Jill Reese

Even thought I just got the nook Simple Touch when it first came out, this DOES look very interesting:

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/04/12/new-nook/

I actually do have the light they refer to as one of the biggest sellers, but not the anti-glare film. I used the light when going to and from China, but now I mainly use it when I read prior to going to sleep at night. As opposed to having the light on beside my bed.

Ive never really been someone to upgrade things like that – I still have my 3rd generation iPod. And the ONLY reason I have an iMac that is just a couple of years old is because my original got stolen. But I did sell my original, first-gen nook for the Simple Touch as soon as it came out. Even though there wasnt any real reason to! And I really want to go look at this new version at Barnes & Noble. But Im scared that if I do, I will REALLY want it. And I REALLY do not need it!

I wish people would actually pay attention to features and menus – if they did the Kindles would not be selling anywhere near the numbers they are. I always compare it to PCs vs Macs. Kindle menus are completely difficult to navigate through. Whereas nook is pretty much touch the book and read. And the book choices are really the same. Amazon vs Barnes & Noble. Prices are the same, choices are the same.

The main complaint I had from the first nook was resolved with the nook touch, as well. So Im super glad about that. On the first-gen nook, it was super easy to dumb epub books into it to read – but they stayed in their own, separate folder called “Documents.” Was good if you KNEW what book you wanted to read, and you KNEW that it was epub vs. a b&n purchase. Not so good just for browsing your library. With the new nook, epub books go directly into the main library. They dont appear any different than any other book you purchased. LOVE IT.

Hoping I can resist the temptation of this new nook Simple touch!

It has been a long time since I have had a true attack of insomnia. Ive actually been way too tired lately – which has totally  motivated me to get back into running. You always feel better when you exercise – I just have to let myself get to the point of feeling HORRIBLE before I agree with that statement. Dumb.

Last night I fell asleep around 10:30…and promptly woke up at 11:15. And I havent been back to sleep since! WTH. IM SO TIRED. I cant even walk straight across the room. Thank goodness I can work at home – keeps me from operating a moving vehicle to go to work, but also gives me something to do so I stay awake all day today and can sleep tonight. Hopefully. *sigh*

Super interesting and scary article. Mainly because of the health and rape issues mentioned. I am not one to get religious or political on here, but this frightens the hell out of me. I unapologetically believe in a woman’s right to CHOOSE. Not necessarily referencing abortion, but when it comes to any life choices like birth control. Whether you are choosing to NOT use it or whatever your beliefs are. You have that damn right – whether it is a personal, political or religious decision. Do what YOU believe. Not what some lawmakers TOLD YOU to believe. And that goes both ways. Your family planning, or lack thereof, is YOUR choice. I could totally get on my soapbox about this one. But I will refrain.

http://jezebel.com/5887627/the-ten-scariest-places-in-america-to-have-ladyparts

I started running, I mean JOGGING, again yesterday. Jorge got me motivated. Ha! Really, my energy level got me motivated. Or lack of energy, that is.

Jorge and I have decided to have a contest, though. Up until the Rise & Shine 5K, whichever one of us logs the most miles has to pay for the other’s Saint Arnold’s entry. ha!

I know Jorge is pumped. He even went last night after I told him I had gone to the loop after work. And Im totally going tonight again! Whatever it takes, right?

Seriously…this NEVER.GETS.OLD.

That’s 3 out of 12, all the way from China. It is a miracle! Although not a very good batting average. Hmm.

This past Wednesday our entire office shut down and went to a CMN crawfish boil at Kevin’s house. Just the idea of a company event being during the week is fascinating to me. Tons of crawfish, beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, a margarita machine…we had tables and a tent set up. And Kevin’s house has an area on the roof and a game room. Great people, great food, great weather. SO.MUCH.FUN. I think I ate TOO much crawfish. Although I dont know if that is possible. I do know I ate enough crawfish to finish messing up my manicure! Definitely need to get that fixed up today.

The guys did so much hard work on this…Zeke, Matt and Kevin put a lot of thought, time and generosity into this company event!

After the crawfish were destroyed, a group headed to Pub Fiction. Where I played that bean bag game for the first time. AND KICKED BUTT. It is very similar to slow pitch softball. Im sure it was beginner’s luck, but it felt good to win!

Especially after I had kept ice on my hand for an hour or two. During crawfish boil time we had been playing catch with a football and I kept trying to steal the ball from Clemmons. (I refused to let a developer nerd catch a football over ME) (totally kidding!!) Ha! And totally jammed one of my fingers. It is all black and blue and wont bend all the way. But I was still catching the hell out of that football! Ha!

I was invited to see “Come Fly Away” at the Hobby Center last night. I wasnt sure if I would enjoy this format, but I LOVED IT. 80 minutes of Frank Sinatra vocals, a live band, and dancers. It was AWESOME. There was no intermission, and not any breaks for the dancers, either.

Here is a really good review, as well: http://www.29-95.com/art/story/come-fly-away-sustains-cruising-altitude

Post interrupted….more of a review later….

I sent 12 postcards to various people from China. They were mailed by the concierge at the JW Marriott in Beijing. Of the 12 I mailed, TWO have arrived. One to my grandma, THANK GOODNESS, and one to the CMN design team.

At least my grandma’s got there. If I could choose any one of them to arrive, Im glad it was that one! Whew.

Hopefully at some point the others find their way.

I feel like the only time I actually experienced winter was when I was in China. It was super cold a couple of days over there, and just a little chilly on the others. Im sad about that! I love winter time. I like coats and sweaters and boots. Ugh. It is already in the high 80s! Dont get me wrong, the weather has been beautiful for springtime…I just wish we had had more of a winter!

Im so annoyed. The only good thing is that my sales guy didnt treat me like a crazy person, and agreed that there was actually something wrong with my car.

The problem itself is beyond stupid, though. *sigh* Only me. Apparently when I got my oil changed back in February, the dumb guy didnt attach the air filter cover back all the way. So my engine was sucking in too much air. Isnt that AWESOME???

Oh well. At least it wasnt something major, right?? No matter how stupid!