hand them a credit card. That they will charge ONCE.
There is a $10 late fee if dues aren’t paid by the 5th, and your membership is automatically suspended if dues aren’t paid by the 10th. Now, most gyms know you aren’t going to attend regularly. That’s why they want your money even if you don’t show up. This gym has the balls to charge two or three times the average price, AND let you pay as you go.
But it’s awesome. And that’s why people never want to leave. 