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Happy birthday to me, lalala
I'm 37 today- a prime number. I guess that means this year the only thing that can divide me is myself. Well, and one-but that just leaves me again. I love math jokes :0
So freely accepting well wishes, money, winning lottery tickets and visits by geekily handsome Scotsmen :)
Politely declining negativity- try again next year.
It's going to be a good year.I feel :  silly Listening to : The Nadas |
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[repost from notgoddess.com since no one reads that and I need some input]
My kids just got back from their summer visit with their Dad. We stopped at the store to pick up some groceries and one asked for some peanuts. Another chimed in, saying "Yeah, Mom has peanuts but won't let us have them." He was referring to Whatever's new wife, their stepmom.
My world crumbled a little bit and I'm not sure what expression I had on my face. I hope I recovered quickly enough-they didn't act as if they'd noticed anything. And yes, I bought the peanuts though they had to eat them outside (shells are very messy).
I feel :  distressed Listening to : The Proclaimers: Sunshine on Leith |
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Dan Kaminsky, Director of Penetration Testing for IOActive, Inc., has put his reputation on the line to protect the internet.
He’s discovered a flaw in DNS that could leave it open to DNS-poisoning. For non-techies, DNS is what matches a webname like google.com to an ip address like 72.14.207.99 – the actual address of the website. A bad guy using this exploit could cause you to type in google.com and go somewhere else entirely, unlike normal phishing sites or redirects you wouldn’t know the difference.
The details are sketchy, but Mr. Kaminsky has been working with all the big guns to simultaneously release a patch to fix this issue on all platforms. Since it’s a patch going out to individuals, I gather it’s something that affects client machines and not (or not just) the name servers themselves.
If you have automatic updates on your computer, you’ve received the patch this last tuesday. If you don’t update automatically, go to your OS update site and update NOW.
Mr. Kaminsky estimates it’ll take the bad guys about a month to figure out the flaw once its presence is announced. So, August 6, 2008 is put out as the deadline to update. I wouldn’t wait.
If you want to test your own DNS, he’s provided a checker on his blog. Click on the ‘Test My DNS’ button on the right sidebar.
Links of interest:
Dan Kaminsky’s blog post on the DNS poisoning exploit
Dan Kaminsky on putting his reputation on the line
Dino Dai Zovi’s blog entry-one of two people to do a peer review on Dan’s work
And lastly, if you haven’t already-patch. I feel :  contemplative Listening to : Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes |
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If you are a fan of Torchwood, Doctor Who or stuff that probably shouldn't be funny but is anyway, I ran across this clip from a movie with Hitler with the subtitles added to talk about Torchwood. Probably helps that I don't know enough German to follow the actual dialogue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLg-43lTEvM
If you cannot handle the humor here's another video just for you....
I couldn't bear the cuteness after about five seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNS6SUe-kGc
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I had my six-month review today.
I thought I'd been doing well, contributing and such, and if asked how I felt about my current position words such as 'Wonderful' and 'Fantastic!' would be liberally sprinkled in the response.
Of course I felt a little dread-I think anyone would, but was reasonably confident of a good review.....
[this is where if I were mean I'd do an lj-cut to heighten the tease-factor...]
End result of the review: They love me. I'm a phenomenal asset and they are extremely satisfied with my performance. :) :) :) :) :)
...maybe a few more :) :) just for good measure.
I feel great. I love this work-it's challenging and I really have a talent for it.
Here's to the next six months at my dream job. :)
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| » You gotta love that anonymity |
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Interesting comment to my previous public post....
It's interesting that the poster would immediately assume my priorities lie with my career and not my kids.
Looking over my journal, I can see where one may get the impression that my job is more important than my children. After all, they are hardly mentioned at all in the last several public posts.
Keyword, public. Just because I don't choose to make public much more than the occasional humorous anecdote about my kids has no bearing on my quality as a mother.
You would think that someone who thought being a mother 'was and is the best job in the world' would know that.
Oct. 16th, 2007 @ 01:38 am
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| » Fork in the road |
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Well, I didn't get the QA analyst position, but as many of you already know I will be starting another job this Wednesday :) I was offered and accepted a position as a Web Developer at a firm downtown. There's a pay raise involved (above and beyond the increased expense of working downtown, yay) and most importantly, I'll finally be doing what I love full-time!!!! (is that too many !!! ?)
( read more )
to end the post, jump up and down a couple dozen times yelling 'wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!' and be happy for me :) :) :) *bounce*
Oct. 13th, 2007 @ 11:03 am
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| » careers pt deux |
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Following on the careers motif, I did a apply for a Systems Analyst position and was shot down :{
I've also applied for a Quality Assurance Analyst position-I'm not sure I'd completely love the job, but seeing as I don't completely love what I do now that's a moot point. What finally pushed it was realizing that I'd stayed up for 6 hours debugging a textpattern plugin-not because I needed to do it, but because it just wasn't doing everything it could be doing. I'd say I have the patience required for the job, mostly testing updates to the new system. I don't really get to debug them, rather just report on what's wrong-not being able to actually go in and search out the problem will be the hardest part.
