The Great Tumble

Today I made a big decision. I want to be a better blogger. There are things I see every day that I want to post on my blog, but I don't really want to write a whole thing about it. On Blogger, I feel like I have to write a lot. I know that I don't have to, but I feel obligated. I've shared a tumblr with a friend for the last year, and for whatever reason I find it's easier to post quick stuff without all the writing over there. I think the term for this is microblogging? Perhaps I made that up. Anyway, I've decided to make the great tumble and roll over to Tumblr. If you follow me, please update your reader or links on your blog because clearly I don't want to lose one of my 3 readers.

Flea Market vs. Farmer's Market: The Assessment

First of all, I love using colons in titles.

Will and I headed out early yesterday to hit our various weekend errand spots, which included two key locations: the flea market and a local farmer's market. The purpose of both of these stops was to get some fresh stuff for the week. After making both stops, it was very clear that I was in the midst of two very different worlds, only about 8 miles apart. So, which is better or which do I prefer or which wins?

The Cost Assessment:

At the flea market, I got the following list for a whopping total of $7.

• 3 onions
• 2 jalapenos
• 2 bunches of cilantro
• 1 red pepper
• 1 green pepper
• 2 avocados
• 8 limes
• 2 lemons
• a giant bushel of green beans

At the farmer's market, I got the following list for $5.50

• a bag of peaches
• 1 zucchini

From that assessment, I think it's clear which place is a better deal. Flea Market-1, Farmer's Market-0

The Parking Lot Assessment:

At the flea market, the parking lot is gravel with giant pot holes that could probably break my car. The rows are sectioned off by those strings of pennant flags. The cars in the lot consist of beat up pickup trucks and other average cars that sort of all blend together. Nothing special. Will's Four Runner fits in nicely. At the farmer's market, I saw a Fiat, 5 BMW's, a Range Rover, 2 Lexus SUVs, and a Subaru wagon. Depending on which type of car you prefer to drive, maybe you would like to pick one place or another to buy your week's produce, but for me and my Toyota family, I fit in at the Flea Market. Flea Market-2, Farmer's Market-0

The People Assessment:

At the flea market, the two produce stands we go to regularly are run by Latino families. The parents are usually in charge, running the register, and then the kids all help out. The teenagers stock and bag and the little kids do stuff like moving potatoes from one bin to another or just running around being cute. I like these people. A lot. The people shopping at the flea market range in variety, so much variety that I can't even describe them because there's not one type, which I like. At the farmer's market, all of the stands are run by hipster types for the most part, except for one vendor. Really, I'm picturing ONE vendor that didn't look like he fit in. And for that, I bought his peaches. The people shopping consisted of a bunch of white people pretending that this was the cultural event of their weekend, carrying around these and other gorgeous tote bags for their produce. I'll admit, I use a baggu, but I got it free. So really though I also technically fit in, I really didn't at all. After writing this I now feel like I'm being judgmental, but then I checked this source. Apparently, I'm not the only one who realized that white people like this type of thing. For that, Flea Market-3, Farmer's Market-0

The Goods Assessment:

So what can you get at either place? At the Flea Market, there are tables with huge bins FULL of every vegetable and fruit you can think of. A bunch of stuff they have, I've never seen and have no clue how to prepare it. Yesterday, the thing that seemed most prized were the papaya, which were gigantic. Each one was wrapped in paper. Not sure why, but it looked cool. At the Farmer's Market, each vendor has one little folding table with a few baskets of produce, but nothing special really. One advantage of the Farmer's Market is that you can buy milk, eggs, beef, seafood, all of which were raised/produced in a nice, humane way. I'll give them half a point for this because it's nice, but only half, because for me, this doesn't matter at all since I have eggs in the backyard. I already buy organic milk, buy local SC seafood from a crazy seafood lady around the corner from my house, and don't eat enough beef to care. Other things that show the very huge difference between the two places is that at the Farmer's Market, there's a coffee shop where you can buy a latte, then swing right over to another vendor to get breakfast (eggs, grits, etc.) and then go sit out on this porch with the other fancy people and eat. Tons of people seemed to just be there for the breakfast, so it must be good. Plus, I do appreciate that a Farmer's Market can create community. I get that. I'll give them another half a point for that even though I doubt that I'll ever be eating there. After this assessment, Flea Market-3, Farmer's Market-1

Flea Market-For The Win!

I Want to Go!

Alt Summit.

I want to go, but can't justify the $345 price tag just for registration. Can't they make it so no-name bloggers can attend too!!?? There should be a cheap registration price that only gets you into sessions, minus all the parties. Just sayin'.

How to Have an Ipad

Back in April, I got an Ipad. My friends know this already. They are the only people who read my blog, so this isn't really earth-shattering news is it? Hi friends!

Now that I've had it for a few months, I have some thoughts about how to have an Ipad.