Sep. 15th, 2007 @ 01:54 am
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| » what to do with my life |
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Following in ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) burgunder's meme:
The top ten careers a computer quiz thought were best suited for me:
1. Computer Engineer
2. Web Developer
3. Business Systems Analyst
4. Database Developer
5. Mathematician
6. Computer Programmer
7. Video Game Developer
8. Multimedia Developer
9. Meteorologist
10. Cartographer
And after I put in my actual skillset:
1. Web Developer
2. Composer
3. Artist
4. Comedian
5. Musician
6. Cartoonist / Comic Illustrator
7. Desktop Publisher
8. Animator
9. Computer Support Person
10. Webmaster
The funny thing is that I said I can't relate with people and can't draw.
Sep. 15th, 2007 @ 01:42 am
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| » Happy Anniversary you ******* **** |
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Yep. 1 year ago today Randy made the oh so good for him decision to screw up our lives with a letter left on the bed.
I knew it...I'd even mentioned it to a friend earlier on Friday, but I kinda forgot. In a conversation with a friend I'm being a complete bitch, alternating being dismally rude, then apologetic; I thought I was pms'ing. After I hung up I realized again what day it was. I never knew I had this much repressed anger and poor Simon was taking the brunt of it like a champ.
On other things,
The boys love their new school (they started at the one a block away from us this year).
N. has discovered he loves math (yay).
K. is learning to play the baritone (yay).
I. is following with my trumpet (yay).
A. is talking up a storm, his favorite phrase being 'eat brains' courtesy of his brothers' coaching.
For myself insert whatever euphemism you like-one will work as well as another. I am a bit saddened by the theft of my ipod three weeks ago. At first I'd thought one of the boys had taken off with it, but it's clear now it was taken when I was stupid enough to leave it in the car that night while we ran into the store. Just another stick to throw on Sara's bonfire of annoyances.
Bleh. I have to get out of this mortifying mindset and be productive. I just wish I was further along with that 'best revenge is living well' idea.
Sep. 15th, 2007 @ 01:08 am
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| » Quick catchup |
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All righty, quick public catchup-been too long. I'll do private posts later to add detail.
( Read more... )
I'm doing fine, despite the troubles. Missing the kids terribly, but they'll be back soon. In the meantime I'll keep working and get all my clientele finished up by next week, with the exception of a revenue project I'm involved in.
Jul. 11th, 2007 @ 12:06 am
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| » Let Me Entertain You |
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I've just had a lovely dinner with some close friends. None of us had plans for Easter and I thought it would be nice to entertain in my new home (plus it was incentive to get more items unpacked). I've not entertained for years, but I plan to do it more now that I'm closer to them. I think it'll be good for me to have more adult social interaction, and I'll have to keep my house clean if I'm having people over every few weeks-right?
As a party favor I gave them plush baskets shaped like Peeps, filled with candles. I brought out my good china (now being called the 'new house china') and silver.
I made a ham, roasted asparagus, boiled potatoes and garlic rolls. I used a mandarin orange glaze instead of the usual pineapple, and it added a nice flavor to the ham. I roasted the oranges and extra juice with the asparagus (with a little butter/pepper). They brought the rolls, potatoes, a bottle of champagne and a red table wine from a local vineyard. I'm not much of a wine person, but it wasn't bad. I also had some Warsteiner as an alternative. I don't drink much, but when the boys are gone I don't see the harm in indulging in an alcoholic beverage or three (no driving).
For desert we had Key Lime pie. I love the way the tartness finishes a meal and removes that feeling that you need to loosen your belt because you ate too much. I didn't have any sugar for the coffee (I don't use it), so I offered fresh ground cinnamon instead and it added a pleasant edge to the coffee so that it didn't need sweetening.
Everyone left about 8. I finished off the last half-glass of wine in the bottle and am currently enjoying the last Warsteiner. Oddly I'm not feeling drunk as I should be after 2.5 glasses of wine and a beer. But evidently I am feeling talkative (to typative as the case may be).
It was a very pleasant evening and for a few hours I didn't worry about the kids, work, how many boxes I've yet to unpack or try to figure out just where my mother put my can opener.
Apr. 8th, 2007 @ 11:12 pm
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| » the agenda for tonight |
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Play a game of CandyLand (Ander always cheats), bake a cheese-crust pizza, and enjoy the premiere of 24. The boys, of course, have said they'll actually let me watch the whole thing tonight, but I'm having a friend TiVo it just in case. :)
Jan. 14th, 2007 @ 06:41 pm
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| » Waiting for sugarplums |
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Scanning LJ entries while I wait for the last of the tousle-haired treasures to fall asleep so I can give Santa the okay to deliver the presents. Found the 'year in review' bit some are doing. Here's mine:
January:
February: The last couple weeks I've been treated to a wonderful sound: My 2yr Ander singing notes in pitch, go-ing 'ah' 'ah' in half-octave changes, sometimes only for a few notes, sometimes going on for several minutes.
March: ..so Hubby calls me at work, saying he'd just missed the FedEx truck and there was a door tag.