1. There's no need to get the most expensive Ipad with the most storage unless it's going to be your new computer. I got the 64GB one because I have a little bit of a technology obsession. Only sometimes though. When the obsession is about an Apple product. I also plan to use it for some of my dissertation study work. It has a decent video camera and there are video editing apps, so I thought that I could use it for data collection. Video takes up space, which is the only reason I let myself actually get the 64GB. I do think the size you choose depends on what your plan for using the Ipad is, but I now know that having the biggest Ipad isn't necessary. Because I still have a little buyer's remorse months later, I'm trying to make the Ipad my new computer even though when I have to do "real work," I still get my laptop out. I'm working on breaking that habit. If you want an Ipad to play on or play on plus a little work, just get the 32GB one. It's a happy medium, not the smallest, not the largest. It's plenty of room, and I think would be totally fine.

2. There's no need to get 3G service. I got the one that is 3G capable through Verizon. Again, ridiculous technology obsession. I haven't activated the 3G yet, and I don't really expect to. I'm in a Wifi zone most of the time. I don't think I realized that before. However, at work, the Wifi is so annoying. I have to log on as "guest" which means I can't do anything except check/send work email which is all I should do at work, but who are we kidding? I can't even get to Gmail. Ugh. I'm going to try to continue avoiding an extra bill though and just keep using my work laptop, which if you see number 1 above, is the habit I'm trying to break--doing "real" work on the laptop. I'm feeling conflicted. My point is that you don't really need the 3G unless you don't have access to any other computer or a decent Wifi connection in your day. Save the money and get the Wifi only. It'll be fine.

3. You'll need some apps if you want the Ipad to be as good as your real-life computer. Here is what I think is necessary:
Stuff for "Work"
*Pages: I didn't want this at first because it cost more than normal apps. But I had to suck it up. To make the Ipad your faux computer, you need something that's like Word. At least I do. So, get Pages.
*Keynote: Replaces the need for Powerpoint. You can even use your Ipad at work to do presentations. Okay, to be honest, I haven't done this yet. I actually just finished a series of Powerpoints for work. I should really use Keynote. See, I'm still trying to make the Ipad my real computer. I will make this happen this year though. Or else.
*Penultimate: I haven't used this app tons yet, but I expect to once I'm back at work for the new school year. It's basically a "notebook" that you can actually write in to take notes or whatever. I'm in meetings or doing classroom observations all the time, so I think it will come in handy. You don't type, but instead you use your finger or a stylus to write. This is nice because you can organize notebooks for different purposes and send your notes to yourself or a colleague in an email. Also, it's paper-free, which is a goal I'm working on.
*Calendar: This comes on the Ipad (and the Iphone). It's actually really good because you can set appointments/events, give them a start/end time, set up alerts to remind yourself, make them reoccurring if they are monthly/yearly, and even invite others to attend with you. You can sync your calendars across all your devices using Google calendar (which is what I do) or Outlook (which confuses me). One goal this year is to go paperless with my calendar. I depend on a calendar a lot because at work I have multiple appointments and tasks that happen at different times daily. Then there are all of the school deadlines, meetings, etc. And then, there's my actual life with appointments and such. To deal, I have been using an awesome calendar for the last few years. I get a new one every year, and I carry it around with me and depend on it in order to keep my organized state of mind. But, I have this tool now, and I should use it like a grown up (and squeeze one more thing out of it because of the ridiculous amount of $$ I spent to get it). My current paper calendar book runs out at the end of December. I have until then to get comfy with using the Ipad/Iphone/Computer calendar instead of paper.

Stuff for Fun
*Evernote: Put this on all of your devices (work computer, home computer, Ipad, Iphone, and whatever else). As you surf around on the Internet all day, you can save whatever you want here and it syncs across all the devices. That way, you don't have to have a good memory later when you need something. It'll be in Evernote, just waiting on you. It's kind of like Pinterest but not public, which to me is better because really do people need to see just how many cupcake recipes I collect or how many how-to videos for hair braiding I like to save? Um, no.
*Google: There's a Google package that has all the Google tools. This is important for one main reason: Reader. I read approximately 1 million blogs a day. I'm kidding but only a little. I really do read way too many and annoy my friends with all of the useless mind junk I read there. Sorry friends, but it just is what it is. Using Reader helps to keep the blog reading organized. Also available there are the other Google friends like Maps, Docs, Mail.
*Blogger+: You can't use the blogger site on Ipad for whatever reason. (Okay, I should clarify that for whatever reason I have trouble with blogger.com on the Ipad. Perhaps it's just me, but this is my solution.) From my various attempts to use blogger online, I could only type blog posts, but I couldn't format them, hyperlink, upload pictures, etc. It's obnoxious. With Blogger+, you can write your blog posts problem free and like a normal person.
*PS Express: Photoshop Express. You can fix pictures. This is good on Iphone too.
*Kindle, Nook, or iBooks: I think these are necessary because I really like to read on my real Kindle, and this just makes it an all-in-one deal. I use the Kindle app more than Nook or iBooks because I had a Kindle before. However, in my opinion they are all pretty similar. The best part is if you have the Kindle app on your Ipad, phone, and the real Kindle, they sync so you are always on the same page you left off on even if you did your last reading on a different device. I'm sure Nook and iBooks work this way too.
*Netflix: Stream movies (and episodes of Friday Night Lights) when you can't sleep at night.