April:
May:
June: I've been putting off making this post...as if that would somehow alter events, or at least delay the impact of their reality.
July: Solutions for the FireFox Bug: single quote or slash causes find box to open
August: Rather than spending the last hour actually working, I spent it tweaking a photo of Hugh Laurie to use on my desktop.
September: I just noticed that the last time I posted was about Dad. I guess I've just gotten too isolated-maybe if I hadn't and had been talking to you guys I might have seen this coming...
October: I have so much on my plate right now.
November: We had the temporary hearing for the separation today.
December: My husband picked up the kids this morning and for the first time in three months I found myself with some time to myself.
Trends- I don't post often enough..and seem to trend to the bad and/or trivial.
Dec. 24th, 2006 @ 11:41 pm
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| » An unexpected present |
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I forgot to mention, while at the Pampered Chef party I decided to make a wishlist-I can't afford to buy things I don't really need, but I saw a few items that might be nice to have once I can splurge a little again.
I grabbed one of Wendi-girl's purple pens and in the midst of my writing commented in jest to her that I was going to nab it-I have a thing for purple. She said that I could have it and I looked at it closely-written on the barrel were the words: I am so proud of you!
Okay, so she didn't delibrately hand me that pen or imply anything, but it's amazing how nice it is to read those words.
Turns out they are from the FlyLady site-it's a site to help folks with housekeeping. I've been there many times but never noticed these.
Wendi-girl was so sweet she gave me four more to share with the boys. I hope they'll feel that same little boost I do when I read what's on the pen.
Dec. 2nd, 2006 @ 10:50 pm
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| » Oh the people you meet |
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My husband picked up the kids this morning and for the first time in three months I found myself with some time to myself. ( Read more )
Dec. 2nd, 2006 @ 10:27 pm
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| » Halloween pics |
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Considering these are pictures from this year rather than last, I'm doing pretty well. :)
More at: http://elneri.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=628
Nov. 23rd, 2006 @ 07:11 am
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| » Birthday surpises |
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Well I faced my birthday determined to use humor and silliness to make it through the day, and I did.
My sister sent me some beautiful fall flowers (I'll take a picture tomorrow and post), which was so sweet-I haven't had flowers delivered since another friend sent me some georgeous sunflowers when we moved to Bagley (not counting those I've bought for myself or gotten from work).
Also the receptionist, who I consider a dear friend, bought a present for me that's also for the boys. It's a Webkins elephant. We've not done the online part yet-waiting for Noah to return from bible study, but I checked it out earlier and it looks like it'll be fun place for us to go as a family and play educational games.
I giggled when I saw it was an elephant-another friend really likes them and evidently she's also a carrier cuz now others have caught it :) We'll name it together tonight and it'll be our 'family elephant' (everyone needs one, ya know).
Nov. 8th, 2006 @ 08:32 pm
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| » Happy Birthday to me |
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yada yada.
35 years old! eep.
I'm sooo glad I have some friends that are older so I don't feel as decrepit as they are. :) :)
Nov. 8th, 2006 @ 10:07 am
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| » In Loving Memory: Kenneth J Cupps |
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I've been putting off making this post...as if that would somehow alter events, or at least delay the impact of their reality. But it is time.
My father, Kenneth Cupps, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 3:20pm.
He'd had a long fight with cancer, and kept beating the odds and pushing back the clock. He had been declared terminal early in 2005 and given three months by the doctors. He kept going, not defiant, but determined to get as much life out of his body as he could.
We've considered that year a blessing.
Everyone who knew and loved him had a chance to talk with him, and say their goodbyes, so when he died there were no regrets, no 'if onlys'.
He was able to see my boys grow up a bit more, especially Ander, who he watched grow from a cooing baby to a tootsie-roll toting toddler (Dad's candy of choice). He got a glimpse of the men my boys would grow up to be.
He was around to witness the birth of Samuel, my brother Dan's first child.
He was aware and although weak and tired from the drugs, vital and 'Dad', living at home until the week before his death, when he grew fragile to the point where we needed to place him in Hospice in Ames. There they respected his dignity, and cared for him as the great man he was.
Dad was well-known for turning every moment into a teaching moment. He shared a final lesson with us a few minutes before he passed that I would like to share.
His breathing had become weak and staggered-each time he'd stop we'd pause at his bedside, wondering if this was his last, then he would take another breath. Finally, he stopped and didn't resume after what we'd come to consider the normal delay. We all sighed and through tears, my sister signaled for the nurse to come. Then Dad took another breath. Out of nowhere we all burst out laughing...the nurses entered and wondered what was going on....we just laughed some more.
A few moments later, Dad finally passed, but he left us with one final, joy-filled moment with him that has a very simple, yet very profound message: Treasure every moment. Even in the darkest times you can find something to laugh and be joyful about, and that will help pull you through.
I love you, Dad. I know I'll see you again, but until then say 'hi' to the family over there, and I'll enjoy the moments I have here until we meet again. I hope I'll have some wonderful lessons-learned to share.
Jun. 6th, 2006 @ 03:47 am
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