4. Wireless keyboard: In order to make the Ipad your new computer, you have to be realistic and realize that you are never going to get good enough at typing on the touchscreen unless you are Steve Jobs himself. But I bet even he doesn't. It's just silly. This wireless keyboard is the answer. Problem solved.

5. Get a case. At first I wanted a Dodo case. Then, I worried the Ipad would fall out and crash into 378 pieces. I decided instead to purchase the SmartCover that goes with the Ipad 2. It has come in handy because it can be a stand for viewing or it can just sort of prop it up which is good when you're actually working. I also got this case from Timbuk2, which I love because it's not bulky at all, but provides decent protection when my Ipad is in my bag, floating around with a bunch of ridiculous things that could probably scratch it up.


All righty, those are my thoughts on how to make an Ipad good enough to love. I do think it's worth the money, but I don't think anyone needs to be ridiculous and spend a ton on one. It's user-friendly. It's light and will fit in your purse or book bag. It makes travel when you still want to be plugged-in so easy. And it makes you cooler. Well, maybe not, but whatever.

To Lulu or Not to Lulu

Over the last few months, I've seen lots of references to Lululemon workout clothes on various blogs. Just today, I was thinking that I should maybe invest in some Lululemon. I use the word "invest" on purpose because Lululemon costs a small fortune. I would maybe be able to get one thing before I started feeling guilty. One is not enough usually. Then on two blogs (rachelwilkerson.com & sarahfit.com) today there was reference to Lululemon knockoffs.

Costco has these tanks for only $12.99. I think I might be getting a membership there soon just for that.

DA Active has a whole line made from Lulu-similar fabric for about half less, plus a 10% discount.

I don't really want to become a Lulu addict (there are entire blogs dedicated to Lululemon. That's weird, right?), which would probably happen if I actually let myself have the real thing.

Might try these knockoffs instead.

Good Morning!

This morning did not start as expected. On the agenda today was "clean the house," like as in scrub it. I planned on starting that task after a few cups of coffee and the Today Show. Instead, I woke up at 7:00 to Will standing over me, poking my arm. I thought there was an emergency and jolted up. The first thing I heard him say was, "There's an animal." I think he kept talking, but my mind stopped with animal. I immediately pictured an animal loose in our house. Remember when this happened? My response was no words just a look of panic. Then, he continued, "trapped in the chimney. I need you to help me get it out." More looks of panic as I sat in bed picturing the impending attack of an animal. I find it hilarious that I can go from completely asleep to panic-stricken frenzy in about 15 seconds. Granted, the frenzy was just inside my mind as I still had not actually gotten out of bed or spoken at all. Will said, "Now, just stay here and think about that for a few minutes. Then, come downstairs and help me." And he was gone. He knows me too well. Of course, I would need to lie back down and think about the animal in the chimney before I could be of any help. So I did. I eventually did make it downstairs, put his running shoes on (because mine were upstairs) and tucked my pj pants into them just in case the animal tried to escape up them or get tangled in them or in case they somehow slowed me down from running out the door when the animal chased me. Never mind the fact that I was wearing Will's shoes which are too big. Yea, never mind that.

He told me to keep the animal out of the kitchen which meant I got to stand on the steps that lead up to the kitchen from the den. This was good. I grabbed a blanket off the couch. Will said that was a good idea. I could use it to shoo the animal out the back door. Little did he know that my plan was not to use the blanket as any type of tool other than the kind that I cover my head with when a soot-covered animal was released from the chimney and having a heyday in my den. "What if it's a vulture?" I asked, and then was informed that we'd have a mess because there would be soot marks all over if it was actually a vulture. PLEASE be a squirrel. Have you ever wished that you had a squirrel in your house? Me neither. Until today.

Will released the flue, I cringed, and then nothing. Um, really? He got a flashlight and seriously stuck his head up in the fireplace. He did say that he hoped whatever was in there wasn't rabid, as it would probably be falling on his face. Nice, right? I was still standing there with my blanket. He couldn't see anything though. He closed the flue back, and now we have an animal in our chimney. I'm thinking we'll just listen to it until it escapes out the top which is unlikely or falls down to the point that we can recreate this scene with an actual outcome.

Updates to come.

This absurdity was followed by me going to the kitchen to get coffee, opening the cabinet to get a cup, and having a cockroach (lovingly named a palmetto bug) fly in my face. Ohmygod really? So I screamed the scream I'd been mustering up since I was standing with my blanket waiting on some animal to run at me from the chimney. Where was my blanket now!!?? (**disclaimer: I get my house blasted with chemicals (gross) routinely to deal with the fact that I live in a place where palmetto bugs are part of our population. Even though I'm actually diligent about this, there are still moments when one finds a way in. Don't judge me.)

I like this

commercial.

A lot.